Read John 8:22-30. Circle the words that stand out to you. What is the Lord saying to you?
22 This made the Jews ask, “Will he kill himself? Is that why he says, ‘Where I go, you cannot come’?”
23 But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.”
25 “Who are you?” they asked.
“Just what I have been telling you from the beginning,” Jesus replied. 26 “I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is trustworthy, and what I have heard from him I tell the world.”
27 They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father. 28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up[a] the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. 29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” 30 Even as he spoke, many believed in him.
Digging Deeper
Have you ever been stumped or left speechless when a person says this, “I don’t believe there is a Heaven or Hell” or “I rather burn (in hell) than turn (to Jesus).”? At times, I find myself at a loss for words when posed with statements like that.
It is not a matter of having a comeback statement or to be mean to that person. In fact, we should be grieved in our hearts that a person would take so lightly God’s offer of salvation or somehow think that hell is a wonderful place to be in. Most of the time, I shrug my shoulders and say, “Ok, if that is what you want to believe.” In my heart, I wonder, “Is that an appropriate answer?” “To live and to let live,” that each of us should have our own opinion, believe as we want and do as we want.
Jesus said these words, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.”
Jesus didn’t say, “It’s ok for you to die in your sins and go to hell.” No, Jesus warned them that they will die in their sins if they don’t believe in Him. He testified that He is from above and that heaven and hell is real. God doesn’t wish any to perish even though they may think hell is a fun place. They do not know what they are speaking about. It is out of ignorance.
Being neutral about a person going to hell is not a position that we should adopt or accept. Christ came to die for sinners. It should be our prayer that God may be gracious and open their eyes to see who Jesus truly is and the awfulness of Hell.
What will I say the next time when someone says, “I don’t believe in Heaven or Hell.” or “I rather burn than turn.”? I would say, “I am truly sad to hear that you would say such a thing. Heaven is real and Hell is a terrible place to be in. It will be my prayer for you that God will open your heart and eyes to see that Jesus loves you and died for your sins.” What will your words be to that person?
-Kingston