Facing Death: The Choice Between Sin and Salvation

 

Summary

In the Gospel of John, chapter 8, verses 21 and 24, Jesus presents a profound truth that challenges us to consider the state of our souls. He declares, "I am the light of the world," offering a path out of darkness and into the light of life. Yet, the response from the Jews of His time was one of skepticism and rejection, a pattern that continues today. The core issue is a failure to recognize the consequences of rejecting Christ, particularly concerning how we face death.

Death is an inevitable reality for all of us, and it is crucial to consider how we will face it. Many people avoid thinking about death, or they approach it with misconceptions. Some see it as merely the end of life, while others view it through the lens of spiritualism or focus solely on the physical manner of dying. However, Jesus emphasizes that the true concern should be the state of our souls at the time of death. There are only two ways to die: in our sins or in the Lord.

To die in one's sins means to face death unprepared, burdened by guilt, and without hope. It is a state of spiritual blindness, where the pleasures and pursuits of this world offer no comfort or assurance. In contrast, to die in the Lord is to face death with peace and assurance, knowing that one's sins are forgiven and that eternal life awaits. This is the blessed state of those who have placed their faith in Christ, who have considered the reality of death and prepared for it by trusting in Him.

The message is clear: the most important decision we can make is to believe in Jesus Christ, to accept His offer of salvation, and to ensure that we are in the Lord when we face death. This decision determines our eternal destiny and transforms the way we live and die.

Key Takeaways:

- The inevitability of death should prompt us to consider the state of our souls. While many avoid or misunderstand death, Jesus calls us to focus on whether we will die in our sins or in the Lord. This is the most crucial decision we face. [11:26]

- Rejecting Christ leads to dying in one's sins, a state of spiritual blindness and unpreparedness. It is marked by guilt, regret, and a lack of hope for the future. In contrast, dying in the Lord brings peace and assurance. [32:22]

- The world often focuses on the manner of death, such as the fear of war or disaster, rather than the fact of death itself. This misplaced focus reveals the impact of sin on human thinking, diverting attention from the spiritual reality. [24:26]

- To die in the Lord is to face death with confidence, knowing that one's sins are forgiven and that eternal life awaits. This assurance comes from a relationship with Christ, who promises to be with us in life and death. [45:15]

- The decision to believe in Christ and accept His salvation is the most important one we can make. It determines our eternal destiny and transforms our perspective on life and death. [56:43]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:16] - Introduction to John 8:21, 24
- [01:16] - Jesus as the Light of the World
- [02:09] - Rejection by the Jews
- [03:19] - The Problem of Unbelief
- [04:06] - Consequences of Rejecting Christ
- [06:23] - The Reality of Death
- [09:08] - The Inevitability of Death
- [11:26] - Facing Death: A Spiritual Perspective
- [13:28] - Misconceptions About Death
- [18:23] - False Views of Death
- [24:26] - The Focus on Physical Death
- [28:22] - The Spiritual View of Death
- [32:22] - Dying in Sin vs. Dying in the Lord
- [45:15] - Assurance in Christ
- [56:43] - The Call to Believe in Christ

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- John 8:21, 24

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "I am the light of the world," and how does this relate to the state of our souls? [01:16]
2. How did the Jews of Jesus' time react to His declaration, and what does this reveal about their understanding? [02:09]
3. According to the sermon, what are the two ways in which a person can die, and what distinguishes them? [30:50]
4. What are some misconceptions about death that people hold, as discussed in the sermon? [18:23]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon emphasize the importance of considering the state of our souls in light of death? How does this perspective challenge common views on death? [11:26]
2. What are the consequences of rejecting Christ, as highlighted in the sermon, and how do they affect one's approach to life and death? [04:06]
3. How does the sermon describe the difference between dying in one's sins and dying in the Lord? What implications does this have for a believer's life? [32:22]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that sin affects human thinking, particularly regarding the focus on the manner of death rather than the fact of death? [24:26]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current perspective on death. How often do you consider the state of your soul in relation to your mortality? What changes might you need to make in your daily life to align with the sermon’s message? [11:26]
2. The sermon discusses the consequences of rejecting Christ. How does this understanding influence your interactions with those who may not share your faith? What steps can you take to share the message of salvation with them? [04:06]
3. Consider the two ways of dying mentioned in the sermon. How does the assurance of dying in the Lord impact your approach to challenges and uncertainties in life? [32:22]
4. The sermon highlights the impact of sin on human thinking, particularly in focusing on the manner of death. How can you shift your focus from the physical aspects of life to the spiritual realities that matter most? [24:26]
5. Identify any misconceptions you might have about death. How can you seek a more biblical understanding of life and death, and what resources or practices might help you in this journey? [18:23]
6. Reflect on the assurance that comes from a relationship with Christ. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of peace and confidence in your faith, especially when facing life's uncertainties? [45:15]
7. The sermon calls for a decision to believe in Christ. If you have already made this decision, how can you reaffirm your commitment to living out your faith daily? If not, what steps can you take to explore this decision further? [56:43]

Devotional

Day 1: The State of Our Souls in Light of Death
The inevitability of death should prompt us to consider the state of our souls. While many avoid or misunderstand death, Jesus calls us to focus on whether we will die in our sins or in the Lord. This is the most crucial decision we face. Jesus' declaration as the "light of the world" offers a path out of darkness, yet many, like the Jews of His time, respond with skepticism and rejection. The sermon emphasizes that the true concern should be the state of our souls at the time of death. There are only two ways to die: in our sins or in the Lord. To die in one's sins means to face death unprepared, burdened by guilt, and without hope. In contrast, to die in the Lord is to face death with peace and assurance, knowing that one's sins are forgiven and that eternal life awaits. [11:26]

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." (2 Corinthians 5:10, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to ensure that you are spiritually prepared for the inevitability of death?


Day 2: The Consequences of Rejecting Christ
Rejecting Christ leads to dying in one's sins, a state of spiritual blindness and unpreparedness. It is marked by guilt, regret, and a lack of hope for the future. In contrast, dying in the Lord brings peace and assurance. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing the consequences of rejecting Christ, particularly concerning how we face death. Many people avoid thinking about death or approach it with misconceptions, but Jesus emphasizes that the true concern should be the state of our souls at the time of death. The decision to believe in Christ and accept His salvation is the most important one we can make, as it determines our eternal destiny and transforms our perspective on life and death. [32:22]

"See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no 'root of bitterness' springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled." (Hebrews 12:15, ESV)

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you are resisting Christ's call? How can you begin to open your heart to Him today?


Day 3: Misplaced Focus on the Manner of Death
The world often focuses on the manner of death, such as the fear of war or disaster, rather than the fact of death itself. This misplaced focus reveals the impact of sin on human thinking, diverting attention from the spiritual reality. The sermon encourages us to shift our focus from the physical aspects of death to the spiritual implications. Jesus calls us to consider the state of our souls and whether we will die in our sins or in the Lord. This is the most crucial decision we face, as it determines our eternal destiny and transforms our perspective on life and death. [24:26]

"Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned." (John 5:28-29, ESV)

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from the physical aspects of death to the spiritual implications in your daily life?


Day 4: Assurance in Christ
To die in the Lord is to face death with confidence, knowing that one's sins are forgiven and that eternal life awaits. This assurance comes from a relationship with Christ, who promises to be with us in life and death. The sermon emphasizes the importance of placing our faith in Christ and accepting His offer of salvation. This decision determines our eternal destiny and transforms the way we live and die. By trusting in Christ, we can face death with peace and assurance, knowing that we are prepared for eternity. [45:15]

"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your relationship with Christ to experience His assurance in your life?


Day 5: The Call to Believe in Christ
The decision to believe in Christ and accept His salvation is the most important one we can make. It determines our eternal destiny and transforms our perspective on life and death. The sermon calls us to consider the state of our souls and whether we will die in our sins or in the Lord. By placing our faith in Christ, we can face death with peace and assurance, knowing that our sins are forgiven and that eternal life awaits. This decision is crucial, as it impacts not only our eternal destiny but also the way we live our lives today. [56:43]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: What is one step you can take today to strengthen your faith in Christ and embrace the new life He offers?

Quotes



The most important question I say for us any of us to consider in this world is just this question of uh how are we going to die oh but there someone that's that's to be morid fancy on a fine Sunday night like this no wonder they say the people are in the Parks and in the cinemas and everywhere else if few preachers are just going to talk to us about how we're going to die. [00:07:28]

Well now wait a minute my friend what I'm saying is that this is the most important and the most urgent problem that any human being can ever face it ought to be priority number one on our thinking list why well let me tell you one good reason for it is this that we know that it's going to happen to every one of us you can't say that about everything there are many things that are possibilities but this is an AB abolute certainty. [00:07:55]

Some people are going to do well in life others are not going to do so well some are going to be ill some are going to be wonderfully healthy right through their lives some are going on their holidays some unfortunately can't go some are going to make a lot of money others are going to just manage to e out in existence somehow anyhow some are going to get married some are not all these differences we know all about them don't we but you know here's something that's true of everybody we've all got to die every one of us. [00:08:21]

And it can't be evaded it cannot be avoided do what you will you can't get away from this then you see another thing we all know is this that uh everything that happens to us in this world is bound to come to an end that's another way of saying that we've all got to die but it's important to put it like that because think of all these things for which people are living tonight these people I mean who don't like being told to think about death. [00:08:56]

Oh they said but I'm tremendously interested and fascinated in this subject or in that interest all right all I'm saying is that whatever you're interested in it's bound to come to an end and again you can do nothing at all about that another very good reason for putting this as the first question we consider is this one here is something you know that we only do once there's no second chance here. [00:09:26]

You may be sitting in examination at the present time or you may have just done so the results will soon be out and you may be told that you failed it's all right you can try again you may have gone a little bit astray in your business well it's all right you need to be filled with despair have another attempt at it organize your business in a different way has your married life been going a little bit astray well it's all right you can even start again there it doesn't matter what it is you can always try again but you know my friend you only die once never again. [00:09:56]

Now this is common sense isn't it if I've got many opportunities and chances to do a thing well I needn't be so careful if I'm a wise man I'll do my best the first time of course but I always know that if it goes wrong I can try again but when I'm told that here is something that I'm only going to do once in this life and never again never another opportunity I only die once well I say I ought to give unusual and exceptional attent attention to such a subject and that is the truth about death. [00:10:56]

And then a final reason for considering it is this what lies Beyond it you go out of this world where' you go well now there it is there is a possibility I say that and that alone or to make us start with this very well but you see the trouble is that instead of looking at this as the first and the most urgent problem the world doesn't do that yet our Lord says this is the important thing the first consequence he says of rejecting me is well that it's going to affect the way in which you die. [00:11:56]

Now then let me ask a question have you ever considered how you're going to die well let's look at ourselves let's look at the world what is the position we know perfectly well the position is this there are large numbers of people in this world this evening who never consider this question at all they refuse to consider consider it they've never sat down and faced it they have never stood face to face with this certain fact of death they've never looked at it never examined it. [00:12:56]

I don't want to take any time this evening enjoying how utterly irrational that is putting it at its lowest it must be sheer Folly because I say of its inevitability it's in ability and the fact that I only do it once and yet people never give it a thought not a moment's attention but I'm concerned about it tonight from a different angle and that different angle is this you see what our Lord is saying is he says you know your attitude to me is due to the fact that you are not considering it in the light of the fact that you're going to die. [00:13:56]

Now that's the thing I want to emphasize this evening how do people approach this question of Christianity here I am telling you that a person has been in this world who has said I am the light of the world he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of Life how are people facing that well the majority of course are facing it like this aren't they they're facing it in an utterly theoretical and academic and detached manner their attitude towards it all is well oh well all right yes I'm prepared to have a debate about religion I'm always ready for that that doesn't you'll never find me backwards there and so of course they give their opinions about God and about men about heaven and hell and life and death and all these great matters and they do it with an attitude of supreme Detachment as if they'd got an endless lease on life. [00:14:56]

And as as if it was just a matter that you look at casually as you give your expression on many other things in this world quite attached so you can give your view on these great and fundamental questions now that is the serious thing because my dear friend you and I are not detached we are not in a theoretical position we are not just onlookers at the game we are not just sitting there in a gallery and looking at people playing there in the arena and we express our opinions and Jud that was a mistake that he shouldn't have done that he should have done this of course it doesn't matter doesn't affect us at all it was pure enjoyment it makes no difference to us whether the man wins or loses does it right or wrong it's a matter of interest but we're not involved it's not going to affect our lives well you know people look on exactly like that and treat in exactly the same way God Jesus Christ of Nazareth themselves their souls everything that's the view well why do they do that well there's only one answer you see they don't look at it all in the light of the fact of death they don't realize that we're all involved in this and that these are the things that are going to determine our Eternal Destiny. [00:15:56]

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Transcript
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