How to Ensure a Tragic and Eternal Death

In John 8 Jesus told both the Pharisees and the Jews in general that they would "die in their sins" and "where He was going, they could not come." Why? Don't we have an all loving God? Why would he let anyone die in their sins?

In 2010 Jesus would say the same thing. To those in this world who have failed to recognize the Lord Jesus Christ in this life, they too will die in their sins. But what are the root causes of this death? It IS NOT that the sacrifice made by God the Father in giving the Son to die on the cross is insufficient. It is the hearts of men and women that have four key attributes leading to death (attributes are from John MacArthur's Commentary on John):

1. Self-righteousness. A self-righteous attitude in one where you think you are actually better than God. Out of your own goodness and works you can satisfy the divine standard to achieve eternal life.

2. Worldliness. Being caught up in materialism, humanism (all about me), pride, selfishness, and immorality. All lead to destruction, and that is clearly stated in Scriptures.

3. Unbelief. Or I would call it, lack of a "saving faith." Knowledge of things spiritual, or knowledge of God is insufficient. It is not until one assents to and trusts in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation that they have true "saving faith." My heart aches for those who are fooled into thinking that they "know" God, but they know Him not, nor are they known by Him, because they are not His!

4. Willfull ignorance. There is evidence, it is totally rational, yet the world in general does not consider the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, nor do they have a deep thought toward God. In spite of the evidence, they have become fools, and done so willfully.

James Benjamin Greene said, and I paraphrase, that Jesus, as Prophet, brough us knowledge of who we are in His sight. As Priest He brought us righteousness, through His sacrifice. As King He brough us freedom and power to live for Him, as He has claimed those who have "saving faith" as His own. Oh to LIVE, and not die, because of saving faith in our Prophet, Priest and King, Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords.