John 8:21-30

 John 8:21-30

Jesus says in verse 21 “you…shall die in your sin” then in verse 23 He says “you…shall die in your sins”. That shift from singular to plural is subtle but important. What is the difference between sin and sins? The multitude or plurality of sins is a mere reflection or an expression of the great sin. That singular great sin is rejecting Jesus “the Water of Life”, Jesus “the light of life”. While individual acts of sin are horrible they are but symptoms of a deeper root and core problem. Individual sins are acts of rebellion; they move us toward deeper darkness and add momentum to our downward spiral. But rejecting Jesus is even more serious. This sin, note the singular, is beyond rebellion.  It has settled the question of Jesus with a negative answer. It is not moving toward darkness, it is the darkness. It is not part of the downward spiral, it is the end and bottom of that spiral. It all comes down to One singular point: belief in Jesus as the “I AM”, or live in disbelief.

The death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus is the evidence or the proof of His claims. As we look at that proof, what we do with Jesus is the simple most important issue we have to face. We end up at CS Lewis's tri-lemma. To make the claims Jesus made He would have to either be a liar of extreme proportions. Or a lunatic on the order of a man who thinks that he is a poached egg. Or He was who He said He was: I AM. 

All the other sins, lust, cruelty, pride, etc. are important; but they are not the main issue. These can be dealt with by Grace but only if we do not reject the One who can grant Grace. The Eternal sin is rejecting the One who can forgive every sin.

“Lord, forgive me of my sins.  Help me never to reject the One who can save me.  AMEN”