1. Beware of the tragic consequences of not believing in Jesus Christ! (vrs. 37-43)
A. The O.T. prophet Isaiah predicted this judicial hardening. (vrs. 37-41) (Isaiah 53:1, 6:10)
(This is also found in: Matt. 13:14-15, Mark 4:12, Luke 8:10, Acts 28:25-28, Romans 1:24,26,28; 11:8)
This "judicial blindness" does not dismiss human responsibility rather it is the consequence of the human choice of unbelief. God then "gives them over" to their sinful instincts. (Romans 1)
This is exactly what Jesus was warning about in John 12:35-36.
B. Some people secretly believe yet refuse to confess their faith in Christ because of the fear of social consequences. (vrs. 42-43) (See also: John 5:44-46, Luke 12:8-9)
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing." Matt 23:37
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9
It is a serious thing to treat God's truth lightly.
2. Weigh Jesus' words carefully! (vrs.44-50)
Why is Jesus worthy of your belief?
A. Because Jesus is God. (vrs. 41, 44, 45)
"The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word." Hebrews 1:3a (Read Hebrews 1:1-3)
B. Because Jesus' words are the very words pf God. (vrs. 49-50)
C. Because Jesus' words with either condemn you or liberate you based on your belief in them. (vrs. 47-48/ 46, 50)
"Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him." John 3:36
"But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death. (Hell)" Revelation 21:8
We only have one chance to believe upon our Lord Jesus Christ! Once death comes it is too late.
"Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." Hebrews 9:27-28
Application:
1. Believe in Jesus Christ while you still have a chance!
2. Share the words of Jesus Christ with a sense of urgency!
3. Live as children of light! Ephesians 5:8-11, Matt. 5:16
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:14-15
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