John 8:21 & 24 - Possible UR Interpretation

[johndobbs]

John 8:21 (ESV)
21 So he said to them again, "I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sin. ...."
John 8:24 (ESV)
24 I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins."

Many have taken this passage to mean that if one doesn't believe in Jesus in this life that they'll go to (eternal) hell.  I believe that this passages more likely infers that these Pharasees will die without experiencing the (eternal) life of Jesus on THIS side of heaven (i.e., in time as we know it).  It could very well be referring to how many of these very Pharisees will die in the Jewish revolt of 66-70 AD without knowing or experiencing the truth. 

[Seth]

John 8:21 (ESV)
21 So he said to them again, "I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sin. ...."
John 8:24 (ESV)
24 I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins."

Many have taken this passage to mean that if one doesn't believe in Jesus in this life that they'll go to (eternal) hell.  I believe that this passages more likely infers that these Pharasees will die without experiencing the (eternal) life of Jesus on THIS side of heaven (i.e., in time as we know it).  It could very well be referring to how many of these very Pharisees will die in the Jewish revolt of 66-70 AD without knowing or experiencing the truth.

I actually believe you are right on. I believe physical death is a type and shadow of this:

1 Tim 5:6
But the one who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.

When Christ warned the Pharisees "how will you escape the judgment of Gehenna," I believe he was talking about the carnal mind, and the life in slavery to sin. That is real death. That's the judgment mankind has been under since Adam.

[Seth]

Yes, God is sovereign over it all. Yet, to say that some are vessels of wrath is not in itself an act of blame. It is rather a reason to proclaim the Gospel and anyone who believes will believe and those who do not, do not.

[sheila]

 :thumbsup:     along with this..we must take into account that no-one is lost but the son of

perdition..in order that the scriptures may be fulfilled.  we again hear of the man of lawlessness

  being consumed with the breath of His coming. I beleive an examination of that would

    help.