Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.
(John 8:24 NKJV)

All of us will die (Heb.9:27) but we do not have to die in our sins

Jesus said these words to Jews, producing faith in many of them (John 8:30).  But this passage has become politically incorrect in our day because . . .

1. Jesus requires us to believe in Him exclusively—not in Mohammed or other religious leaders.  Stated another way, no matter how religious we are, or how many other things we may believe, we cannot be saved unless we believe in Jesus.    
2. Jesus is ‘I AM’ (note that ‘He’ in John 8:24 is in italics, meaning that it was supplied by the translators.  This passage parallels John 8:58: “Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.’”   
3. His words require an ongoing faith.  If they quit believing, they annul their salvation.  Compare verses John 8:31-32 – those who believe Him must abide in His word.  Sadly, by the time Jesus finishes this discussion with the Jews, they are ready to stone Him (John 8:59).   In a few moments they go from faith (John 8:30) to hatred (John 8:59).   This passage deals a devastating blow to the once saved, always saved position.  
4. Today most people abhor the idea that someone could die in his sins.  Jesus is not a universalist.  Our passage clearly gives only true believers this hope.  Unbelievers will die in their sins.  

All of us will die (Heb.9:27) but we do not have to die in our sins.

-- Rick Duggin