What does Jesus mean by this? Does this mean that we cannot enjoy anything in our life or we will lose salvation? Some are actually teaching this. Yet, to believe that as truth they would be ignoring COUNTLESS other Scriptures and even Jesus’ own words regarding Salvation and Justification with God by faith alone in Christ.
Let me state clearly that John 12:25 is not contradicting justification by faith alone. In fact, it is not even about our justification in Salvation.
As believers, are we living for the now or for our future with God?
This is a figure of speech. ‘Loving our life’ is all about this Earthly life and the NOW. Jesus stated , “Don’t lay up treasure on earth” (Matt 6:19). Living for only the NOW, with a focus on that as the main thrust of our living, is failing to serve Jesus. This life now is fleeting to say the least! Will your life be ended in the next seconds? Hours? Weeks? Could be in 2 seconds from now. The next verse in John 12 is Verse 26,
“26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” (John 12:25-26 KJV).
The person who “hates his life” is one who is living for the life to come. He/she understands that this life is fleeting, the Lord Christ Jesus is everything. They are believers who have a focus on the things of God, helping spread the good news of the Gospel of Salvation. Having good works FROM Salvation (not for). It is these who are obeying Jesus who stated that we should be laying up treasure in heaven, not Earth (Matt 6:20).
It is not that we cannot love things in our life right now on Earth. It is a figure of speech about our focus in life. As believers, we are in a race as Apostle Paul wrote and we should be focusing on this race for Christ and the Gospel preached. Sharing the Gospel. Supporting those who are. Helping the needy in love. Loving our enemies. Feeding the sheep. This is serving Jesus and will one day be honored by God.
Apostle Paul, talking about earning rewards once a saved believer gets to Heaven puts it this way,
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. ” (1 Corinthians 9:24 KJV)
At the Rapture Event, there will be a Judgment Seat for believers and Christ will REWARD the good deeds for the Gospel and loving others. It is not working for our Salvation nor working to keep our salvation. It is that “…without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a REWARDER of them that diligently seek him. ” (Heb. 11:6 KJV)
