The Jewish leaders in John 8:48-53 were religious, temple-going, Scripture-possessing people; and they were spiritually dead. When Jesus declared that those who keep his word will never see death, they mocked him. Abraham died. The prophets died. Who does he think he is?

The answer the Gospel of John has been building toward: he is the Word made flesh, greater than Abraham, the one the prophets foretold.

The hard question: is your religion changing you, or merely decorating you? Keeping Jesus's word is not a matter of willpower or moral resolve. It is the inevitable fruit of a heart made new by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit applies what Christ purchased. If you are in Christ, death is not your end. If you are not, no amount of religious activity will save you.