Probably this is why John 3:19 so they do what they do in this verse John 5:39 to justify themselves. Even though Jesus words is spirit and life they study the scriptures to find life in them or to prove they are saved...even Jesus said so in the above verse man dont go to him because they are afraid thier sins will be revealed and that they love thier evil deeds more then doing good, doing the Lords way...its something about the Lords way that is so pure people reject it.. i dont know exactly why but it seems to me people may just be comfortable with thier sinful lifestyle etc. That they would hate to live a life of purity..but thats what it seems like some people just love that kinda life so they dont go to Jesus to learn of his way... because maybe they love that kinda life more...that sinful life...i know there is people who are willing to change but i truly believe people would rather be at a nightclub then in thier bible or live that godly lifestyle.. you know that quiet life...and they probably dont go to Jesus because they are ashame of thier sins but we cant hide from the Lord he already sees the sins in our hearts and life so its best to deny ourselves and go to Jesus so he can fix us up for eternity... To deny ourselves means we are professing Jesus to be true and right and that we are wrong and in need of the Lords help...to deny ourselves is to prove all things the Lord says is true and that we are indeed sinners in dire need of a savior..its iije sitting in court confessing you are guilty, you did commit the crime..lol so they go to the bible first to seek thier eternal life...i think the whole darn world is guilty especially if they are not abiding in Christ...no one can be saved without ever going to Jesus first cause thats how we receive eternal like through the power of God's son, the holy Spirit, like in the trinity only the spirit can connect us to God, not the scriptures or our knowledge alone, nor through man, man cant even save themselves, how can they save us...only the Lord can do that...etc thats why most people probably dont deny themselves cause they are saying they dont need Jesus they can do it alone cause they think thier ways are right when in reality they are either blind or just dont care, they dont want to be under authority of anyone, they want to feel superior in thier own ways, they want to do things thier way cause they like thier ways and it seems right to them but we cant justify ourselves without receiving that righteousness only Jesus can put on us and confessing our sins and that we are wrong and is guilty.. that we need saving through Jesus..and that Jesus is right..we are all filthy rags and need eternal life and correction from Jesus...you know what we do when we dont deny ourselves and confess our sins, we are saying that the Lord is a liar and that we dont need God....lol its true ..you may call me crazy now but the truth is clear... people ignore the Lord cause they love thier life and deeds more.. they hate the Lords ways...etc John 3:16
Well said, eyes to see, may God bless and strengthen you.