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Jn 3:4.
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Jn 3:5.
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Jn 3:6.
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Jn 3:7.
Jn 3:8.
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Jn 3:9.
Jn 3:10.
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Jn 3:11.
Jn 3:12.
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Jn 3:13.
Jn 3:14.
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Jn 3:15.
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Jn 3:16.
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Jn 3:17.
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Jn 3:18.
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Jn 3:19.
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Jn 3:20.
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Jn 3:21.
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Jn 3:22.
Jn 3:23.
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Jn 3:24.
Jn 3:25.
Jn 3:26.
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Jn 3:27.
Jn 3:28.
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Jn 3:29.
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Jn 3:30.
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NICODEMUS (SAID) (TO) HIM, HOW CAN A MAN BE BORN WHEN HE IS OLD (or grown)? CAN HE ENTER (or go back) THE SECOND TIME INTO HIS MOTHER’S WOMB, AND BE BORN?
JESUS ANSWERED, (YES, INDEED), I SAY (TO) (YOU) (the truth), (UNLESS) A MAN BE BORN OF WATER AND OF THE SPIRIT, HE CANNOT ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 251
THAT WHICH IS BORN (FROM) THE FLESH IS FLESH; AND THAT WHICH IS BORN OF THE SPIRIT IS SPIRIT (or the Spirit gives birth to spirit-NIV).
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 255
DO NOT MARVEL (or stop being amazed) THAT I SAID (TO) (YOU), (YOU) MUST BE BORN AGAIN (from above).
THE WIND (BLOWS) WHERE IT (WISHES), AND (YOU) (HEAR) THE SOUND (OF IT), BUT (you) (CAN) NOT TELL (WHERE) IT (COMES FROM), AND (WHERE) IT (GOES): SO (that’s how it) IS (with) EVERY ONE THAT IS BORN OF THE SPIRIT.
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 256
NICODEMUS ANSWERED AND SAID (TO) HIM, HOW CAN THESE THINGS BE (or happen)?
JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID (TO) HIM, (ARE) (YOU) A MASTER (or teacher) OF ISRAEL (or hold the office of teacher in Israel-JNT), AND (DO NOT UNDERSTAND) THESE THINGS?
VERILY, VERILY (or yes indeed), I SAY (TO) (YOU) (the truth), WE SPEAK (OF WHAT) WE DO KNOW, AND TESTIFY (or give evidence) (of) THAT (which) WE HAVE SEEN; (BUT) (YOU) (people) (DO NOT RECEIVE) OUR WITNESS (or evidence, or testimony).
IF I HAVE TOLD YOU (people) (of) (THE THINGS OF THE WORLD-JNT), AND (YOU) (DO NOT BELIEVE), HOW (then) SHALL (YOU) BELIEVE, IF I TELL YOU OF (THE THINGS OF HEAVEN-JNT)?
AND NO MAN (HAS) (ever) ASCENDED UP TO HEAVEN, BUT HE THAT CAME DOWN FROM HEAVEN, EVEN THE SON OF MAN WHICH IS IN HEAVEN.
AND AS MOSES LIFTED UP THE (SNAKE) IN THE WILDERNESS (or desert), EVEN SO MUST THE SON OF MAN BE LIFTED UP:
GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD
30 YEARS PLUS 6 MONTHS
THAT (WHOEVER) (BELIEVES) (or trusts) IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT (may) HAVE ETERNAL LIFE.
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 264
FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS (One and) ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT (WHOEVER) (BELIEVES) (or trusts) IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.
CONDEMNATION WITHOUT
BELIEVING
30 YEARS PLUS 6 MONTHS
FOR GOD SENT NOT HIS SON INTO THE WORLD TO CONDEMN (or judge) THE WORLD; BUT (rather) THAT THE WORLD THROUGH HIM MIGHT BE SAVED.
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 269
HE THAT (BELIEVES) (or trusts) ON HIM IS NOT CONDEMNED (or judged): BUT HE THAT (DOES NOT BELIEVE) (or trust) IS CONDEMNED (or judged) ALREADY, BECAUSE HE (HAS) NOT BELIEVED IN THE NAME OF (or they have not trusted in-JNT) THE (One and) ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD.
MEN LOVED DARKNESS BECAUSE
30 YEARS PLUS 6 MONTHS
AND THIS IS THE CONDEMNATION (or judgment, or verdict), THAT (the) LIGHT IS COME INTO THE WORLD, (BUT) MEN LOVED (the) DARKNESS RATHER THAN (the) LIGHT, BECAUSE THEIR DEEDS (or actions) WERE EVIL (or wicked).
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 273
FOR EVERY ONE THAT (DOES) EVIL (HATES) THE LIGHT, (AND DOES NOT COME-NASB) TO THE LIGHT (or avoids) (the light), (FOR FEAR THAT) HIS DEEDS (or actions) SHOULD BE REPROVED (or exposed).
Commentary scriptures continue on pg. 275
BUT HE THAT (DOES) (or practices, or lives by) (the) TRUTH (or does what is true-JNT) (COMES) TO THE LIGHT, (so) THAT HIS DEEDS (or actions) MAY BE (SEEN PLAINLY), THAT THEY ARE (ACCOMPLISHED) IN (or through) GOD.
JESUS CAME TO THE COUNTRYSIDE
OF JUDEA
30 YEARS PLUS 7 MONTHS
AFTER THESE THINGS CAME JESUS AND HIS DISCIPLES INTO THE (COUNTRYSIDE) OF (JUDEA); AND THERE HE (SPENT SOME TIME) WITH THEM, AND BAPTIZED (or immersed people).
(AENON, NEAR TO SALIM)
JOHN THE BAPTIST TESTIFIES ABOUT
JESUS
30 YEARS PLUS 7 MONTHS
AND JOHN ALSO WAS BAPTIZING (or immersing) IN AENON NEAR TO SALIM, BECAUSE THERE WAS (PLENTY OF) WATER THERE: AND (PEOPLE) (KEPT COMING), AND WERE BAPTIZED (or immersed).
FOR JOHN WAS NOT YET CAST INTO PRISON.
THEN THERE AROSE A QUESTION (or dispute) BETWEEN SOME OF JOHN'S DISCIPLES AND THE JEWS (or with) (a certain Jew) ABOUT PURIFYING (or the matter of ceremonial washing-NIV).
AND THEY CAME (TO) JOHN, AND SAID (TO) HIM, RABBI, HE THAT WAS WITH (YOU) BEYOND (the) JORDAN, TO WHOM (YOU) (SPOKE ABOUT), BEHOLD, (HE) (IS BAPTIZING) (or [is] immersing), AND ALL MEN COME TO HIM
JOHN ANSWERED AND SAID, A MAN CAN RECEIVE NOTHING, EXCEPT IT BE GIVEN HIM FROM HEAVEN.
(YOU) YOURSELVES (CAN TESTIFY), THAT I SAID, I AM NOT THE CHRIST (or the Messiah), BUT THAT I AM SENT BEFORE HIM.
REJOICE GREATLY
BECAUSE OF THE BRIDEGROOM’S
VOICE (THE WORD)
30 YEARS PLUS 7 MONTHS
HE THAT (HAS) THE BRIDE IS THE BRIDEGROOM: BUT THE FRIEND OF THE BRIDEGROOM, WHICH (STANDS) AND (HEARS) HIM, (REJOICES) GREATLY (or is overjoyed) BECAUSE OF THE BRIDEGROOM’S VOICE: THIS MY JOY THEREFORE IS FULFILLED (or complete). (Ref Lk 24:32)
HUMBLE
30 YEARS PLUS 7 MONTHS
HE MUST INCREASE, BUT I MUST DECREASE (or He must become more important, while I become less important–JNT)
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The Scriptures show us in Mt 7:22–MANY WILL SAY TO ME IN THAT DAY, LORD, LORD, HAVE WE NOT PROPHESIED IN THY NAME? AND IN THY NAME HAVE CAST OUT DEVILS? AND IN THY NAME DONE MANY WONDERFUL WORKS? All these people seem to think they are saved or perhaps born–again. How many are there? It seems to indicate: many, many, many. God's Word shows us there is yet another condition on entering heaven. Mt 7:21–NOT EVERY ONE THAT SAITH UNTO ME LORD, LORD, (not everyone that calls on the Lord) SHALL ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN; BUT HE THAT DOETH THE WILL OF MY FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN. Thus, there must be a time in our life when God calls us to and grants us repentance to the acknowledging of the truth–ref 2 Tim 2:25–and we respond. We decide to stop doing our own will, and we start doing the will of God. There must be a time in our life when we repent and surrender ourself to Jesus through trust. There must be a time in our life when we are born of the Spirit or born–again.
So how many are truly born–again and enter heaven? Mt 7:14– FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT. Jesus tells us many, people think they are saved; yet only a few really are. Only a few deny themselves, and pick up their cross, and follow Jesus. Only a few have fruit that reflects a life of doing the will of God. In Mt 7:13, we see that many go to destruction. Thus, in one chapter alone, God’s Word clearly shows us that many people will perish. God said unto “many,” I NEVER KNEW YOU: DEPART FROM ME YE THAT WORK INIQUITY–ref Mt 7:21–23. Again, we see in Mt 7:13, that many enter a wide gate and broad way, but it leads to destruction, that is, to hell. The way of eternal life is a strait gate and narrow way. FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT–Mt 7:14. Gal 4:27–THE DESOLATE HATH MANY MORE CHILDREN THAN SHE WHICH HATH AN HUSBAND. There are many more followers of Satan, than there are followers of Jesus. Do most people that follow Satan think they are doing so? Absolutely not. Yet the Bible clearly states in Mt 12:30 and Lk 11:23–HE THAT IS NOT WITH ME IS AGAINST ME.
Can you hear? Jesus said these words in Mt 18:3–EXCEPT YE BE CONVERTED, AND BECOME AS LITTLE CHILDREN, YE SHALL NOT ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. Thus, we have another condition on entering heaven. You (1) must be converted, and (2) you must become as little children. When you are born the second time, born of the Spirit, a conversion takes place in your attitude. By faith, you begin to overcome all things. Your attitude changes. You begin to love the Word of God. You begin to hate sin and every evil way. You become converted from doing your will, to doing the will of God, and you must become as little children. In other words, your attitude must become childlike to correction. You begin receiving correction as a little child from the Word of God and your born–again minister. You should want to be corrected, so you can grow to be conformed to the image of Christ–ref Ro 8:29; Col 2:10.
You quit striving about the Word of God. You quit being contentious regarding the Word of God, and receive God’s Word in a humble, meek, childlike attitude. You begin to let Jesus reign over you. Whatever you do should be compared with the Word of God. Few people will allow God’s Word to reign over them. They want their own way. They perish. You must be born–again. You must be converted. You must become as a little child, who receives correction from his parents humbly, gladly and willingly. You must do God’s will or perish.
Some incorrectly think “to be converted” means to convert from (not believing in Jesus) to (believing in Jesus or having a head knowledge of Jesus). Many believe in Jesus in their thoughts or mind, but they do not trust in Him or believe and trust in all the Bible as the infallible Word of God as it applies to them. He is in their head but not in their heart. They know “of Him,” but they do not personally “know Him.” They are at best only lukewarm. They have little or no true commitment to Jesus, especially in the time of trials and temptations. Jesus is not the center of their life.
Some may think it is being converted from something like Hinduism to Christianity. Wrong. Being converted is far more than this. It is putting off the old man and putting on the new man. Many people profess that they are Christians, but they have never been converted to the new man. Many will perish at the judgment, perhaps claiming, “I am a Christian.”
Just saying you are a Christian means nothing. It does not save you or convert you or cause you to be born–again. Going to church and singing about Jesus does not mean you will be with Jesus when you die. There are millions of people in hell right now that went to Christian churches and sang about Jesus, but they were never born again of the Spirit.
When a person truly becomes converted there should be evidence of good fruit coming forth that is in harmony with the Gospel and a childlikeness toward receiving correction from the Word of God.
Acts 3:19–REPENT YE THEREFORE, AND BE CONVERTED, THAT YOUR SINS MAY BE BLOTTED OUT, WHEN THE TIMES OF REFRESHING SHALL COME FROM THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD. Note, it says REPENT…AND BE CONVERTED. There is no conversion without repentance. Many churches these days seldom use the word “repent.” Many confess that Jesus is their Lord and Savior, but they have never repented of their sins, of doing their own will. Grace does not reign through sin. Grace reigns through righteousness–ref Ro 5:21. True repentance leads to conversion.
Jn 1:12,13–BUT AS MANY AS RECEIVED HIM, TO THEM GAVE HE POWER TO BECOME THE SONS OF GOD, EVEN TO THEM THAT BELIEVE ON HIS NAME. Note, it did not say “accept Him,” but rather “receive Him.” We may define the word “believe,” as a total uncompromising commitment of love, submission, obedience, and trust. Repent, and receive Jesus Christ. Without repentance and without trusting in the Jesus Christ of the Bible, you are still in your sins. Verse 13–WHICH WERE BORN, NOT OF BLOOD, NOR OF THE WILL OF THE FLESH, NOR THE WILL OF MAN, BUT OF GOD. Have you really been born–again?
1 Pe 1:23–BEING BORN AGAIN, NOT OF CORRUPTIBLE SEED, BUT OF INCORRUPTIBLE, BY THE WORD OF GOD, WHICH LIVETH AND ABIDETH FOREVER. Again, we see a new birth comes from the “Word of God, which liveth.” Jesus is the Word of God–ref Jn 1:1,14. Jesus lives.
1 Jn 2:29–IF YE KNOW THAT HE IS RIGHTEOUS, YE KNOW THAT EVERY ONE THAT DOETH RIGHTEOUSNESS IS BORN OF HIM. Again, we see a new birth takes place. You must be born–again. Note the first part of this verse, “IF YE KNOW THAT HE IS RIGHTEOUS.” Many people do not know that God is righteous. Neither do they understand the judgments of a righteous God. If things are not going the way some people want them to go, they blame God. If a loved one dies, many blame God. If they go through a long illness, they blame God.
Neither do many know that, GOD IS GREATLY TO BE FEARED IN THE ASSEMBLY OF THE SAINTS–Ps 89:7.
1 Jn 3:8–10–HE THAT COMMITTETH SIN IS OF THE DEVIL: FOR THE DEVIL SINNETH FROM THE BEGINNING. FOR THIS PURPOSE THE SON OF GOD WAS MANIFESTED, THAT HE MIGHT DESTROY THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL. WHOSOEVER IS BORN OF GOD DOTH NOT COMMIT SIN; FOR HIS SEED REMAINETH IN HIM: AND HE CANNOT SIN, BECAUSE HE IS BORN OF GOD. IN THIS THE CHILDREN OF GOD ARE MANIFEST (or made known), AND THE CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL: WHOSOEVER DOETH NOT RIGHTEOUSNESS IS NOT OF GOD, NEITHER HE THAT LOVETH NOT HIS BROTHER. Again, we see the new birth twice. If you are intentionally living in and practicing sin, you are not born of God. If you understand what the will of God is, but are continually and intentionally refusing to do God's will, that which is right in the eyes of God, you are not of God. You are not born–again. Have you not read, in 1 Sam 15:23–FOR REBELLION IS AS THE SIN OF WITCHCRAFT, AND STUBBORNNESS IS AS INIQUITY AND IDOLATRY. BECAUSE THOU HAST REJECTED THE WORD OF THE LORD, HE HATH ALSO REJECTED THEE…? You are not saved, if you do not love your brothers in Christ. Does your fruit testify you are of God or of the devil? Are you a person that hates certain people that are born again and intentionally practices sin, yet believes they are saved and born again? Have you not read–Lk 6:46–WHY CALL YE ME, LORD, LORD, AND DO NOT THE THINGS WHICH I SAY? Are you one of the multitude of those spiritually blind or lukewarm Christians that corrupt God’s Word? Do you think you are saved, but are rather in great darkness?–ref Mt 6:23.
1 Jn 5:18–WE KNOW. Note these words, “WE KNOW” THAT WHOSOEVER IS BORN OF GOD SINNETH NOT; BUT HE THAT IS BEGOTTEN OF GOD KEEPETH HIMSELF, AND THAT WICKED ONE TOUCHETH HIM NOT.
1 Jn 5:17–ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS IS SIN. Again, we see the words: BORN OF GOD. A new birth must take place in your life. We know by a person’s fruits, if they are born of God.
1 Pe 2:2–AS NEWBORN BABES, DESIRE (or crave or cry for) THE SINCERE “MILK OF THE WORD” THAT YE MAY GROW THEREBY: Verse 3–IF SO BE YE HAVE TASTED THAT THE LORD IS GRACIOUS. Again, we see a new birth taking place. We also see that those who are a truly a newborn babe in Christ, who have tasted that the Lord is gracious: they desire, they crave, they cry for, they want, they seek God’s Word, just as a newborn baby cries out for milk. In the same way, the newborn Christian desires and craves the sincere milk of the Word. He doesn’t desire vain jangling, or worldly storytelling, or the lukewarm, watered–down preaching of God’s Word, or motivational nonsense–but he desires God’s pure and holy Word. For by God’s Word, he may grow. FAITH COMETH BY HEARING AND HEARING BY THE WORD. Lots of vain jangling is pleasing to the ears of the unconverted. Vain janglings do not produce faith or help us to grow. Are you crying out for God’s Word, or do you prefer preaching that is pleasing to your flesh? In whatever church you may attend, do you know more about the preacher’s family than you do about God? Is your heart really right with God? Are you deceiving yourself? Are you truly born–again?
Mt 9:16,17–NO MAN PUTTETH A PIECE OF “NEW” CLOTH UNTO AN “OLD GARMENT,” FOR THAT WHICH IS PUT IN TO FILL IT UP TAKETH FROM THE GARMENT, AND THE RENT IS MADE WORSE. NEITHER DO MEN PUT “NEW” WINE INTO OLD BOTTLES: ELSE THE BOTTLES BREAK, AND THE WINE RUNNETH OUT, AND THE BOTTLES PERISH: BUT THEY PUT NEW WINE INTO NEW BOTTLES, AND BOTH ARE PRESERVED. Lk 5:39–NO MAN ALSO HAVING DRUNK OLD WINE, STRAIGHTWAY DESIRETH NEW: FOR HE SAITH, THE OLD IS BETTER. God does not put the Holy Spirit into a person that is still living in sin. They must repent. They must repent or else the rent is made worse. One does not put the Holy Spirit into someone who is an old bottle, living in their old ways and has not repented, else the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish. But the Holy Spirit is put into new bottles, that is, a sinner who has repented, and both are preserved. No man having drunk of the pleasures of sin, straightway desires new ways, (or God’s ways), for he saith the old is better. Is sin deceiving you? Are your ears dull of hearing? Are your hearts waxed gross? Know this, WITHOUT HOLINESS, NO ONE WILL SEE THE LORD. You must be born–again. You must be converted. You must become as a humble, little child before Almighty God, and have the attitude, “Not my will, but Thine be done.” Are you really walking with God?
Jn 5:24–VERILY, VERILY, I SAY UNTO YOU, HE THAT HEARETH “MY” WORD, AND BELIEVETH ON HIM THAT SENT ME, HATH EVERLASTING LIFE, AND SHALL NOT COME INTO CONDEMNATION; BUT IS PASSED FROM DEATH UNTO LIFE. Again, we see the results of the new birth, that is, being passed from death unto life.
2 Cor 5:17–THEREFORE “IF” ANY MAN BE IN CHRIST (or be born–again), HE IS A NEW CREATURE: OLD THINGS ARE PASSED AWAY; BEHOLD, “ALL” THINGS ARE BECOME NEW. Many claim salvation through Jesus Christ, but the old things have never passed away. True repentance never took place. But for those few that are “in Christ”, all things are become new.
Gal 6:15–FOR “IN CHRIST JESUS” NEITHER CIRCUMCISION AVAILETH ANYTHING, NOR UNCIRCUMCISION, BUT A “NEW CREATURE.” The new birth produces a new creature. All things are become new. If you are not a new creature, you are not born–again. Have you been converted to a new creature?
Gal 3:26,27–FOR YE ARE ALL THE CHILDREN OF GOD BY FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS. FOR AS MANY OF YOU AS HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST “HAVE PUT ON CHRIST.”
We are to repent of sin. Ro 6:1–10–WHAT SHALL WE SAY THEN? SHALL WE CONTINUE IN SIN, THAT GRACE MAY ABOUND? GOD FORBID. HOW SHALL WE, THAT ARE DEAD TO SIN, LIVE ANY LONGER THEREIN? KNOW YE NOT, THAT SO MANY OF US “AS WERE” BAPTIZED INTO JESUS CHRIST WERE BAPTIZED INTO HIS DEATH?
THEREFORE WE ARE BURIED WITH HIM BY BAPTISM INTO DEATH: THAT LIKE AS CHRIST WAS RAISED UP FROM THE DEAD BY THE GLORY OF THE FATHER, EVEN SO WE ALSO SHOULD WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE. FOR IF WE HAVE BEEN PLANTED “TOGETHER” IN THE LIKENESS OF “HIS” DEATH, WE SHALL BE ALSO IN THE LIKENESS OF “HIS” RESURRECTION: KNOWING THIS, THAT OUR OLD MAN IS CRUCIFIED WITH HIM, THAT THE BODY OF SIN MIGHT BE DESTROYED, THAT HENCEFORTH WE SHOULD NOT “SERVE” SIN. To be born–again means (note the words): our old man, our old ways, the way we were going, is crucified. We repent. We should not serve sin any longer. FOR HE THAT IS DEAD IS FREED FROM SIN. NOW “IF” WE BE DEAD WITH CHRIST, WE BELIEVE THAT WE SHALL ALSO LIVE WITH HIM: KNOWING THAT CHRIST BEING RAISED FROM THE DEAD DIETH NO MORE; DEATH HATH NO MORE DOMINION OVER HIM. FOR IN THAT HE DIED, HE DIED UNTO SIN ONCE: BUT IN THAT HE LIVETH HE LIVETH UNTO GOD. The new birth produces a new life that lives unto God. Very few people have had their old man crucified, and few people are living unto God. How is it then that many claim they are saved? They are claiming they are saved, because of their ignorance of or lack of understanding of God’s Word. Their knowledge of salvation is not based on truth and examining oneself correctly in light of the Word of God. It is often based on their emotions and the lies they hear in their head from the devil. Their emotions fabricate lies in their thoughts and ignore truth. It is sometimes based on what their preacher tells them or someone else in the church, instead of on truth. Jesus clearly told many religious leaders and others that they were not of God. He told many they were of their father the devil, but they refused to believe Him–ref Jn 8:43–45. Only after they died and perished to hell, did they understand they were wrong; but then it was too late. Friend, is your time running out, and yet you hold fast to believing the lies in your head about being saved?
Repent, and believe the Gospel. Put away deceit.
Eph 4:22–24–PUT OFF CONCERNING THE FORMER CONVERSATION, THE OLD MAN, WHICH IS CORRUPT ACCORDING TO THE “DECEITFUL LUSTS;” AND BE RENEWED IN THE SPIRIT OF YOUR MIND; AND THAT YE PUT ON THE NEW MAN, WHICH AFTER GOD IS CREATED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND TRUE HOLINESS. The old man (the old worldly ways) must be put off. They must be crucified. Lusts can deceive us. Our worldly ways are corrupt in the eyes of a holy God. Then, we must put on the new man: new ways, new thinking, a new way of living according to the Word of God. A born–again person has put off the old man and has put on the new, because he has repented of the ways of the world and the way he was going, and now lives according to God’s Word and way. Many people may think the new Christian is “beside himself.”–ref Mk 3:21 They may think he is crazy. Relatives may disown him. Indeed, many of his friends will probably desert him, if he lives for God as he ought. He could get fired from his job. He could lose everything he has, but he will gain Christ–ref Phili 3:7,8; Lk 9:25. Are you willing to pay the price God asks of you? The spirit of your mind needs to be renewed–ref Eph 4:23.
Col 3:9,10–LIE NOT ONE TO ANOTHER, SEEING THAT YE HAVE PUT OFF THE OLD MAN WITH HIS DEEDS; AND HAVE PUT ON THE NEW MAN, WHICH IS RENEWED IN KNOWLEDGE AFTER THE IMAGE OF HIM THAT CREATED HIM. Again, we see put off the old man, put on the new man. We must repent from the ways of the world, the ways we have been living. We are to put on the new man, that is, God’s way. We must be born–again. We must be converted. Our mind needs to be renewed. We need to study and hear God’s Word and be renewed in His knowledge. We are to put away lying and deceit.
Eph 2:2,3–WHEREIN IN TIME PAST YE WALKED ACCORDING TO THE COURSE OF THIS WORLD, ACCORDING TO THE PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR, THE SPIRIT THAT NOW WORKETH IN THE CHILDREN OF DISOBEDIENCE: AMONG WHOM ALSO WE “ALL” HAD OUR CONVERSATION IN TIMES PAST IN THE LUSTS OF OUR FLESH, FULFILLING THE DESIRES OF THE FLESH AND OF THE MIND; AND WERE "BY NATURE" THE CHILDREN OF WRATH, EVEN AS OTHERS. Note, in time past, when we were not born–again, we walked according to the course of this world…fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind. This is the way of the world. This is the way most people walk and desire to walk. However, to be born–again, we must repent and begin walking by faith. We are to begin doing what is pleasing in the sight of God. We are to deny self and stop doing those things that are wrong. Few people have truly denied themselves and are walking in the ways of God. Few there be. Few people are truly born–again, although many think and say they are.
Ro 12:2–BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD: BUT BE YE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, THAT YE MAY “PROVE” WHAT IS THAT GOOD, AND ACCEPTABLE, AND PERFECT, WILL OF GOD. We are not to walk according to the course of this world. We are not to be conformed to this world. We are to be transformed. We must be converted. We must be born–again. We must repent. We must begin to do the will of God. We must do these things, or we will surely perish. We need our mind renewed by God’s Word. We need to hear and study God’s Word, and “do it.” We must become childlike (or soft) to correction from the Word of God. We should become like a dry sponge soaking up God’s wonderful and holy Word. As we do, the Word should change us on the inside, just as water changes a hard dry sponge to a soft pliable one. As we soak up God’s Word, we need to stop absorbing much of the filth, garbage, and pornography that is on TV, in the movies, and on the Internet. If we soak up 5 hours of tv, but 30 minutes of God’s Word, how can we grow?
It is written in 1 Cor 2:12–NOW WE HAVE RECEIVED NOT THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD, BUT THE SPIRIT WHICH IS OF GOD; THAT WE MIGHT KNOW THE THINGS THAT ARE FREELY GIVEN TO US OF GOD.
1 Jn 4:13–HEREBY KNOW WE THAT WE DWELL IN HIM, AND HE IN US, BECAUSE HE HATH GIVEN US OF HIS SPIRIT.
Ro 8:9–NOW IF ANY MAN HAVE NOT THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST, HE IS NONE OF HIS. How might we know if we are following the spirit of the world, or walking in the Spirit of God? It is written, WHEREFORE BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM–Mt 7:20. Note God’s Word, IF ANY MAN HAVE NOT THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST, HE IS NONE OF HIS.
2 Pe 1:4–WHEREBY ARE GIVEN UNTO US EXCEEDING GREAT AND PRECIOUS PROMISES: THAT BY THESE YE MIGHT BE PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE, HAVING ESCAPED THE CORRUPTION THAT IS IN THE WORLD THROUGH LUST.
1 Jn 3:1–BEHOLD, WHAT MANNER OF LOVE THE FATHER HATH BESTOWED UPON US, THAT WE SHOULD BE CALLED THE SONS OF GOD: THEREFORE THE WORLD KNOWETH US NOT, BECAUSE IT KNEW HIM NOT. The world did not know or understand Jesus when He was upon the earth. They horribly tortured and crucified Him. It is the same today. Many preach and hear about a person named Jesus, but they do not know Him. They do not understand Him. Many today follow another Jesus. It is a Jesus that fits their wrong thinking and fills their worldly desires, but because they are spiritually blind, they do not believe or understand this.
Those few people that truly follow the Jesus of the Bible and obey His Word, are also not known or understood by the world, just as Jesus was not known or understood by the world.
Jesus put it this way, IF THE WORLD HATE YOU, YE KNOW THAT IT HATED ME BEFORE IT HATED YOU. IF YE WERE OF THE WORLD, THE WORLD WOULD LOVE HIS OWN: BUT BECAUSE YE ARE NOT OF THE WORLD, BUT I HAVE CHOSEN YOU OUT OF THE WORLD, THEREFORE THE WORLD HATETH YOU. REMEMBER THE WORD THAT I SAID UNTO YOU, THE SERVANT IS NOT GREATER THAN HIS LORD. IF THEY HAVE PERSECUTED ME, THEY WILL ALSO PERSECUTE YOU; IF THEY HAVE KEPT MY SAYING, THEY WILL KEEP YOURS ALSO. BUT ALL THESE THINGS WILL THEY DO UNTO YOU FOR MY NAME’S SAKE, BECAUSE THEY KNOW NOT HIM THAT SENT ME.
IF I HAD NOT COME AND SPOKEN UNTO THEM, THEY HAD NOT HAD SIN: BUT NOW THEY HAVE NO CLOAK FOR THEIR SIN. HE THAT HATETH ME HATETH MY FATHER ALSO. IF I HAD NOT DONE AMONG THEM THE WORKS WHICH NONE OTHER MAN DID, THEY HAD NOT HAD SIN: BUT NOW HAVE THEY BOTH SEEN AND HATED BOTH ME AND MY FATHER. BUT THIS COMETH TO PASS, THAT THE WORD MIGHT BE FULFILLED THAT IS WRITTEN IN THEIR LAW, THEY HATED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE–Jn 15:18–25.
Have you repented? Have you been converted? Are you one of the majority that think they are saved, but are not? Have you become as a little child to God’s correction? Do you love and desire correction so you can change, or do you argue with it and make excuses? Are you allowing Jesus Christ (His Word) to reign over you? Have you become a new creature in Christ? Have you been baptized into Christ? Have you been buried in the water after repentance and believing in the Jesus Christ of the Bible? Do you have the answer of a good conscience before God? Has your old man been crucified? Are you living unto God? Have you put off the old man? Have you been renewed in the spirit of your mind? Have you put on the new man? Have you stopped walking according to the course of this world and the desires of your flesh and your mind? Have you been transformed? Do you really have God’s Spirit? Do not go by your feelings. Judge yourself by the Word of God. Most “feel” they are saved, but they will perish to hell. Examine yourself by the Word of God to see if ye be in the faith.
Have you truly been born–again? It is written in Acts 2:38–REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOU. It is written in Mk 16:16–HE THAT BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED. Did you, at some time in the past ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior and even get baptized, but then went back into willful sin and rebellion against God? It is written, NO ONE WHO CONTINUES TO SIN HAS EITHER SEEN HIM OR KNOWN HIM–1 Jn 3:6 NIV. Trust in Jesus. Repent, and afterward be baptized by full immersion. Completely surrender your life to Him, obeying His Word.
Have you truly been born–again and been faithful? Are you really doing the will of God or your own will?
NOTE SOME OF THE BIBLE WORDS ASSOCIATED WITH A PERSON THAT IS TRANSFORMED AND
BECOME BORN AGAIN
This is group 1–alphabetized. Group 2 is in a chronological order
(Do not resist what God is doing)
A new bottle–Mt 9:17
A new cloth–Mt 9:16
A new creature–2 Cor 5:17; Gal 6:14
A newborn babe–1 Pe 2:2
Alive unto God through Jesus Christ–Ro 6:11
All things are become new–2 Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15
Baptized into Christ–Ro 6:3; Gal 3:27
Baptized into His death–Ro 6:3
Be dead with Christ–Ro 6:8; Col 3:20
Be no more tossed to and fro with deception–ref Eph 4:14
Be not conformed to this world–Ro 12:2
Be renewed in the spirit of your mind–Eph 4:23
Be transformed–Ro 12:2
Became servants of righteousness–Ro 6:18
Become as little children–Mt 18:3 (repeat)
Become members one of another–Eph 4:25
Begotten of God–1 Jn 5:18
Born again–Jn 3:3
Born by the Word of God–1 Pe 1:23
Born of God–Jn 1:13
Buried with Him in baptism–Ro 6:4; Col 2:12
By grace are ye saved through faith–Eph 2:8
Cast down imaginations–2 Cor 10:5
Conform to the image of Jesus–Ro 8:29
Converted–Mt 18:3; Acts 3:19
Dead unto sin–Ro 6:11
Deny self–Mt 16:24; Mk 8:34; Lk 9:23
Fight–1 Tim 6:12; 1 Cor 9:26; 2 Tim 4:7; Heb 10:32
Give no place to the devil–ref Eph 4:17
He has given us of His Spirit–1 Jn 4:13
Keep the commandments–Mt 19:17
Learn doctrine–Isa 29:24
Learn of Jesus–Mt 11:29
Learn thy commandments–Ps 119:73
Learn to fear God–Deut 4:10
Learn to maintain good works–Titus 3:14
Let not sin reign–Ro 6:12–Ro 6:11
Lie not–Col 3:9
Live unto God–Ro 6:10
Love–Eph 4:16
Mind renewed–Ro 12:2
Must love his brother–1 Jn 3:10
Obedience–Heb 5:8; Ro 1:5, 6:16, 16:26; 2 Cor 10:5,6
Obey…doctrine–Ro 6:17
Old man is crucified–Ro 6:6
Old ways–be ashamed–Ro 6:21
Passed from death unto life–Jn 5:24
Planted together in the likeness of His death–Ro 6:5
Put away lying–Eph 4:25
Put off former conversation–Eph 4:22
Put off the old man–Eph 4:22; Col 3:9
Put on Christ–Gal 3:27
Put on new man–Eph 4:24; Col 3:10
Received the Spirit of God–1 Cor 2:12
Repent–Acts 3:19
RESULTS OF BEING BORN AGAIN
Risen with Him through faith–Col 2:12
Seek those things which are above–Col 3:1
Set affection on things above–Col 3:2
Should not serve sin–Ro 6:6
Walk in love–Eph 5:2
Walk in newness of life–Ro 6:4
Walk not in vanity of your mind–ref Eph 4:17
We should be called the sons of God–1 Jn 3:1
We…are changed–2 Cor 3:18
Yield unto God–Ro 6:13
Yield yourselves servants to obey–Ro 6:16
Yield…to righteousness–Ro 6:19
Yield…to…obedience–Ro 6:16
Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another (in the same way as God has forgiven you)–ref Eph 4:32
NOTE SOME OF THE BIBLE WORDS ASSOCIATED WITH A PERSON THAT IS TRANSFORMED AND
BECOME BORN AGAIN
Group 1 was alphabetized. This is group 2–a chronological order
Becoming Born Again, A New Creature, Converted, A New Man
Repent–Acts 3:19
Put off the old man–Eph 4:22; Col 3:9
Baptized into Christ–Ro 6:3; Gal 3:27
Baptized into His death–Ro 6:3
Be dead with Christ–Ro 6:8; Col 3:20
Buried with Him in baptism–Ro 6:4; Col 2:12
Planted together in the likeness of His death–Ro 6:5
Old man is crucified–Ro 6:6
Risen with Him through faith–Col 2:12
Converted–Mt 18:3; Acts 3:19
Born again–Jn 3:3
Born by the Word of God–1 Pe 1:23
Born of God–Jn 1:13
He has given us of His Spirit–1 Jn 4:13
Received the Spirit of God–1 Cor 2:12
Put on Christ–Gal 3:27
Put on new man–Eph 4:24; Col 3:10
Dead unto sin–Ro 6:11
We should be called the sons of God–1 Jn 3:1
By grace are ye saved through faith–Eph 2:8
(Do not resist what God is doing)
RESULTS OF BEING BORN AGAIN
Alive unto God through Jesus Christ–Ro 6:11
All things are become new–2 Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15
Begotten of God–1 Jn 5:18
A new cloth–Mt 9:16
A new creature–2 Cor 5:17; Gal 6:14
A new bottle–Mt 9:17
A newborn babe–1 Pe 2:2
Mind renewed–Ro 12:2
Passed from death unto life–Jn 5:24
We…are changed–2 Cor 3:18
Commands To Born Again Christians
Be no more tossed to and fro with deception–ref Eph 4:14
Be not conformed to this world–Ro 12:2
Be renewed in the spirit of your mind–Eph 4:23
Became servants of righteousness–Ro 6:18
Become as little children–Mt 18:3 (repeat)
Become members one of another–Eph 4:25
Be transformed–Ro 12:2
Cast down imaginations–2 Cor 10:5
Conform to the image of Jesus–Ro 8:29
Deny self–Mt 16:24; Mk 8:34; Lk 9:23
Give no place to the devil–ref Eph 4:17
Keep the commandments–Mt 19:17
Learn doctrine–Isa 29:24
Learn of Jesus–Mt 11:29
Learn thy commandments–Ps 119:73
Learn to fear God–Deut 4:10
Learn to maintain good works–Titus 3:14
Let not sin reign–Ro 6:12–Ro 6:11
Lie not–Col 3:9
Live unto God–Ro 6:10
Love–Eph 4:16
Must love his brother–1 Jn 3:10
Obedience–Heb 5:8; Ro 1:5, 6:16, 16:26; 2 Cor 10:5,6
Obey…doctrine–Ro 6:17
Old ways–be ashamed–Ro 6:21
Put away lying–Eph 4:25
Put off former conversation–Eph 4:22
Seek those things which are above–Col 3:1
Set affection on things above–Col 3:2
Should not serve sin–Ro 6:6
Walk in love–Eph 5:2
Walk in newness of life–Ro 6:4
Walk not in vanity of your mind–ref Eph 4:17
Yield unto God–Ro 6:13
Yield yourselves servants to obey–Ro 6:16
Yield…to righteousness–Ro 6:19
Yield…to…obedience–Ro 6:16
Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another (in the same way as God has forgiven you)–ref Eph 4:32
The verses continue–
Jn 3:4. NICODEMUS (SAID) (TO) HIM,
HOW. Nicodemus, (a very religious man and a high ranking spiritual leader in Israel) did not understand the concept of being born again. He had no knowledge of what Jesus was talking about. Neither do the pope, Catholic priests, most denominational leaders and other clergy in this lukewarm generation understand. It is written–For…many,…corrupt the word of God–ref 2 Cor 2:17.
People that are truly born again can understand these things. People that think they are going to heaven, but do not understand the concept of being born again are in darkness. They do not understand that their final destination is the eternal lake of fire. Neither do people that forsake the Word of God understand. He now asks two questions. Number one: he said, How–
CAN A MAN BE BORN
WHEN HE IS OLD (or grown)? Then he asked a second question–
CAN HE ENTER (or go back) THE SECOND TIME INTO HIS MOTHER’S WOMB,
AND BE BORN? He was trying to relate being born again in the physical realm. He had no understanding that being born again involved the spiritual realm–being born of the Spirit. It is a work of God that is done in a person’s heart that ultimately leads a person to receive Christ through trust, as their only hope of salvation. Nicodemus was thinking only in worldly terms, not spiritual. He seemed concerned, as he used the words WHEN HE IS OLD. He seemed to be relating that he was now an old man.
With age often comes accomplishment. With accomplishment, often comes pride. One might say, “I have laid up much treasure. I have done great things. I have been to many places. I have raised children, and they are successful. I own this or that.” The pride of life is the enemy of God. It is written 1 Jn 2:15–17–LOVE NOT THE WORLD, NEITHER THE THINGS THAT ARE IN THE WORLD. IF ANY MAN LOVE THE WORLD, THE LOVE OF THE FATHER IS NOT IN HIM. FOR ALL THAT IS IN THE WORLD, THE LUST OF THE FLESH, AND THE LUST OF THE EYES, AND THE PRIDE OF LIFE, IS NOT OF THE FATHER, BUT IS OF THE WORLD. AND THE WORLD PASSETH AWAY, AND THE LUST THEREOF: BUT HE THAT DOETH THE WILL OF GOD ABIDETH FOR EVER. How hard it is for a rich man, a famous man, a noble man, a prideful man, a man of desires, possessions, accomplishments, or even a man with a heart of stone, hate, and unforgiveness in this world to enter the kingdom of heaven. A man whose heart is set on getting ahead in this world is not set on the things of God. A double–minded man is unstable. Yet, with God, all things are possible. Such a person must humble himself and believe the Gospel.
It is written in Ja 4:6–GOD RESISTETH THE PROUD, BUT GIVETH GRACE UNTO THE HUMBLE.
Ja 4:10–HUMBLE YOURSELVES IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD, AND HE SHALL LIFT YOU UP.
1 Pe 5:5–BE CLOTHED WITH HUMILITY: FOR GOD RESISTETH THE PROUD, AND GIVETH GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.
1 Pe 5:6–HUMBLE YOURSELVES THEREFORE UNDER THE MIGHTY HAND OF GOD, THAT HE MAY EXALT YOU IN DUE TIME:
The verses continue–
Jn 3:5. JESUS ANSWERED,
(YES, INDEED),
I SAY (TO) (YOU) (the truth). Jesus is emphasizing that what he is about to say is totally and exactly correct. He answers with two things. He said–
(UNLESS) A MAN BE BORN
OF WATER. Most people that have an opinion on what being born of water means, hold to one of the following three interpretations.
(1) Some believe being born of water means the water that comes forth in a physical birth. In other words, they believe it relates to our physical or first birth. Scripture, however, never seems to relate a physical birth with being born of water. Thus, it is difficult to support #1 with Scripture, even though many seem to hold to this understanding.
(2) Others relate it to a spiritual washing or a purification of the soul. Eph 5:26–WASHING OF WATER BY THE WORD (or by Jesus); and Titus 3:5–HE SAVED US, BY THE WASHING OF REGENERATION AND RENEWING OF THE HOLY GHOST. This is done by the work of the Holy Spirit through the Word when a person is saved.
(3) Others relate it to water baptism; for it is written in Mk 16:16–HE THAT BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED, and Acts 2:38–THEN PETER SAID…REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOU…AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST. After repenting and believing on Jesus Christ, baptism by full immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit is (a) crucifying our old man with Him, (b) being dead with Christ, (c) being buried, and (d) planted together into the likeness of His death. When one comes up out of the water, they should (a) walk in the newness of life and (b) not serve sin, for he that is dead is freed from sin, and (c) live unto God–ref Ro 6:3–10.
Biblical baptism is to be done by full immersion in water (buried in and by water) (ref Col 2:12, Ro 6:4) only after one repents and believes on Jesus Christ as their only hope of salvation. Water baptism is to be done in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost–ref Mt 28:19. Water baptism is to fulfill all righteousness–ref Mt 3:15 and the answer of a good conscience toward God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ–ref 1 Pe 3:21.
Many fight against this third interpretation. The reason is–if being born of water meant water baptism, it would mean that water baptism by full immersion would be necessary for a person after they repent and believe on Jesus Christ as their only hope of salvation. These sometimes incorrectly relate water baptism as a form of works, as Eph 2:9 stresses that being saved is not of works. Nevertheless, repentance, water baptism, and obeying God’s Word are not considered a form of works by God’s Word. There is no question the Bible teaches that if a person does not both repent and obey God’s Word, they will surely perish.
Note: The Bible does not teach that water baptism is to be administered to infants, nor does it teach that a person is to be sprinkled, as some churches may say.
There is no question that Satan often fights against water baptism being done only by (a) full immersion (b) in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost and (c) only after a person repents and (d) believes on Jesus Christ, even though these are clearly taught in God’s Word. When a person desires to be baptized God–s way, the spiritual warfare usually begins. Our thoughts and emotions often fight against it. We may get scared when we go to be baptized biblically. People may try to stop us. Note the word WATER came first, then the words OF THE SPIRIT came after.
The verse continues–
AND OF THE SPIRIT. Jesus is telling Nicodemus that being born again is to be born of (1) water and (2) of the Spirit. To be born of the Spirit simply means that a person receives the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. A person is converted or regenerated. He should begin to change from the inside. He puts on Christ–ref Gal 3:27. The person should begin to think and act more like Jesus. His fruits should begin to reflect this inner change, as he grows in Christ; as it is written in Eph 3:20–THE POWER THAT WORKETH IN US. Phili 2:13–FOR IT IS GOD WHICH WORKETH IN YOU. Ro 8:9–NOW IF ANY MAN HAVE NOT THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST, HE IS NONE OF HIS. The person should become a spiritual person, which loves God and His Word far above all. The person begins to deny self and begin to obey the Gospel. An evil, corrupt heart begins to see things in a whole new light. The person is born again, renewed, made new.
SPIRIT
HOLY SPIRIT
BORN AGAIN
Regarding being born of the Spirit, the Bible shows us clearly the true Christian, that is, the person who is truly born again, shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit shall actually dwell inside the born again Christian. The evidence that the Holy Spirit is dwelling inside a person is by the fruits of the Spirit of God. The person that has the indwelling of the Holy Spirit–their life should reflect Christ, as they have the mind of Christ. A lack of the fruits of the Spirit, a lack of love for other born again brethren, a lack of studying and obeying God’s Word, and a lack of a Christ–centered attitude and speech are all good indications that even though a person may say they are born again and have the Spirit of God–they actually do not and are reprobate. It is written: Titus 1:16–THEY PROFESS THAT THEY KNOW GOD; BUT IN WORKS THEY DENY HIM, BEING ABOMINABLE, AND DISOBEDIENT, AND UNTO EVERY GOOD WORK REPROBATE.
HOLY SPIRIT. SCRIPTURES SHOWING HE INDWELLS THE BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN
Acts 2:38–THEN PETER SAID…REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOU…AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST.
Jn 7:39–(BUT THIS SPAKE HE OF THE SPIRIT, WHICH THEY THAT BELIEVE ON HIM SHOULD RECEIVE.
Jn 14:17–EVEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH;…FOR HE DWELLETH WITH YOU, AND SHALL BE IN YOU.
Ro 8:9–BUT YE ARE…IN THE SPIRIT, IF SO BE THAT THE SPIRIT OF GOD DWELL IN YOU. NOW IF ANY MAN HAVE NOT THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST, HE IS NONE OF HIS.
Ro 8:11–BUT IF THE SPIRIT…DWELL IN YOU,…HIS SPIRIT THAT DWELLETH IN YOU.
Ro 8:15–BUT YE HAVE RECEIVED THE SPIRIT OF ADOPTION.
1 Cor 3:16–KNOW YE NOT…THAT THE SPIRIT OF GOD DWELLETH IN YOU?
1 Cor 7:40–I HAVE THE SPIRIT OF GOD.
2 Cor 5:5–GOD, WHO ALSO HATH GIVEN UNTO US THE EARNEST OF THE SPIRIT. The word “earnest” is likened to a deposit given on something until the completion of the purchase in finalized. It may be compared to an engagement ring which is given by the groom when the woman he calls to be his wife accepts the offer.
Gal 3:2–RECEIVED YE THE SPIRIT…BY THE HEARING OF FAITH?
Gal 3:14–MIGHT RECEIVE THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT THROUGH FAITH.
Gal 4:6–BECAUSE YE ARE SONS, GOD HATH SENT FORTH THE SPIRIT OF HIS SON INTO YOUR HEARTS.
Eph 1:13–AFTER THAT YE BELIEVED, YE WERE SEALED WITH THAT HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE.
Eph 5:18–BUT BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT.
1 Thes 4:8–GOD, WHO HATH ALSO GIVEN UNTO US HIS HOLY SPIRIT.
1 Pe 1:11–THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST WHICH WAS IN THEM.
1 Jn 3:24–AND HE THAT KEEPETH HIS COMMANDMENTS DWELLETH IN HIM, AND HE IN HIM. AND HEREBY WE KNOW THAT HE ABIDETH IN US, BY THE SPIRIT WHICH HE HATH GIVEN US.
1 Jn 4:13–HE HATH GIVEN US OF HIS SPIRIT.
Scripture after scripture has testified that if a person is born again, they do have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside them. And if they do, it is written:
Gal 5:25–IF WE LIVE IN THE SPIRIT, LET US ALSO WALK IN THE SPIRIT.Gal 5:18–BUT IF YE BE LED OF THE SPIRIT, YE ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW.
But then God gives us a warning–
Eph 4:30–AND GRIEVE NOT THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD, WHEREBY YE ARE SEALED UNTO THE DAY OF REDEMPTION. Further, we are warned–
1 Thes 5:19–QUENCH NOT THE SPIRIT.
Then there is a most severe warning for those that trample Christ with sin, counts the blood of Christ an unholy thing, and willfully practices sin despite God’s warnings, or has done despite unto the Spirit of Grace. It is written–
Heb 10:29–OF HOW MUCH SORER PUNISHMENT, SUPPOSE YE, SHALL HE BE THOUGHT WORTHY, WHO HATH TRODDEN UNDER FOOT THE SON OF GOD, AND HATH COUNTED THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT, WHEREWITH HE “WAS” SANCTIFIED, AN UNHOLY THING, AND HATH DONE DESPITE UNTO THE SPIRIT OF GRACE?
Indeed, God appears to give us the severest of warnings, as it is written–
Mt 12:31–WHEREFORE I SAY UNTO YOU, ALL MANNER OF SIN AND BLASPHEMY SHALL BE FORGIVEN UNTO MEN: BUT THE BLASPHEMY AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST SHALL NOT BE FORGIVEN UNTO MEN.
Mt 12:32–AND WHOSOEVER SPEAKETH A WORD AGAINST THE SON OF MAN, IT SHALL BE FORGIVEN HIM: BUT WHOSOEVER SPEAKETH AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST, IT SHALL NOT BE FORGIVEN HIM, NEITHER IN THIS WORLD, NEITHER IN THE WORLD TO COME.
Let us end this study on God’s Spirit indwelling the born again Christian with this great invitation–
Rev 22:17–AND THE SPIRIT AND THE BRIDE SAY, COME. AND LET HIM THAT HEARETH SAY, COME. AND LET HIM THAT IS ATHIRST COME. AND WHOSOEVER WILL, LET HIM TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY.
JESUS ANSWERED, (YES, INDEED), I SAY (TO) (YOU) (the truth), (UNLESS) A MAN BE BORN OF WATER AND OF THE SPIRIT, HE CANNOT ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
Jesus had said that unless a man be born of water and of the Spirit–
HE CANNOT ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD. Jn 3:3 had indicated if a person was not born again he could not see the kingdom of God. The verse went on to explain this involved being born of water and of the Spirit. The verse concludes if a person is not born again–that is, not born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
The verses continue–
Jn 3:6. THAT WHICH IS BORN (FROM) THE FLESH IS FLESH. This denotes when a person is initially born. The flesh produces the things of the flesh. We become a human being by the natural birth. We may say that being born from the flesh is our birthday. We may say that all people are born this way. They are born with a sinful nature and spiritually dead.
BORN WITH A SINFUL NATURE
NATURAL MAN
FLESH
SINFUL NATURE
SIN
As already stated, a person is born with a sinful nature. A person does not have to be taught to lie. It is natural for a person to lie when it suits his purpose and he thinks he can get away with it. Rather, he needs to be taught to tell the truth. A person does not have to be taught to be deceitful. It is natural for a person to be this way when it suits his purpose. It is natural for a person to hide certain things from another or exaggerate when he is talking. It is natural for a person to gossip and slander others when it suits his purpose. Many things a person tells another about someone, they would never do if that other person was standing there. It is natural for a person to murmur, complain, and accuse others. As was said, a person is born with a self–centered, sinful nature. It is natural for many people to have sex outside of marriage. Few people understand what sin is in the eyes of a holy God. A person needs to be taught right from wrong according to the Bible; yet when they are, many resist.
From the day a person is born until the day he dies, they are, what is called, a natural man, a person of the earth, the old man. Each person is the center of their own universe. They make provision for the flesh–ref Ro 13:14. Their life is centered on self (their own personal desires) and becomes centered on–vanity, comfort, getting ahead, being somebody, pride, the desires and things of this life, lusts, sex, pleasures, and money, rather than God. Some center their life on helping people, charitable work, and religion, but they do not submit to the Jesus of the Bible and to God’s Word. They make their own righteousness. Each person has his own idea of right and wrong. Jesus Christ is not the center of their universe. They may look like they are good and honest people, but they have not submitted to the righteousness of God. Works and attitudes of the flesh are not of God. They are carnal. In this state, a person cannot have true communion and communication with God. God is Spirit–ref Jn 4:24. God is Holy. No person can enter heaven and dwell with a Holy God in this condition. No person can enter heaven without denying self. No person can enter heaven without a childlike, humble, submissive, and trusting attitude in the Jesus Christ of the Bible.
A person needs to undergo an inner change, which comes from God’s mercy. Only a few people have gone through this change. The result of this inner change is a person becomes born again. People that have never gone through this conversion cannot really understand what it is like. They can think they see, but they really do not see. They can think they are saved, but they do not really understand.
THE GREAT COMMANDMENT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD
It is written in:
Mk 12:30–31–AND THOU SHALT LOVE THE LORD THY GOD WITH ALL THY HEART, AND WITH ALL THY SOUL, AND WITH ALL THY MIND, AND WITH ALL THY STRENGTH:
Mt 22:38 THIS IS THE FIRST AND GREAT COMMANDMENT.
Mt 22:39 AND THE SECOND IS LIKE UNTO IT, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF.
Mk 12:31–THERE IS NONE OTHER COMMANDMENT GREATER THAN THESE.
Mt 22:40–ON THESE TWO COMMANDMENTS HANG ALL THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS.
Ex 20:3–THOU SHALT HAVE NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME.
Ex 20:4–THOU SHALT NOT MAKE UNTO THEE ANY GRAVEN IMAGE, OR ANY LIKENESS OF ANY THING THAT IS IN HEAVEN ABOVE, OR THAT IS IN THE EARTH BENEATH, OR THAT IS IN THE WATER UNDER THE EARTH:
Ex 20:5–THOU SHALT NOT BOW DOWN THYSELF TO THEM, NOR SERVE THEM: FOR I THE LORD THY GOD AM A JEALOUS GOD, VISITING THE INIQUITY OF THE FATHERS UPON THE CHILDREN UNTO THE THIRD AND FOURTH GENERATION OF THEM THAT HATE ME;
Ex 20:6–AND SHEWING MERCY UNTO THOUSANDS OF THEM THAT LOVE ME, AND KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS.
ALL MEN BORN OF THE FLESH NONE DOETH GOOD
Ps 53:2,3–GOD LOOKED DOWN FROM HEAVEN UPON THE CHILDREN OF MEN, TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY THAT DID UNDERSTAND, THAT DID SEEK GOD. EVERY ONE OF THEM IS GONE BACK: THEY ARE ALTOGETHER BECOME FILTHY; THERE IS NONE THAT DOETH GOOD, NO, NOT ONE.
Ro 3:12–THEY ARE ALL GONE OUT OF THE WAY, THEY ARE TOGETHER BECOME UNPROFITABLE; THERE IS NONE THAT DOETH GOOD, NO, NOT ONE.
Ps 39:5–VERILY EVERY MAN AT HIS BEST STATE IS ALTOGETHER VANITY.
Phili 2:21–ALL SEEK THEIR OWN, NOT THE THINGS WHICH ARE JESUS CHRIST'S.
Ro 5:12–WHEREFORE, AS BY ONE MAN SIN ENTERED INTO THE WORLD, AND DEATH BY SIN; AND SO DEATH PASSED UPON ALL MEN, FOR THAT ALL HAVE SINNED.
Ro 3:23–ALL HAVE SINNED, AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD.
BORN WITH A SINFUL NATURE. NATURAL MAN. FLESH. SINFUL NATURE. SIN.
The following bears repeating: the flesh is the old man, the old nature, the natural man, a brute beast, which describes every person that comes into the world since Adam sinned, except Jesus. This sinful nature is totally corrupt. It is of the earth. It wants its own way. It is stubborn and rebellious against obeying and submitting to God. It is self–centered and self–indulgent. It is worldly. It is carnal. A young child does not have to be taught to lie. All instinctively know how to do it. What then? A young child needs to be taught to tell the truth. A young child does not have to be taught to do things wrong. It is natural for them to do wrong. It is natural for them to do what pleases themselves. So a child needs to be trained to do what is right.
All are born under sin. All are born a natural man. It is written:
1 Cor 15:44–IT IS SOWN A NATURAL BODY;…THERE IS A NATURAL BODY.
1 Cor 15:46–THAT WAS…FIRST…IS NATURAL.
1 Cor 2:14–BUT THE NATURAL MAN RECEIVETH NOT THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD: FOR THEY ARE FOOLISHNESS UNTO HIM: NEITHER CAN HE KNOW THEM, BECAUSE THEY ARE SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED (or we may say they are spiritually corrupt or spiritually unable to recognize them).
Ja 1:23–FOR IF ANY BE A HEARER OF THE WORD, AND NOT A DOER, HE IS LIKE UNTO A MAN BEHOLDING HIS NATURAL FACE IN A GLASS.
2 Pe 2:12–BUT THESE, AS NATURAL BRUTE BEASTS, MADE TO BE TAKEN AND DESTROYED, SPEAK EVIL OF THE THINGS THAT THEY UNDERSTAND NOT; AND SHALL UTTERLY PERISH IN THEIR OWN CORRUPTION;
It is written Ro 8:8–THEY THAT ARE IN THE FLESH (or are still the natural man) CANNOT PLEASE GOD.
The flesh can never be changed into something better. It is born corrupt and will always be corrupt. Such cannot enter the kingdom of heaven–ref Jn 3:5. A person can never convert, regenerate, or save himself for it is written–Mt 19:25,26–Jesus’ disciples said, WHO THEN CAN BE SAVED? Jesus said WITH MEN THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE.
Make no mistake. When a person is born, they are referred to as the natural man, etc. It is impossible for the natural man to inherit eternal life. For it is written, Ro 11:21–God spared not the natural branches and 1 Cor 2:14–the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them. The natural man, which is also called the first man, is worldly. He is unsaved. Such a person cannot enter heaven–ref 1 Cor 15:47. As said above, 2 Pe 2:12–Such people are called natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed. All of us have no hope, except God, in His mercy, opens our understanding of His Word, so that we might be saved through Jesus Christ. But even after God opens our understanding, there is a continual struggle between our old nature and the Spirit. Our old nature wants it own way, but God’s Word tells us, we are to do what pleases God. The verse continues–
AND THAT WHICH IS BORN OF THE SPIRIT IS SPIRIT (or the Spirit gives birth to spirit–NIV). It is not enough to turn over a new leaf. It is not enough to make a new year’s resolution. A person must become a new creature–ref 2 Cor 5:17.
A person cannot see or enter the kingdom of God unless they are born again or born of the Spirit. The Spirit produces the things or fruits of the Spirit. The Spirit produces the things that are of God. The Spirit produces or brings forth in a person a new and changed attitude, as well as changed works for those that humble themselves and submit to God. Born of the Spirit denotes the second birth or rebirth or what is called being born again. We become a part of the family of God by a spiritual birth. It is only possible through God’s intervention. Only through the Spirit of God can a person be converted, regenerated, or born again. A person must receive a new nature, a divine nature, which is the opposite of the natural, fleshly, self–centered, self–seeking, self–indulgent worldly, carnal nature a person is born with. The old nature shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Only a person, who through God’s intervention, has put off the old man and his ways and put on the new man with the divine nature will ever see the kingdom of heaven.
Being born again is when a person receives the indwelling of the Spirit of God. The Scriptures command all men everywhere to repent. Then we are told that the Holy Spirit is received by faith (or trust)–ref Gal 3:2, 14; Eph 1:13. That trust must be centered in Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, Who is come in the flesh, and His finished work at the cross. It cannot be centered in ourselves or any works we do. Once we trust in Jesus Christ as our only hope of salvation, we are under commandment to be baptized by full immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost–ref Mt 28:19. Only a few people become born again or born of the Spirit, even though many think and say they are. It is written, Heb 11:6–BUT 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.
It is further written in Gal 5:17,18–FOR THE FLESH LUSTETH AGAINST THE SPIRIT, AND THE SPIRIT AGAINST THE FLESH: AND THESE ARE CONTRARY THE ONE TO THE OTHER: SO THAT YE CANNOT DO THE THINGS THAT YE WOULD. BUT IF YE BE LED OF THE SPIRIT, YE ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW. We then ought not to please ourselves–ref Ro 15:1. And that is a big problem. A person’s old nature wants to do the things they want to do; but if we wish to follow Jesus, we have to repent. This means we can no longer do many of the things we once did.
This wrestling, or war, or struggle that goes on in the flesh and thoughts of each born again person, which is between the fleshly nature and the things of the Spirit is called spiritual warfare. Once we are born again, we are to have the mind of Christ–ref 1 Cor 2:16. As we diligently seek Him, dwell in His Word, learn of Him, and humbly obey His Word, we grow in Him. We slowly go from needing the pure milk of God’s Word (basic doctrines) to needing strong meat (which is perfection), as our senses become exercised to discern both good and evil–ref Heb 5:14 and 6:1,2. People that are truly born again receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gives us the inner strength and faith (which comes from His Word) to overcome the things of the flesh.
While some do grow in the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, others that have a stony or thorny heart ultimately return to the weak and beggarly elements as they are tempted. They fall away–ref Lk 8:13; 1 Cor 10:12. They become entangled in the pollutions of this world–ref 2 Pe 2:20. They return to the bondage of sin–ref Gal 4:9. They become hardened to the things of God through the deceitfulness of sin–ref Heb 3:13. The light that was in them becomes darkness–ref Lk 11:34–36. Their love for the brethren often turns sour–ref Mt 24:12. Some make friends with the unrighteous–Lk 16:9. They become led away with the error of the wicked and then fall–2 Pe 3:17. Some become prideful–ref 1 Tim 3:6. Many begin to make excuses, have evil thoughts toward the children of God, and begin to accuse the brethren because of the evil that is in their own heart–ref Lk 4:18; Mt 12:10; Lk 23:2; 1 Pe 3:16; and Rev 12:10. God’s word warns such people that do these things with a very severe warning especially to those in the generation of His return.
It is written in Mt 24:48–51–IF THAT EVIL SERVANT SHALL SAY IN HIS HEART, MY LORD DELAYETH HIS COMING; AND SHALL BEGIN TO SMITE (or badmouth, or speak evil of, or come against, or physically abuse) HIS FELLOWSERVANTS,…THE LORD OF THAT SERVANT SHALL COME IN A DAY WHEN HE LOOKETH NOT FOR HIM, AND IN AN HOUR THAT HE IS NOT AWARE OF, AND SHALL CUT HIM ASUNDER, AND APPOINT HIM HIS PORTION WITH THE HYPOCRITES: THERE SHALL BE WEEPING AND GNASHING OF TEETH. To put it very plainly–in the time period that Jesus is to return, any person that even begins to badmouth or speak evil of, or come against his brothers in Christ–that person will go to hell. He will perish for eternity. People that do such things usually have no fear of God in them.
They forsake God, who loves them, as they love this present world–ref 2 Tim 4:10. Their heart is evil. They no longer remember how they were when they followed Christ–ref Ja 1:24. Their latter end is ultimately worse for them than the beginning–ref 2 Pe 2:20. It is written in 2 Pe 2:21,22–FOR IT HAD BEEN BETTER FOR THEM NOT TO HAVE KNOWN THE WAY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, THAN, AFTER THEY HAVE KNOWN IT, TO TURN FROM THE HOLY COMMANDMENT DELIVERED UNTO THEM. BUT IT IS HAPPENED UNTO THEM ACCORDING TO THE TRUE PROVERB, THE DOG IS TURNED TO HIS OWN VOMIT AGAIN; AND THE SOW THAT WAS WASHED TO HER WALLOWING IN THE MIRE. Note, the Bible compares those that were washed, then turn back to sin, with a dog and a pig. Paul says these words to those that may turn from God: Gal 4:11–I AM AFRAID OF YOU, LEST I HAVE BESTOWED UPON YOU LABOUR IN VAIN.
God’s Word exhorts His children with these words. 1 Cor 10:12–WHEREFORE LET HIM THAT THINKETH HE STANDETH TAKE HEED LEST HE FALL. 2 Pe 3:17,18–YE THEREFORE, BELOVED, SEEING YE KNOW THESE THINGS BEFORE, BEWARE LEST YE ALSO, BEING LED AWAY WITH THE ERROR OF THE WICKED, FALL FROM YOUR OWN STEDFASTNESS. BUT GROW IN GRACE, AND IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST. TO HIM BE GLORY BOTH NOW AND FOR EVER. AMEN. Jesus went on to say–
Jn 3:7. DO NOT MARVEL (or stop being amazed)
THAT I SAID (TO) (YOU),
(YOU) MUST BE BORN AGAIN (from above). Nicodemus was apparently amazed or flabbergasted that Jesus, this teacher he believed came from God, spoke of being born again of the Spirit and being born again from above. He had never heard such teaching. His understanding of how to get to heaven was being challenged. Jesus was trying to explain to him that a person cannot earn their way to heaven. A person’s religion, good works, sacraments, rituals, ceremonies or even being born a Jew cannot get a person into heaven.
Jesus went on to explain it this way–
Jn 3:8. THE WIND. The Greek word for wind in this case is pneuma, It carries with it several meanings such as a current of air, but also (by implication) Christ’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit. The wind–
(BLOWS) WHERE IT (WISHES),
AND (YOU) (HEAR) THE SOUND (OF IT),
BUT (you) (CAN) NOT TELL (WHERE) IT (COMES FROM),
AND (WHERE) IT (GOES). The wind seemingly goes where it wishes. Man cannot see the wind or tell where it comes from or where it goes. It is mysterious. There is evidence of the wind. One can see the results and its effects, but it cannot be controlled. It is also written in Jn 14:17–THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH; WHOM THE WORLD CANNOT RECEIVE, BECAUSE IT SEETH HIM NOT, NEITHER KNOWETH HIM: BUT YE KNOW HIM; FOR HE DWELLETH WITH YOU, AND SHALL BE IN YOU. The verse continues–
SO (that’s how it) IS (with) EVERY ONE THAT IS BORN OF THE SPIRIT. Likewise, the Holy Spirit comes and goes and works in born again people’s lives to change them. This can be clearly seen. It cannot be denied because of the evidence, but it is not understood by the unsaved. The change that takes place in a person’s heart and thinking cannot be understood by those in darkness.
Neither do people understand how and where those that are born of the Spirit go.
Violent people become peace loving. People filled with hate, anger, and unforgiveness become filled with love and forgiveness. People living in rejection now know they are received and loved by God. Excuse–makers stop making excuses. Complainers stop complaining. Self–centered, prideful people become Christ–centered and humble. Homosexuals go through a transformation, become straight and filled with love. Drug addicts, alcoholics, thieves, smokers, and people with every kind of addiction and sin imaginable turn from their sin, repent and become filled with the love of Christ.
A person becomes convicted of their sin–ref Jn 16:8. They repent and through the work of the Holy Spirit, they change. If a person is not convicted for their sins, something is very wrong. If a person says they have done no sin they lie–ref 1 Jn 1:8. for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God–ref Ro 3:23. If they do away with their guilt for sin by making excuses, they are in serious trouble and in danger of eternal damnation. It is written in Mt 7:20–WHEREFORE BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM.
Have these changes ever taken place in your life???
WORD OF GOD
CONFORMING TO GOD’S WORD
FEAR GOD
Beware. Many read God’s Word and bend it to conform to what they want to believe. The right way is to read and study God’s Word in brokenness and humbleness, coming to the Bible with an attitude of, “God, I don’t know or understand. Give me your wisdom and understanding.” Then as God's Word is revealed to a person, he is to conform to God’s word, instead of trying to make God’s word conform to what he wants to believe. It is written, Ja 1:5–8–IF ANY OF YOU LACK WISDOM, LET HIM ASK OF GOD, THAT GIVETH TO ALL MEN LIBERALLY, AND UPBRAIDETH NOT; AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN HIM. BUT LET HIM ASK IN FAITH, NOTHING WAVERING. FOR HE THAT WAVERETH IS LIKE A WAVE OF THE SEA DRIVEN WITH THE WIND AND TOSSED. FOR LET NOT THAT MAN THINK THAT HE SHALL RECEIVE ANY THING OF THE LORD. A DOUBLE MINDED MAN IS UNSTABLE IN ALL HIS WAYS.
Praying, repenting, humbling oneself, becoming childlike, putting away preconceived ideas and fearing God is a good place to start, if you want more wisdom and understanding of God’s Word.
Ps 111:10–THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM: A GOOD UNDERSTANDING HAVE ALL THEY THAT DO HIS COMMANDMENTS: HIS PRAISE ENDURETH FOR EVER.
Pv 9:10–THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM: AND THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE HOLY IS UNDERSTANDING.
Job 28:28–AND UNTO MAN HE SAID, BEHOLD, THE FEAR OF THE LORD, THAT IS WISDOM; AND TO DEPART FROM EVIL IS UNDERSTANDING.
Pv 16:6–BY MERCY AND TRUTH INIQUITY IS PURGED: AND BY THE FEAR OF THE LORD MEN DEPART FROM EVIL.
Pv 15:33–THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE INSTRUCTION OF WISDOM; AND BEFORE HONOUR IS HUMILITY.
Pv 1:7–THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF KNOWLEDGE: BUT FOOLS DESPISE WISDOM AND INSTRUCTION.
Pv 8:13–THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS TO HATE EVIL: PRIDE, AND ARROGANCY, AND THE EVIL WAY, AND THE FROWARD MOUTH, DO I HATE.
Pv 14:26–IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS STRONG CONFIDENCE: AND HIS CHILDREN SHALL HAVE A PLACE OF REFUGE.
Pv 14:27–THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS A FOUNTAIN OF LIFE, TO DEPART FROM THE SNARES OF DEATH.
Pv 23:17–LET NOT THINE HEART ENVY SINNERS: BUT BE THOU IN THE FEAR OF THE LORD ALL THE DAY LONG.
WORD OF SALVATION IS SENT TO WHO?
Acts 13:16–THEN PAUL STOOD UP, AND BECKONING WITH HIS HAND SAID, MEN OF ISRAEL, AND YE THAT FEAR GOD, GIVE AUDIENCE.
Acts 13:26–MEN AND BRETHREN, CHILDREN OF THE STOCK OF ABRAHAM, AND WHOSOEVER AMONG YOU FEARETH GOD, TO YOU IS THE WORD OF THIS SALVATION SENT.
Regarding the unsaved, and those that walk in darkness but think they are in the light, consider Pv 1:29–FOR THAT THEY HATED KNOWLEDGE, AND DID NOT CHOOSE THE FEAR OF THE LORD.
Regarding being born of the Spirit–
Jn 3:9. NICODEMUS ANSWERED AND SAID (TO) HIM, (to Jesus)–
HOW CAN THESE THINGS BE (or happen)? In Jn 3:4, Nicodemus had asked, HOW CAN A MAN BE BORN WHEN HE IS OLD? Now he asks, HOW CAN THESE THINGS BE? Despite the explanation that Jesus gave him, he still did not understand how being born of the Spirit (or a spiritual transformation) can take place. He still seems to be thinking in terms of worldly things rather than spiritual things. Most people in this generation also do not understand.
Most of the rich, famous, brilliant, influential, and highly educated people and political leaders in the world cannot understand this either. Neither can those that are prideful and unchildlike understand, even though they may be so–called Bible scholars or Bible teachers. They do not understand; as it is written in 1 Cor 2:14–BUT THE NATURAL MAN RECEIVETH NOT THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD: FOR THEY ARE FOOLISHNESS UNTO HIM: NEITHER CAN HE KNOW THEM, BECAUSE THEY ARE SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED.
Nevertheless, the poor, humble, uneducated people that fear the Lord, upon those that God has opened their understanding–they can understand.
It is written in 1 Cor 1:26–29–FOR YE SEE YOUR CALLING, BRETHREN, HOW THAT NOT MANY WISE MEN AFTER THE FLESH (or wise by human standards), NOT MANY MIGHTY (or influential), NOT MANY NOBLE (or of noble birth), ARE CALLED: BUT GOD HATH CHOSEN THE FOOLISH THINGS OF THE WORLD TO CONFOUND (or shame) THE WISE; AND GOD HATH CHOSEN THE WEAK THINGS OF THE WORLD TO CONFOUND THE THINGS WHICH ARE MIGHTY; AND BASE (or lowly) THINGS OF THE WORLD, AND THINGS WHICH ARE DESPISED, HATH GOD CHOSEN, YEA, AND THINGS WHICH ARE NOT, TO BRING TO NOUGHT THINGS THAT ARE: THAT NO FLESH SHOULD GLORY (or boast) IN HIS PRESENCE.
The verses continue–
Jn 3:10. JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID (TO) HIM. Jn 3:1 calls Nicodemus a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews. Note commentary on this subject following Jn 3:1. Now in this verse Jesus answers Nicodemus’ question with a question. He said–
(ARE) (YOU) A MASTER (or teacher)
OF ISRAEL (or hold the office of teacher in Israel–JNT).
AND (DO NOT UNDERSTAND)
THESE THINGS? The answer is yes, Nicodemus did not understand. He did not understand the concept of being born again and how to be saved. He was a renowned master–teacher in Israel of what we call the Old Testament. He was a deeply spiritual and religious man and undoubtedly revered by the people as such. His life was dedicated to what he thought was serving God, but he did not understand what Jesus was talking about. He was not saved. Being religious and spiritual saves no one. The response and rebuke of Jesus to Nicodemus’ question should have had a humbling effect.
He was spiritually blind, as are many deeply religious people today that are teachers in Bible schools, in pulpits, and even involved in missionary work. He did not understand that God, in His mercy, can convert a person’s heart, thoughts, and attitude from the darkness to the light; from the worldly to the spiritual; from hate and anger to love and mercy; from their eyes being set on this world to their eyes being set on the world to come.
Hell has many people that were full of religion, who were positive they are saved, but they were not full of Jesus–ref Mt 7:22,23. They appeared to be righteous in the sight of people–ref Mt 23:28, but they were never born again. Such people, who are full of darkness but believe they are in the light, are nearly impossible to correct–ref Mt 6:23. Few of these are ever called of God and come to true biblical repentance.
Jesus now begins to dominate the conversation as Nicodemus listens. The verses continue–
Jn 3:11. VERILY, VERILY (or yes indeed), I SAY (TO) (YOU) (the truth),
WE. Note the word that Jesus uses is plural, not singular. The verse continues: WE–
SPEAK (OF WHAT) WE DO KNOW. Again the word “we” is used. It does not say I speak of what I know, but rather “We speak”. The verse continues–
AND TESTIFY (or give evidence). Note Jesus is stating that “we” not only know, but “we” also give evidence, which proves what we are saying. The evidence may have included the words which the Father spoke through the writings of Moses, the psalms, and the prophets; the fulfillment of those words; plus the words which Jesus spoke and the miracles He did. Evidence can also include the fruit of changed lives that result when a person repents and believes on Jesus Christ as their only hope of salvation.
We know and give evidence–
(of) THAT (which) WE HAVE SEEN. For the third time the word “We” is used. Jesus (plural tense, as more than one) indicates that “we” speak of things that we know, and “we” give evidence of things we have actually seem. The very first part of this verse sets the tone, “I” SAY TO YOU THE TRUTH. But then Jesus begins to use the word “We”. “We” know, “We” give evidence, and “We” have seen. Then Jesus “We” begins to be very direct as it says–
(BUT) (YOU) (people). Note the word we and then the words you people. The words of Jesus appears to put a division between (the Father, Himself, and the Holy Spirit) on one side and Nicodemus, those he represents, and perhaps even Israel on the other side. In what appears to be the same thing, God said in Gen 1:26: LET US MAKE MAN. Some believe the we meant Jesus and the prophets, or Jesus and His followers. Jesus said, You people–
(DO NOT RECEIVE) OUR WITNESS (or evidence, or testimony). That division is because of their unbelief. Again, a plural word is used “our” witness. He did not say “My” witness. One might almost hear the forcefulness and grief in the words, as they came forth. Next Jesus speaks in the singular tense. It appears to be even more direct, as the words are spoken–
Jn 3:12. IF I HAVE TOLD YOU (people). Note the words I told you. Jesus puts a division between Himself and Nicodemus with his fellow Pharisees. The verse continues–
(of) (THE THINGS OF THE WORLD–JNT). Jesus had spoke of conversion (or regeneration or being born again). The verse continues–
AND (YOU) (DO NOT BELIEVE). Note, the emphasis is on his unbelief. Nicodemus had said in verse 4: How can a man be born when he is old? and in verse 9: How can these things be? Jesus was saying that if He told Nicodemus about the things of the world and he didn’t believe–
HOW (then) SHALL (YOU) BELIEVE,
IF I TELL YOU OF (THE THINGS OF HEAVEN–JNT)? Nicodemus had admitted that Jesus was a teacher come from God. He had admitted that Jesus did miracles. Then, Jesus indicated that He spoke of the things of this world to Nicodemus, but he did not believe or understand. Jesus then seems to be telling him–if you don’t believe something that is easy to believe regarding this world, how then can you believe the things I tell you of heaven which would be more difficult to believe and understand? A lack of understanding can produce unbelief. The emphasis in what is being said may be summed up in the lack of childlikeness to correction in Nicodemus at that time. At this point in his life, he just couldn’t seem to trust in what Jesus was saying, because of a lack of understanding. He did believe that Jesus was a teacher come from God, but he did not understand that Jesus is God, who came to this earth in the flesh–ref 1 Jn 4:2,3; 2 Jn 1:7. He did not understand that it was Jesus that created all things–ref Col 1:16.
You that are reading this–do you have the same problem regarding God’s Word? Do you find it impossible to believe and trust in things you do not understand? A bit further on, Jn 3:19–21 clearly tells the reason why many people do not believe and get saved. The verses continue–
Jn 3:13. AND NO MAN
(HAS) (ever) ASCENDED UP TO HEAVEN. Jesus Christ would ascend up to heaven after His resurrection–ref Jn 20:17. Forty days later He would ascend up from the Mount of Olives–ref Acts 1:11. Christ was also that spiritual Rock which followed them in the wilderness–ref 1 Cor 10:4. The verse continues–
BUT HE (which is Jesus)
THAT CAME DOWN FROM HEAVEN. Jesus dwelt in heaven with the Father from the beginning–ref Jn 1:1. He then came down from heaven and was born of the virgin Mary. The Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the Ending (Jesus Christ) became flesh–ref Rev 1:8; Jn 1:14; 1 Jn 4:2; 2 Jn 1:7. The verse continues–
EVEN THE SON OF MAN
WHICH IS IN HEAVEN. Jesus states clearly that no man has ever gone up to heaven, except Himself, which came down from heaven. Jesus, the Son of man, came down from heaven. He is God. Nicodemus did not seem to understand, at this time, what was being said.
The words of God, Himself, make it clear that other religions or people that claim they have done so are false. Jesus’ abode is in Heaven, where He was before He came to this earth in human form; and even now He is again in Heaven, sitting at the right hand of God the Father–ref Jn 6:38; Mk 16:19. This is further substantiated by the words of Jesus, in Rev 22:18,19, which severely warn all men about adding or taking away from the words of the book of this prophecy. The verses continue–
Jn 3:14. AND AS MOSES
LIFTED UP THE (SNAKE)
IN THE WILDERNESS (or desert). (Jesus referred to Numbers 21:5–9). The verse continues–
EVEN SO MUST THE SON OF MAN
BE LIFTED UP. The snake was lifted up on a pole. In like manner, the Son of man must be lifted up. Jesus was lifted up on a cross. As the people, who were bitten, had to look upon the fiery serpent that was lifted up in order to live, so must the sinner look to Jesus and believe in order to be saved. Man cannot save himself. A church, denomination, religion, good works, or self–help books cannot save. Mankind is bitten by sin.
In Num 21:3–9–The Lord had just delivered up the Canaanites to Israel, and they utterly destroyed them and their cities. Then, as Israel traveled, they were discouraged because of the way they went. The people spoke against God and Moses saying: WHEREFORE HAVE YE BROUGHT US UP OUT OF EGYPT TO DIE IN THE WILDERNESS? FOR THERE IS NO BREAD, NEITHER IS THERE ANY WATER; AND OUR SOUL LOATHETH THIS LIGHT BREAD. Israel had sinned. They murmured and complained. Note Phili 2:14. As a result, the Lord punished the people. THE LORD SENT FIERY SERPENTS AMONG THE PEOPLE, AND THEY BIT THE PEOPLE; AND MUCH PEOPLE OF ISRAEL DIED. THEREFORE THE PEOPLE CAME TO MOSES, AND SAID, WE HAVE SINNED, FOR WE HAVE SPOKEN AGAINST THE LORD, AND AGAINST THEE; PRAY UNTO THE LORD, THAT HE TAKE AWAY THE SERPENTS FROM US. AND MOSES PRAYED FOR THE PEOPLE. AND THE LORD SAID UNTO MOSES, MAKE THEE A FIERY SERPENT, AND SET IT UPON A POLE: AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS, THAT EVERY ONE THAT IS BITTEN, WHEN HE LOOKETH UPON IT, SHALL LIVE. AND MOSES MADE A SERPENT OF BRASS, AND PUT IT UPON A POLE, AND IT CAME TO PASS, THAT IF A SERPENT HAD BITTEN ANY MAN, WHEN HE BEHELD THE SERPENT OF BRASS, HE LIVED–ref Num 21:3–9. This may have been the last miracle done through Moses before he died. All mankind is bitten with sin. When the evil desires of our heart are met with a temptation from Satan that can fulfill that desire, man will usually choose to chase that desire rather than obey God–s Word. He will usually make some excuse in his evil heart to justify what he is doing, which dulls his conscience, so he can say, “I have done no wrong.”
Jesus was now indicating to Nicodemus that the human race had been bitten by the serpent and all had sinned and were perishing. However, the Son of Man in the same way must be lifted up on the cross, so that all that look to and trust in Him should not perish, but be born again and have eternal life.
About 3 years later, Jesus would be lifted up and crucified on the cross and die. He said, “IT IS FINISHED”–ref Jn 19:30. This fulfilled Jn 3:14. Christ became sin for those that would believe–ref 2 Cor 5:21. After He rose from the dead, about 40 days after the cross, He would ascend up to heaven with others witnessing the event–ref Acts 1:9–11. Christ said in Jn 12:32–AND I, IF I BE LIFTED UP FROM THE EARTH, WILL DRAW ALL MEN UNTO ME. God provided one way only to have peace with God and life for those that were bitten–it was the fiery serpent. God has provided only one way to have peace with God and live–it is Jesus Christ–ref Acts 4:12.
If a person would not have admitted they had been bitten by a serpent, what need would they have to look for a way to live? Should the people not have admitted they had sinned against God and His servant Moses, there was no hope of repentance. It was after the people confessed they had sinned that prayer was made. The people had asked that the serpents be taken away. God then did more than was asked. He not only took away the fiery serpents, but hope was made available to them that had been bitten through the fiery serpent. Undoubtedly, there were those that did not look upon the fiery serpent in time, as they did not believe they would live by doing so. They died. Most people today will not trust in Jesus, so they might live. Some wait too long, thinking they can do it later. Then as they grow older, they become hardened and stiffnecked toward God and perish. Indeed, the unconvicting, comfortable, watered–down, lukewarm Gospel being taught in most churches today lead few to true repentance and obedience. Such are many churches that corrupt the Word of God–ref 2 Cor 2:17. The Gospel of suffering with Christ, persecutions, and sacrifice is seldom heard.
Note the order God gives. 1–The people confessed that they sinned both against God and His servant Moses. Repentance is involved. 2–Prayer was then made. 3–God provides a way to be saved and live. 4–A person needs to trust in the way God provided. 5–A person must obey God. He had to look upon the fiery serpent. The fact that God provided a way to live meant nothing if a person did not trust God and look upon the fiery serpent. Few people today will do it God’s way so they perish.
There is no indication that Nicodemus, at this time, understood what he was being told. He did not understand the love God has for man and that the only true sacrifice for sin that was acceptable was through Jesus Christ Himself. From near the beginning of the Gospel–ref Gen 3:15; to where God made coats of skins for Adam and Eve–ref Gen 4:21; to Abel’s sacrifice of the firstlings of his flock–ref Gen 4:4, and more’all point to Christ. Heb 9:22–AND ALMOST ALL THINGS ARE BY THE LAW PURGED WITH BLOOD; AND WITHOUT SHEDDING OF BLOOD IS NO REMISSION. That understanding seems to have come about 3 years later to Nicodemus. The verses continue–
Jn 3:15. THAT (WHOEVER). “Whosoever” denotes that all can be saved as God, in His mercy, calls them and opens their understanding. The verse continues–
(BELIEVES) (or trusts) IN HIM. Many so called professing Christians may make the statement, “Of course I believe in Jesus.” They do not comprehend the word believe denotes trust. They do not understand that the words WHOSOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM does not mean to simply believe that He existed.
A person must believe in Jesus as the Scriptures state. Jesus is the Word. They must believe what both the Old and New Testament state. They must believe that He is God who came to this earth in human form, was born of the virgin Mary, lived and did what the Scriptures state, died on the cross for their sins, rose from the dead, and now sits at the right hand of God making intercession for those that shall inherit eternal life. It is written in Heb 11:6–BUT 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.
Truly believing in Jesus, as the Scriptures state, results in repentance and a changed life through the power of God. Regretfully, the life of most that claim they are saved reflects no evidence of being born again. Their life reflects no conviction of sin and trust in Christ, and Christ alone, as their only hope of salvation. They do not deny self and trust in Christ in difficult times when trust is needed. Self does not decrease, so Christ can increase. They do not put off self (the old man) and put “on” Jesus Christ–ref Ro 13:14. They do not surrender all to Him. They do not have the mind of Christ. Their life reflects their personal desires–not Christ. They continue to be the lord of their own life. Jesus is not the Lord of their life. Many claim they know Christ, but seldom pray over their meals, tithe, study God’s Word faithfully, and obey it. Their daily conversation and the way they act around other people gives little indication that Christ is the center of their life. A person’s trust in Him should be a daily, even hourly, even minute by minute trust. Our mind should be stayed on Him–ref Isa 26:3. Born again people are to follow Jesus.
Most people’s understanding of the Bible is, at best, very shallow or lukewarm; and their obedience to God’s word is lacking. The evidence of their belief and trust in Jesus Christ is lacking. Titus 1:16–THEY PROFESS THAT THEY KNOW GOD; BUT IN WORKS THEY DENY HIM, BEING ABOMINABLE, AND DISOBEDIENT, AND UNTO EVERY GOOD WORK REPROBATE.
The true meaning of the word “believe” is to have a total, uncompromising commitment of love and obedience. Note the word commitment. To believe in Christ is to believe all the Bible and to know in one’s heart it is all the inspired Word of God. It is to trust in Him no matter what the circumstances, pressures, temptations, or persecutions are. When a person truly believes in Christ, their life goes through a dramatic change. They put their complete trust in Christ for both their salvation and everyday living. It is not to trust in a church, denomination, or religion. Salvation does not come by turning over a new leaf, being moral, being a good person, being sincere, and trying hard. It is through surrendering oneself to Christ, trusting in Him, and allowing Him to change you. We are to love God with all out heart. We are to fear Him–ref Ps 89:7. True Biblical faith will result in obedience and overcoming all things–ref 1 Jn 5:4; Ro 16:26. We need to cast down wrong thinking and imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ–ref 2 Cor 10:5. Our attitude needs to change from the inside.
Nicodemus believed that Jesus was a man that came from God, but He did not believe in Him as the Scriptures say. He appeared to be afraid to be seen with Jesus, and thus came by night. The verse continues–
SHOULD NOT PERISH. Jesus reprimanded Nicodemus for not believing things he told him in verse 12, and then tells him that whoever trusts in Him should not perish. Note, Jesus did not say “will” not perish, but “should” not perish. To perish is to die without Christ and go to hell, which is where most people go–ref Isa 54:1; Mt 7:13–23. Afterward, a person is judged at the great white throne judgment, and then cast into the lake of fire for eternity, which is the second death–ref Rev 20:10–15. The verse continues–
BUT (may) HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. That bears repeating. (WHOEVER) (BELIEVES) (or trusts) IN HIM (the Son of Man) (Jesus Christ) SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT (may) HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. Jesus is telling Nicodemus how to inherit eternal life.
When a born again person, living in this present age, dies, they immediately go to be with Jesus–ref 2 Cor 5:8. It is written in Rev 21:3,4–AND I HEARD A GREAT VOICE OUT OF HEAVEN SAYING, BEHOLD, THE TABERNACLE OF GOD IS WITH MEN, AND HE WILL DWELL WITH THEM, AND THEY SHALL BE HIS PEOPLE, AND GOD HIMSELF SHALL BE WITH THEM, AND BE THEIR GOD. AND GOD SHALL WIPE AWAY ALL TEARS FROM THEIR EYES; AND THERE SHALL BE NO MORE DEATH, NEITHER SORROW, NOR CRYING, NEITHER SHALL THERE BE ANY MORE PAIN: FOR THE FORMER THINGS ARE PASSED AWAY. 1 Cor 2:9–EYE HATH NOT SEEN, NOR EAR HEARD, NEITHER HAVE ENTERED INTO THE HEART OF MAN, THE THINGS WHICH GOD HATH PREPARED FOR THEM THAT LOVE HIM.
ETERNAL LIFE
EVERLASTING LIFE
FOR EVER AND EVER
PURGATORY
LIFE AFTER DEATH
The words “eternal life” appear in the Bible approximately 26 times. The words “everlasting life” appear in the Bible approximately 11 times. Some believe these terms mean “life of the age to come.” The words “ever and ever” appear in the Bible approximately 46 times. Everyone does have an eternal existence. When a person dies, he does not cease to exist. When our physical body dies, the born again person goes to be with Jesus; as it is written: 2 Cor 5:8–WE ARE CONFIDENT, I SAY,…TO BE ABSENT FROM THE BODY, AND TO BE PRESENT WITH THE LORD. If the person is not born again, then they go to a place called hell; as it is written: Lk 16:22–23–AND IT CAME TO PASS, THAT…THE RICH MAN ALSO DIED, AND WAS BURIED; AND IN HELL HE LIFT UP HIS EYES, BEING IN TORMENTS.
There is no such thing as purgatory, as a certain false religion maintains and deceives its millions of followers with. Search the Scriptures. It cannot be found, and neither can the word be found. It is also contrary to good, sound Bible doctrine, that is, the “completed” work of Jesus on the cross, as well as many verses of Scripture. To be absent from the body (to die on this earth) is to be with the Lord, if a person is born again. If a person is not born again, to be absent from the body is to be in a place called hell.
As has been said, “There are none so blind, as those that refuse to see.” There are none so blind, as those that choose to follow their own ideas from their deceived and wicked heart–ref Jere 17:9. There are none so blind, as those that willingly choose to follow a denomination, religion, church, priest, or other clergy rather than Christ and the written Word of God.
For more information on existence after death, see Mt 3:10 and the subject of “Hell and the Lake of Fire.”
Eternal life may be said to be–Christ (the Word), through the power of God, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit working in us, converting us, conforming us, transforming us, and manifesting Himself in a person’s life–to bring about an inner change of a person’s heart, thinking, and fruits to the life and image of Christ–ref Ro 8:29; Col 3:10.
Regarding the subject of “eternal life” or “everlasting life” the Bible reveals the rich man whom Jesus loved asked how to inherit eternal life, ref Mt 19:16; Lk 18:18; Mk 10:17.
The lawyer asked about eternal life–ref Lk 10:25
God promised eternal life before the world began–ref Titus 1:2.
Eternal life is our hope–ref Titus 3:7.
Those ordained to eternal life will believe–ref Acts 13:48.
Jesus said: HE THAT BELIEVETH ON ME HATH EVERLASTING LIFE. I AM THAT BREAD OF LIFE–Jn 6:47,48.
HE THAT HEARETH MY WORD, AND BELIEVETH ON HIM THAT SENT ME, HATH EVERLASTING LIFE, AND SHALL NOT COME INTO CONDEMNATION; BUT IS PASSED FROM DEATH UNTO LIFE–ref Jn 5:24
HE THAT BELIEVETH ON THE SON HATH EVERLASTING LIFE: AND HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT THE SON SHALL NOT SEE LIFE; BUT THE WRATH OF GOD ABIDETH ON HIM–ref Jn 3:36<
AND THIS IS THE WILL OF HIM THAT SENT ME, THAT EVERY ONE WHICH SEETH THE SON, AND BELIEVETH ON HIM, MAY HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE: AND I WILL RAISE HIM UP AT THE LAST DAY–ref Jn 6:40
Eternal life is in the world to come–ref Mk 10:30
It is through the Scriptures that we think we have eternal life–ref Jn 5:39
Jesus has the words of eternal life–ref Jn 6:68
Jesus gives eternal life–ref Jn 10:28; Jn 17:2; 1 Jn 5:77.
It is through Jesus Christ that we have eternal life–ref Ro 6:23.
Jesus is eternal life–ref 1 Jn 1:2.
Jesus Christ was with the Father and is eternal life–ref 1 Jn 1:2.
Seek eternal life–ref Ro 2:7
Lay hold on eternal life–ref 1 Tim 6:12; 6:19.
Grace reigns through righteousness unto eternal life–ref Ro 5:21
Regarding the subject of “everlasting life” Jesus said: LABOUR NOT FOR THE MEAT WHICH PERISHETH, BUT FOR THAT MEAT WHICH ENDURETH UNTO EVERLASTING LIFE, WHICH THE SON OF MAN SHALL GIVE UNTO YOU: FOR HIM HATH GOD THE FATHER SEALED–ref Jn 6:27
Regarding those that reject God’s Word, Paul and Barnabas said: IT WAS NECESSARY THAT THE WORD OF GOD SHOULD FIRST HAVE BEEN SPOKEN TO YOU: BUT SEEING YE PUT IT FROM YOU, AND JUDGE YOURSELVES UNWORTHY OF EVERLASTING LIFE, LO, WE TURN TO THE GENTILES–ref Acts 13:46
And when our life on this earth is over, some SHALL AWAKE, SOME TO EVERLASTING LIFE, AND SOME TO SHAME AND EVERLASTING CONTEMPT (which is hell). (Note–there is no in between place like purgatory). AND THEY THAT BE WISE SHALL SHINE AS THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE FIRMAMENT; AND THEY THAT TURN MANY TO RIGHTEOUSNESS AS THE STARS FOR EVER AND EVER–ref Dan 12:2,3.
AND EVERY ONE THAT HATH FORSAKEN HOUSES, OR BRETHREN, OR SISTERS, OR FATHER, OR MOTHER, OR WIFE, OR CHILDREN, OR LANDS, FOR MY NAME’S SAKE, SHALL RECEIVE AN HUNDREDFOLD, AND SHALL INHERIT EVERLASTING LIFE–ref Mt 19:29
NOW BEING MADE FREE FROM SIN, AND BECOME SERVANTS TO GOD, YE HAVE YOUR FRUIT UNTO HOLINESS, AND THE END EVERLASTING LIFE. FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH; BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD–ref Ro 6:22,23.
No one that hates his brother in Christ has eternal life–ref 1 Jn 3:15.
Jesus Christ is the true God and is eternal life–ref 1 Jn 5:20.
Regarding the subject of “forever and ever”, as one would study the Bible they should find that sometimes the Bible uses the term “forever”. This does not always denote time without end, but rather a very long time that ends at a specific time period or the millennium, New heaven and earth, or at the judgment. However, when the words used are forever and ever, this usually has the same meaning as everlasting or eternal. These words appear in the Bible approximately 47 times. Some examples follow:
Rev 4:9–HIM THAT SAT ON THE THRONE, WHO LIVETH FOREVER AND EVER.
Rev 4:10–HIM THAT LIVETH FOREVER AND EVER.
Rev 5:14–HIM THAT LIVETH FOREVER AND EVER.
Rev 15:7–GOD, WHO LIVETH FOREVER AND EVER.
Rev 10:6–HIM THAT LIVETH FOREVER AND EVER, WHO CREATED HEAVEN,…THE EARTH,…THE SEA.
Ps 48:14–FOR THIS GOD IS OUR GOD FOREVER AND EVER.
Ex 15:18–THE LORD SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER.
Rev 11:15–CHRIST;…HE SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER.
Ps 10:16–THE LORD IS KING FOREVER AND EVER.
1 Pe 4:11–GOD IN ALL THINGS MAY BE GLORIFIED THROUGH JESUS CHRIST, TO WHOM BE PRAISE AND DOMINION FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN.
Phili 4:20–NOW UNTO GOD AND OUR FATHER BE GLORY FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN.
Gal 1:4–5–WHO GAVE HIMSELF FOR OUR SINS, THAT HE MIGHT DELIVER US FROM THIS PRESENT EVIL WORLD, ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD AND OUR FATHER: TO WHOM BE GLORY FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN.
1 Tim 1:17–NOW UNTO THE KING ETERNAL, IMMORTAL, INVISIBLE, THE ONLY WISE GOD, BE HONOUR AND GLORY FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN.
2 Tim 4:18–THE LORD…TO WHOM BE GLORY FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN.
Heb 13:21–JESUS CHRIST; TO WHOM BE GLORY FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN.
1 Pe 5:11–TO HIM BE GLORY AND DOMINION FOR EVER AND EVER. AMEN.
Rev 1:6–TO HIM BE GLORY AND DOMINION FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN.
Rev 5:13–BLESSING, AND HONOUR, AND GLORY, AND POWER, BE UNTO HIM THAT SITTETH UPON THE THRONE, AND UNTO THE LAMB FOREVER AND EVER.
Rev 7:12–BLESSING, AND GLORY, AND WISDOM, AND THANKSGIVING, AND HONOUR, AND POWER, AND MIGHT, BE UNTO OUR GOD FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN.
1 Chr 16:36–BLESSED BE THE LORD GOD OF ISRAEL FOREVER AND EVER.
Dan 2:20–DANIEL…SAID, BLESSED BE THE NAME OF GOD FOREVER AND EVER: FOR WISDOM AND MIGHT ARE HIS:
Ps 45:6–THY THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER.
Heb 1:8–THY THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER.
Ps 111:7–8–THE WORKS OF HIS HANDS ARE VERITY AND JUDGMENT; ALL HIS COMMANDMENTS ARE SURE. THEY STAND FAST FOREVER AND EVER, AND ARE DONE IN TRUTH AND UPRIGHTNESS.
Ps 148:1–6–…THE HEAVENS,…THE HEIGHTS,…HIS ANGELS,…HIS HOSTS,…SUN AND MOON,…STARS OF LIGHT,…HEAVENS OF HEAVENS,…WATERS THAT BE ABOVE THE HEAVENS,…HE COMMANDED AND THEY WERE CREATED. HE HATH ALSO STABLISHED THEM FOREVER AND EVER: HE HATH MADE A DECREE WHICH SHALL NOT PASS.
Isa 30:8–WRITE IT BEFORE THEM IN A TABLE, AND NOTE IT IN A BOOK, THAT IT MAY BE FOR THE TIME TO COME FOREVER AND EVER:
(I) (ALL FLESH) (THE PEOPLE)
Ps 119:44–SO SHALL I KEEP THY LAW CONTINUALLY FOREVER AND EVER.
Ps 145:1–I WILL BLESS THY NAME FOREVER AND EVER.
Ps 145:2–EVERY DAY WILL I BLESS THEE; AND I WILL PRAISE THY NAME FOREVER AND EVER.
Ps 145:21–LET ALL FLESH BLESS HIS HOLY NAME FOREVER AND EVER.
Ps 45:17–THE PEOPLE PRAISE THEE FOREVER AND EVER.
Isa 34:8–10–FOR IT IS THE DAY OF THE LORD'S VENGEANCE, AND THE YEAR OF RECOMPENCES FOR THE CONTROVERSY OF ZION. AND THE STREAMS THEREOF SHALL BE TURNED INTO PITCH, AND THE DUST THEREOF INTO BRIMSTONE, AND THE LAND THEREOF SHALL BECOME BURNING PITCH. IT SHALL NOT BE QUENCHED NIGHT NOR DAY; THE SMOKE THEREOF SHALL GO UP FOR EVER: FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION IT SHALL LIE WASTE; NONE SHALL PASS THROUGH IT FOREVER AND EVER.
Mic 4:5–FOR ALL PEOPLE.WE WILL WALK IN THE NAME OF THE LORD OUR GOD FOREVER AND EVER.
Dan 7:18–BUT THE SAINTS OF THE MOST HIGH SHALL TAKE THE KINGDOM, AND POSSESS THE KINGDOM FOREVER, EVEN FOREVER AND EVER.
Dan 12:3–AND THEY THAT BE WISE SHALL SHINE AS THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE FIRMAMENT; AND THEY THAT TURN MANY TO RIGHTEOUSNESS AS THE STARS FOREVER AND EVER.
Rev 21:3, 7, 24, 27; 22:3, 5–MEN…THEY SHALL BE HIS PEOPLE…HE THAT OVERCOMETH…THE NATIONS OF THEM WHICH ARE SAVED, THEY WHICH ARE WRITTEN IN THE LAMB’S BOOK OF LIFE…HIS SERVANTS…AND THEY SHALL REIGN FOREVER AND EVER.
(THE UNSAVED)(THE DEVIL, THE BEAST (Antichrist), THE FALSE PROPHET)
Rev 19:2,3–THE GREAT WHORE,…AND HER SMOKE ROSE UP FOREVER AND EVER.
Rev 20:10–AND THE DEVIL THAT DECEIVED THEM WAS CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE AND BRIMSTONE, WHERE THE BEAST AND THE FALSE PROPHET ARE, AND SHALL BE TORMENTED DAY AND NIGHT FOREVER AND EVER.
Ps 9:5–THOU HAST REBUKED THE HEATHEN, THOU HAST DESTROYED THE WICKED, THOU HAST PUT OUT THEIR NAME FOREVER AND EVER.
Indeed, hell has many people that professed they believed in Jesus–ref Mt 7:21–23; Lk 6:46–49; 13:25–27, but their belief was simply having a head knowledge about Jesus, which did not result in forsaking self and giving the control of their life over to Him–to obey Him, love Him, and trust Him alone for their salvation. Their head knowledge did not result in bringing them to true Biblical repentance. An inner change by the power of God did not take place in their hearts and thinking. They were not born again. God did not dwell in them. They were not Biblically converted. They were still the old wine, an old garment, an old bottle, the old man. They had not put off the old and put on the new. They did not trust in Him steadfast unto the end.
The actual words “should not perish” are mentioned twice in the New Testament. The words “will not perish” are never mentioned in the KJV. The words “might have life” are mentioned 3 times in the New Testament.
The actual words “accept Him” are not in the King James Bible. The words “receive Him” are.
The next verse, John 3:16, is probably the most known and memorized verse in the Bible. Jesus is still speaking to Nicodemus. He tells him of the great love that God has for the world, what God did for the world, and then Jesus identifies himself as not only one that was sent from God, but that He himself is God’s only begotten Son, and then a second time Jesus states how to be saved. He states whoever trusts in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Some may have said that if any one verse sums up the Bible it is Jn 3:16.
The verses continue–
Jn 3:16. FOR GOD. This is referring to God in heaven–our heavenly Father, the First person of the trinity, the Godhead. There is no other God except Him–ref Mk 12:32, 1 Cor 8:4. He is the Great God–Neh 8:6. He–
SO LOVED. This is the greatest love. This love may be said to be so great it is almost beyond human understanding. The Scriptures tell us that GOD IS LOVE–ref 1 Jn 4:8. His love is directed to–
THE WORLD. The mission of Jesus Christ may be said to be this: to come to this earth in human form. He lived a sinless life. He came to teach, to minister, to be tempted in all points as we are, to be tortured and to give His life a ransom for many, and to be the one and only mediator between God and men–ref Heb 4:15; Mt 20:28; 1 Tim 2:5. This is love. The Jews thought that when Christ would come, it was them that He would love. Yet Jesus Himself said that God so loved the world (which is both Jews and Gentiles)–
THAT HE. This again is referring to our heavenly Father. God sacrificed and–
GAVE HIS (One and) ONLY BEGOTTEN SON. Jesus Christ became the sacrificial Lamb. The princes of this world–ref 1 Cor 2:8 (the enemies of Christ) would not have crucified Christ, if God the Father had not given Him. Jesus is making it clear to Nicodemus that it is He, Who is the only begotten Son of God. Four times the Bible uses the words “only begotten Son,” when referring to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the one and only begotten Son of our heavenly Father. There is none other. The torture and abuse He endured and hanging on the cross resulted in the following: HIS APPEARANCE WAS SO DISFIGURED BEYOND THAT OF ANY MAN AND HIS FORM MARRED BEYOND HUMAN LIKENESS–Isa 52:14 NIV. He did this for a rebellious, evil, and sinful world. It may be said that the result of love is–
THAT (WHOEVER). This is an open invitation to whosoever will. The verse continues–
(BELIEVES) (or trusts). Many today say they believe in Jesus Christ, but that belief is very shallow. It is not centered in God's Word. Their belief is nothing more than a head knowledge that He existed. It is not a personal relationship with Him, centered in truth as the Scriptures said. It is not a belief that results in the new birth. Many deny Him in their lack of a godly attitude, biblical self–denial, commitment, sacrifice, trust, obedience, and love. They say they believe in Christ, but they have no understanding of what it even means to “follow Him.” Their fruits, their speech, their actions bear witness that they are not really born again. The verse continues THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES (or trusts)–
IN HIM. This means that Jesus Christ is to be the center of everything, That trust needs to be centered in the Jesus Christ of the Bible, not in some imaginary Christ that many people conjure up in their corrupt hearts and their thinking to fit what they want to believe. The verse continues–
SHOULD NOT PERISH. What does it mean to perish? The word perish may be best explained in Rev 20:14 and 21:8–DEATH AND HELL WERE CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE. THIS IS THE SECOND DEATH. BUT THE FEARFUL, AND UNBELIEVING, AND THE ABOMINABLE, AND MURDERERS, AND WHOREMONGERS, AND SORCERERS, AND IDOLATERS, AND ALL LIARS, SHALL HAVE THEIR PART IN THE LAKE WHICH BURNETH WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE: WHICH IS THE SECOND DEATH.
Note the word “should” not perish. It takes more than a lukewarm belief to be saved. One needs to continue in the Faith. Note the Bible study on this subject shortly after this verse. The verse continues–
BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE. This is love. The greatest gift ever given and that can be received is Jesus Christ, and eternal life. Jesus Christ is the Bread of life. FOR THE BREAD OF GOD IS HE WHICH COMETH DOWN FROM HEAVEN, AND GIVETH LIFE UNTO THE WORLD–Jn 6:33.
1 Jn 4:9,10 also expresses God’s love for us, as it is written: IN THIS WAS MANIFESTED THE LOVE OF GOD TOWARD US, BECAUSE THAT GOD SENT HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON INTO THE WORLD, THAT WE MIGHT LIVE THROUGH HIM. HEREIN IS LOVE, NOT THAT WE LOVED GOD, BUT THAT HE LOVED US, AND SENT HIS SON TO BE THE PROPITIATION FOR OUR SINS.
God the Father’s love is so great for humanity that he sent Jesus Christ to this earth to be ridiculed, tortured, and brutally murdered to save the lost. To our knowledge, despite this love, mankind hates Him so much that it uses the name of God and Jesus Christ perhaps more than any other words as the ultimate curse words in their anger, in every known language. There is no logical explanation for this intense hatred and contempt toward Him. The Bible is so true, when it says: Jere 17:9–THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS, AND DESPERATELY WICKED: WHO CAN KNOW IT? Indeed, without repentance and being spiritually born again through Jesus Christ and putting on Christ, thus having a new nature, a person has absolutely no hope of any future, except hell and the lake of fire. This is truth. This is fact. Thus, it is written; and thus, it shall be. Fear God, and depart from evil.
Jesus clearly showed one of the most religious people in the Bible—his lost condition. Even though God, himself, told these words to Nicodemus, he would not have understood what they truly meant. God had not yet opened up his understanding. Once the crucifixion of Christ took place, then it appears he understood.
So it is today, as it was then. Christ told many they were not saved. Some argued with him and did not believe him. Now they are in hell. Now they believe, but it is too late. Today, Christ, Himself, tells millions or billions of people through His Word, they are not saved; yet few can examine themselves truthfully, as their heart is so hardened, deceived, and corrupt. How can a lying heart be truthful to itself and admit it is a lying, deceived heart? Few people can look at themselves truthfully and see their desperately wicked, depraved condition. Most people deceive themselves. They want to think of themselves as being good, not evil.
Note: Those that follow Islam often use the words “God is great”; however, they, along with most of the world, have no understanding of the loving, compassionate, nature of God or what these words truly mean. Neither do they have any understanding of a personal love relationship with God. Lying, believing lies, deceit, anger, hardness, being uncorrectable, and intimidation sometimes fills their heart. Can a lying, deceived, angry, and callous heart admit it is a liar and deceived? Wherein truth, believing truth, love, softness, sweetness, kindness, compassion, and loving correction should fill a born again Christian’s heart. Islam teaches to hate their enemies. Born again Christians are to love their enemies. It is written, Mt 5:44,45–BUT I SAY UNTO YOU, LOVE YOUR ENEMIES, BLESS THEM THAT CURSE YOU, DO GOOD TO THEM THAT HATE YOU, AND PRAY FOR THEM WHICH DESPITEFULLY USE YOU, AND PERSECUTE YOU; THAT YE MAY BE THE CHILDREN OF YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN: FOR HE MAKETH HIS SUN TO RISE ON THE EVIL AND ON THE GOOD, AND SENDETH RAIN ON THE JUST AND ON THE UNJUST.
Much of Islam and many cults are very religious. They are committed to their false god and false bibles or writings. Much of what is called Christianity is committed to a deceived, lukewarm understanding of God’s Word or to their church traditions. Many are committed to a corrupt presentation of God's Word. Truly born again Christians are committed to Jesus Christ. It is through faith in Him, and Him, alone that enables a person to escape the damnation of hell–ref Mt 23:33, and have everlasting life–ref Jn 3:16; Acts 4:12.
All the ways of people are AS AN UNCLEAN THING, AND ALL OUR RIGHTEOUSNESSES ARE AS FILTHY RAGS–Isa 64:6. All hearts are DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS, AND DESPERATELY WICKED: WHO CAN KNOW IT?–Jere 17:9. All people HAVE SINNED, AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD–Ro 3:23.
No religion, no philosophy, no meditations, no self–help books, or anything of human means can change this. It is only through a new spiritual birth–being born again and receiving the indwelling of the Holy Spirit–that a person may begin to live a life that is pleasing to God. Without the new birth, a person is a vessel fit for destruction and dishonor–ref Ro 9:21. With the new birth, a person is a vessel fit for honor, ready for the master’s use, prepared unto every good work and the kingdom of heaven–ref 2 Tim 2:21.
John 3:16 shows us God’s love, compassion and how great God truly is as it is written: FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD.
Which dominates your life? Is it the love of God, or the anger, hate, jealousy, envy, and self–centeredness of Satan?
JEWS
TWO GROUPS OF PEOPLE ONLY
Note the following. Satan, Islam, most of the world and some very deceived so–called Christian denominations, either hate, despise or side against the Jews. However, God and true born again Christians love the Jews. Jesus was a Jew. We are to love Him–ref Jn 8:42.. The apostles were Jews. Where does your heart fit in this scenario? Are you on the side of God or the side of Satan? Does this question upset you?
There are only two groups of people. A person is either on God’s side–sold–out to Jesus, or a person is on the devil’s side. A person’s father is either Satan or God–ref Lk 11:23; Jn 8:43,44. No matter how religious a person is, without the new birth, a person is not saved and is on the side of the devil. This all begins with trusting in Christ and repentance, which is evidenced by a dramatic change in a person’s thinking, attitude, and life.
BORN AGAIN–MADE EASY TO UNDERSTAND
BORN AGAIN–SHORT AND TO THE POINT
Here is an example. Let us say, you are in jail. Then you learn that someone, who loves you far more than you can understand, has sacrificed himself to pay your enormous fine, so you can be set free and released. However, there are conditions. One–you have to believe your fine has been paid in full by your friend, or you will not get up and leave. Two–you also have to admit you are guilty of the crime and repent of the wicked things you have been doing, the way you have been living, and the ungodly attitude you have had. Three–you are to love your friend with all your heart, learn much more about Him, follow and obey him for the rest of your life.
Nearly all people want eternal life, but they are not willing to meet the conditions God requires. They are not willing to biblically repent. So they deceive themselves and trust that they will be in heaven for reasons that are not biblically based.
Then they die and find they are in a place called hell. As they are crying and gnashing their teeth, being tormented in hell, a deceived clergy, presiding at the person's funeral, tries to comfort those attending by assuring them that the deceased relative or friend is most surely now in heaven, in a better place–ref Lk 16:20–31. Will this describe you?
The commentary, in Jn 3:15, somewhat covers what the biblical word “believe“ entails. The word “believe” could be summed up in these words–a total uncompromising commitment of love, trust, and obedience in a person's heart, regarding Jesus Christ and the inspired Word of God in the 66 books of the Bible. That trust should be so deep that a person would be willing to die a martyr’s death, never denying our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in any way. Indeed, many people throughout history have been faced with such a situation.
Some people in the days we are now living and multitudes in the near future will also face this situation, during the yet to come tribulation period. Many still alive, during the midst of the tribulation, will be faced with a martyr's death (being beheaded), if they do not worship the beast (which is the Antichrist) and his image. They will not be able to buy or sell, unless they take the mark of his name (666). The Bible warns in Rev 14:11–AND THE SMOKE OF THEIR TORMENT ASCENDETH UP FOR EVER AND EVER: AND THEY HAVE NO REST DAY NOR NIGHT, WHO WORSHIP THE BEAST AND HIS IMAGE, AND WHOSOEVER RECEIVETH THE MARK OF HIS NAME.
CONTINUE IN THE FAITH, IN THE GRACE OF GOD, IN DOCTRINE, OUR CONFIDENCE STEDFAST
CONTINUE...GROUNDED AND SETTLED
BE NOT MOVED AWAY
ENDURETH TO THE END
STEDFAST
Mt 10:22–AND YE SHALL BE HATED OF ALL MEN FOR MY NAME’S SAKE: BUT HE THAT ENDURETH TO THE END SHALL BE SAVED.
Mt 24:13–BUT HE THAT SHALL ENDURE UNTO THE END, THE SAME SHALL BE SAVED.
1 Tim 2:15–NOTWITHSTANDING SHE SHALL BE SAVED IN CHILDBEARING, IF THEY CONTINUE IN FAITH AND CHARITY AND HOLINESS WITH SOBRIETY.
Jn 8:31–THEN SAID JESUS TO THOSE JEWS WHICH BELIEVED ON HIM, IF YE CONTINUE IN MY WORD, THEN ARE YE MY DISCIPLES INDEED.
Acts 13:43–MANY OF THE JEWS AND RELIGIOUS PROSELYTES FOLLOWED PAUL AND BARNABAS: WHO, SPEAKING TO THEM, PERSUADED THEM TO CONTINUE IN THE GRACE OF GOD.
Acts 14:22–EXHORTING THEM TO CONTINUE IN THE FAITH, AND THAT WE MUST THROUGH MUCH TRIBULATION ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
Ro 11:22–BEHOLD THEREFORE THE GOODNESS AND SEVERITY (or sternness) OF GOD: ON THEM WHICH FELL, SEVERITY (or sternness); BUT TOWARD THEE, GOODNESS, IF THOU CONTINUE IN HIS GOODNESS: OTHERWISE THOU ALSO SHALT BE CUT OFF.
Col 1:23–IF YE CONTINUE IN THE FAITH GROUNDED AND SETTLED, AND BE NOT MOVED AWAY FROM THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL, WHICH YE HAVE HEARD.
1 Tim 4:16–TAKE HEED UNTO THYSELF, AND UNTO THE DOCTRINE; CONTINUE IN THEM: FOR IN DOING THIS THOU SHALT BOTH SAVE THYSELF, AND THEM THAT HEAR THEE.
1 Jn 2:24–LET THAT THEREFORE ABIDE IN YOU, WHICH YE HAVE HEARD FROM THE BEGINNING. IF THAT WHICH YE HAVE HEARD FROM THE BEGINNING SHALL REMAIN IN YOU, YE ALSO SHALL CONTINUE IN THE SON, AND IN THE FATHER.
Heb 3:14–FOR WE ARE MADE PARTAKERS OF CHRIST, IF WE HOLD THE BEGINNING OF OUR CONFIDENCE STEDFAST UNTO THE END. The verses continue–
Jesus continues to talk with Nicodemus as He says–
Jn 3:17. FOR GOD
SENT NOT HIS SON. Again Jesus confirms that He is the Son of God, and that God sent Him. Did Nicodemus grasp what was being said? Did he understand that He was actually talking to God Who came to this earth in human form? However, Jesus tells Nicodemus that He was not sent–
INTO THE WORLD
TO CONDEMN (or judge). The meaning of the word condemn is explained in some of the following verses. The verse continues–
THE WORLD. The world, as viewed by a holy God, is sinful, rebellious, deceitful, and wicked. Much of the world has created false religions, turned to false gods, and corrupted God’s Word. There is much violence. Some might have thought that when the Messiah would come, He would come to destroy it, as in the days of Noah. Yet God’s Son did not come to condemn the world–
BUT (rather)
THAT THE WORLD
THROUGH HIM
MIGHT BE SAVED. (Note the verses on judgment shortly after this verse). Jesus was not only sent to save the Jews, but to save the world–that is all in the world that would place their trust in Him and Him alone. It is only through Jesus that the world might be saved. Jesus came and brought grace.
Note the verses uses the word “MIGHT” be saved, not “will” be saved. This is somewhat repeated in Jn 12:47–AND IF ANY MAN HEAR MY WORDS, AND BELIEVE NOT, I JUDGE HIM NOT: FOR I CAME NOT TO JUDGE THE WORLD, BUT TO SAVE THE WORLD.
Jesus came the first time to give His life a ransom for many–ref Mt 20:28, not to judge or condemn the world. However, Heb 9:27 tells us–IT IS APPOINTED UNTO MEN ONCE TO DIE, BUT AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT.
Jesus clearly told Nicodemus that salvation was through Him and this is why He was sent by God into the world.
Many people in this present evil world are willingly ignorant of God’s Word. Many want to compromise, change, silence, and eradicate the ten commandments and the Word of God that will judge them. It almost seems that they think if they can stop their ears from hearing it or eliminate it, that their judgment will not really happen. It is the Word that shall judge–ref Jn 12:48. No matter what they do, they will eventually die, and after that, their judgment shall take place, just as it is written. Hell is a very real place. Billions of people are already there, and many more will be going. Are you among them?
JUDGMENTS
JESUS CHRIST SHALL JUDGE
WORD OF GOD SHALL JUDGE>
THRONE OF HIS GLORY
MILLENNIUM–JUDGMENT OF ISRAEL
GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT
When Jesus comes the second time, it is at the time of Armageddon. It is written in Rev 16:16–AND HE GATHERED THEM TOGETHER INTO A PLACE CALLED IN THE HEBREW TONGUE ARMAGEDDON. Rev 19:11–AND I SAW HEAVEN OPENED, AND BEHOLD A WHITE HORSE; AND HE THAT SAT UPON HIM WAS CALLED FAITHFUL AND TRUE, AND IN RIGHTEOUSNESS HE DOTH JUDGE AND MAKE WAR. He SHALL COME IN HIS GLORY AND ALL THE HOLY ANGELS WITH HIM–Mt 25:31. He will, at that time, judge the world for sin with flaming vengeance–ref 2 Thes 1:8. Heb 10:30,31–FOR WE KNOW HIM THAT HATH SAID, VENGEANCE BELONGETH UNTO ME, I WILL RECOMPENSE, SAITH THE LORD.
Following His actual physical return, Mt 25:31–THEN SHALL HE (Jesus Christ) SIT UPON THE THRONE OF HIS GLORY. Those people that are still left alive on the earth shall be gathered. 2 Tim 4:1–THE LORD JESUS CHRIST,…SHALL JUDGE THE QUICK AND THE DEAD AT HIS APPEARING AND HIS KINGDOM;
Mt 25:32–33–BEFORE HIM SHALL BE GATHERED ALL NATIONS: AND HE SHALL SEPARATE THEM ONE FROM ANOTHER, AS A SHEPHERD DIVIDETH HIS SHEEP FROM THE GOATS: AND HE SHALL SET THE SHEEP ON HIS RIGHT HAND, BUT THE GOATS ON THE LEFT. At this time, He shall judge the world. Mt 25:46–AND (those on His left hand) THESE SHALL GO AWAY INTO EVERLASTING PUNISHMENT: BUT (those on His right hand) THE RIGHTEOUS INTO LIFE ETERNAL. Heb 10:31–IT IS A FEARFUL THING TO FALL INTO THE HANDS OF THE LIVING GOD.
How shall the people be judged? It is written in Jn 12:48–HE THAT REJECTETH ME, AND RECEIVETH NOT MY WORDS, HATH ONE THAT JUDGETH HIM: THE WORD THAT I HAVE SPOKEN, THE SAME SHALL JUDGE HIM IN THE LAST DAY. God’s word shall judge the people. This is further confirmed in Ro 2:16–IN THE DAY WHEN GOD SHALL JUDGE THE SECRETS OF MEN BY JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO MY GOSPEL.
It is with this very word (the Bible) that each of us should now judge or examine ourselves to see if we are truly in the Faith or are deceived.
Further He shall judge Israel during the Millennium as He reigns in Jerusalem as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
And, finally, He shall judge at the Great White Throne judgment–Rev 20:11–AND I SAW A GREAT WHITE THRONE, AND HIM THAT SAT ON IT, FROM WHOSE FACE THE EARTH AND THE HEAVEN FLED AWAY; AND THERE WAS FOUND NO PLACE FOR THEM. Acts 10:42–AND HE COMMANDED US TO PREACH UNTO THE PEOPLE, AND TO TESTIFY THAT IT IS HE WHICH WAS ORDAINED OF GOD TO BE THE JUDGE OF QUICK AND DEAD. Acts 17:31–BECAUSE HE HATH APPOINTED A DAY, IN THE WHICH HE WILL JUDGE THE WORLD IN RIGHTEOUSNESS BY THAT MAN WHOM HE HATH ORDAINED; WHEREOF HE HATH GIVEN ASSURANCE UNTO ALL MEN, IN THAT HE HATH RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD. Rev 20:14–15–AND DEATH AND HELL WERE CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE. THIS IS THE SECOND DEATH. AND WHOSOEVER WAS NOT FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE WAS CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE.
As said previously, Heb 10:31–IT IS A FEARFUL THING TO FALL INTO THE HANDS OF THE LIVING GOD. The verses continue–
Jn 3:18. HE THAT (BELIEVES) (or trusts). The word believes here does not mean a lukewarm, non–committal, wave–like belief. It does not mean simply knowing about Christ. The word believes, as used here, results in and produces a new nature. A trusting and obedient attitude comes forth from a repentant, changed, converted heart. He that trusts–
ON HIM. That trust must be centered in the Jesus Christ of the Bible. Many so–called Christians put their trust in a Jesus that is a product of their imagination and not supported by God’s Word. Some center their trust in their church, their preacher, or their denomination. Others center their trust in their own goodness or good works. All these lead to eternal separation from God. Understand this–a person that puts their trust in the Jesus Christ of the Bible–in Him and Him alone, this is the one that–
IS NOT CONDEMNED (or judged). In other words, a person that believes as the Scripture has said, that person is not under condemnation–
BUT HE THAT (DOES NOT BELIEVE) (or do not trust).
IS CONDEMNED (or judged) ALREADY. He that does not believe (or trust) in Jesus and does not believe God’s Word is already condemned. Jesus is truth. It is written in Ro 3:4–LET GOD BE TRUE BUT EVERY MAN A LIAR. As people confidently go hear and there, they are ignorant that they are already condemned and sentenced to hell, the judgment, and the lake of fire, because their sins are not forgiven. As each day goes by, they are drawing closer and closer to the horrible beginning of this eternity. That condemnation will take most people to the great white throne judgment and the second death.
Your church cannot save you. Your good works cannot save you. The only thing that can save you is your personal, life–changing belief in the Jesus Christ of the Bible, which results in being born again by the grace of God. The proof that a person truly believes in their heart is by their fruits–ref Mt 7:20. Those fruits include keeping God's commandments, obeying God’s Word, denying self, following Jesus, and an attitude that reflects Jesus.
Statistics: Should a person live 70 years, they should have lived 25,550 days, or 613,200 hours, or 36,792,000 minutes.
As of 2005, it is estimated that more than 163 people in the world die every minute, 9780 die every hour, 234,720 die every day, or 85,672,800 die every year. Nearly all of them are not born again–ref Mt 7:13,14; Isa 54:1. Many of them when they die, do not expect it to happen. Are you ready to meet God at the judgment if you died this day? There is now already condemnation for all that do not believe as the Scriptures have said–
BECAUSE
HE (HAS) NOT BELIEVED
IN THE NAME OF (or they have not trusted in–JNT) THE (One and) ONLY
ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD. Condemnation is reserved for those that do not trust in Jesus Christ. Unbelief is condemnation, because it denies the only possible defense there is at the judgment against sin. Without Jesus, there is no appeal, no intercessor, no one to defend us–ref Isa 59:9–12; Ro 8:34.
Again, the words are used “ONLY BEGOTTEN SON,” as in verse 16. These words appear in the Bible 5 times: Jn 1:18, 3:16, 18; Heb 11:17 and 1 Jn 4:9. It cannot be emphasized enough, that Satan and the world’s system has set up many counterfeit ways to try and avoid eternal condemnation. There are thousands of false (so–called) Christian religions, including the Mormons, Jehovah’s witnesses, United Pentecostals, Roman catholic, and Greek Orthodox just to mention some. There is also Islam, Buddhism, Zen, Confucianism, Hinduism, Scientology, and so many more.
For more on “Repentance” see Mt 3:6; 3:8; 3:11 (pt 2); Lk 3:3 (pt 2); Lk 3:18.
(Pg. 122; 124; 125; 126; 135; 148; 267; 280)
A lukewarm, non–committal, wave–like belief is not going to save a person. Salvation does not result in having head knowledge about Jesus. Salvation comes as a result of repentance and trusting in God. Trusting in God comes from God’s Word–as God opens a person’s heart to understand the things that be of God. God gives and grants a person repentance–which results in a person having a personal relationship with Christ–that is, knowing Him personally. As it is written: 2 Tim 2:25–IN MEEKNESS INSTRUCTING THOSE THAT OPPOSE THEMSELVES; IF GOD PERADVENTURE WILL GIVE THEM REPENTANCE TO THE ACKNOWLEDGING OF THE TRUTH. Acts 11:18–…THEY…GLORIFIED GOD, SAYING, THEN HATH GOD ALSO TO THE GENTILES GRANTED REPENTANCE UNTO LIFE.
KNOW HIM
PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST
Jesus said in Mt 11:29–LEARN OF ME; FOR I AM MEEK AND LOWLY IN HEART: AND YE SHALL FIND REST UNTO YOUR SOULS. We learn of Jesus through believing and understanding His Word. Through learning of Jesus we begin to have a personal relationship with Him. We learn to obey Him. We love Him because He first loved us–1 Jn 4:19. We begin to “KNOW HIM”. Following are some verses of Scripture regarding knowing Christ.
Phil 3:10–THAT I MAY KNOW HIM, AND THE POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION, AND THE FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERINGS, BEING MADE CONFORMABLE UNTO HIS DEATH;
Heb 10:30–FOR WE KNOW HIM THAT HATH SAID, VENGEANCE BELONGETH UNTO ME, I WILL RECOMPENSE, SAITH THE LORD. AND AGAIN, THE LORD SHALL JUDGE HIS PEOPLE.
1 Jn 2:3–AND HEREBY WE DO KNOW THAT WE KNOW HIM, IF WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS.
1 Jn 2:4–HE THAT SAITH, I KNOW HIM, AND KEEPETH NOT HIS COMMANDMENTS, IS A LIAR, AND THE TRUTH IS NOT IN HIM.
1 Jn 5:20–AND WE KNOW THAT THE SON OF GOD IS COME, AND HATH GIVEN US AN UNDERSTANDING, THAT WE MAY KNOW HIM THAT IS TRUE, AND WE ARE IN HIM THAT IS TRUE, EVEN IN HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. THIS IS THE TRUE GOD, AND ETERNAL LIFE. The verses continue–
Jn 3:19. AND THIS
IS THE CONDEMNATION (or judgment, or verdict). (Note–all that do not have their sins forgiven are under condemnation.) The word “condemnation” applies to the unsaved, that is, to those that are not in Christ Jesus; as it is written: Ro 8:1–THERE IS THEREFORE NOW NO CONDEMNATION TO THEM WHICH ARE IN CHRIST JESUS, WHO WALK NOT AFTER THE FLESH, BUT AFTER THE SPIRIT. Thus, the Scripture that Jesus is telling Nicodemus relates to him and the unsaved. Jesus is saying that THIS IS THE CONDEMNATION OR JUDGMENT OR VERDICT–
THAT (the) LIGHT (which is Jesus)–ref 1 Jn 1:5. Jesus himself said, Jn 8:12–I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. He continued saying, HE THAT FOLLOWETH ME SHALL NOT WALK IN DARKNESS, BUT SHALL HAVE THE LIGHT OF LIFE. Eph 5:14–WHEREFORE HE SAITH, AWAKE THOU THAT SLEEPEST, AND ARISE FROM THE DEAD, AND CHRIST SHALL GIVE THEE LIGHT.
The Bible, which is the Word of God, is also light–ref Jn 1:1 and Rev 19:13. Thus, the Bible, the Word of God, Jesus, the Light (the Comforter), He will reprove the world of sin…because they do not believe on Jesus–ref Jn 16:7–9. The light exposes, reproves, and rebukes sin–ref 2 Tim 4:2; Eph 5:13. It shows people their evil deeds and wrong doings. It shows what sin is, even though people do not choose to acknowledge their sin. It makes it exceedingly sinful. People are carnal, sold under sin–ref Ro 7:13,14. By nature, people do not want their sins revealed or exposed. Many hate and some fight against the truth (or the light), because it exposes, reproves, and rebukes sin. Jesus, the Light–
IS COME.
INTO THE WORLD. Jesus said, Jn 12:46–I AM COME A LIGHT INTO THE WORLD. Jesus, the Light is come into the world–
(BUT) MEN LOVED (the) DARKNESS. The word darkness denotes such things as Lk 22:52–THE POWER OF DARKNESS, and also Acts 26:18– DARKNESS…THE POWER OF SATAN. It may be said that men loved the darkness or power of darkness and all that the darkness represents, for it hides their evil intents (or desires) and actions. They love self. They love the world and the things of the world–ref 1 Jn 2:15. They love money and notoriety–1 Tim 6:10. They love the praise of men–ref Jn 12:43. They love deceptive preaching and religion that says what their evil heart desires to hear–ref 2 Tim 4:3. They want to continue the way they are going rather than repent. In reality, they love Satan’s ways. They love the old wine (which they say is better rather than the new)–ref Lk 5:39. They love evil, darkness, sex outside of marriage, perversion, following blind guides, superstitions, a god they imagine in their own thoughts, and doing whatever their heart chooses to do. They want the good life now rather than eternal life which is yet to come. They love sin–
RATHER THAN (the) LIGHT. Men loved darkness, evil, and the power of Satan rather than light, God’s Word or Jesus–
BECAUSE THEIR DEEDS (or actions) (or things they do and say)–
WERE EVIL (or wicked). Men love the darkness, as they do not want to repent of their sin. Most people do not consider themselves as wicked or evil. Some even believe they do not sin at all, for EVERY WAY OF A MAN IS RIGHT IN HIS OWN EYES: BUT THE LORD PONDERETH THE HEARTS–Pv 21:2. A dishonest, lying heart: how can it be honest with itself and admit it is dishonest? It often chooses excuses, which are lies. The person hopes this will cover up and hide the truth. Man wants to follow after his own desires, rather than repent and follow after the things that be of God.
The Bible (God’s Word) denotes exactly what evil, sin, and wickedness is. There are over 600 sins listed in the Bible. Not denying oneself and picking up your cross and following Jesus is sin. Pride, arrogance, boastfulness, looking on a woman to lust after her, deceit, lying, covetousness, not loving your brothers in Christ, not tithing, not judging righteous judgment, and on and on–all are sins. Not living to glorify Christ and not giving thanks to God for all things are sins. Sex outside of marriage and not praying as one ought is sin. Homosexuality, abortion, taking illegal drugs, drunkenness, gossip, and not obeying the traffic laws is sin.
Indeed, it is written ALL HAVE SINNED–Ro 5:12; 3:23. The verse clearly shows us that Jesus, the Light, is come into the world. But men love darkness–in other words, they love to rule over themselves. They do not want to submit to God’s ways and holiness. They love the ways of darkness rather than Jesus and the Word of God–because what they do is evil when viewed in the light of the Word of God. This is the condemnation, the judgment, the verdict.
What most people want is this. They wish to go on with their life doing whatsoever they wish and then when they die they want to go to heaven. As a result many false, dead, or lukewarm religions have sprung up which in essence gives them the false hope they want. Such religions corrupt the Word of God. How many are there that do this? It is written–2 Cor 2:17–FOR…MANY,…CORRUPT THE WORD OF GOD:
Consider: Does a young child need to be taught how to lie? The answer is no. A child knows how to lie instinctively. He is born with that ability. So what must parents do? They try to teach the child to tell the truth, which, in some cases, may be difficult. As a person grows into adulthood, do they always tell the truth, even though they have been taught to do so? The answer is no. When it suits a person to lie, for whatever reason, they usually do so, if they think they can get away with it.
Does a young child need to be taught how to steal? No, the child automatically knows how to steal. Rather, parents need to train their child not to steal. Some times, they fail. The list could go on and on. We are all born under sin, under the curse of sin and the curse of the law–ref Gal 3:10, 13.
Several questions may be asked.
1–What is sin.
2–Does sin bring pleasure to people?
3–Is it easy to sin?
4–Has everyone sinned?
5–Can a person be saved if they say they have not sinned?
6–What is the consequences of sin?
7–There is hope.
What is sin? Disobeying the ten commandments is sin. Pride is sin. There are over 600 sins in the Bible. Here are but a few:
Ja 2:9–BUT IF YE HAVE RESPECT TO PERSONS, YE COMMIT SIN.
Ja 4:17–THEREFORE TO HIM THAT KNOWETH TO DO GOOD, AND DOETH IT NOT, TO HIM IT IS SIN.
2 Pe 2:14–HAVING EYES FULL OF ADULTERY, AND THAT CANNOT CEASE FROM SIN; BEGUILING UNSTABLE SOULS: AN HEART THEY HAVE EXERCISED WITH COVETOUS PRACTICES; CURSED CHILDREN:
1 Jn 3:4–WHOSOEVER COMMITTETH SIN TRANSGRESSETH ALSO THE LAW: FOR SIN IS THE TRANSGRESSION OF THE LAW.
1 Jn 5:17–ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS IS SIN. Unrighteousness not only involves things we do not do, it involves wrong things we do, do. It also involves things that come out of our mouth such as gossip or tale–bearing. It also involves a wrong attitude toward people, pride, or speaking evil, and can even include wrong thinking. I also involves not doing the will of God as it is written: Mt 7:21–NOT EVERY ONE THAT SAITH UNTO ME, LORD, LORD, SHALL ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN; BUT HE THAT DOETH THE WILL OF MY FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN.
Does sin bring pleasure to people? The answer is yes. It is written:
Heb 11:25–ENJOY THE PLEASURES OF SIN FOR A SEASON.
Is it easy to sin? The answer is yes. It is written:
Heb 12:1–THE SIN WHICH DOTH SO EASILY BESET US.
Has everyone sinned. The answer is yes. All except Jesus have sinned. It is written:
Ps 14:3–THEY ARE ALL GONE ASIDE, THEY ARE ALL TOGETHER BECOME FILTHY: THERE IS NONE THAT DOETH GOOD, NO, NOT ONE.
Ps 53:3–EVERY ONE OF THEM IS GONE BACK:…THERE IS NONE THAT DOETH GOOD, NO, NOT ONE.
Ro 3:10–THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NO, NOT ONE.
Ro 3:12–THEY ARE ALL GONE OUT OF THE WAY, THEY ARE TOGETHER BECOME UNPROFITABLE; THERE IS NONE THAT DOETH GOOD, NO, NOT ONE.
Ro 6:17–YE (meaning all of them before they were saved) WERE THE SERVANTS OF SIN.
Ro 3:23–FOR ALL HAVE SINNED, AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD.
Ro 5:12–WHEREFORE, AS BY ONE MAN SIN ENTERED INTO THE WORLD, AND DEATH BY SIN; AND SO DEATH PASSED UPON ALL MEN, FOR THAT ALL HAVE SINNED.
Gal 3:22–BUT THE SCRIPTURE HATH CONCLUDED ALL UNDER SIN.
Can a person be saved if they say they have not sinned? The answer is no. It is written:
1 Jn 1:8–IF WE SAY THAT WE HAVE NO SIN, WE DECEIVE OURSELVES, AND THE TRUTH IS NOT IN US. The Truth (which is Jesus) cannot be in us if we say that we have no sin.
What is the consequences of sin? The answer is death. This is talking about the second death–which is the lake of fire where they have no rest day or night. It is written:
Ro 6:23–FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH.
Ja 1:15–WHEN LUST HATH CONCEIVED, IT BRINGETH FORTH SIN: AND SIN, WHEN IT IS FINISHED, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH.
Rev 21:8–BUT THE FEARFUL, AND UNBELIEVING, AND THE ABOMINABLE, AND MURDERERS, AND WHOREMONGERS, AND SORCERERS, AND IDOLATERS, AND ALL LIARS, SHALL HAVE THEIR PART IN THE LAKE WHICH BURNETH WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE: WHICH IS THE SECOND DEATH.
Rev 20:14–15–AND DEATH AND HELL WERE CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE. THIS IS THE SECOND DEATH. AND WHOSOEVER WAS NOT FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE WAS CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE.
The good news is that there is hope for those that admit they are a sinner and are willing to repent and receive Jesus Christ as their only hope of salvation. It is written:
1 Jn 3:8–HE THAT COMMITTETH SIN IS OF THE DEVIL; FOR THE DEVIL SINNETH FROM THE BEGINNING. FOR THIS PURPOSE THE SON OF GOD WAS MANIFESTED, THAT HE MIGHT DESTROY THE WORKS OF THE DEVIL.
Ro 6:23–FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH; BUT THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.
Most people do not ever read God’s Word, or they read it only in bits and pieces. They do not want to submit to it. They do not want to repent and allow God to change them. They willingly choose to follow the prince of this world (Satan–Jn 16:11) even though most would never admit this. Many go to funeral homes that are called churches that preach nice things, but little on sin, judgment, hell, and Bible prophecy from the Revelation.
God’s Word tells us, Jn 1:5–THE LIGHT SHINETH IN DARKNESS; AND THE DARKNESS COMPREHENDED IT NOT. Those walking in darkness, those that follow self, rather than Jesus, do not understand the light. The Bible to them is difficult to understand, as it relates to examining themselves. The light that they think is in them is really darkness.
Jn 12:35–THEN JESUS SAID…WALK WHILE YE HAVE THE LIGHT, LEST DARKNESS COME UPON YOU: FOR HE THAT WALKETH IN DARKNESS KNOWETH NOT WHITHER HE GOETH. The unsaved do not understand they are going to perish for eternity. It is hid from them, as Satan has the power to cloud their thoughts from knowing the truth.
Acts 26:18–Jesus said He came, TO OPEN THEIR EYES, AND TO TURN THEM FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT, AND FROM THE POWER OF SATAN UNTO GOD, THAT THEY MAY RECEIVE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, AND INHERITANCE AMONG THEM WHICH ARE SANCTIFIED BY FAITH THAT IS IN ME. Trust must be centered in the Jesus of the Bible.
For those that are saved, God tells them–
2 Cor 6:14–BE YE NOT UNEQUALLY YOKED TOGETHER WITH UNBELIEVERS: FOR WHAT FELLOWSHIP HATH RIGHTEOUSNESS WITH UNRIGHTEOUSNESS? AND WHAT COMMUNION HATH LIGHT WITH DARKNESS?
1 Pe 2:9–BUT YE ARE A CHOSEN GENERATION, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, AN HOLY NATION, A PECULIAR PEOPLE; THAT YE SHOULD SHEW FORTH THE PRAISES OF HIM WHO HATH CALLED YOU OUT OF DARKNESS INTO HIS MARVELLOUS LIGHT.
In verse 19 Jesus explained to Nicodemus that the reason people love darkness rather than light is because what they do is evil.
In verse 20 more is explained as it is written–
Jn 3:20. FOR EVERY ONE. The word every one leaves no room for any exceptions. EVERY ONE–
THAT (DOES) EVIL. The evil that is talked about here is in the site of God and confirmed in His Word. It is not what corrupt people think as many say they have done no wrong. EVERYONE THAT DOES EVIL–
(HATES) THE LIGHT. They hate Jesus. They hate the Gospel. The light exposes what a person does and the evil that is in their heart. They wish to avoid the light.
WICKED PEOPLE AND WHAT THEY DO
EVIL PEOPLE
UNSAVED PEOPLE
HATE THE LIGHT
It may be said that the degree that people hate the light may be equal to how evil a person’s heart is on the inside. Some of the religious leaders, in the time of Jesus, looked like they were pure and clean, beautiful, good, wonderful, and righteous people on the outside, but inside they were full of dead men’s bones and uncleanness–ref Mt 23:27. As it was then, so it is today. The wicked hate Christ and His Word today just as they did about 2000 years ago. They are enemies of the cross of Christ–ref Phili 3:18.
There is absolutely no fear of God in them–ref Ps 36:1; Ro 3:18. They hate and despise even the thought of God reigning over them–ref Lk 19:14. They have no desire for God’s truth. The wicked seek to promote their evil agendas, which are wrong in the eyes of God. They seek to destroy that which is right in the eyes of God. They try to conceal what they do–ref Job 31:33. They promote all kinds of perverse religions, and say, “Let us be tolerant!,” but they often condemn the ways of God. They change righteous laws to laws that are wicked in the eyes of a holy God. They seek to use the law to intimidate, threaten, apply peer pressure, fear, persecution, beatings, confiscation of property, imprisonment and even death in order to force people to accept their evil ways of thinking. They often start in the schools with brainwashing the children, teaching them that evil is good and good is evil. Such people are FULL OF ALL SUBTILTY AND ALL MISCHIEF. They are children OF THE DEVIL. They are enemies OF ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS. They do not CEASE TO PERVERT THE RIGHT WAYS OF THE LORD–ref Acts 13:10. They are DECEITFUL WORKERS and corrupt the Word of God. Some even appear to be followers and APOSTLES OF CHRIST and of the Light. Some even appear to be MINISTERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS–ref 2 Cor 11:13–15; yet if they had lived in the time of Jesus, many of them would have been at His crucifixion yelling, “Crucify Him, crucify Him”–ref Lk 23:21. As they hate the light, they also hate and despise true born again Christians, whose light is shining brightly.
The light as shown by Scripture is Jesus, Who is also the Word. All that do (or practices) evil hate Jesus, though few will admit this. They also detest or hate those that follow Jesus, especially those that testify about sin, judgment, and hell. Some also persecute them for it is written:
Jn 8:37–Jesus said: YE SEEK TO KILL ME, BECAUSE MY WORD HATH NO PLACE IN YOU.
Gal 4:29–BUT AS THEN HE THAT WAS BORN AFTER THE FLESH (the unsaved) PERSECUTED HIM THAT WAS BORN AFTER THE SPIRIT (the saved), EVEN SO IT IS NOW.
1 Jn 3:12–CAIN,…WAS OF THAT WICKED ONE, AND SLEW HIS BROTHER. AND WHEREFORE SLEW HE HIM? BECAUSE HIS OWN WORKS WERE EVIL, AND HIS BROTHER’S RIGHTEOUS. The verse continues–
Those that do evil, hate the light–
(AND DOES NOT COME–NASB) TO THE LIGHT (or avoids) (the light). Those that practice evil will not come to Jesus–
(FOR FEAR THAT). Note, the person does not come to the Light (or Jesus) because he is fearful that–
HIS DEEDS (or actions) or the things that he does–
SHOULD BE REPROVED (or exposed). Sometimes a person denies that they are in sin. They may say, “I have done no wrong.” Sometimes a person admits what they do is wrong, but they do not want to be told so; neither do they want to change. Pv 9:8 tells us, REPROVE (or correct) NOT A SCORNER, LEST HE HATE THEE. REBUKE (or correct) A WISE MAN AND HE WILL LOVE THEE. Many people cannot bear to be told their faults. As already said, they are in a state of denial. They choose to cover their sins. They do not want to believe that their heart is desperately wicked and deceitful. If they come to the light, their works would be shown by the light as being wrong or worthless, when viewed in relation to God’s Word and eternity. Their works have no eternal value. Some may feel rejected, when they are told the truth.
It has been said that those that do not come to the light, or do not choose to believe the truth, have a secret hatred of the light.
Much of the time, thieves strike at night, as they have less chance of being caught. They break into darkened houses, where it is hard for them to be seen. Should all the lights in the house go on suddenly, they usually flee, for the light exposes their evil deeds.
It has been said that Christ is hated, because sin is loved or embraced; yet many will not admit this.
The fact that Nicodemus came to Jesus and heard Him was a step in the right direction.
LIGHT EXPOSES SIN
SIN EXPOSED BY THE LIGHT
It is written: Ps 14:3, 53:3, Ro 3:10, 12– THERE IS NONE THAT DOETH GOOD, NO, NOT ONE. THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NO, NOT ONE. THEY ARE ALL GONE ASIDE. THEY ARE ALL GONE OUT OF THE WAY. EVERY ONE OF THEM IS GONE BACK: THEY ARE ALTOGETHER BECOME FILTHY. THEY ARE TOGETHER BECOME UNPROFITABLE. Ro 5:12–WHEREFORE, AS BY ONE MAN SIN ENTERED INTO THE WORLD, AND DEATH BY SIN; AND SO DEATH PASSED UPON ALL MEN, FOR THAT ALL HAVE SINNED. Ro 3:23–AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD;
When a person washes their clothing, afterward, can they determine if it is clean in a dimly lit room or in a bright room? The dirt can be seen much more clearly, when the light is turned up. Those few clergy and lay people that expose sin, as Jesus did, are the ones that are hated, as their light is shining brightly. Lukewarm Christians whose light is so dim that it can barely be seen, because their own life is only lukewarm in reflecting Jesus—offend almost no one. The are not hated by the world. Their light does not expose the dirt or sin.
In like manner, it is the light from God’s Word that exposes a person’s actions. It is very common to hear the unsaved use the excuse, “I am not yet ready.” What they are saying is that they do not want to give up their ungodly lifestyle and things that they do. They do not want to let God reign over them. They want to be the boss over their own life. These walk in darkness. They do not know they are going to perish, because the darkness that is in them has blinded and distorted their understanding of the truth of God’s Word, as it relates to themselves. Many of these people actually believe they are going to heaven. Many are church–goers, priests, and preachers that have a knowledge about Jesus, but their heart is not right in the sight of God. The light (or understanding) that is in them is really the lies and deceptions of the devil, which is their wrong thinking, their wrong ways of viewing things. 2 Cor 11:13–15–tells us of FALSE APOSTLES, DECEITFUL WORKERS, TRANSFORMING THEMSELVES INTO THE APOSTLES OF CHRIST. AND NO MARVEL; FOR SATAN HIMSELF IS TRANSFORMED INTO AN ANGEL OF LIGHT. THEREFORE IT IS NO GREAT THING IF HIS MINISTERS ALSO BE TRANSFORMED AS THE MINISTERS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. Many of these are sure they are saved, just as the Pharisees, the scribes, and the lawyers did in the Bible; yet they perished. Jesus does not reign over them. They reign over themselves. Mankind is extremely susceptible in hearing and believing the wrong thoughts Satan puts in their mind, rather that listening to and believing God’s Word. Most people judge themselves by their own personal desires, emotions, and lying thoughts rather than God’s Word. This is an eternal mistake that dooms people to the lake of fire. The verses continue–
Jn 3:21. BUT HE
THAT (DOES) (or practices, or lives by) (the) TRUTH (or does what is true–JNT)
(COMES) TO THE LIGHT. Evil doers that choose not to repent hate the light. Those that are sorry for their sin, and that do what is right will humble themselves and come to the light. They will welcome the light. God will grant them repentance. They will come to Jesus as it is written:
Pv 28:18–WHOSO WALKETH UPRIGHTLY SHALL BE SAVED: BUT HE THAT IS PERVERSE IN HIS WAYS SHALL FALL AT ONCE.
Pv 14:22–MERCY AND TRUTH SHALL BE TO THEM THAT DEVISE GOOD.
Ps 18:25–WITH THE MERCIFUL THOU WILT SHEW THYSELF MERCIFUL; WITH AN UPRIGHT MAN THOU WILT SHEW THYSELF UPRIGHT. Those that practice truth will come to Jesus–
(so) THAT HIS DEEDS (or actions)
MAY BE (SEEN PLAINLY),
THAT THEY ARE (ACCOMPLISHED) IN (or through) GOD. These last words that Jesus appears to speak to Nicodemus sound like an invitation.
Those that practice truth are not fearful, prideful, and self–conscious that their actions should be corrected or exposed.
We are reminded about Adam and Eve after they had disobeyed God and sinned. They were afraid. They tried to hide from God. But when they were discovered, they both made excuses. Adam blamed His wife, and his wife blamed the serpent. They should have confessed their sin, repented, and asked for God–s mercy. They did not. It is written:
Gen 3:8–13–AND THEY HEARD THE VOICE OF THE LORD GOD WALKING IN THE GARDEN IN THE COOL OF THE DAY: AND ADAM AND HIS WIFE HID THEMSELVES FROM THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD GOD AMONGST THE TREES OF THE GARDEN. AND THE LORD GOD CALLED UNTO ADAM, AND SAID UNTO HIM, WHERE ART THOU? AND HE SAID, I HEARD THY VOICE IN THE GARDEN, AND I WAS AFRAID, BECAUSE I WAS NAKED; AND I HID MYSELF. AND HE SAID, WHO TOLD THEE THAT THOU WAST NAKED? HAST THOU EATEN OF THE TREE, WHEREOF I COMMANDED THEE THAT THOU SHOULDEST NOT EAT? AND THE MAN SAID, THE WOMAN WHOM THOU GAVEST TO BE WITH ME, SHE GAVE ME OF THE TREE, AND I DID EAT. AND THE LORD GOD SAID UNTO THE WOMAN, WHAT IS THIS THAT THOU HAST DONE? AND THE WOMAN SAID, THE SERPENT BEGUILED ME, AND I DID EAT. Verse 15 gives us the first prophecy of the coming of Christ, as God begins to set in motion His plan of redemption. God spoke to the serpent and said: AND I WILL PUT ENMITY BETWEEN THEE AND THE WOMAN, AND BETWEEN THY SEED AND HER SEED; IT SHALL BRUISE THY HEAD, AND THOU SHALT BRUISE HIS HEEL
It is written in Rev 21:7–8–HE THAT OVERCOMETH SHALL INHERIT ALL THINGS; AND I WILL BE HIS GOD, AND HE SHALL BE MY SON. BUT THE FEARFUL, AND UNBELIEVING, AND THE ABOMINABLE, AND MURDERERS, AND WHOREMONGERS, AND SORCERERS, AND IDOLATERS, AND ALL LIARS, SHALL HAVE THEIR PART IN THE LAKE WHICH BURNETH WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE: WHICH IS THE SECOND DEATH.
The verses continue–
Jn 3:22. AFTER THESE THINGS. We may say, some time after He talked with Nicodemus, Jesus and His disciples left Jerusalem. Jesus is never recorded as staying in Jerusalem for more than a few days at a time. The religious establishment there envied Him–ref Mk 15:10, and ultimately sought to kill Him. It may be said, there was a heavy spirit of pride, contention, and religion there, which resisted the truth. God is truth–ref Ro 3:4. Then–
CAME JESUS
AND HIS DISCIPLES
INTO THE (COUNTRYSIDE) OF (JUDEA). We may say it was some rural area of Judea–
AND THERE HE (SPENT SOME TIME) WITH THEM. This indicates that Jesus had some private, personal time with His disciples. It can be assumed that He taught them–
AND BAPTIZED (or immersed people). Note Jn 4:2–(JESUS HIMSELF BAPTIZED NOT, BUT HIS DISCIPLES). In addition to having some personal time with His disciples, he also taught the people. As the people repented, then the disciples baptized those that believed. This indicates that there was water nearby.
With the coming of John Baptist, a new period was beginning. Up to this time, the people were under the law. They were under a schoolmaster, which is intended to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith–ref Gal 3:24. John was the forerunner of Christ. He paved the way for the coming of the Messiah. Then Christ came. John Baptist greatly humbled himself before Christ. There was no competition. John came to point people to Christ. Jesus Christ is God. He is the Creator of all things. We are part of His creation.
The verses continue–
Jn 3:23. AND JOHN ALSO
WAS BAPTIZING (or immersing). Even though Jesus and His disciples were baptizing in the countryside of Judea, John’s ministry continued. He was now–
IN AENON. It is said that Aenon means fountains. It was–
NEAR TO SALIM. The precise location of this is uncertain. Some believe it was somewhere near the Jordan river between the sea of Galilee and dead sea. It has also been suggested that it was near or at the head of the Valley of Shechem, or some place north of Jerusalem. It does not appear to be mentioned anywhere else in the Bible. Neither Jesus or John the Baptist stayed in the same place all the time. John was baptizing in this location–
BECAUSE THERE WAS (PLENTY OF) WATER THERE:
AND (PEOPLE) (KEPT COMING),
AND WERE BAPTIZED (or immersed). These words help give us an idea of John’s movements from one area to another.
During this time, John the Baptist was teaching and baptizing many. Jesus was also teaching, and His disciples were also baptizing many. For several months, their ministries overlapped, as many came to hear and repent. One might consider that this area was alive with the wonderful teaching of God’s Word.
All those that would eventually become the apostles of Christ should have been baptized by John. For it is written, in Acts 1:21,22–WHEREFORE OF THESE MEN WHICH HAVE COMPANIED WITH US ALL THE TIME THAT THE LORD JESUS WENT IN AND OUT AMONG US, BEGINNING FROM THE BAPTISM OF JOHN, UNTO THAT SAME DAY THAT HE WAS TAKEN UP FROM US, MUST ONE BE ORDAINED TO BE A WITNESS WITH US OF HIS RESURRECTION. The verses continue–
Jn 3:24. FOR JOHN
WAS NOT YET CAST INTO PRISON. Note, the placement of this verse in John’s Gospel, which is about 7 months after Jesus was baptized, shows that John had not yet been arrested. It is believed that his arrest happened shortly after this. The verses continue–
Jn 3:25. THEN THERE AROSE A QUESTION (or dispute)
BETWEEN SOME OF JOHN’S DISCIPLES
AND THE JEWS (or with) (a certain Jew)
ABOUT PURIFYING (or the matter of ceremonial washing–NIV). The wording seems to indicate there may have been an argument. It was between those that were saved (John’s disciples) and a certain Judean, which apparently had not submitted to the baptism of repentance. It may be said, it was the confused, contentious, spirit of religion versus the truth. Nevertheless, it may have been John’s disciples that started the debate, as they are mentioned first.
John was baptizing. Thus the dispute may have been concerning what John was doing in relation to ceremonial washing. Most every preacher worth his salt can relate to this contentious spirit from religious, unsaved people. The verses continue–
Jn 3:26. AND THEY (which appears to be both John’s disciples and the Judeans), they–
CAME (TO) JOHN. First there was the dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Judeans. Now they come to John–
AND SAID (TO) HIM.
RABBI. Both John and Jesus were called “RABBI“ by the people. It appears John’s disciples said to him–
HE THAT WAS WITH (YOU) BEYOND (the) JORDAN. The wording here indicates that they were not in the same place as they were previously. The verse continues–
TO WHOM (YOU) (SPOKE ABOUT). The one that John had baptized and spoke about was Jesus. They said–
BEHOLD, (HE) (IS BAPTIZING) (or [is] immersing),
AND ALL MEN COME TO HIM. First, note that they said all men which was not a true statement.
Second: John’s disciples spoke respectfully to John calling him “Rabbi” but regarding Jesus, it appears they did not call Him Jesus, or Christ, or even Rabbi, but rather referred to Him as HE THAT WAS WITH YOU BEYOND JORDAN.
At the first, all the people that repented came to John to be baptized. However, now that Jesus, the Christ, had been revealed, more people were going to Him than to John. As it is written in Jn 4:1,2–THE PHARISEES HAD HEARD THAT JESUS MADE AND BAPTIZED MORE DISCIPLES THAN JOHN, (THOUGH JESUS HIMSELF BAPTIZED NOT, BUT HIS DISCIPLES). It sounds like John’s disciples may have thought they were in competition with Jesus. They might have been jealous. It seemed that their ministry was decreasing, while the ministry of Jesus was increasing. It was as if Jesus' ministry was taking away from their ministry. They may have liked it better when all men came to John, before Jesus was revealed. Some of John’s disciples may have been more concerned about John’s ministry, rather than having Jesus in their heart. Their commitment may have been more to self and doing works than to Jesus. It may be said that they viewed it this way: John baptized Jesus, but now Jesus has set up His own ministry, which was taking people away from John.
It appears they had a wrong attitude or did not understand. John the Baptist with his followers were in Aenon near to Salim, and Jesus Christ with His disciples were in the countryside of Judea.
It takes time to grow in faith and the knowledge of God. Often times a new born Christian is very zealous for their church and also for God, but with very little knowledge. We are to have the mind of Christ–ref 1 Cor 2:16, and to be conformed to the image of Christ–ref Ro 8:29, and to bear the fruits of the Spirit of God, but this takes time and study. In the beginning, we are worldly. Then, as we grow, we should deny ourselves more and more and be transformed. Our minds should be renewed, as we overcome worldly thinking by faith and obey the Gospel.
Some churches these days are in competition with other churches and may even be jealous. It sometimes becomes a competition regarding which church can get the most people and keep them, or which church can build the biggest buildings. Some people in churches desire to do church works rather than being conformed to the image of Christ. Regretfully, good sound doctrinal teaching, teaching on sin and judgment is often ignored today, in order to please and keep people. Lukewarm teaching that pleases the congregation’s ears, good entertainment, and lots of fun activities are often used to keep worldly people attending. The verses continue–
Beginning with this verse and continuing through verse 36, John the Baptist is speaking. His response to what his disciples had said was short and to the point. It was probably not what they expected. They presumably expected him to agree with them. Yet John humbled himself and exalted Christ, giving an example of how all ministers should be
Jn 3:27. JOHN ANSWERED AND SAID.
A MAN CAN RECEIVE NOTHING,
EXCEPT IT BE GIVEN HIM FROM HEAVEN. John’s ministry was from heaven. John was telling them that those people that were going to Jesus, were doing so because it had been given Him from heaven. He made it clear that the authority, outreach, and people each God–ordained ministry has is from heaven. John is showing that the attitude of those that came to him was wrong. He is also making it clear to all that were listening, that what Jesus and he were doing was not under some earthly control or authority.
Much of the religious establishment, as well as secular authority, often tries to stop or hinder what God is doing. God’s people are in a battle called spiritual warfare. For the most part, the world is a religious place, but it hates Jesus and what He taught. We are reminded in Ja 1:17–EVERY GOOD GIFT AND EVERY PERFECT GIFT IS FROM ABOVE, AND COMETH DOWN FROM THE FATHER OF LIGHTS, WITH WHOM IS NO VARIABLENESS, NEITHER SHADOW OF TURNING.
John continues–
Jn 3:28. (YOU) YOURSELVES (CAN TESTIFY),
THAT I SAID, I AM NOT THE CHRIST (or the Messiah). This is found in Jn 1:20, where John said, I AM NOT THE CHRIST. This indicates that some of the people talking to him are the same ones that were with him, when he spoke the words found in Jn 1:20, which was about 5 months earlier. John also had said–
BUT THAT I AM SENT BEFORE HIM. It is recorded that John had said earlier, regarding Christ, in Jn 1:27–HE IT IS, WHO IS COMING AFTER ME, and Mt 3:11–(THE ONE) THAT (IS COMING) AFTER ME IS MIGHTIER (or more powerful) THAN I. He had also said in Jn 1:15–THIS WAS HE OF WHOM I SPAKE, HE THAT COMETH AFTER ME IS PREFERRED BEFORE ME: FOR HE WAS BEFORE ME. It seems some of John’s disciples had forgotten some of his teaching in their zeal for John’s ministry. They seem to have thought John's ministry was more important than that of the Messiah. John the Baptist had mentioned Christ before He had been revealed–ref Jn 1:17. John’s followers that were given to him by God may have needed to be reminded that it is not John that is the Christ. His ministry was to prepare the way for the Messiah. John had indicated earlier that he was not even worthy to untie the shoe straps of the Messiah. The words I AM SENT confirm what he said in the previous verse. John's mission was from heaven to go before Christ.
It seems some of John’s disciples thought there was a competition between John and Jesus as to who would have the biggest following. John appeared to be displeased with some of his followers, because they seemed to consider there was a rivalry between his ministry and the ministry of Jesus. John had emphasized that he was not even worthy to untie the shoe laces of Jesus. John had done everything possible in advance to insure that his disciples would not develop a wrong attitude regarding his ministry and that of Jesus; yet they still seem to forget his teaching and had wrong thoughts. Their wrong attitude seemed to convey grief that Jesus’ ministry was prospering more than theirs; yet John rejoiced greatly that this was the case. Note the next verse.
Many preachers and congregations do the same today. It becomes a competition between churches to see who can get the most people, baptisms, or buildings.
Their thoughts are on their ministry rather than on Christ and conforming to His image.
Many say they love Jesus, but when they are confronted by His words that reveal their sin, that shows they need to repent, their attitude often changes very quickly. The next verse tells us what effect God’s Word should have on all that love Jesus, even His words that correct us–
Jn 3:29. HE (which is Jesus)–
THAT (HAS) THE BRIDE. Jesus has the bride which are the born again Christians. Before a woman becomes a wife, she is a bride. The wife of Jesus is the saints which are the church, which is the body of Christ. It is written: Ro 7:4–MY BRETHREN,.YE SHOULD BE MARRIED TO…HIM WHO IS RAISED FROM THE DEAD. 1 Cor 12:27–NOW YE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST. John is clearly saying he is not the bride. Jesus is the bride therefore all men should go to Him. Also note the latter part of Ps 45.
MARRIED TO CHRIST
WIFE OF CHRIST
BRIDE OF CHRIST
The relationship between the saints and Jesus is compared with a marriage. Note the words: Eph 5:23–FOR THE HUSBAND IS THE HEAD OF THE WIFE, EVEN AS CHRIST IS THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH. Regretfully, few professing Christians will allow Christ (the Word) to be their head. Few will allow Him to reign over them. Few will study God–s Word, as they ought, to see what His will is in every situation.
Rev 19:7–9–THE MARRIAGE OF THE LAMB IS COME, AND HIS WIFE (which are the saints) HATH MADE HERSELF READY. AND TO HER WAS GRANTED THAT SHE SHOULD BE ARRAYED IN FINE LINEN, CLEAN AND WHITE: FOR THE FINE LINEN IS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF SAINTS. AND HE SAITH UNTO ME, WRITE, BLESSED ARE THEY WHICH ARE CALLED UNTO THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB.
Ro 7:4–WHEREFORE, MY BRETHREN, YE ALSO ARE BECOME DEAD TO THE LAW BY THE BODY OF CHRIST; THAT YE (the saints) SHOULD BE MARRIED TO ANOTHER, EVEN TO HIM (which is Jesus) WHO IS RAISED FROM THE DEAD, THAT WE SHOULD BRING FORTH FRUIT UNTO GOD.
The verse continues. HE THAT (HAS) THE BRIDE–
IS THE BRIDEGROOM: Before a man is a husband, he is a bridegroom. Then comes the marriage. Jesus is the Bridegroom–
BUT THE FRIEND
OF THE BRIDEGROOM. John Baptist describes himself as the friend of the Bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom today would be the best man that organizes things. His job is very important. However, when the bridegroom enters, then the most important person at the wedding is him, not the friend of the bridegroom, which is an assistant. As the wedding proceeds the assistant becomes less and less important, but the bridegroom becomes the center of attention. Once a person gives their life to Jesus, they must decrease; while Jesus must increase. Jesus is to be the focus of a person’s life, not self.
Born again Christians that obey God’s Word are friends of the bridegroom. It is written in Jn 15:15,14–…I HAVE CALLED YOU FRIENDS. YE ARE MY FRIENDS, IF YE DO WHATSOEVER I COMMAND YOU. However the Bible also warns us that THE FRIENDSHIP OF THE WORLD IS ENMITY (or hatred) WITH GOD? WHOSOEVER THEREFORE WILL BE A FRIEND OF THE WORLD IS THE ENEMY OF GOD–Ja 4:4.
The verse continues–
WHICH (STANDS) AND
(HEARS) HIM. The friend of the bridegroom (John Baptist) which hears the words of the bridegroom (Jesus)–
(REJOICES) GREATLY (or is overjoyed)
BECAUSE OF THE BRIDEGROOM’S
VOICE. The bridegroom’s voice represents the words that Jesus speaks. The friend of the bridegroom rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom and His words. The bridegroom’s friend receives instruction from him and obeys. True born again Christians should rejoice “greatly,” when they hear (and also read) God’s Word. The bridegroom’s voice is the Word of God. It is God speaking to us. It is written in 1 Pe 2:2,3–NEWBORN BABES, DESIRE (or crave) THE SINCERE MILK OF THE WORD, THAT YE MAY GROW THEREBY: IF SO BE YE HAVE TASTED THAT THE LORD IS GRACIOUS. New born–again Christians should crave God’s pure Word, as a new born baby craves its mother’s pure milk. If that craving for God’s Word is not present, something is wrong.
As the voice of the Bridegroom speaks to each of us, His word encounters a wayside heart, or a stony heart, or a thorny heart, or a good heart, or good and honest heart. How our heart reacts to God’s Word can determine the degree to which we follow God or not.
The verse continues–
THIS MY JOY THEREFORE IS FULFILLED (or complete). The friend of the bridegroom is overjoyed, as he hears God’s Word. He is overjoyed by being at the presence of the bridegroom. Standing in the presence of God and hearing (or reading) God’s Word should fulfill your joy. As God opens your understanding of His Word, your heart should burn inside you. For it is written in Lk 24:32–DID NOT OUR HEART BURN WITHIN US, WHILE HE TALKED WITH US BY THE WAY, AND WHILE HE OPENED TO US THE SCRIPTURES?
John had great joy that more people were flocking to Jesus, than to him. It seemed that John’s followers may have been jealous that John’s ministry seemed to be decreasing. The people that were being saved did not belong to John; they belonged to Jesus.
BRIDE
BRIDEGROOM
BRIDE OF CHRIST
JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST
LAMB’S WIFE
When the Bridegroom (Jesus) comes for us (those that are truly born again), we’ll go to the Judgment Seat of Christ in heaven. FOR WE MUST ALL APPEAR BEFORE THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST, THAT EACH ONE MAY BE RECOMPENSED FOR HIS DEEDS IN THE BODY, ACCORDING TO WHAT HE HAS DONE, WHETHER IT BE GOOD OR BAD. EACH MAN'S WORK WILL BECOME EVIDENT; FOR THE DAY WILL SHOW IT, BECAUSE IT IS TO BE REVEALED WITH FIRE; AND THE FIRE ITSELF WILL TEST THE QUALITY OF EACH MAN’S WORK–2 Cor 5:10; 1 Cor 3:13 NASB. How is that like a honeymoon? Well, a honeymoon is where the groom removes the bride’s veil and knows her secrets. Jesus will examine our works done in Him and reward us accordingly in the chamber. When we are consecrated as His bride, He will announce this to His friend outside the door. And so John the Baptist told the mystified Jews, “HE THAT HATH THE BRIDE IS THE BRIDEGROOM: BUT THE FRIEND OF THE BRIDEGROOM, WHICH STANDETH AND HEARETH HIM REJOICETH GREATLY BECAUSE OF THE BRIDEGROOM'S VOICE: THIS MY JOY THEREFORE IS FULFILLED” (Jn 3:28,29).
And finally, the time for the marriage arrives.
Israel is also referred to as the bride–ref Isa 62:1–5
New Jerusalem is also referred to as the bride and the Lamb’s wife–ref Rev 21:2,9.
It is also written in Rev 22:17–AND THE SPIRIT AND THE BRIDE SAY, COME. AND LET HIM THAT HEARETH SAY, COME. AND LET HIM THAT IS ATHIRST COME. AND WHOSOEVER WILL, LET HIM TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY. The verses continue–
In Jn 3:26, John’s disciples had expressed that the one that was with him beyond the Jordan (which was Jesus) was baptizing, and all men come to Him. John the Baptist replies 4 verses later that–
Jn 3:30. HE (which is Jesus)–
MUST INCREASE. Note the word: MUST. John continues by saying–
BUT I (which is John the Baptist)–
MUST DECREASE (or He must become more important, while I become less important–JNT). John is making it very clear that decreasing and humbling oneself is not only important, but it is absolutely a must. It is an absolute
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