Category: 43 – John

John’s Gospel is rather different from the other three. He confers events not detailed in the others. The author states his main purpose clearly in 20:31: “that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

No One Can Come, Really?

On By TimIn Exhortation, John 061 Comment

No one can come to Me unless the Father who has sent Me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.

John 6:44

I had a hyper-Calvinist quote this to me recently. He then gets on his preacher mode and says: “There are several arguments/interpretations of this verse.”

The first point, is that logical fallacy. He is building a straw man he will dutifully attempt to destroy. He pitched it this way: “(B)ut the truth is simple. Coming here is believing(.)”

This kind of thinking is very flawed. But it is the kind some use to prop up the fatalism expressed in their understanding of this verse. Oh, they may argue and say this is determinism. But that is the proverbial lipstick on the pig of fatalism. It may be dressed up, but it is still fatalism.

The fallacy exists because their beliefs do not reconcile. Truth always reconciles.

Simply put… Coming is coming… And believing is believing. Neither are compulsory, and coming doesn’t mean one believes. That is why the conjunction exists between the two separate ideas. One comes to Jesus, and one must believe, too. They are not the same. Simple elementary school language lessons reveal this. But the tricksters are taught to use flowery religious language to obscure the truth.

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me shall never hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst.

John 6:35

Jesus is speaking to a crowd that was already drawn to Him by the Father. He is explaining that point to them. They were in His presence on account of the Father’s drawing. And they came to Him at least twice, according to the context. They came to Him, saw Him, and even spoke with Him. Yet something is missing.

But I told you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe.

John 6:36

Yet oddly, they don’t believe. So Jesus debunks the reformers’ fatalism the right there. Jesus goes further. He upends the idea that coming is believing. And frankly any other reformed notion centering on the text in John 6.

All whom the Father gives Me will come to Me, and he who comes to Me I will never cast out.

John 6:37

Reading the entirety of John 6, it is clear that all of those that came to Jesus that day were not ever turned away by Him. They left of their own accord and in disbelief.

For I came down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who has sent Me, that of all whom He has given Me, I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.

John 6:38–39

Jesus is telling them that if they don’t believe Him, it’s on them. Because all things are given to Jesus, He’s not going to lose any… And He alone has the power of resurrection. This should not be a surprise to anyone who knows and honors the Father Who has the power of life and death. There is not a human that Jesus will not raise… Some to life, others to perdition, and He has already told them that in another place before they came to Him in Capernaum.

“Do not marvel at this. For the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

John 5:28–29

But just because one comes to the Son and even sees and hears Him… Does not mean one has eternal life. One must do something with what they see and hear.

This is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

John 6:40

In case you are not able to understand exactly what Jesus is saying, the Jewish folk present at that time did. Their reaction is recorded for our edification.

The Jews then murmured about Him, because He said, “I am the bread which came down from heaven.” They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that He says, ‘I have come down from heaven’?”

John 6:41–42

They know His claim is to be the very God of their Fathers. They struggled at that because of the legalism inherent in their beliefs. They could not quite grasp the truth, even though their Scriptures plainly spoke it. A Son is given. He shall be called Mighty God, Everlasting Father. He is rightly expecting them to expect Him, God in flesh!

Jesus therefore answered them, “Do not murmur among yourselves. No one can come to Me unless the Father who has sent Me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.

John 6:43–44

In other words: You are here in My presence because I, the Father have drawn you here. I Am (He,) because nobody else raises people from the dead.

It is written in the Prophets, ‘They shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and has learned of the Father comes to Me.

John 6:45

You should know this!

Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God. He has seen the Father. Truly, truly I say to you, whoever believes in Me has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. The bread which I shall give for the life of the world is My flesh.”

John 6:46–51

It’s necessary that you do something, other than just coming to Him, seeing Him, and hearing Him.

Don’t let a reformer (whether Calvinist or Arminian) twist this text to say something it does not. They will try to teach it is from a god with stingy grace only available to a few chosen people, the rest this God sends to perdition. What this text is showing, and the entire macro level view of John 5 through John 6 is the lavish and extravagant love of the Father to save anyone who wants it.

To understand takes one back to the lesson of the loaves from when Jesus fed these people earlier. Though all of them ate until they were glutted there were twelve baskets left over. The extravagance in providing for their needs left nobody wanting, and what is leftover is not wasted.

Never Die Forever

On By TimIn Death, Eternal Security, John 11Leave a comment

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die ⌊forever⌋. Do you believe this?”

John 11:25–26 (LEB)

Most Bibles will miss something profound in this text. I know this is not the normal version I read, but is one of the study bibles I use.

I draw attention to bracketed weird. This hints at something important. That bracketed word forever indicates a Semitic style emphasis in the Greek. The emphasis of this Hebraism is usually not translated. In the surrounding context, Jesus is speaking to Lazarus’ sister after he has passed. He was assuring her that her brother would live.

Jesus is saying that the one who believes in Him, even if such dies, they will live. That’s a promise of resurrection.

Furthermore, everyone who lives AND believes in Him… Those are present tense verbs… such will never-ever die, forever. The profound reality is that believers will not die for eternity.

It is important to understand the significance of what John was conveying from Jesus’ words. It just cannot and will not happen.

That means clearly, if you are alive and believe in Him right now, you’ll never-ever die forever. If you’re worried about some point in the future where you fear your faith might fail… you’re still never-ever gonna die forever.

That is the true freedom Jesus gives. There is no more bondage of death for believers.

I Laughed Today

On By TimIn Jesus, John 15, LoveLeave a comment

This week, someone said, “Jesus would’ve hated Charlie.” It made me giggle a bit. As I’m writing this, it still makes me giggle, but the laughter comes with the sad reality. Some don’t know Jesus.

I know Jesus. I know the Truth. Jesus loved Charlie Kirk. Charlie is with Jesus now.

A statement like this reveals that some don’t know much about the Bible, Who Jesus is, or what Jesus said. They know what others tell them, but have not verified anything.

As for hatred, it’s the world that hates Jesus and His followers. Consider this about hatred, and what it reveals about those who mocked Jesus, who mock Charlie and other Christians.

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, the world therefore hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My words, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin. But now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also. If I had not performed among them the works which no one else did, they would have no sin. But now have they seen and hated both My Father and Me. But that the word which is written in their law might be fulfilled, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’

John 15:18–25

Because the culture hated Charlie, one thing is certain: Charlie loved Jesus. It is the public reaction that brings out the truth Jesus spoke. They identify themselves.

From the personal testimonies of many close to Charlie Kirk. He was doing exactly what he was called to do by Jesus. He was a living witness to all of us that he was the man we all should be. Bold, loving, courageous, and with complete trust in our Savior. It is clearly demonstrated that Charlie was a servant. And he was not above his Master. Charlie even died a younger man than Jesus did.

It’s no coincidence that he was hated by the world. It is because Jesus is. Charlie is proof of that. As was John the Baptist, who was also taken out at a young age. These all spoke the truth; they unveiled the underlying sins of people to the light. Just like the text above says, if they hadn’t been spoken to, they would not have known sin.

The issue is clear. Evil does not like exposure. Exposure takes the stranglehold of its power away.

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned. But he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. This is the verdict, that light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that it may be revealed that his deeds have been done in God.”

John 3:17–21

When people came to Charlie, he didn’t set out to expose their evil deeds. He simply wanted to have conversations. In those interactions, he spoke truth to people. Truth, to a student culture that is purposefully implanted with delusion, then sounds offensive. Like Jesus said, had they not been spoken to, they would not have known of their sin. In that way, truth is an equal opportunity offender. It happens to everyone. There are things God says to me that I don’t like. Yet in not being offended and confessing those faults, I’ve learned to trust that He has my best interests at heart. Sometimes, they are ones that I have no conscious clue about.

Watching the plethora of videos of his encounters, it’s clear that truth worked in the consciences of those to whom he spoke. Sometimes, a mind was open and willing. Most often, minds were closed, and the people left clinging to their delusions.

That’s sad.

They think they know Jesus. All they have is that He’s a cool dude who was nice to everyone. That’s very shallow. I wonder if the folks whose tables were turned, or the Pharisees He called white-washed tombs thought He was nice?

Yes, Jesus loves all humans. He also speaks truthfully to them. Love and truth are inseparable.

The soul who sins shall die. I think we all know that inherently. When truth is spoken to any of us, we inevitably know our faults in missing the mark of perfection that God requires. It’s like Paul said about the truth of the law… It made sin alive in him, and he died.

Because many walked away from Turning Point USA events rejecting Jesus, Who is the embodiment of Truth. It brings profound sadness. People don’t want to know the truth. Like the person saying Jesus would’ve hated Charlie. That’s mockery revealing no personal knowledge of Jesus. They don’t know Charlie, and they really hate the Truth he represented.

The real problem is sin. The danger is dying in one’s sins. So, how do we humans deal with this inescapable doom of death?

I will tell you now, if you’ve stumbled upon this post and the words of Jesus have somehow pierced through, showing you were caught up in delusion, that’s a first step. The next is believing in Jesus.

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.” This is the word of faith that we preach: that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved, for with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10:8–10

It is that easy. You can know Jesus today. He’s not dead, but very much alive! This is Who Charlie knew. This is Who I know. Jesus is not relegated to the past… He lives and loves today. He forgives sin, any sin, all sin. He also takes them away forever. Just confess it to Him.

Are you afraid to pray or even approach Him?

Don’t be.

I know the Truth, so how can Jesus hate anyone?

He doesn’t.

I mean this: He died for the sins of the whole world. Think about that. The creation cries out for justice because you and I have sinned. The death of Jesus satisfies that justice once and for all.

Almost 2,000 years ago, He died. His death provided a pardon for sins. You and I have been pardoned effectually and unconditionally. If you’re human, He did that for you.

How is that hate toward Charlie?

Charlie let anyone speak to him. He loved them enough to be truthful, which is exceedingly refreshing in our culture.

Get this, the Bible plainly states… There is no greater love than a man lay down his life for his friends.

Jesus laid down His life for Charlie.

He did that for you.

He did that for me.

I don’t care where you’re at, what you’ve done, or even who you are. I KNOW that for the sheer fact that you’re a human person… Jesus calls you a friend. One that He died to save.

Charlie was His friend. I am His friend. If He died for you, you are His friend; the question I leave to you…

Is He your friend?

If not, fix that right now.

The Church that Follows the Free Man

On By TimIn Church, John 04Leave a comment

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’? Listen! I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest. He who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit that leads to eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this is the saying true, ‘One sows, and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap a crop for which you did not labor. And you have benefited from their labor.”

John 4:34–38

It’s interesting how discussions go. This was part of our small group Bible study earlier this week. The discussions around it were intriguing and eye-opening. Hopefully, you will gather some encouragement from it, too.

This part of the Scriptures is where Jesus encounters the Samaritan woman. It is after His encounter with her that His friends were encouraging Jesus to eat. He said He had food they didn’t know about. He heard their murmuring and He answered them as above.

Now, I am going to tell you that Charlie Kirk lived to do the same as Jesus, His Father’s will. He would be at it until the work was complete. Charlie was taken home this last week, signifying his work is finished. He now enjoys the rewards of it.

The rewards of the work are not going to heaven and escaping Hell. No, those are on top of that free gift that He has from the Holy Spirit.

Like Jesus having His life cut short, Charlie’s was, too.

Like those Jesus spoke to, we Christians today are going to get the same benefits. The fields are ripe. Charlie sowed much, and the harvest is here. It’s our turn. Jesus sends us all to reap a crop for which we did not labor.

Are you ready to do that?

I think there is a bit more here… Remember those two witnesses who will come during the Tribulation?

When they have finished their testimony, the beast that ascends from the bottomless pit will wage war against them and overcome them and kill them. Their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. Those from every people and tribe and tongue and nation will see their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not allow their dead bodies to be put in graves.

Revelation 11:7–9

Well, there seems to be a small bit of parallel, or maybe we all had a sneak-peak at the future as one might say.

When Mr. Kirk did what he did best, he prophesied. No, he didn’t predict future events. New Testament prophets speak God’s truth plainly and forthrightly. There is little argument that he did just that. He did it boldly, without fear, and without trepidation.

Yes, there are prophets in the church.

God has put these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, and various tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:28

I consider this an ordered list of value. There are no apostles today, well, probably not. (Ask me about the apostle John one day.) Apostles were eyewitnesses to the life of Jesus. Which disqualifies virtually everyone alive today from being an apostle. The gifts of the Spirit are real, and as here, there is an amplified list elsewhere…

He gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, for the equipping of the saints, for the work of service, and for the building up of the body of Christ,

Ephesians 4:11–12

These offices are for the equipping of the church. These exist until the church reaches maturity.

That was a bit of a diversion, but back to those two prophets in the future… And Charlie Kirk.

I think the parallel is the aftermath of what happened. There were plenty of people rejoicing over the death of Charlie. It almost resembles a precursor to the fallout that occurs after the two prophets are overcome.

Those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and make merry and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.

Revelation 11:10

I tell you, last Wednesday… I expected God to raise Charlie up, just like he had those two prophets. He didn’t, yet it was expected.

Perhaps that was just a precursor to my small group study, and eventually to all that I write here. I think that what we encountered after Charlie was murdered was a small shadow of the attitudes of the masses of people in the future. These people celebrate the deaths of the two prophets. The outpouring of that kind of inhumanity is alive in an astonishing number of people even today. It’s like things are ramping up to that time, as the attitudes become firmly cemented in hearts. These are those who hate the Truth, so they eliminate those who are truth-tellers.

Back to revelation…

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Revelation 3:22

In the seven epistles Jesus gave to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3, this phrase is used in all of them. Intriguingly, it is the closing line on the last four letters.

When considering the way Revelation is constructed, a chronological timeline of church history seems to be included in the seven epistles. Intriguingly, any other order and that chronology would not exist. Concerning the last four, these are present today. Thyatira would represent the Catholic era and the churches that are part of it today. Sardis represents the reformation era and the churches from that era. Likewise, Philadelphia, being the great awakening era, and Laodicia, bringing in today’s seeker-forward-style church. These types of churches make up the bulk of Christianity today.

Back to that last line, which is included as such in the last four letters.

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Revelation 3:22

The appeal is for the free man to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The name Charles means free man. The word Kirk is an old Scottish word for church. Make of that what you will.

But when you consider that Charles James Kirk was taken out suddenly and unexpectedly, shocking the world. And that Charlie’s life could be summed up simply as he wanted men to be free and to be part of the body of Christ, His church. He lived up to his own name… While pointing to Jesus Christ.

I’ve already told you that Charlie means free man. And that Kirk is church. But James is the English form of Jacob. We know Jacob means heal catcher, but there is a different meaning in that name. It is the one who follows.

Considering his sudden removal, could Charlie’s sudden removal from earth announce the next thing for the church?

Is it the one that follows the free man following the church, or is it the free man that is the one who follows the church?

Let that sink in for a moment.

Jesus Christ, Whom You Have Sent

On By TimIn Jehovah, Jesus, John 17Leave a comment

This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.

John 17:3

This is one text taken from the prayer that Jesus offered to God on the night before He was crucified. The real need for people is to have eternal life. Many use the term being saved, but that term has some baggage. Eternal life is a gift given to believers by God Himself. That gift comes by knowing the only true God, and Jesus Christ.

There is a point often debated, “Did Jesus really say He was God?“

Yes. He certainly did.

The idea is clearly laid out in His Own words. As it is said, oftentimes the Pharisees lets us know when He does that. They took up stones to kill Him.

This eternal life is knowing God and Whom He sent… Jesus Christ. Back during Jesus’ ministry, there was one of those episodes where the Pharisees took up stones. It was then that Jesus said:

My Father and I are one.”

John 10:30

The Jewish leaders tell us exactly what Jesus said:

Again the Jews took up stones to stone Him. Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?”
The Jews answered Him, “We are not stoning You for a good work, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, claim to be God.”

John 10:31–33

The Pharisees have verified Jesus’ saying He is God. Look back up to the introductory text from John 17. Keeping that in mind, I want to consider other ways that plainly show Jesus as God. To know God is to know Jesus, Whom He sent and it is to have eternal life.

Jesus often used words that echoed those expressed in the Tanakh. I know that might be shocking. Yet Jesus knows the words of the prophets, and He knows the writings of Isaiah.

Listen to Me, O Jacob
and Israel, whom I called:
I am He;
I am the First, and I am the Last.
My hand also has laid the foundation of the earth,
and My right hand has spanned the heavens;
when I call to them,
they stand up together.
Assemble, all of you, and listen.
Who among them has declared these things?
The Lord has loved him;
he will do His pleasure on Babylon,
and His arm shall be against the Chaldeans.
I, even I, have spoken,
and I have called him;
I have brought him,
and his way will prosper.
Come near to Me, hear this:
I have not spoken in secret from the beginning;
from the time that it was, there I am.
And now the Lord God has sent me
and His Spirit.

Isaiah 48:12-16

Already, it may be clear to see some familiar phrases that we know are applied elsewhere to Jesus. I will start with the first, “I am He.” Jesus said that.

Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”

John 8:24

In the context of this passage, Jesus is speaking of the Father Whom the Jewish folk know as God. The text is clear, that unless one believes “I am He,” they do not have eternal life. For clarity, those that do not have eternal life will perish in their sins. Jesus is unequivocally saying, that one cannot have eternal life unless that person believes He is God.

The next has many witnesses. Here is the first…

I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a great voice like a trumpet, saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and “What you see, write in a book, and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

Revelation 1:10–11

While in exile, the apostle John is caught up in a vision where he meets God. God calls Himself Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last. Most know that this Person is Jesus Christ.

Part of the reason for this post comes from a conversation over whether Jesus is now God. He is, but the protagonist in the conversation believes Jesus was God and is not now because of His location at the right hand of God. I get that these types of discussions are difficult for our minds to comprehend. God is like no other. That is why, there are none like Him. We have no frame of reference except what He says of Himself. It then becomes important to understand Him as He reveals Himself.

We know Jesus is Alpha and Omega. He offers something else about His identity. These are the key things to remember.

When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though I were dead. Then He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, though I was dead. Look! I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.

Revelation 1:17–18

This Person addressing John says, “(T)hough I was dead, Look! I am alive forevermore.” This is an indicator to identity. He identifies Himself again as First and Last. Putting both together with He died and rose again, there is only One Person that matches. It is Jesus.

Which leads to another objection that my protagonist scoffs at. He denies the idea that God has died. Clearly, Jesus as God says He died and lives forevermore.

There is one more witness from Revelation to examine.

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me to give to each one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”

Revelation 22:12–13

Once again, this Person identifies Himself as Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, First and Last. It has already been established Who is speaking. Yet another witness to identity is this One is coming again. We know the One Who returning to Earth again is Jesus Christ!

Back in the passage of Isaiah 48 above, it says I am He, the First and Last. From the context, Jehovah is being spoken of in third person. Yet clearly the One narrating is God. Israelis in the day would know this well. They were very familiar with the Tanakh. Note, when connected from Isaiah to the Gospel of John and then Revelation, the idea coalesces. It is clearly conveyed that when Jesus says “I am He,” He is saying He is God.

But as it is in the Bible, things get a bit blurry…

Come near to Me, hear this:
I have not spoken in secret from the beginning;
from the time that it was, there I am.
And now the Lord God has sent me
and His Spirit.

Isaiah 48:16

This is the same invitation from Jesus in the New Testament. The God of the Tanakh is the same God that Jesus is. And He is this same God that sent Jesus Christ. Keep in mind, the same God that sent Jesus is the First and the Last.

In my mind, it seems there can only be One Who identifies as Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last. The phrase leaves no room for others. That’s God and He is Jesus.

Jesus is not-so-secretly declaring that He is Jehovah. That same Jehovah Who sent Him!

This testimony of the Alpha and the Omega in the last book of the Bible connects it to one of those books in the rough middle of It, Isaiah. The text seems to draw the reader to closely examine the beginning. It is there that yet another witness identifies that Jesus is indeed Jehovah God.

All things were created through Him, and without Him nothing was created that was created.

John 1:3

John testifies that all things were created by Jesus. And God testifies in Isaiah that He spoke very clearly from the beginning. What does that mean?

Well, if all things that were created were created by Jesus… Jesus is not created. Which means He is the One Who created all things. Once again, in my mind that leaves no room for another creator.

Thus says the Lord,
the Holy One of Israel and his Maker:
Ask Me of things to come
concerning My sons,
and you shall commit to Me the work of My hands.
I have made the earth
and created man on it.
I, even My hands, have stretched out the heavens,
and I have ordained all their host.
I have raised him up in righteousness,
and I will direct all his ways;
he shall build My city,
and he shall let My captives go,
neither for price nor reward,
says the Lord of Hosts.

Isaiah 45:11-13

Thus says Jehovah, that is the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) translated as Lord. He testifies He has made the Earth. All this was spoken by the Lord of Hosts (Jehovah of Hosts.) That’s the military title of Jesus Christ. He is Jesus, the Son of God, and He is God.

It is like everything is pointing to the beginning. It might just be beneficial to check it out.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1

I assume most are familiar with this verse. What many may not know are the not-so-secret things hidden just behind the translation into English. Here is the verse in transliterated Hebrew.

Bereshit bara Elohim et hashamayim ve’et ha’aretz

I tend to be a bit nerdy. I’m no Hebrew scholar. But I’m certain many see the word Elohim. It is well known as one of the names of God.

It is that two-letter word et, which is not translated into any English Bibles. There is much controversy over what the ‘word’ means. I am one that does not think it is a word, but is more of am identifying signature.

See, that two-letter et, in the Hebrew alphabet is also two letters, those being the aleph and the tav. The significance of those two letters is like the signature. It is as if it is literally saying, “In the beginning created God Aleph-Tav.”

The aleph is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The tav is the last letter. Has God spoken not in secret from the beginning?

Yes!

Jesus the Son, is the Creator God. The same Elohim Aleph-Tav Alpha-Omega Who spoke creation to be. The same God Who died and lives forevermore!

You Shall Call Me, My Father

On By TimIn John 05, The Father1 Comment

John 5:16–18 (MEV): So the Jews persecuted Jesus and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath day. Jesus answered them, “My Father is working still, and I am working.” So the Jews sought even more to kill Him, because He not only had broken the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God.

My Father… Those two words seem to have really set the conspiracy in motion. They were like gasoline on a fire. This is not the first time that John records Jesus using this intimate reference to the Most High God.

Previously in John 2:16, Jesus cleared the temple of money changers and referenced “My Father’s house.” Perhaps in the frenzy, the intimacy was overlooked.

This phrase struck me as interesting, considering the intimacy at a time when God was perceived as distant from Israel. When I checked it out, I think of it a different way. It wasn’t the Father that was distanced from Israel. Israel had placed themselves at considerable distance from the Father. It turns out they missed many things. This one is overwhelming.

Jeremiah 3:14–18 (MEV): Return, O backsliding sons, says the Lord. For I am married to you. And I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. It shall come to pass when you are multiplied and increased in the land in those days, says the Lord, they will say no more, “The ark of the covenant of the Lord.” And it will not come to mind, nor will they remember it, nor will they call for it, nor will it be made any more. At that time they will call Jerusalem, the Throne of the Lord, and all the nations will be gathered to it, to Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord; nor will they walk any more after the stubbornness of their evil hearts. In those days the house of Judah will walk with the house of Israel, and they will come together out of the land of the north to the land that I have given to your fathers for an inheritance.

Jeremiah is prophesying of a future unification of Judah and Israel. It’s a reference to when God fulfills the promises He made to Israel. It is what we would call the end days.

He speaks of peace and the restoration of the Davidic kingdom. It is to be a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity. And it was set right before them.

Jeremiah 3:19 (MEV): But I said: How can I put you among My sons and give you a pleasant land, the most beautiful heritage of the nations?
And I said: You shall call Me, My Father, and shall not turn away from Me.

Some students of the Bible understand that Jesus is called Israel. And in a way, He was doing the same pattern established in prophecy. It was another of those bona fides He gave to us to tell us Who He is. Of course, the religious folk of the day let us know that, too.

You shall call me, My Father.

My version of preference showed exactly the reference being to the Messiah by capitalizing “My.”

It is those details that are often overlooked.

Nevertheless, Jesus’ use of this intimate term ought to have been a sign that the restoration of the Kingdom was upon them. Instead, the nation set out to distance themselves considerably more further away from the Father, as if that could even be possible.

Even as Jesus bears the end of His ministry, and in great anguish… The intimacy continues. It is equivalent to the English word daddy. The repetition conveys importance.

Mark 14:36 (MEV): He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.”

Then Israel succeeded in killing the Anointed One, just as it was said He would be cut off. That set forth a delay in establishing the Kingdom physically to the nation. It also ushered in a time of judgment on Israel.

That judgement to them brought great blessing to Gentiles. These would be included in sharing the blessings and salvation of God to the world.

It’s that intimacy God wants with His people. Is the intimacy set Christian’s proclaim! He wanted that intimacy with them and with us. It is offered to anyone who wants it.

John 1:12–13 (MEV): Yet to all who received Him, He gave the power to become sons of God, to those who believed in His name, who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

If you’ve read this far, that right of becoming a child of God is offered to you. Just ask Him.

Romans 8:14–17 (MEV): For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. For you have not received the spirit of slavery again to fear. But you have received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirits that we are the children of God, and if children, then heirs: heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified with Him.

This idea of adoption is so important. He wants you to be that intimate with Him.

Ask.

The First Miracle

On By TimIn Jesus, John 02Leave a comment

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. The mother of Jesus was there. Both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”
Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” Six water pots made of stone were sitting there, used for ceremonial cleansing by the Jews, containing twenty to thirty gallons each.
Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim.
Then He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the master of the feast.”
And they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water that had been turned into wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who drew the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom, and he said to him, “Every man serves the good wine first, and after men have drunk freely, then the poor wine is served. But you have kept the good wine until now.”

John 2:1–10

I assume that all have read this in their Bible. I also assume many have heard it as part of a sermon or teaching. I post it for you as a quick reference and in case someone has not read it.

In the past, I have not paid any real particular attention to it. At least, not until I started reading Beautiful Outlaw by John Eldredge. This account was used to demonstrate the extravagant generosity of Jesus. I had not even considered that thought in the thinking part of my mind, but I guess it would lurk somewhere in the background. As the Spirit of God would have it, looking deeper into what happened at that wedding He revealed something I had not encountered anywhere else. Come with me and see.

The First Sign

This, the first of His signs, Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and He revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.

John 2:11

As John recounts in his Gospel what had happened, he closes this punctual account by saying it was the first of Jesus’ signs. This part of the narrative follows the calling of His first disciples. John’s intent is to promote belief in Jesus by telling of His words and the signs He did.

Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

John 20:30–31

When reading the Gospel of John, pay close attention to the unfolding revelation. He opens with a testimony of Who Jesus is that parallels and expounds on Genesis 1. Later, we encounter John the Baptizer and his ministry of preparing the world for Jesus. Like Elijah speaking truth, John the Baptizer testifies to the ministry of Jesus, just as the apostle John records.

The Lamb of God

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ I did not know Him, but for this reason I came baptizing with water: so that He might be revealed to Israel.”

John 1:29–31

The apostle John is unique in recording the words of John the Baptizer. “Behold the Lamb of God” that takes away sin. In a way, he points to this first sign at Cana, which then points to another sign.

Let’s go back to Cana.

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. The mother of Jesus was there. Both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.”

John 2:1–3

John recounts the first week of the ministry of Jesus. After being baptized and calling the first disciples, his small troupe is invited to a wedding. Already, we ought to pay attention to the timing mentioned. John is writing in retrospect, recording this decades after the events occurred. He has hindsight of the events in Jesus’ life, it is likely that there is something more to the phrase than just the narrative on the third day. It is something to keep in mind.

As we continue with the account, trouble arises when the open bar runs dry. Mary (Jesus’ mother) says that there is no more wine. There is then nothing left with which to continue the celebration.

A Mother Knows

Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.”

John 2:4

This makes me smile. Not just what seems like abrupt language. What did she expect Him to do?

What did she know?

Even more intriguing… How did she know He could help?

I think the Bible helps us to know.

He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest. And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. And of His kingdom there will be no end.”

Luke 1:32–33

Mary had a special briefing given by a messenger from God. She knew her Son. She knew He is the Anointed One, Son of the Most High. She knew He is forever King. I think she even knew Him as God, having command over material things.

Had He done miracles before this?

We are not given any information on that except for John’s telling us this is the first of His signs. It could be a small attestation when as a preteen, He remained behind at the temple and taught. It is something to consider.

What we can determine is that Mary knew Jesus could readily help in this situation. Jesus affirms this by His response to her. We take Jesus’ response to His mother as somewhat sharp. In the language at the time, it was a respectful address. Jesus is telling her that what concerns her doesn’t concern Him. He continues by letting her know to leave Him alone, His time has not yet come.

My Hour

This is the specific phrase used. It refers to a particular time. This is a reference that leads us to the culmination of Jesus’ earthly ministry. It points us to something future.

As John’s narrative unfolds, Jesus uses this word hour to point to a yet future time. He uses it in speaking with the woman at the well in John 4:21; 23. He uses it again to point to a future time period in John 5:25; 28. (The list continues: John 7:30, 8:20, 12:23; 27, 13:1, 16:32, & 17:1.) John explains the hour:

Now before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.

John 13:1

In my opinion, from reading John’s Gospel, the hour refers to the time period that begins around Jesus’ death and stretches to His return to Earth and the Millennial Kingdom. The hour will be marked with resurrection, I would say multiple resurrections. Yet, I digress.

For the purpose of this sign, my hour refers to the cross as the beginning of it. John is exclusive in his extensive writing of the words and actions of Jesus in the period of time leading to the cross.

That Seeming Reluctance

Did you pick up on the reluctance Jesus demonstrated toward His mother?

Do you think it is significant as a parallel in His hour?

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray close by.” He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee and began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then He said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Wait here, and keep watch with Me.”
He went a little farther, and falling on His face, He prayed, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

Matthew 26:36–39

It is not necessarily the same way, but I think the reluctance to do His mother’s will belies a very human emotional response. That emotion is amplified many times as demonstrated in His hour. In speaking with His Father, He wanted to find a way out. Nevertheless, as the Man, He honored His father by doing what His father wanted, just as He honored His mother’s will.

His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”

John 2:5

It is these few things that leads me to see some things that I think are hidden signs in this sign.

The Specifics

Six water pots made of stone were sitting there, used for ceremonial cleansing by the Jews, containing twenty to thirty gallons each.
Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim.
Then He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the master of the feast.”
And they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water that had been turned into wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who drew the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom, and he said to him, “Every man serves the good wine first, and after men have drunk freely, then the poor wine is served. But you have kept the good wine until now.”

John 2:6–10

Six water pots are filled to the brim. Each can hold a determinate amount of water. I’m not going to go through to the end.

The amount of wine that Jesus made would be the equivalent to 120 to 180 gallons. That is a lot of wine. The master says about the wine, that it is the good stuff and kept until now.

The Sign in the Sign

Consider the specific information given. There are six containers. It is considered by many scholars that six is the number of man. Seven is completion and the number of God, six is just short of that perfection. Humans were made on the sixth day. The number six here points to a human man.

Wine is considered the blood of the grape. Biblically, wine is often a representation of blood. We use the blood of the grape in the Lord’s Supper to remind us of the blood Jesus shed. The wine here ought to also remind us of the shed blood at the cross.

The containers being filled to the brim signify there is no more room for anything else. Think of sufficiency, as the blood of Jesus is sufficient, leaving no room for anything else. More important, had Jesus added something to change the chemical composition of the water, it would easily be detected by overflowing the brim.

Let us consider the quantity mentioned. The amount of wine that Jesus made would be the equivalent of 600 to 900 modern wine bottles. Again, that’s a lot of wine. Especially after the open bar has been emptied out. I don’t think it’s a far stretch to say that the amount of wine Jesus made was far more than sufficient to satisfy all of the guests. Weddings at this time lasted for days, even in the relative austerity the hosts would provide adequate provisions for the length of the celebration.

The wine Jesus made was also considered the best. Like the master of the feast said, the best is usually served first. In this account, the best is saved for last. The best speaks to the efficiency.

The Mediator of the New

This first earthly sign of Jesus was pointing to a future-fulfilling sign. The one when the Lamb of God would have His blood shed for the sins of humanity. It would be a Man. It would be a finite and sufficient amount. None more would be necessary. It would also be an efficient amount to more than satisfy the needs of all. And it would be better than all of the blood of animals shed for sins that came before.

Consider what another writer declares:

Then indeed, the first covenant had ordinances for divine services and an earthly sanctuary. A tabernacle was made. In the first part of the tabernacle, called the Holy Place, were the candlestick, the table, and the showbread. Behind the second veil was the second part of the tabernacle called the Most Holy Place, which contained the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid with gold, containing the golden pot holding the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. Above the ark were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Concerning these things we cannot now speak in detail.
Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests would regularly go into the first part, conducting the services of God. But only the high priest went into the second part once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins of the people, committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit was signifying through this that the way into the Most Holy Place was not yet revealed, because the first part of the tabernacle was still standing. This is an illustration for the present time, showing that the gifts and sacrifices offered could not perfect the conscience of those who worshipped, since they are concerned only with foods and drinks, ceremonial cleansings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation. But Christ, when He came as a High Priest of the good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation, neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats, and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies so that the flesh is purified, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Hebrews 9:1–14

There is no room for another.

For this reason He is the Mediator of a new covenant, since a death has occurred for the redemption of the sins that were committed under the first covenant, so that those who are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Hebrews 9:15

Knowing all of this, one can be assured beyond doubt, that the work of Jesus is sufficient and efficient to cleanse the conscience from sin for any that ask. The way to approach God is no longer veiled to anyone. Jesus’ blood, and only His blood alone, made the Way.

And just like at the wedding, there was no license for the attendees to be drunk. Jesus was not even concerned of that. There was more than enough for each invited guest to enjoy.

Invited Guests

Jesus and His troupe were among the invited guests at the wedding. As with the hosts of the wedding, God invites people to His wedding feast. Where is that invitation?

Jesus spoke to them again by parables, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding, but they would not come.
“Again, he sent out other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited: See, I have prepared my supper. My oxen and fattened calves are killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’
“But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his business; the rest took his servants, treated them spitefully, and killed them. When the king heard about it, he was angry. He sent in his army and destroyed those murderers and burned up their city.
“Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the streets, and invite to the wedding banquet as many as you find.’ So those servants went out into the streets and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.
“But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man who was not wearing wedding garments. 12 He said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without wedding garments?’ And he was speechless.
“Then the king told the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
“For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Matthew 22:1–14

I make the case that simply by being born of Adam’s race just as Jesus… You, like I am, are invited to the feast. God wanted you in His creation. It follows He wants you in His presence in heaven.

Being an invited guest, you can enter His presence anywhere at anytime. (Really, you’re already there because of that blood Jesus shed. And there is no place anyone can go to escape Him.) Just talk to Him.

He’s listening.

Jesus Takes Away the Sins of the World

On By TimIn Jesus, John 01Leave a comment

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ I did not know Him, but for this reason I came baptizing with water: so that He might be revealed to Israel.”

John 1:29–31 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

In his Gospel, John first introduces us to John the Baptist. John the Baptist then introduces us to Jesus.

The words that John uttered to and about Jesus reveal the truth. Jesus takes away the sins of the world.

Jesus does not take away some of the sins of the world, nor does He take away the sins of some of the world.

Jesus takes away the sins of the world… From Adam to the end.

The Rapture (Part 2) – What it Is

On By TimIn John 14, Rapture3 Comments

From the previous post we learned for whom the rapture is inended tobenefit. It is a body called the church. A proper ecclesiology is a necessary foundation to understanding the rapture. Let us now explore what the rapture is.

“Let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God. Believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, you may be also. You know where I am going, and you know the way.”

John 14:1–4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There are many that consider this a rapture passage. It is my opinion that it may be used that way, but there are deeper meanings. It is a promise of Jesus to return for the individual believer and receive them to Himself. In that way, each church saint is promised to see the second coming of Jesus. I see that simply because Jesus used personal pronouns here, and addresses what He says to individuals, not just to a corporate body. (This is easily seen in the King James Version for English readers in the difference between ye and you.) Each of us that are believers need not fear. Jesus is coming for each of us.

This passage serves well as a background to attest that Jesus promises to return for the believing saints and receive them to Himself. He told this to His disciples at the Last Supper. Judas was not present, as Jesus had previously sent him on to the betrayal he had set to do. All that were present to hear this were believers. The rapture is just for believers. That is an important idea to keep in mind.

He is Coming Back.

Now that we know that Jesus is going to return to receive saints to Himself, let us explore and see if there are other details to add to this understanding.

But I would not have you ignorant, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and arose again, so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will not precede those who are asleep.

1 Thessalonians 4:13–15 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The first epistle to the Thessalonians serves as a major contributor to our understanding of the event called the rapture or catching away. I understand there is some controversy with the word rapture. Let’s examine that in detail in another installment. For now, the word suffices as an explanation.

Now, let’s move to some more background information that can help our understanding of what Paul is saying. This has to do with how Paul did his mission work.

When they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. According to his custom, Paul went in, and on three Sabbaths he lectured to them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I preach to you, is the Christ.” Some of them were persuaded and joined with Paul and Silas, including a great crowd of devout Greeks and many leading women.

Acts 17:1–4 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

As he entered a new city, it was Paul’s custom to first preach the Gospel to the Israeli folks in the synagogues. After all, salvation is for everyone who believes, Jewish folk first but also to the Gentile (Romans 1:16.) After preaching to the Israelis in that place, Paul would then preach to the Gentiles. As folks believed, Paul would organize them into a local church. He would remain in the place long enough to teach them all about God. Then he would raise up leaders for that local body and move to a new city.

Paul’s work in Thessalonica was interrupted. There arose great persecution in Thessalonica. Paul had to flee with much of his work unfinished.

But the Jews who did not believe became jealous and, taking some evil men from the marketplace, gathered a crowd, stirred up the city, and attacked the house of Jason, trying to bring them out to the mob. But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brothers to the city officials, crying out, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, and Jason has received them. They are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.” They troubled the crowd and the city officials when they heard these things. When they had taken a bail payment from Jason and the rest, they released them.

Acts 17:5–9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We see what Luke tells us in the books of Acts affirmed in Paul’s lengthy introduction in the epistle. Paul recounts the history of the founding of the church. In it, he introduces some things he will expound upon.

For we know, beloved brothers, your election by God. For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance, just as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. You became followers of us and the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit. Therefore you were examples to all who believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For the word of the Lord sounded out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith in God has gone forth, so that we do not need to say anything. For they themselves declare how we were received by you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus, who delivered us from the wrath to come.

1 Thessalonians 1:4–10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It’s that last phrase that Paul will expand upon later, waiting for Jesus to come from Heaven. Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come. That is a reference to future events, the return of Jesus, and the wrath to come. His resurrection from the dead is cited as the power that delivers. (I know the MEV uses the past tense delivered, but the Greek word is in the present tense.) That said, Paul is setting the idea to be expanded upon.

But we, brothers, being taken from you for a short time, in presence, not in heart, endeavored all the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. Therefore we wished to come to you—even I, Paul, once and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Will it not even be you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?

1 Thessalonians 2:17–19 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Yet again, Paul references a yet future event. Paul was hindered from returning to Thessalonica, and Timothy was sent in his place. Timothy was to encourage them and teach them. Upon returning to Paul, Timothy gave a report. That report leads to the rest of the content of the letter. To help fill in the gaps of their understanding as Paul’s initial ministering and teaching were cut short.

But just now Timothy has come from you to us and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good memories of us, desiring greatly to see us, as we also desire to see you.

1 Thessalonians 3:6 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The Rapture

With Paul’s references to the return of Jesus, the Thessalonians were clearly taught certain things about the rapture. From Acts and the introduction in the 1 Thessalonians, we see evidence of continued persecution of saints in the city. Obviously, some of those saints were martyred, and concerns arose over what happens to those martyrs who won’t participate in the benefits of being caught up alive. This was of obvious grave concern to Thessalonians.

As an aside, I think the concern of those in Thessalonica indicates that Paul unequivocally taught them that the rapture was for the church saints. Their question had to do with saints that passed before the rapture and not getting the new body and meeting Jesus in the clouds.

Paul sets out to assure the Thessalonians that those who are asleep will also benefit from the rapture. They will go before those who are alive. “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.” We who are alive will not precede those who sleep in Jesus.

In Jesus

Paul uses the phrase in Jesus to be precise. It can be worded differently such as in Him or in Christ. Paul does use it differently, but the precision is just the same. It serves as a shorthand term that references the believer’s identity or position. That identity is by Spirit baptism into the church or the body of Christ.

For by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, whether we are slaves or free, and we have all been made to drink of one Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:13 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

The Rapture is for the Body of Christ.

In Jesus is a carefully used phrase to limit the rapture to church saints. These saints dead or alive both receive the benefits of the rapture. There is an order, and those who have passed beforehand have the preeminence in the event, however slight it may seem. It is for those in Jesus.

This brings us right back to the idea of proper ecclesiology. We know that the church most definitely had a beginning of that Pentecost in Acts 2. In my opinion, the rapture will end of the baptism into the body of Christ. Just as the Spirit came down on the saints at the first Pentecost, the Spirit will be raised with the saints alive at the catching away. It is sort of pictured in Jesus’ baptism where the Spirit came down on Him. At His assumption, the Spirit never was taken away. The body of Jesus was caught up in the clouds.

When He had spoken these things, while they looked, He was taken up. And a cloud received Him from their sight.

Acts 1:9 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

To my way of thinking, this is a prophecy that is being acted out. The body of Christ is taken up in the clouds. I marvel at such things but read the next verses.

While they looked intently toward heaven as He ascended, suddenly two men stood by them in white garments. They said, “Men of Galilee, why stand looking toward heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you to heaven, will come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

Acts 1:10–11 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There were (future church) saints promised baptism of the Holy Spirit right there with Jesus. They watched Him taken into heaven in the clouds. Unnamed angels (we presume they are angels) announced to those present the promise of His return in like manner.

It is my contention, the rapture will be the other bookend to the age of church saints as they, like Jesus, will all be removed in the twinkling of an eye. It will be a private event just for church saints, just as Jesus’ assumption was a private event. He will return in like manner.

The Earthly End of the Ministry of the Church

It is the Holy Spirit working in the Spirit baptized body of Christ that now restrains evil and will be removed. In Revelation just after Jesus finishes His letters to the seven churches, John is caught up to heaven (Revelation 4.) The word church doesn’t appear in any of the text in Revelation describing the events of the tribulation (the wrath to come.) The text is then distinctly Jewish in content.

Just as the ministry of the church had a distinct beginning, it will have a distinct ending. I will say, the idea of the church being removed doesn’t change the way people are saved. People can and will be saved by faith after the rapture of the church, just as they were before the birth of the church.

Homeborn Servants and Sons

On By TimIn Israel, Jesus, John 08, The ServantLeave a comment

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. Now a slave does not remain in the house forever, but a son remains forever.

John 8:34–35 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Not having a full understanding of the Torah hinders us Gentiles. We want to understand the things Jesus says, and we do in a shallow sense. There are deeper things we need to be diligent in searching out.

It would not occur to me to understand what Jesus is saying in light of the Torah. In this case, Jesus is referring to some of the first things about an elect people God will call His servants and the origins of that.

Therefore she said to Abraham, “Throw out this slave woman and her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son, Isaac.”

Genesis 21:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We know that Isaac was the chosen heir. But there is an important distinction being made between servants and heirs. There is also an apparent distinction inherent among servants. There are those bought with money and there are those homeborn.

Is Israel a servant? Is he a homeborn slave?
Why has he been plundered?

Jeremiah 2:14 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

I understand that these texts will have layers of meanings. The first question asked here lends itself to be prophetic in nature as it speaks of Jesus. It also encompasses the entire nation of Israel. While it causes us to remember the son of Isaac, Jacob.

The Homeborn Servant.

But Abram said, “Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I am childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” Abram said, “Since You have not given me any children, my heir is a servant born in my house.”

Genesis 15:2–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

We get a tiny glimpse into the realities of life in those times. To a childless couple, the first homeborn servant is heir apparent. It was no different for Abram and Sarai.

In their haste to work God’s promises for themselves, Sarai’s servant Hagar was given to Abram. The homeborn son is named Ishmael.

As Ishmael had the distinction of being fathered by Abram with the servant Hagar, he was now heir-apparent. This by the distinction of not being bought, but homeborn. More important is the fact that he is the firstborn son.

When the promise of God came after Abraham and Sarah’s names were changed, Isaac was born. Isaac is not firstborn and not heir-apparent. Therefore, the servant-child had to be driven out. Even though Isaac was a son, he was also a servant.

Though Ishmael benefits of the promise made to Abraham, the promise was on Isaac, not Ishmael. Isaac was the son of promise. God would also establish a covenant with Isaac.

The Lord appeared to him that same night and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father. Do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for the sake of My servant Abraham.”

Genesis 26:24 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is my contention that Abraham typifies the bought servant, while Isaac, the homeborn. Genetic heritage does not change, and the people descended from Abraham through the homeborn slave-son Ishmael and the son Isaac are innumerable. The son of bondage heir apparent had to be removed.

This hints as to the work of the cross. When Jesus died, the son of bondage was driven out. It made room for the son of promise. In other words, death was removed that life could be received.

Jacob is Born.

Now Isaac pleaded with the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived. But the children struggled together within her, and she said, “If all is well, why am I like this?” So she went to inquire of the Lord. Then the Lord said to her,
“Two nations are in your womb,
and two peoples will be separated from your body;
one people will be stronger than the other,
and the older will serve the younger.”

Genesis 25:21–23 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Paralleling the plight of his parents, Isaac and Rebekah were also barren. The promises of God entail countless progeny. In these times people waited years for the promises of God to come. It is not that He is slack or slow, but all things happen in due time.

When Isaac and Rebekah conceived, two babies would be born. This provides another important distinction. The older shall serve the younger. The covenant promise will be to the younger.

We follow that covenant promise. Just as Isaac was chosen and the slave driven away. The younger would be chosen as the conveyance of God’s promise.

We know the account of how Jacob bought the birthright with a pot of red lentils. We also know how Rebekah and Jacob connived to obtain the blessing of Isaac. It teaches us another important lesson, a birthright can be bought (I will leave that to you to figure out how that points to Jesus.)

Then the man said, “Your name will no more be called Jacob, but Israel. For you have fought with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

Genesis 32:28 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

It is this Jacob that serves as a further typification of Jesus in many ways. God’s covenant comes to Jacob, and his name is changed. The way the Bible weaves together the names of Israel, Jacob, and Jesus provide an easily accessible entree to a deeper truth.

Jacob prevailed. I think this to be prophetic in nature as it foreshadows Jesus.

But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look in it. I began to weep loudly, because no one was found worthy to open and read the scroll, or to look in it. Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.”

Revelation 5:3–5 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jesus has prevailed. But what of this fought with God?

The Hebrew word behind the English fought is from the same root of Jacob’s grandmother’s name Sarah. It doesn’t mean physical fighting, but more like persistence and perseverance. As an aside, Sarah had to persist and persevere with Abraham! Yet something else about Jesus comes to mind…

Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and your hearts give up.

Hebrews 12:2–3 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Jacob my Servant.

Here is My servant, whom I uphold,
My chosen one, in whom My soul delights.
I have put My Spirit upon him;
he shall bring forth justice to the nations.

Isaiah 42:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

You are My witnesses, says the Lord,
and My servant whom I have chosen
that you may know and believe Me,
and understand that I am He.
Before Me there was no God formed,
nor shall there be after Me.

Isaiah 43:10 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Yet now listen, O Jacob, My servant,
and Israel, whom I have chosen.

Isaiah 44:1 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Remember these things, O Jacob,
and Israel, for you are My servant;
I have formed you; you are My servant;
O Israel, you shall not be forgotten by Me.

Isaiah 44:21 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

There are many witnesses to attest to the fact that Israelis are servants. The texts also have prophetic implications. They show us plainly that the names Jacob, Israel, and my servant all point to Jesus.

A Son is Forever.

In the Tanakh, we see Israel presented as a servant. Since Abraham, these would be the homeborn servants. But as clearly seen, there is a better relationship. That is to be a son (or child of God.) Jesus said a son remains forever.

A physical birthright doesn’t convey salvation. Salvation comes by promise. With all of this, what Paul writes to the Galatians is clear.

Sons by Faith.

You are all sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, and there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Galatians 3:26–29 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Homeborn servants are not necessarily sons of promise. Salvation isn’t conferred by election or birthright. It comes by faith.

No Longer a Servant, but a Son and Heir.

Now I say that as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ from a servant though he is lord of all. But he is under tutors and governors until the time appointed by the father. So when we were children, we were in bondage to the elements of the world. But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth His Son, born from a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth into our hearts the Spirit of His Son, crying, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a servant, but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ

Galatians 4:1–7 — Modern English Version (Thinline Edition.; Lake Mary, FL: Passio, 2014)

Adam sold his birthright for some food just like Esau. Jesus bought that birthright by obedience. He bought it to give it back to you as children of God received by faith.