I. Video. Sweet, Sweet Spirit [Live]. Doris Akers. Notice the correlation between the song that is being sung and the message of this article. Doris went to be with the Lord in 1995.
II. Title. The Testimony of John the Baptist. 3.
III. Text. John 1:29. New American Standard Bible.
The next day he *saw Jesus coming to him, and *said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
IV. Comments. All scriptures are from the New American Standard Bible 2020.
A. MacArthur Study Bible Comments.
1. The next day. This phrase probably refers to the day after John’s response to the Jerusalem delegation. It also initiates a sequence of days (v. 43; 2:1) that culminated in the miracle at Cana (2:1–11).
2. The Lamb of God. The use of a lamb for sacrifice was very familiar to Jews. A lamb was used as a sacrifice during Passover (Ex. 12:1–36); a lamb was led to the slaughter in the prophecies of Isaiah (Is. 53:7); a lamb was offered in the daily sacrifices of Israel (Lev. 14:12–21; cf. Heb. 10:5–7). John the Baptist used this expression as a reference to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross to atone for the sins of the world, a theme which John the apostle carries throughout his writings (19:36; cf. Rev. 5:1–6; 7:17; 17:14) and that appears in other NT writings (e.g., 1 Pet. 1:19).
3. sin of the world.See note on v. 9; cf. 3:16; 6:33, 51. In this context “world” has the connotation of humanity in general, not specifically every person. The use of the singular “sin” in conjunction with “of the world” indicates that Jesus’ sacrifice for sin potentially reaches all human beings without distinction (cf. 1 John 2:2). John makes clear, however, that its efficacious effect is only for those who receive Christ (vv. 11, 12). For discussion of the relation of Christ’s death to the world, see note on 2 Cor. 5:19.
B. My Comments.
1. Notice the words, “sin of the world.” Consider personal sins, such as theft, lying, etc. None of the sins of the human will keep anyone out of heaven, the kingdom age, or the eternal state. However, there are many references to “sins,” that are addressed in the gospels, that relate to the nation of Israel.
2. Consider Matthew 1:21: “She will give birth to a Son; and you shall name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” The “sins” of Matt 1:21 relate to the nation of Israel, as Christ came to “not remember the sins of Israel(Isa 43:25), and to offer national salvation to Israel, which they rejected.
3. Consider John 1:11: “He came to His own, and His own people did not accept Him.” John The Baptist, who was the forerunner of Christ, was a witness of the Messiah, Jesus (John 1:6-8).
4. Consider Matthew 3:1-3: “1 Now in those days John the Baptist *came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 3 For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said, “The voice of one calling out in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight!’”
a. The coming of Christ was in fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy of Isaiah 40:3 (712 B.C.), as well as Isaiah 7:14 (742B.C.) and Isaiah 9:6-7 (740 B.C.). Isaiah 40:3, 7:14 and 9:6a refer to the first coming of Christ in birth (Matt 1:21-25). Isaiah 9:6b-9:7 refers to the second coming of Christ at the end of the Tribulation (Matt 24:29-31) to set up His Kingdom on Earth (the 1,000 year millennium).
b. The message of national repentance to the Jews is recorded in many other Gospel Scriptures, for them to accept Christ as the Messiah of Old Testament Scriptures. The message of Christ to the Israel was, “I am God with you,” (Isa 7:14, Matt 1:23).
(1). Matthew 4:17: ‘From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” ‘ Jesus wasn’t saying that “the Kingdom was here, but was near,” based on their accepting Him as Messiah. The Kingdom is that which was taught to Israel in the Abrahamic and David Covenants (Gen 15:18-21; 2 Sam 7:8-17)
(2). Matthew 10:5-7: ‘These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them, saying, “Do not go on a road to Gentiles, and do not enter a city of Samaritans; 6 but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.” ‘Jesus sent His disciples only to the Jews, to teach about the kingdom.
(3). Luke 10:9: “and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.” Jesus sent seventy others to preach about the “nearness of the Kingdom,”
(4). Luke 13:3: “No, I tell you, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” There is sharp contrast to this verse and John 3:16. Luke 13:3 relates to the national salvation of Israel. John 3:16 relates to personal salvation. Notice in John 3:16, the command of Jesus is to “believe;” He says nothing about repentance. At the time of individual belief, “salvation takes place in the life of such a believer.”
(5). The Words of Jesus in John 3:16 are clear, and to the point. Nothing more than belief in Christ is required for personal salvation. Consider the following verses that relate belief to salvation, all of which are from the Gospel of John: 3:15, 3:16, 3:18, 3:36, 5:24, 6:40, 6:47, 7:38, 11:26, 11:40. 12:46, 20:31. Notice that in 5:24, eternal life comes from belief, and can not be reversed, as does John 10:28-30. We can not walk away from Salvation; we did not walk to Salvation. After we have been born again, we can not be unborn.
(6). After the Jews rejected Jesus’s offer of the Kingdom, His ministry was directed to “the world,” per John 1:11-13.
(7). Let’s get back to John 1:29, “the sin of the world,” which is also the unpardonable sin. The outward sins of theft, lying, etc., do not keep anyone from Heaven. But, the inner sin of “unbelief” (John 3:18), is a barrier than can not be removed, except through a personal belief in Christ (John 3:16). Salvation is not a formula of “works plus belief,” or anything else “plus belief.” Through the radiating power of God’s Holy Spirit, the message of Christ is made available to everyone in the world (John 1:5, 9).
(8). If a person were to exhaust a day of analyzing the understanding of “belief” through a Hebrew or Greek dictionary, it is important to understand that those around Jesus did not have Greek as their commonly spoken language. There are seven Greek words that mean “love.” Consider the possibilities for the many meanings of John 3:16, “believe.” 4100pisteúō (from 4102/pístis, “faith,” derived from 3982/peíthō, “persuade, be persuaded”) – believe (affirm, have confidence); used of persuading oneself (= human believing) and with the sacred significance of being persuaded by the Lord (= faith-believing). Only the context indicates whether 4100/pisteúō (“believe”) is self-serving (without sacred meaning), or the believing that leads to/proceeds from God’s inbirthing of faith. If Jesus has been speaking Greek to his disciples, I can not imagine Him going through every possible meaning of the Greek word for “belief.”. Jesus wanted to convey a clear understanding of what it took for a person to spend eternity with Him, and to avoid eternal condemnation. He spoke “belief.”
(9). Consider the following discussion by “God Questions.” “While Jesus very likely spoke Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek, Aramaic was likely the language Jesus spoke the most. ” https://www.gotquestions.org/language-Jesus-speak.html
(10). After belief in Christ, there is growing in Christ, which is aided by the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit in the new birth (John 3:3), and the teaching of the Holy Spirit that comes to every born again believer in Christ (John 16:7-11).
V. Article Sources.
1. Video from “Turn Your Radio On” Gaither series of songs, recorded in 1993. The video was posted by Gaither Music TV on December 13, 2012. 2. Article Title from New American Stand Bible Translation 2020. 3. Text from BibleGateway.com print of New American Stand Bible Translation 2020.
VI. Added Comment. Notice that the account of Scripture that is being studied is that of John The Baptist. The writer of the account is John The Apostle.
I. In the opening video, we see another inspiring scene from the Left Behind series. This scene is from the first film, Left Behind: The Movie. Bruce and Rayford have missed the Rapture that has taken their wives and children. Now, they need to ask God to forgive them and help them with what’s to come in the next seven years (from video comments).
II. As the opening video shows, there will be people who will come to saving faith in Christ after the Rapture, after they have been left behind (1 Thes 4:16-17). Notice in the video that one of the men coming to saving faith in Christ, is a “left behind pastor.” Those of us who are born again, and are looking forward to the Rapture of the church, have an awesome opportunity to leave behind, for those who will be left behind, such things as “books, tapes, and written articles,” that will be helpful for them to understand the things of the Tribulation that are ahead of them, and for coming to saving faith in Christ.
III. Key items of instruction that are helpful for those of us, whom are already “saved from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10), are things that relate to the Tribulation, the Kingdom Age (Millennium), and the times which precede the Rapture. Old Testament Jewish prophets used certain words to describe the conditions of the Tribulation and Kingdom Age. On the Day of Pentecost, and closely thereafter, the Apostles used some of those same Jewish prophetic terms as they spoke to Jews. As the message of Christ began being received by Gentiles, the words of the epistles began to speak of conditions on earth that will precede the Tribulation. The important factor to consider in understanding such information, is that of context, as we consider such words as End Times, Last Days, Latter Days, etc.
IV. The Jewish Old Testament prophets spoke of conditions that will be present on earth during the Tribulation and Kingdom Age. All Scripture references that follow come from the New American Standard Bible 2020 Update.
V. The Jewish Old Testaments spoke of the conditions of the Tribulation. Consider the following verses.
VII. The Jewish Old Testament prophets spoke of the conditions of the Kingdom. As you consider the following verses, it is important to note that “the Kingdom” relates to “a land mass, and relating conditions.” The Kingdom is not something that will be “within you,” (Luke 17:21, KJV), but will be that which will be “in your midst,” (Luke 17:21, NASB). “Thy Kingdom come,” of Matthew 6:10, relates to the coming Kingdom that is promised to the Jews, in which born again Jews and Gentiles will reside, which follows the Tribulation, and is not the spiritual indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:11).
VIII. Through the Old Testament Scriptures, the Jews were taught about the care, protection, and favor that God promised to them through the Abrahamic Covenant, which would come in the form of “land, seed, and blessing.” The Jews were told of the geographic dimensions of the Kingdom that God promised to them, and that the Covenant is eternal and will be confirmed through the bloodline of Abraham’s Covenant blood line of Isaac and Jacob, and that “Israel” would become the name of Jacob and his descendants. The land of the Abrahamic Covenant extends from the Nile River in Egypt to the Euphrates River in Iraq, and will be confirmed in its fullness during the Kingdom Age, when Christ will rule and reign throughout that Millennium of 1,000 years. (Ryrie Study Bible notes: Genesis 15:18-21; Genesis 17:8; Joshua 23:41-45; 1 Kings 4:21).
1. David would have a son who would succeed him and establish his kingdom (v. 12).
2. David’s son (Solomon), rather than David, would rebuild the Temple (v. 13a).
3. The throne of Solomon’s kingdom would be established forever (v. 13b).
4. Though David’s sins justified chastening, God’s “loving kindness,” steadfast love, would be forever(v. 16).
B. Ryrie added note. The Davidic Covenant did not guarantee uninterrupted rule by David’s family (and in fact, the Babylonian Exile interrupted it), but it did promise that the right to rule would always remain in David’s dynasty. Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of these promises (Luke 1:31-33) and, although at this present time He is not ruling from the throne of David (Heb. 12:2), at His second coming He will assume this throne.
C. My note. The second coming of Christ occurs at the end of the Tribulation, Mt 24:29-31. “…immediately after the tribulation of those days…all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory…”
D. MacArthur Study Bible note. The second coming of Christ is the culmination of world history, ushering in the millennial reign of Christ (cf. Rev. 20:4).
E. Re: verse 16, David’s “house, kingdom, and throne, … forever,” were also understood eschatologically/messianically. In the New Testament they were explicitly applied to Jesus (Heb 1:8). (New American Commentary, 2 Samuel).
X. Jews of the Old Testament era knew nothing of the Church or the Rapture of the Church, which were a mystery to Old Testament Jews, therefore, there was no Old Testament teaching of either subject (Church or Rapture). Consider the following verses:
A. A mystery explained. “that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before briefly,” (Ephesians 3:3, 64 A.D.). Ryrie Study Bible note. “A mystery was not something mysterious (in the modern sense) but something unknown until revealed.”
B. The mystery of the Rapture. “51 Behold, I am telling you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed,” (1 Corinthians 15:51-52, 59 A.D.).
C. The mystery of the church. “This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church,” (Ephesians 5:32, 64 A.D.).
XI. During the next article, I will discuss the coming event of the catching up of the saints, which is called The Rapture. Additionally, I will explain the differences of the uses of similar terms, such as End Times, Last Days, Latter Days.
XII. Opening Video. Left Behind – The Movie – Bruce and Ray’s Salvation. Jul 13, 2010. Josho456123.
XIII. Study References. Scofield Study Bible. J. Dwight Pentecost: “Things To Come.” C. John F. Walvoord: Commentary on Matthew. Ryrie Stdy Bible. The Moody Bible Commentary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary. Libery Bible Commentary. The New American Commentaries, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings.
XIV. Consider Israel.
A. Deuteronomy 14:2 “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for His personal possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”
I. Video. Russ Taff – ‘Farther Along [Live]’, Gaither Music TV. Dec 13, 2012.
II. Title. The Testimony of John the Baptist. 2.
III. Text. John 1:24-28. New American Standard Bible.
24 And the messengers had been sent from the Pharisees. 25 They asked him, and said to him, “Why then are you baptizing, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 John answered them, saying, “I baptize in water, but among you stands One whom you do not know. 27 It is He who comes after me, of whom I am not worthy even to untie the strap of His sandal.” 28 These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing people.
IV. Comments. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary-Abridged Volume 2: New Testament
A. 24-25. The Pharisees represented the strict interpreters of the Law and were particularly interested in examining the credentials of any new religious teacher in Judaism. This gospel does not show unvarying hostility toward them. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and was apparently a sincere if unenlightened person (see 3:1-21). As a class, however, they were hostile toward Jesus because he did not observe traditional rules and because he openly rebuked their superficial and often hypocritical religiosity. These Pharisees challenged John’s right to baptize.
B. 26-27.
1. John suggested that he did not profess to speak with ultimate authority. He was, after all, preaching repentance (Lk 3:3) and was calling for baptism as a confession of repentance in expectation of the greater person who was yet to appear. It seems likely that John’s baptism followed the pattern of proselyte baptism, which required a renunciation of all evil, complete immersion in water, and then reclothing as a member of the holy community of law-keepers.
2. John drew his reference to untying the sandals of his successor from the practice of using the lowest slave of a household to remove the sandals and wash the feet of guests. John’s witness, therefore, reflected the exalted nature of Jesus and placed the latter far above himself.
C. 28. “Bethany on the other side of Jordan” was so named to distinguish it from the Bethany near Jerusalem (see 12:1). Its exact site is unknown.
V. Article Sources.
1. Video from “Turn Your Radio On” Gaither series of songs, recorded in 1993.
2. Article Title from New American Stand Bible Translation 2020.
3. Text from BibleGateway.com print of New American Stand Bible Translation 2020.
4. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary-Abridged Volume 2: New Testament; Comments by
Kenneth L. Barker and John R. Kohlenberger III; a source of BibleHub.com
VI. Added Comment. Notice that the account of Scripture that is being studied is that of John The Baptist. The writer of the account is John The Apostle.
Left Behind ~ Trailer. Oct 30, 2009. Cloud10Entertainment.
I. On an o verseas flight to London, journalist Buck Williams and pilot Rayford Steele are caught in the middle of the most incredible event in history, as without warning dozens of passengers have simply vanished! It soon becomes apparent that this was not an isolated incident and there are millions of people missing. As chaos and anarchy engulf the world, both men set out on different paths in a desperate search for answers.
II. I am amazed at how many Christians have assumed room temperature in their minds, as it relates to the progressive move of the world toward socialism and a one-world government. Many people have become like “frogs simmering in slowly boiling sauce pans.” God’s prophetic Word is in their Bibles, but is never studied for deepness of things that may soon be coming upon the whole world. Just like the frog that slowly dies from the increasing boiling water temperature in the sauce pan, many people are mentally dying concerning their freedoms which are slowly being taken from them.
III. Many pastors are totally unaware of the details of “the rapture of the church, the following tribulation, and the Kingdom on earth” that will follow the tribulation. I had a conversation with a very good pastor friend. I asked him if he had any opinions on the pretribulation or premillennial rapture of the church. My friend really amazed me with his answer, especially considering that this man is a seminary educated pastor. He said, “premillennial, postmillennial, pan-millennial; it’ll all pan out in the end.” I was shocked at such a reply. After all, there probably are members of my friend’s congregation that have honest questions about the subjects of the rapture, tribulation and millennium. I have known other pastors who have exhibited the same ignorance in regard to end times scriptures.
IV. There are seminary leaders who have discounted the value of the Left Behind series of books and movies. The opening video of this article, which is a Left Behind related video, is very close in detail to the events of the rapture, and following events. I have had conversations with one of the pastors who worked on the Left Behind project; I will have to say that he amazes me with his knowledge of all areas of Scripture, as was the case of his partner, Dr. Tim LaHaye.
V. It does not take much of our thinking process to realize that our world is moving very close to a one-world government, as is shown in scripture, as well as in the closing two videos. For those of us whom have been born again, we will be caught up in the rapture (1 Thes 4:16 -17), at such a time that we will not be present on earth for God’s judgment on unbelieving Jews (Jer 30:7), as well as on unbelieving Gentiles (Rev 3:10). The judgments that will be poured out on those on earth during the tribulation will come from Christ ((Rev 6:1, 3, 5, 7, etc.) and Godly angels (Rev 8:7, etc.). There is no purpose for Christ to pour out His tribulation judgments on His Bride, which consists of every born again believer in Christ.
VI. Even though the rapture will take away the Bride of Christ in the rapture (1 Cor 15:50-54), there may be a period of time on earth that follows the rapture, which will precede the tribulation. During such a “post rapture and pre-tribulation period of time, the anti-christ may be actively engaged in setting up a one-world government with world leaders that have been left behind from the rapture. Before the tribulation begins, the anti-christ must confirm a peace treaty with Israel, which he will break midway through the seven years of the covenant; it is at that time that the tribulation will begin.
VII. The anti-christ is not operating on earth now, in such a role, but he may be alive. 1 John 4:3 states that the spirit of anti-christ “is already in the world.” Ungodly governmental control in countries of the world, and the attempts of ungodly governments to bring all nations under such control, is part of Satan’s goal of one-world government coming under his control. With, or without, the active presence of the anti-christ in the world, a system of ungodly one-world government is being set in place, as is being reported in daily news reports of media outlets that are not sold out to the concept of one-world government. An all out assault on the lives of unborn babies is gaining more momentum throughout the world. To accept, or to not accept, the homosexual life style and same sex marriage, can force businesses to close. To affirm Jews as being the legitimate owner of the land of Israel, is to put the mark of xenophobia on a college entrance application. To say that you support the greatness of America is to invite the stigma of national racism on your character. Once the tribulation begins, the anti-christ will have a world government that is waiting for him to assume control, which will have all of the earmarks that liberal Democrats and Rinos are trying to force on the United States, and are trying to export to the other nations of the world through the United Nations and other globalist organizations (the two videos at the bottom of this page show such a takeover of the world’s governments by the anti-christ).
VIII. Prior to the rapture, during this time of unfulfilled prophecies that we have been studying, the unannounced anti-christ may be actively involved in putting together a confederation of ten world governments. Until the time that the rapture takes place, the Church will have to suffer from anything on earth, that unbelievers will also have deal with; the tribulation will not have yet begun.
IX. Under the authority and power of the anti-christ, there will be a confederation of ten world areas, which are said in Scripture to be ruled by ten kings, with such areas being known as kingdoms. Under the control of the United Nations, such kingdoms may be known as “world zones.” You might ask yourself who such a person may be that the United Nations will appoint as its leader of the tribulation era one-world government.
B. United Nations Secretary-General selection is the process of selecting the next Secretary-General of the United Nations. To be selected as Secretary-General, a candidate must receive the votes of at least 9 members of the United Nations Security Council, with no vetoes from permanent members. The Secretary-General is then appointed by a majority vote of the United Nations General Assembly.
C. Although the process is informally called an election, the United Nations refers to it as the “procedure of selecting and appointing the next United Nations Secretary-General.” Since the General Assembly has never refused to appoint the person recommended by the Security Council, it is the selection of the Security Council that determines the next Secretary-General of the United Nations.
D. When considering the appointment process of the UN Secretary General, we must ask ourselves a simple question. Where are you, and I, and the leadership of our respective countries in this process? We might also ask ourselves another simple question. Who is a favorite personality of much of the liberal world? The closest person to taking on the role of the anti-christ will be the person who is the head of the United Nations.
E. The following verses of scripture will shed light on the situation of a one-world government, having a ten-world confederation, which will fall under the control of the anti-christ.
1. Consider Daniel 9:27 (538 B.C.) for prophecy of the peace treaty that will be confirmed between the anti-christ and Israel, which he will break halfway through the seven-year period of the treaty (the tribulation).
2. Consider the following verses that discuss the anti-christ leading the world through ten ungodly leaders in ten world zones. The date that Revelation was written is considered to be 96 A.D.
Daniel 7:24-27 (555 B.C.). Revelation 12:3; 13:1; 17:3, 7, 12, 16.
3. Consider the following verses that discuss the un-godly power that the anti-christ will have over the world directly, and through the false prophet, who is his aid. Read each verse carefully. Verse 17 is key, and has implications to the time in which we are living now.
X. Let’s consider again the purpose for the tribulation and, therefore, the rapture.
A. The purpose of this series of Tribulation-related articles is to discuss the events that will lead to the future when the Bride of Christ, the Church, is removed (raptured) from this earth and taken to heaven. It will be at the time of the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) that God will begin to deal with unbelieving Jews (Jeremiah 30:7), and Gentiles who have no saving relationship with Christ. Both groups of unbelievers will be left behind from the rapture, and will have to go through the time of testing that is identified in Revelation 3:10, and is known as the tribulation. There is no purpose for the Bride of Christ, the Church, to go through the judgments of the tribulation that will come on the earth at the hand of Christ and angels of God. The purpose for such tribulation testing is to lead unbelievers in Christ to saving faith in our Lord, so that they can spend eternity with Him. Notice that it will be from the total time of testing that the raptured church will be removed, and not just from a portion of that period of tribulation.
B. In the direction that our world is heading, it is easy to see that a one-world government can easily be attained through an ungodly leader, who will lord over the world during the tribulation, through ten ungodly world leaders. The timing of the tribulation is based on the anti-christ confirming a peace treaty with Israel; no mortal knows when such an action will take place. The timing of the rapture is God’s decision, and not on acts of worldly disobedience to His Word. No mortal knows when millions of believers in Christ will suddenly, and without announcement, leave this world on their way to Heaven. Ungodly voters vote for ungodly politicians. Those who are left behind from the rapture will have to deal with their choices of elected ungodly leaders who will govern this world, in an ungodly manner. Without a doubt, the stage is being set throughout the world for greater ungodly conditions to find inroads into every part of our lives.
XI. The following two videos add light to this discussion of the control of the anti-christ. In the video, the rapture has taken place, and each person was left behind from the rapture. Buck Williams, who is played by Kirk Cameron, is a journalist who is in the process of coming to saving faith in Christ.
Apr 3, 2020. Thansotir RS.
Left Behind II: Nicolae Carpathia (antichrist) becomes One World Governor.
Nicolae Carpathia. Mar 6, 2009. jscottphillips.
Nicolae Carpathia establishes the 10 kingdoms on earth after the rapture.
XII. Study References.
A. C.I. Scofield: Scofield Study Bible.
B. J. Dwight Pentecost: “Things To Come.”
C. John F. Walvoord: Commentaries on Daniel and Revelation.
D. Charles C. Ryrie: Ryrie Study Bible, Basic Theology, A Survey of Bible Doctrine.
I. Video. The Talley Trio – He Is Here [Live]. Gaither Music TV. Dec 13, 2012.
II. Title. The Testimony of John the Baptist. 1.
III. Text. John 1:19-23. New American Standard Bible.
19 This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites to him from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 And he confessed and did not deny; and this is what he confessed: “I am not the Christ.” 21 And so they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” And he *said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 Then they said to him, “Who are you? Tell us, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am the voice of one calling out in the wilderness, ‘Make the way of the Lord straight,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”
IV. Comments. Zondervan KJV Study Bible
1:19. And this is the record of John points to the Baptist’s role as witness (see 1:6-7). “Record” (Greek, martyria) is literally “testimony.” Here the testimony of John was given a formal venue with the inquest of the delegation that the Jews sent … from Jerusalem. The phrase “the Jews” occurs about seventy times in this gospel. It is used in a favorable sense (see, e.g., 4:22) and in a neutral sense (see, e.g., 2:6), but generally John used it of the Jewish leaders who were hostile to Jesus (see, e.g., 8:48). Here it refers to the delegation sent by the Sanhedrin to look into the activities of an unauthorized teacher. Levites are descendants of the tribe of Levi, who were assigned to specific duties in connection with the tabernacle and temple (see Num. 3:17-37). They also had teaching responsibilities (see 2 Chron. 35:3; Neh. 8:7-9), and it was probably in this role that they were sent with the priests to John the Baptist.
1:20. The Baptist used the emphatic “I” to establish a stark contrast. His disavowal, I am not the Christ implies the question “Are you the Christ?” according to the pattern of the questions and answers that follow. It may be, however, that the unique introduction of And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed suggests the leading question was more benign, such as, “Who are you?” to which the Baptist assumed a proactive posture (“I am not the Christ”). If so, that triggered the follow-up questions (all associated with messianic expectations). The Baptist’s emphatic use of “I” implies the avowal that another was the Christ. Throughout the following verses, this emphatic “I” occurs frequently, and almost invariably implies a contrast with Jesus, who is always given the higher place.
1:21. Art thou Elias?… I am not. The Jews remembered that Elijah had not died (see 2 Kings 2:11) and believed that the same prophet would come back to earth to announce the end time. In this sense, John properly denied that he was Elijah. When Jesus later said the Baptist was Elijah (see Matt. 11:14; 17:10-13), He meant it in the sense that John was a fulfillment of the prophecy of Malachi 4:5 (see Luke 1:17). That prophet refers to the prophet of Deuteronomy 18:15, 18. The Jewish people expected a variety of persons to be associated with the coming of the Messiah. The Baptist emphatically denied being “that prophet.” He had come to testify about Jesus, yet they kept asking him about himself. His answers became progressively more terse.
1:22-23. The voice of one crying in the wilderness (v. 23). The Baptist applied the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3 to his ministry of calling people to repent in preparation for the coming of the Messiah. The men of Qumran (the community that produced the Dead Sea Scrolls) applied the same words to themselves, but they prepared for the Lord’s coming by isolating themselves from the world to secure their own salvation. John concentrated on helping people come to the Messiah (the Christ). In 1:31, the Baptist expressly stated that the objective of his baptism was to reveal to Israel the Coming One.
V. Article Sources.
1. Video from “Old Friends” Gaither series of songs, recorded in 1993.
2. Article Title from New American Stand Bible Translation 2020.
3. Text from BibleGateway.com print of New American Stand Bible Translation 2020.
4. Zondervan KJV Study Bible, comments by Dr. Ed Hindson, a source of BibleHub.com
I. Opening Video. Click on the arrow; the video will play.
A. Hunger For Holiness | Music Videos | Carman. May 23, 2016. Carman Licciardello.
B. As you listen to Carman in the video, consider the Holiness of God. Consider the need that we have of seeking Him, and of drawing into worship of our Lord. The following passages of Scripture tell of such a relationship that is present between God and those who seek Him. (HCSB. You may have heard a song that is taken from #3.)
1. Psalm 63:1
God, You are my God; I eagerly seek You.
I thirst for You;
my body faints for You
in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water.
2. Isaiah 26:9
I long for You in the night;
yes, my spirit within me diligently seeks You,
3. Psalm 42:1-2
1. As a deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, God.
2. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I come and appear before God?
II. The Testimony Of John The Baptist Concerning Jesus. John 1:15-18.
A. Introduction.
1. Consider the words of Dr. John F. Walvoord. 1
2. The ministry of John the Baptist as a forerunner of Jesus was prophesied in Isaiah 40:3-5; Matthew calls attention to this (Matt 3:3; Isa 40:3). Luke quotes the whole passage of Isaiah 40:3-5 (Luke 3:4-6). John claimed that he was that prophet in connection with the baptism of Jesus (John 1:23). John had predicted, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me’ ” (v. 15). John traced grace and all the blessing of God through Jesus, stating, “From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth through Christ” (vv. 16-17). John, in effect, announced that a new dispensation would be brought in by Jesus in which grace and truth would be its central feature. These statements are compatible only with the concept that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the promised Messiah of Israel.
B. Scriptures. New American Standard Bible.
1. John 1:15-18.
2. 15 John *testified about Him and called out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who is coming after me has proved to be my superior, because He existed before me.’” 16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. 17 For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has seen God at any time; God the only Son, who is in the arms of the Father, He has explained Him.
C. Comments.
1. 1:15. He was before me: Jesus was born after John the Baptist (see Luke 1:36) and began His ministry later than John the Baptist. Yet, John the Baptist said Jesus was before him, meaning that Jesus’ existence is from eternity past (v. 30). (NKJV Study Bible)
2. 1:16. Most people take the words of v. 15 to be John the Baptist’s. Probably the words of vv. 16–18 are those of John the writer of this Gospel, although they too may be John the Baptist’s. Grace for grace means grace piled upon grace. The background of this doubled term, as well as the use of the term in v. 17, is found in Ex. 32–34. Moses and the people had received grace, but they were in tremendous need of more grace (Ex. 33:13). (NKJV Study Bible)
3. 1:17. Throughout the NT, grace is God’s favor expressed to sinful humankind apart from any human works or worth. Though there was abundant grace and truth expressed by God through the Law He gave Moses, it is in the person of Jesus Christ that grace and truth are realized to the fullest. (NKJV Study Bible)
4. 1:18. “No one has seen God at any time.” I.e., since God is Spirit (4:24), no man has ever seen God in His essence, His Spirit-being. Yet, He assumed visible form, which men saw in the OT times (Gen 32:30; Ex 24:9-10; Jud 13:22; Isa 6:1; Dan 7:9), and in Jesus men could see God (14:8-9). Christ gives life (v. 12); He reveals (vv. 14, 18); He gives grace and truth (vv. 16-17). (Ryrie Study Bible)
III. Summary.
A. Consider “Grace.”
B. Consider the comments of Drs. Scofield and Ryrie.
1. Grace is “the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man.. . not by works of righteousness which we have done” (Titus 3:4; Titus 3:5). It is, therefore, constantly set in contrast to law, under which God demands righteousness from man, as, under grace, he gives righteousness to man (Romans 3:21; Romans 3:22; Romans 8:4; Philippians 3:9). Law is connected with Moses and works; grace with Christ and faith (John 1:17; Romans 10:4-10). Law blesses the good; grace saves the bad (Exodus 19:5; Ephesians 2:1-9). Law demands that blessings be earned; grace is a free gift (Deuteronomy 28:1-6; Ephesians 2:8; Romans 4:4; Romans 4:5). 2
2. As a dispensation, grace begins with the death and resurrection of Christ (Romans 3:24-26, Romans 4:24; Romans 4:25). The point of testing is no longer legal obedience as the condition of salvation, but acceptance or rejection of Christ, with good works as a fruit of salvation, (John 1:12; John 1:13; John 3:36; Matthew 21:37; Matthew 22:24; John 15:22; John 15:25; Hebrews 1:2; 1 John 5:10-12). The immediate result of this testing was the rejection of Christ by the Jews, and His crucifixion by Jew and Gentile (Acts 4:27). 2
3. Grace has a twofold manifestation: in salvation (Romans 3:24) and in the walk and service of the saved (Romans 6:15). 2
4. The dispensation of Grace will end at the second coming of Christ since, as suggested, the tribulation period itself is not a separate dispensation but is the judgment on those living persons who are Christ rejecters at the end of this present dispensation. The Scripture involved is Acts 2:1 to Revelation 19:21. 3
IV. Sources Of Information. I will put this statement of sources of information on each of my articles.
A. Credential information for named individuals in this article can be found on my Theologians website Page.
B. The following sources of information provide great teaching ideas; I encourage everyone to purchase these materials. The following study Bibles are two of the ones that I most often consult, both of which are key to the study of eschatology.
1. Ryrie Study Bible.
2. Scofield Study Bible.
C. Everyone reads something that someone else has written. Therefore, it is important to choose authors whom have proven to be knowledgeable of the things that they have written, and who also have a high degree of acceptance from their peers. In addition to the sources of information that are noted in the above paragraph, there are many other theologians for whom I have great respect, and whose works I use for reference in the articles that I write. A list of such theologians, along with their credentials, can be found on this website’s Page of my sources of information. On that sources page you can also find linked information that tells of the ministry works of many of those trusted theologians.
D. Footnotes.
1. John F. Walvoord, Every Prophecy of the Bible, pg 403, Chariot Victor Publishing, 1990.
2. Scofield Study Bible, John 1:17 note.
3. Charles C. Ryrie, Dispensationalism, pg 64, Moody Publishers, 1966.
V. Closing Video.
A. Revelation Song/Holy, Holy, Holy – FBC Jacksonville, FL. videosofblessings. Mar 26, 2012.
B. Revelation Song (Worthy Is the Lamb Who Was Slain) and Holy, Holy, Holy. Performed by Daniel Crews with the choir and orchestra of First Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL. (Pastors’ Conference 2012)
C. It is my prayer that as you watch this video, you will sense an experience of true praise and worship of God, (“Father, Son and Holy Spirit; John 14:8-21; 16:5-11), through a deep and intimate relationship with Him (John 17:3).
A. Carman – I Feel Jesus (Live Performance). CarmanTvOfficialSite. Jun 5, 2012.
B. Carman was an amazing man of God, a most effective minister of the Gospel of Christ through his music, and throughout his total life. I trust that as we are digging deeper into God’s Holy Word, that we are gaining a greater insight into what Scripture says about Christ, our Lord and Savior. As Carman sings this song, “I Feel Jesus,” may we ask ourselves if we sense the Presence of Jesus in our lives, “anytime-every time, anywhere-everywhere, as we feel our head hitting the pillow at night, as we feel our head coming off of the pillow in the morning?” Do we seek Jesus? Are we contented with the relationship that we have with Christ?
C. Consider the Love Question that is found in John 21:15-17. Three times, Jesus speaks the words, “Peter, do you love me?” Consider voice inflection. If Jesus were to come to you, and ask you, “do you love me?” how do you think that His words would sound to you? In your response, how would your words sound to Jesus? Read the words of this John 21:15-17 passage, and consider such voice inflection. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+21%3A15-17&version=NASB
II. Preview.
There are many groups and individuals who deny the deity of Christ. John 1:14, though, provides proof of the deity of Christ. To help you with your own study of the deity of Christ, I have provided the John 1:14 scripture, as well as Greek Lexicon information, both of which are provided by Bible Hub, https://biblehub.com/ In the Summary of this article, scriptures come from Bible Gateway https://www.biblegateway.com/
III. Scripture Text. John 1:14 (26 A.D.)
John 1:14
New American Standard Bible 1977
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.
IV. Scripture Comments. (Ryrie Study Bible)
A. “the Word became flesh.” Jesus Christ was unique, for He was God from all eternity and yet joined Himself to sinful humanity in the Incarnation. The God-man possessed all the attributes of deity (Phil 2:6) and the attributes common to humanity (apart from sin), and He will exist forever as the God-man in His resurrected body (Acts 1:11; Rev 5:6). Only the God-man could be an adequate Savior; for He must be human in order to be able to suffer and die, and He must be God to make that death effective as a payment for sin. The use of the word “flesh” contradicts the Gnostic teaching that pure deity could not be united with flesh, which was regarded as entirely evil.
B. “glory.” In the OT, glory expressed the splendor of divine manifestation and attested the divine presence. Here, it means the visible manifestation of God in Christ.
C. “the only begotten.” Used here (and in John 1:18; 3:16, 18) of Christ, meaning the unique Son in a way totally different from any other who believes and is born as a child of God, simply because He is equal with God. Also used of the widow of Nain’s only son (Luke 7:12), Jairus’s only daughter (Luke 8:42), and Isaac, Abraham’s unique son (Hebrews 11:17).
V. Greek Lexicon, and related data, from Bible Hub. John 1:14.
2. Strong’s Concordance
logos: a word (as embodying an idea), a statement, a speech
Phonetic Spelling: (log’-os)
Definition: a word (as embodying an idea), a statement, a speech
Usage: a word, speech, divine utterance, analogy.
3. HELPS Word-studies
3056 lógos (from 3004 /légō, “speaking to a conclusion”) – a word, being the expression of a thought; a saying. 3056 /lógos (“word”) is preeminently used of Christ (Jn 1:1), expressing the thoughts of the Father through the Spirit.
[3056 (lógos) is a common term (used 330 times in the NT) with regards to a person sharing a message (discourse, “communication-speech”). 3056 (lógos) is a broad term meaning “reasoning expressed by words.”]
2. Strong’s Concordance
ginomai: to come into being, to happen, to become
Phonetic Spelling: (ghin’-om-ahee)
Definition: to come into being, to happen, to become
Usage: I come into being, am born, become, come about, happen.
3. HELPS Word-studies
1096 gínomai – properly, to emerge, become, transitioning from one point (realm, condition) to another. 1096 (gínomai) fundamentally means “become” (becoming, became) so it is not an exact equivalent to the ordinary equative verb “to be” (is, was, will be) as with 1510 /eimí (1511 /eínai, 2258 /ēn).
1096 (ginomai) means “to become, and signifies a change of condition, state or place” (Vine, Unger, White, NT, 109).
M. Vincent, “1096 (gínomai) means to come into being/manifestation implying motion, movement, or growth” (at 2 Pet 1:4). Thus it is used for God’s actions as emerging from eternity and becoming (showing themselves) in time (physical space).
3. HELPS Word-studies
4561 sárksproperly, flesh (“carnal”), merely of human origin or empowerment.
[4561 /sárks (“flesh”) is not always evil in Scripture. Indeed, it is used positively in relation to sexual intercourse in marriage (Eph 5:31) – as well as for the sinless human body of Jesus (Jn 1:14; 1 Jn 4:2,3). Indeed, flesh (what is physical) is necessary for the body to live out the faith the Lord works in (Gal 2:20).]
4561 (sarks) is generally negative, referring to making decisions (actions) according to self – i.e. done apart from faith (independent from God’s inworking). Thus what is “of the flesh (carnal)” is by definition displeasing to the Lord – even things that seem “respectable!” In short, flesh generally relates to unaided human effort, i.e. decisions (actions) that originate from self or are empowered by self. This is carnal (“of the flesh”) and proceeds out of the untouched (unchanged) part of us – i.e. what is not transformed by God.
2. Strong’s Concordance
skénoó: to have one’s tent, dwell
Phonetic Spelling: (skay-no’-o)
Definition: to have one’s tent, dwell
Usage: I dwell as in a tent, encamp, have my tabernacle.
3. HELPS Word-studies
Cognate: 4637 skēnóō – properly, to pitch or live in a tent, “denoting much more than the mere general notion of dwelling” (M. Vincent). For the Christian, 4637 (skēnóō) is dwelling in intimate communion with the resurrected Christ – even as He who Himself lived in unbroken communion with the Father during the days of His flesh (Jn 1:14). See 4638 (skēnōma).
2. Strong’s Concordance
en: in, on, at, by, with
Phonetic Spelling: (en)
Definition: in, on, at, by, with
Usage: in, on, among.
3. HELPS Word-studies
1722 en (a preposition) – properly, in (inside, within); (figuratively) “in the realm (sphere) of,” as in the condition (state) in which something operates from the inside (within).
2. Strong’s Concordance
theaomai: to behold, look upon
Phonetic Spelling: (theh-ah’-om-ahee)
Definition: to behold, look upon
Usage: I see, behold, contemplate, look upon, view; I see, visit.
3. HELPS Word-studies
2300 theáomai (from tháomai, “to gaze at a spectacle”) – properly, gaze on (contemplate) as a spectator; to observe intently, especially to interpret something (grasp its significance); to see (concentrate on) so as to significantly impact (influence) the viewer.
[2300 (theáomai) is the root of 2302 /théatron (“spectacle in a theatre”), the root of the English term, “theatre.”]
2. Strong’s Concordance
doxa: opinion (always good in N.T.), hence praise, honor, glory
Phonetic Spelling: (dox’-ah)
Definition: opinion (always good in NT), praise, honor, glory
Usage: honor, renown; glory, an especially divine quality, the unspoken manifestation of God, splendor.
3. HELPS Word-studies
1391 dóksa (from dokeō, “exercising personal opinion which determines value”) – glory. 1391 /dóksa (“glory”) corresponds to the OT word, kabo (OT 3519, “to be heavy”). Both terms convey God’s infinite, intrinsic worth (substance, essence).
[1391 (dóksa) literally means “what evokes good opinion, i.e. that something has inherent, intrinsic worth” (J. Thayer).]
2. Strong’s Concordance
monogenés: only begotten
Phonetic Spelling: (mon-og-en-ace’)
Definition: only begotten
Usage: only, only-begotten; unique.
3. HELPS Word-studies
3439 monogenḗs (from 3411 /misthōtós, “one-and-only” and 1085 /génos, “offspring, stock”) – properly, one-and-only; “one of a kind” – literally, “one (monos) of a class, genos” (the only of its kind).
2. Strong’s Concordance
patér: a father
Phonetic Spelling: (pat-ayr’)
Definition: a father
Usage: father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior.
3. HELPS Word-studies
3962 patḗr – father; one who imparts life and is committed to it; a progenitor, bringing into being to pass on the potential for likeness.
3962 /patḗr (“father”) is used of our heavenly Father. He imparts life, from physical birth to the gift of eternal life through the second birth (regeneration, being born again). Through ongoing sanctification, the believer more and more resembles their heavenly Father – i.e. each time they receive faith from Him and obey it, which results in their unique glorification.
[3962 /patḗr (“father”) refers to a begetter, originator, progenitor – one in “intimate connection and relationship” (Gesenius). Just as in the NT, the OT never speaks of universal fatherhood of God toward men (see. G. B. Steven’s concession, The Theology of the New Testament, p 70; see p 68) (TWOT 1, 6).
For more on the Fatherhood of God see: Bruce, F. F., NIDNTT 2. 655-656; Burton, E. de W., The Epistle to the Galatians (Edinburgh: Clark 1921) 384-392; Jeremias, J., The Prayers of Jesus (ET) (London: SCM, 1967) 11-65.]
2. Strong’s Concordance
plérés: full
Phonetic Spelling: (play’-race)
Definition: full
Usage: full, abounding in, complete, completely occupied with.
3. HELPS Word-studies
Cognate: 4134 plḗrēs (an adjective) – full; used of being full of the presence of the Lord (His provisions) which is the definition of a full life. See 4130 (plēthō). Being “full” (4134 /plḗrēs) brings God’s wisdom, grace and power (Ac 6:3,8).
2. Strong’s Concordance
charis: grace, kindness
Phonetic Spelling: (khar’-ece)
Definition: grace, kindness
Usage: (a) grace, as a gift or blessing brought to man by Jesus Christ, (b) favor, (c) gratitude, thanks, (d) a favor, kindness.
3. HELPS Word-studies
Cognate: 5485 xáris (another feminine noun from xar-, “favor, disposed to, inclined, favorable towards, leaning towards to share benefit”) – properly, grace. 5485 (xáris) is preeminently used of the Lord’s favor – freely extended to give Himself away to people (because He is “always leaning toward them”).
5485 /xáris (“grace”) answers directly to the Hebrew (OT) term 2580 /Kaná (“grace, extension-toward”). Both refer to God freely extending Himself (His favor, grace), reaching (inclining) to people because He is disposed to bless (be near) them.
[5485 (xáris) is sometimes rendered “thanks” but the core-idea is “favor, grace” (“extension towards”).]
2. Strong’s Concordance
alétheia: truth
Phonetic Spelling: (al-ay’-thi-a)
Definition: truth
Usage: truth, but not merely truth as spoken; truth of idea, reality, sincerity, truth in the moral sphere, divine truth revealed to man, straightforwardness.
3. HELPS Word-studies
225 alḗtheia (from 227 /alēthḗs, “true to fact”) – properly, truth (true to fact), reality.
[In ancient Greek culture, 225 (alḗtheia) was synonymous for “reality” as the opposite of illusion, i.e. fact.]
VI. Summary.
A. The information that is contained in this one verse of scripture can be discussed, without an ending to the discussion. Therefore, I will add some thoughts of summary that I think can be useful in the world of disbelief in Christ, as being, “God,” and in particular of Christ being, “God with us” [Isa 7:14 (742 B.C.); Mt 1:23 (5-4 B.C.)].
B. Old Testament Prophetic Scriptures Told Of The Coming Of Christ. (Jews For Jesus)
1. The Messiah would be born of a virgin
Hebrew Scriptures reference: Isaiah 7:14
New Testament citations: Matthew 1:22–23, Luke 1:31–35
2. The Messiah would come according to a timetable
Hebrew Scriptures reference: Daniel 9:24–27
New Testament citations: Matthew 24:15-16, Mark 13:14-15, Galatians 4:4
3. The Messiah would be preceded by Elijah the prophet
Hebrew Scriptures reference: Malachi 4:5–6 [Hebrew Bible, verses 3:23–24]
New Testament citations: Matthew 11:14–15, Matthew 16:14, Matthew 17:9–13, Mark 6:14–16, Mark 9:11–13, Luke 1:16–17, John 1:21
a. He [John the Baptist] will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” (Luke 1:16–17)
b. Luke here is explicit that John came “in the spirit and power of Elijah”– he is not a reappearance of the actual, literal prophet. Alluding to Malachi 4:5–6 (Hebrew, 3:23–24), he shows that John began to effect reconciliation (through his baptism of repentance) and in that way prepared the people for the coming of Jesus. This explains why in John’s gospel, John the Baptist denies being Elijah.
4. The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem
Hebrew Scriptures reference: Micah 5:2 [Hebrew Bible verse 1]
New Testament citations: Matthew 2:1–6, John 7:40–43
5. The Messiah would be a descendant of David
Hebrew Scriptures reference: 2 Samuel 7:12–16
New Testament citations: Matthew 1:1, Luke 1:32-33, Acts 15:15-16, Hebrews 1:5
6. The Messiah would be the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace
Hebrew Scriptures reference: Isaiah 9:6–7 [Hebrew Bible 9:5-6]
New Testament citations: Luke 1:32-33, Luke 1:79, John 14:27, Acts 10:36, Romans 9:5, Philippians 4:7, Colossians 2:3, 2 Thessalonians 3:3
7. The Messiah would be the seed of the woman
Hebrew Scriptures reference: Genesis 3:15
New Testament citations: Romans 16:20, Galatians 4:4, Hebrews 2:14; Revelation 12:9, 17
8. The Messiah would be called a Nazarene
Hebrew Scriptures reference: Isaiah 11:1, Isaiah 53:3
New Testament citations: Matthew 2:23
C. Consider the following verses that identify Christ as being God.
Christ has always been, “and has always been God.” Lk 1:47. John 1:1, 5:18. Tit 2:13. Heb 13:8.
The world was created by Christ. John 1:3, 10. Col 1:16. 1 Cor 8:6. Heb 1:2
Christ takes away the sin of the world. John 1:29. 1 John 1:9. Eph 1:7. Col 3:13. Mk 2:10. Mt 9:2-8.
Christ and the Father are one. John 10:30; 14:7, 9, 11.
D. Consider thoughts of key theologians in regard to John 1:14.
1. John is saying that Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem, who was known as Jesus of Nazareth, always was, is, and ever shall be God. (Vine’s Expository Bible Notes)
2. Made flesh indicates the incarnation of God the Son. The use of flesh contradicts the Gnostic heresy that God could not be united with human flesh, which was seen as evil. Dwelt among us: John uses the word for “tabernacled,” here translated “dwelt.” The Old Testament tabernacle was where God dwelt among the Jews in the wilderness. In this context, God is dwelling in the person of Jesus Christ. We beheld his glory: Perhaps John refers to the shekinah glory which appeared in the tabernacle of the Old Testament. The expression signifies the visible manifestation of God. John later uses glory to refer to Jesus’ life (2:11), death, and resurrection (12:23). (KJV Study Bible)
3. The Word became flesh. God became human. Jesus took on flesh (“incarnation”) without ceasing to be God (see Phil 2:6–7). The mere formulation scarcely does justice to this most staggering of assertions. made his dwelling. Pitched his tabernacle; lived in his tent. This recalls Israel’s “tabernacle” in which God dwelled among his people in the wilderness (Exod 25:8–9; 40:34–35). Now God dwells among his people in a more personal way: in the Word become flesh. See “Temple.” We have seen his glory. This verse alludes to Exod 33:12—34:28, where God’s glory is supremely his goodness (Exod 33:18–19). John and others with eyes of faith saw Jesus display his glory on earth (2:11; Luke 9:32). See “The Glory of God.” one and only Son. See “Sonship.” full of grace and truth. Describes Jesus’ “glory” and parallels “love and faithfulness” in Exod 34:6 (also in Ps 26:3; Prov 16:6), which describes the nature of the goodness that is God’s glory. “Love” (Hebrew ḥesed) refers to a gracious covenant love (see “Love and Grace”), and “faithfulness” (Hebrew ʾĕmet), when referring to words, means faithful words, truth. The glory that Moses saw in Exod 33:12—34:28 is the same glory that John saw in the Word made flesh. (NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible)
4. the Word became flesh. While Christ as God was uncreated and eternal (see notes on v. 1), the word “became” emphasizes Christ’s taking on humanity (cf. Heb. 1:1–3; 2:14–18). This reality is surely the most profound ever because it indicates that the Infinite became finite; the Eternal was conformed to time; the Invisible became visible; the supernatural One reduced Himself to the natural. In the incarnation, however, the Word did not cease to be God but became God in human flesh, i.e., undiminished deity in human form as a man (1 Tim. 3:16). (MacArthur Study Bible)
VII. Let’s consider Life, as it is discussed in the following news articles.
VIII. Sources Of Information. I will put this statement of sources of information on each of my articles.
A. Credential information for named individuals in this article can be found on my Theologians website Page.
B. The following sources of information provide great teaching ideas; I encourage everyone to purchase these materials. The following study Bibles are two of the ones that I most often consult, both of which are key to the study of eschatology.
1. Ryrie Study Bible.
2. Scofield Study Bible.
C. Everyone reads something that someone else has written. Therefore, it is important to choose authors whom have proven to be knowledgeable of the things that they have written, and who also have a high degree of acceptance from their peers. In addition to the sources of information that are noted in the above paragraph, there are many other theologians for whom I have great respect, and whose works I use for reference in the articles that I write. A list of such theologians, along with their credentials, can be found on this website’s Page of my sources of information. On that sources page you can also find linked information that tells of ministry works of many of those trusted theologians.
Eternity 