Unless a man is born again, or rather born of the Spirit, he is not able to comprehend the things concerning the new spiritual kingdom.
As Jesus will point out in verse 5, a man must first be born of water, or rather "washed by the water of regeneration", and also born of the Spirit, referring to conversion, a man cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven.
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Buried with Christ into death, so that we might be raised to life. (Romans 6) |
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| Regeneration Born of Water Eating His flesh Live Forever Solely By Grace |
I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; AND he that believeth on me shall never thirst. (John 6:35) |
Conversion Born of Spirit Drinking His blood Hath Eternal Life By Faith & Works |
| Except a man be born of water AND of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:5) |
Matthew 24:2-3 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
This prophecy was fulfilled in 70 A.D.
Pay close attention to the wording of the next passage, for it clearly states that the Apostles will be delivered up to be afflicted AFTER the prophesies of verses 4-8 have been fulfilled.
Matthew 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.
Pay close attention to the wording of the next passage, for it clearly states that the Apostles will be delivered up to be afflicted AFTER the prophesies of verses 4-8 have been fulfilled.
Matthew 24:9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
For we are the product, or result of labor and skill, possible only of God the Creator, being transformed at the very nature, from one type to another, and translated from power and authority to another, and given the capacity to know and do that which is righteous, which God before determined that should do.
We are in Christ as a result of God’s workmanship, and not by our own strength or power. As Colossians 1:13 teaches, it is God who "hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son". We are translated from one place to another, just as Enoch was translated, from earth into Heaven above, solely by the power of God. We are translated by God in this way when we are regenerated and adopted as children. Furthermore, at this same time, we are created, or rather transformed, being changed in nature, but not in character. This change in nature is the implanting of a second nature that enables the person (Colossians 1:12), for the first time in his life, to have the capacity to "see" the kingdom of God. As this passage further teaches, this takes place so that we are positioned to be able to do good works. In other words, we must first obtain the capacity at regeneration, before we can later receive the ability through faith, from the Holy Spirit. Paul refers to these two natures as the old and new man. They are also known as the carnal nature, which is born of the flesh, and the spiritual nature, that will be born, or brought to life (John 3:6), by conversion. These works were "before ordained that we should walk in them". These works are the required and approved works, even our faith. The use of the word "should" does not mean that we will, but rather that we ought to do so; it is our duty, or as Paul says, "our reasonable service". As I stated above, this is a change in nature and not character. Character change takes place when the person converts, after having first trusted in the gospel of his salvation, and then believed in Christ (Ephesians 1:13). This then results in the person becoming a new creature, having put away the former unfruitful things that were prevalent in his life.
Related passages:
John 6:29
We are in Christ as a result of God’s workmanship, and not by our own strength or power. As Colossians 1:13 teaches, it is God who "hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son". We are translated from one place to another, just as Enoch was translated, from earth into Heaven above, solely by the power of God. We are translated by God in this way when we are regenerated and adopted as children. Furthermore, at this same time, we are created, or rather transformed, being changed in nature, but not in character. This change in nature is the implanting of a second nature that enables the person (Colossians 1:12), for the first time in his life, to have the capacity to "see" the kingdom of God. As this passage further teaches, this takes place so that we are positioned to be able to do good works. In other words, we must first obtain the capacity at regeneration, before we can later receive the ability through faith, from the Holy Spirit. Paul refers to these two natures as the old and new man. They are also known as the carnal nature, which is born of the flesh, and the spiritual nature, that will be born, or brought to life (John 3:6), by conversion. These works were "before ordained that we should walk in them". These works are the required and approved works, even our faith. The use of the word "should" does not mean that we will, but rather that we ought to do so; it is our duty, or as Paul says, "our reasonable service". As I stated above, this is a change in nature and not character. Character change takes place when the person converts, after having first trusted in the gospel of his salvation, and then believed in Christ (Ephesians 1:13). This then results in the person becoming a new creature, having put away the former unfruitful things that were prevalent in his life.
Related passages:
John 6:29
Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ
To sin is to fall short of a goal, or the willful violation of a set standard. According to Romans 8:7, the carnal man is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. The unregenerate person, being under the total domination and control of the carnal man, is incapable of sin. A person is delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of Christ (Colossians 1:13) at regeneration. In other words, when regeneration occurs, the person is loosed from the total control of the carnal man and is transfered into the dominion and power of Christ. Once this occurs, we become subject to the laws of God and are judged daily. If we are disobedient, we are condemned by Christ (Romans 8:34) and chastened of God (Hebrews 12:10). If we are found to be in obedience, then He intercedes on our behalf (Romans 8:34). After regeneration occurs, being freed from the total domination of the carnal man, we are in a state of Spiritual Death yielding ourselves servants of sin unto death (Romans 6:16). While doing so, we reap the reward of death (Romans 6:16, 6:23).
According to Romans 6:3, all of God’s elect are buried into death by regeneration. Paul explains in Romans 6:4 that this occurs so that the children of God MIGHT be raised to life. This is know as the first ressurrection, but is commonly referred to as conversion. Despite being in the state of the second death, it is by promise that God raises to life any of his children that convert to Christ.
•John 3:16 For God so loved the world [of his elect], that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever [of that group] believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Any act of righteousness that a person is able to perform is due to the power given him from God. Even our faith would not be possible, had we not first recieved it from God.
•1 Corinthians 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ [from another]? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive [it], why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received [it]? [Who gives us the power to believe when others fail to believe? Who enables us to seperate ourselves from the world? Did you, of your own accord make the decission to follow Christ?]
Therefore, despite being spiritually dead and living in sins, after the lust of the flesh as regenerate disobedeint children, God sends forth His Spirit, just as He did with Nicodemus, and calls each child that he recieves to live a life of righteousness. It is then the childs choice to greive the Spirit, and even quench the Spirit, and remain by nature a child of wrath, which God will continue to chasten. But should the child choose to obey from the heart, he will be raised to life, being quickened by the birth of the Holy Spirit.
According to Romans 6:3, all of God’s elect are buried into death by regeneration. Paul explains in Romans 6:4 that this occurs so that the children of God MIGHT be raised to life. This is know as the first ressurrection, but is commonly referred to as conversion. Despite being in the state of the second death, it is by promise that God raises to life any of his children that convert to Christ.
•John 3:16 For God so loved the world [of his elect], that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever [of that group] believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Any act of righteousness that a person is able to perform is due to the power given him from God. Even our faith would not be possible, had we not first recieved it from God.
•1 Corinthians 4:7 For who maketh thee to differ [from another]? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive [it], why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received [it]? [Who gives us the power to believe when others fail to believe? Who enables us to seperate ourselves from the world? Did you, of your own accord make the decission to follow Christ?]
Therefore, despite being spiritually dead and living in sins, after the lust of the flesh as regenerate disobedeint children, God sends forth His Spirit, just as He did with Nicodemus, and calls each child that he recieves to live a life of righteousness. It is then the childs choice to greive the Spirit, and even quench the Spirit, and remain by nature a child of wrath, which God will continue to chasten. But should the child choose to obey from the heart, he will be raised to life, being quickened by the birth of the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
As Paul points out with this passage, there exists a period of time between regeneration and conversion, where all of God's adopted children live a life fulfilling the lusts of the flesh and the carnal mind. While in this condition we are chastened of God and subjects of His wrath.
- Hebrews 12:7-8 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Ephesians 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
There exists a period of time between regeneration and conversion, where all of God's adopted children live in disobedience. Not as a bastard unregenerate who has no Father (Hebrews 12:8), but as an adopted child of God who has not yet heard the gospel, or who has heard but rejected it. The disobedient children of God are rebellious goats. They who love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil. The children of disobedience live, talk, and act the same as the unregenerate (Galatians 4:1) because they yield themselves to the control of the carnal mind.
Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins
When each elect person is adopted at regeneration, he is buried into death (Romans 6:3, 4, 5, 7, Colossians 2:12, Galatians 3:27). The person, completely unaware that regeneration has taken place, continues living just as before (Galatians 4:1). Having been delivered from the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13), the person is now willingly the servant of sin unto death (Romans 6:16) reaping his just reward (Romans 6:23).
When a person hears the truth, the gospel of his salvation, and believes in Christ, he receives the reward of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13), which is the earnest of his inheritance (Ephesians 1:14), eternal life (Romans 6:23). Having been made free from sin (Romans 6:7) at regeneration, he has become a servant of righteousness (Romans 6:18).
Leviticus 26:3, 9, 11, 12 If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them (conversion)… For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you… And I will set my tabernacle among you (referring to the Holy Spirit): and my soul shall not abhor you… And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.
The Holy Spirit will only dwell among those who are living righteously, following after its guidance. A regenerate person, having not yet converted from his sin, is considered to be "dead in sin and trespass". He is in the same state as the righteous man who turns from righteousness back to iniquity. Paul repeatedly makes this argument in his epistles, and even more so in Romans.
Related passages:
Romans 8:11
Romans 8:13
Colossians 2:13
Ezekiel 18:24
Ephesians 4:18-19
When a person hears the truth, the gospel of his salvation, and believes in Christ, he receives the reward of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13), which is the earnest of his inheritance (Ephesians 1:14), eternal life (Romans 6:23). Having been made free from sin (Romans 6:7) at regeneration, he has become a servant of righteousness (Romans 6:18).
Leviticus 26:3, 9, 11, 12 If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them (conversion)… For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you… And I will set my tabernacle among you (referring to the Holy Spirit): and my soul shall not abhor you… And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.
The Holy Spirit will only dwell among those who are living righteously, following after its guidance. A regenerate person, having not yet converted from his sin, is considered to be "dead in sin and trespass". He is in the same state as the righteous man who turns from righteousness back to iniquity. Paul repeatedly makes this argument in his epistles, and even more so in Romans.
Related passages:
Romans 8:11
Romans 8:13
Colossians 2:13
Ezekiel 18:24
Ephesians 4:18-19
Luke 21:20-22 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
This prophecy was fulfilled in 67 A.D.
Cestius Gallus surrounded Jerusalem with his Roman Legions and then left! This is known as the greatest military blunder in history! He completely surrounded the city and could have easily taken the city. Why did he march his armies, from what is known today as Syria, just to turn around and leave? To fulfill the prophecy above, spoken by Jesus, and allow His sheep to flee to the mountains, and those who knew of the prophecies preached by the Apostles, to depart out of it, before Titus brought his Roman Legions in 70 A.D. to utterly destroy the city and throw down every stone of the temple.
Cestius Gallus surrounded Jerusalem with his Roman Legions and then left! This is known as the greatest military blunder in history! He completely surrounded the city and could have easily taken the city. Why did he march his armies, from what is known today as Syria, just to turn around and leave? To fulfill the prophecy above, spoken by Jesus, and allow His sheep to flee to the mountains, and those who knew of the prophecies preached by the Apostles, to depart out of it, before Titus brought his Roman Legions in 70 A.D. to utterly destroy the city and throw down every stone of the temple.
Ephesians 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places],
The ressurrection of Christ was the victory over death. It is our victory over death as well, for by faith (when we believe) we are raised to life, and those who partake in this first (1st) ressurrection (Revelation 20:6) shall not taste of death.
Related passages:
Romans 6:5
John 5:29
John 11:25
1 Corinthians 15:21
1 Peter 1:3
1 Peter 3:21
Related passages:
Romans 6:5
John 5:29
John 11:25
1 Corinthians 15:21
1 Peter 1:3
1 Peter 3:21
Ephesians 1:19 And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Ephesians 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
When this passage is compared in light of 1 Corinthians 2:9, it would seem that the two contradict each other. But, there is no contradiction. 1 Corinthians 2:9 reveals that it is in reference to the "heart of man". The carnal man is not able to comprehend the things of God (John 3:5). It is only by the Holy Spirit that a man is able to comprehend the things of God, for God is spirit and is only revealed to men through His spirit.
Here, Paul is speaking to a group of believers. It is his desire that they be given the Spirit of wisdom, who will open thier eyes and give them the understanding and knowledge of God, which reveals the great and wonderful things that they have been freely given to strengthen and empower them in this current world.
Ephesians 1 teaches that each and every elect person recieves thier own inheritance as a result of the adoption which occurs at regeneration. And it continues, by revealing, that through faith in Christ, each adopted child is promised the gift of the earnest, taken from thier own inheritance. That gift is given in the form of the Holy Spirit, and is the ability to take current possession of eternal life now, in this present world.
This power and strength, that is given to the saints in this present world, enables them to overcome the powers of darkness, subdue the carnal man, become a new creation, and be raised to life and walk in a new and living way.
Related passages:
1 Corinthians 2:10
Here, Paul is speaking to a group of believers. It is his desire that they be given the Spirit of wisdom, who will open thier eyes and give them the understanding and knowledge of God, which reveals the great and wonderful things that they have been freely given to strengthen and empower them in this current world.
Ephesians 1 teaches that each and every elect person recieves thier own inheritance as a result of the adoption which occurs at regeneration. And it continues, by revealing, that through faith in Christ, each adopted child is promised the gift of the earnest, taken from thier own inheritance. That gift is given in the form of the Holy Spirit, and is the ability to take current possession of eternal life now, in this present world.
This power and strength, that is given to the saints in this present world, enables them to overcome the powers of darkness, subdue the carnal man, become a new creation, and be raised to life and walk in a new and living way.
Related passages:
1 Corinthians 2:10
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