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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) |
Faith: A work of righteousness
Faith being a work of righteousness is probably the hardest thing for most people to comprehend and allow themselves to properly understand. Most denominations are blind to the distinction between two different aspects of salvation. Because of this, they are not able to see that one salvation is by grace and the other is a reward for obedience; one is an eternal home and the other is our strength to deal with the evils of this present world.
Ephesians 1 makes reference to an inheritance and how all the children of God come to obtain it. It then teaches how through faith, some are able to take hold of an earnest of that same inheritance. Consider this; my children will not get any of my estate unless I have first made out a will for it to be so. If I should die before they can rightfully take possession of it, they will be cared for by obtaining earnest amounts of it, until they reach a certain age. It will be the responsibility of a mediator to distribute the earnest amounts accordingly. Likewise, God has decreed that His children shall inherit life and salvation eternal. He has declared that they will take full possession upon leaving this world. He has established a mediator, Christ Jesus, to judge His children now that they will not be judged with the wicked, and provide those worthy with an earnest to help them in this evil world.
Keep in mind that not all mankind are children of God. Not all are chastened, because some are bastards. Yet His children are as innumerable as the stars in the sky and the sands of the sea. Those who will receive the earnest are but a few of those adopted. Not all will be exercised by His chastening.
You may be asking, "But is there a duty on my part in faithfulness to Him". Of course! To love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength, in this we glorify Him. To share the glorious news with those you can, just as I am doing with you. Just keep in mind that you are not eternally saving them, but instead by notifying them that they have been saved, and by having been saved, they can enjoy that salvation now, thus you do save them from the evils of this world.
Ephesians 1 makes reference to an inheritance and how all the children of God come to obtain it. It then teaches how through faith, some are able to take hold of an earnest of that same inheritance. Consider this; my children will not get any of my estate unless I have first made out a will for it to be so. If I should die before they can rightfully take possession of it, they will be cared for by obtaining earnest amounts of it, until they reach a certain age. It will be the responsibility of a mediator to distribute the earnest amounts accordingly. Likewise, God has decreed that His children shall inherit life and salvation eternal. He has declared that they will take full possession upon leaving this world. He has established a mediator, Christ Jesus, to judge His children now that they will not be judged with the wicked, and provide those worthy with an earnest to help them in this evil world.
Keep in mind that not all mankind are children of God. Not all are chastened, because some are bastards. Yet His children are as innumerable as the stars in the sky and the sands of the sea. Those who will receive the earnest are but a few of those adopted. Not all will be exercised by His chastening.
You may be asking, "But is there a duty on my part in faithfulness to Him". Of course! To love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength, in this we glorify Him. To share the glorious news with those you can, just as I am doing with you. Just keep in mind that you are not eternally saving them, but instead by notifying them that they have been saved, and by having been saved, they can enjoy that salvation now, thus you do save them from the evils of this world.
The reason for so many denominations and differing interpretations?
Consider the following:
Have person "A" stand at the rear of your car and write down everything seen. Have another person "B" stand at the front of your car and write down everything seen.
Now consider they will both tell you about your car, and both will tell you the truth as they percieved it. But both will be in error, because neither has the whole truth. One will tell you of red lights and the other will argue they are white or clear. One will see a license plate with numbers, and the other will deny it has such a device. One will open a compartment and tell you it is empty and nothing else is needed. The other will tell you of a compartment with all sorts of wires, tubes, and gadgets that are required for it to operate.
In this example, we need only put the two parts together to get the whole truth. I wish it was as simple with God's word and the many errors that abound today.
The differing Baptist denominations I am familiar with desire the truth. They just desire it so much they are fearful when it comes their way and want to hold too tightly upon the errors of thier forefathers. This is an example of my dad who believes that because great-grand-dad believed it, it must be the truth.
Looking back, the hardest things to come to terms with are just such things. Always asking how I could persuade them to the truth. But I have found that they are not easily persuaded, and only a few break free and are able to see a brighter light and thankfully desire it with a greater passion.
Just something to ponder,
Barry
Have person "A" stand at the rear of your car and write down everything seen. Have another person "B" stand at the front of your car and write down everything seen.
Now consider they will both tell you about your car, and both will tell you the truth as they percieved it. But both will be in error, because neither has the whole truth. One will tell you of red lights and the other will argue they are white or clear. One will see a license plate with numbers, and the other will deny it has such a device. One will open a compartment and tell you it is empty and nothing else is needed. The other will tell you of a compartment with all sorts of wires, tubes, and gadgets that are required for it to operate.
In this example, we need only put the two parts together to get the whole truth. I wish it was as simple with God's word and the many errors that abound today.
The differing Baptist denominations I am familiar with desire the truth. They just desire it so much they are fearful when it comes their way and want to hold too tightly upon the errors of thier forefathers. This is an example of my dad who believes that because great-grand-dad believed it, it must be the truth.
Looking back, the hardest things to come to terms with are just such things. Always asking how I could persuade them to the truth. But I have found that they are not easily persuaded, and only a few break free and are able to see a brighter light and thankfully desire it with a greater passion.
Just something to ponder,
Barry
The Two Perspectives of Eternal Life: Immortal vs Mortal Salvation
A vital key of understanding, that a person must have, in order to be able to rightly divide the scriptures, and to fully see the gospel in a more fuller light and glory, is the understanding of the two perspectives of eternal life.
I prefer to use the words Immortal and Mortal to identify these two prespectives. I am familiar with others who have used different labels or titles. Some of those are "Time Salvation", "Present Salvation", and "Temporal Salvation". To me, these suggest that the salvation received in this life is of a earthly nature and ends at some point. As I explain below, and as Ephesians 1:11 & 14 reveal, the salvation received in this life is merely the earnest of that which we will also have after this life.
The First Perspective - Only By Grace
At regeneration, when a person is delivered to Christ by the Father (John 6:37, John 6:44, Colossians 1:13, Regeneration), being received of the Father as an adopted child (Hebrews 12:6, Adoption), the person becomes an heir of Eternal Life (Ephesians 1:11).
However, because there is no physical, mental, moral, or spiritual change in the person, as a result of regeneration, the person begins his new childhood in disobedience to the Father, yielding himself to be a servant of sin (Romans 6:6, Romans 6:16). Galatians 4:1-3 describes the newly regenerated persons situation very well. Although the person is now a child of God, and an heir to the inheritance, he is no different than that of a servant. A master of the household would not entrust a servant with the responsibilities of managing his estate. Likewise, because the person has previously been unable to understand the gospel message, like a servant, he is unlearned in the ways of the Father and is not yet able to receive any part of the inheritance. However, as stated in 1 Peter 1:4, the persons inheritance is reserved in heaven and will not fade away. This is the first perspective of eternal life (or eternal salvation). It is given solely by grace, and because it was not given according to what the person did or did not do, it will never be taken away based upon what the person does or does not do. By this alone, a person will live forever (John 6:51).
The Second Perspective - Only By Faith
Ephesians 1:13-14 is the best description of how the regenerate person comes to obtain, or take hold of, eternal life. A regenerate person, being loosed from the carnal man (Romans 7:1-4), and now having the capacity to receive the Holy Spirit, which is required to discern the gospel (1 Corinthians 2:11 & 14), must now hear the gospel, trust in the gospel, and believe the gospel. Once this has occurred, the person receives the Holy Spirit, which confirms the testimony of the gospel. The Holy Spirit, as defined in Ephesians 1:14, is the earnest of the inheritance, which the person received at regeneration (Ephesians 1:11).
It is by this second perspective of eternal life that a regenerate person either lives or dies, spiritually. It is only through faith that a regenerate person can take current and immediate possession of eternal life in this mortal world (Matthew 19:16, Mark 10:17, Luke 10:25, John 3:15, John 6:47, John 17:2, 1 Timothy 6:12, 1 Timothy 6:19). Christ, as the mediator of the inheritance (1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 8:6, Hebrews 9:15, Hebrews 12:24), is the only one who is able to lay charge against the elect and condemn them (Romans 8:33-34) to either life or death, in a spiritual sense, in this mortal world. He accomplishes this judgement by the administration of the Spirit. (John 5:22, John 5:27, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Peter 4:17)
The Holy Spirit is given in measure (John 3:34, Ephesians 4:7), and is given in accordance with the persons faith and obedience. The person is able to grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30), as well as, quench the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19). In quenching the Spirit, the earnest of the inheritance is cut off. The end result is no different than being removed from the vine, withered, and cast into fire (John 15:6).
Ezekiel 18:21-24 & Ezekiel 18:26-28 are very clear and straight forward in teaching what happens to those who turn away from their sins and those who backslide and fall away. Yes, it is possible for a person to loose this aspect of their salvation, but only this aspect.
Again, by being regenerate the person will live forever (John 6:51), but without faith he will not possess the earnest of eternal life (John 6:53). A person must be both regenerated by the Father and converted by faith to possess eternal life (John 6:47 & 54).
I prefer to use the words Immortal and Mortal to identify these two prespectives. I am familiar with others who have used different labels or titles. Some of those are "Time Salvation", "Present Salvation", and "Temporal Salvation". To me, these suggest that the salvation received in this life is of a earthly nature and ends at some point. As I explain below, and as Ephesians 1:11 & 14 reveal, the salvation received in this life is merely the earnest of that which we will also have after this life.
The First Perspective - Only By Grace
At regeneration, when a person is delivered to Christ by the Father (John 6:37, John 6:44, Colossians 1:13, Regeneration), being received of the Father as an adopted child (Hebrews 12:6, Adoption), the person becomes an heir of Eternal Life (Ephesians 1:11).
However, because there is no physical, mental, moral, or spiritual change in the person, as a result of regeneration, the person begins his new childhood in disobedience to the Father, yielding himself to be a servant of sin (Romans 6:6, Romans 6:16). Galatians 4:1-3 describes the newly regenerated persons situation very well. Although the person is now a child of God, and an heir to the inheritance, he is no different than that of a servant. A master of the household would not entrust a servant with the responsibilities of managing his estate. Likewise, because the person has previously been unable to understand the gospel message, like a servant, he is unlearned in the ways of the Father and is not yet able to receive any part of the inheritance. However, as stated in 1 Peter 1:4, the persons inheritance is reserved in heaven and will not fade away. This is the first perspective of eternal life (or eternal salvation). It is given solely by grace, and because it was not given according to what the person did or did not do, it will never be taken away based upon what the person does or does not do. By this alone, a person will live forever (John 6:51).
The Second Perspective - Only By Faith
Ephesians 1:13-14 is the best description of how the regenerate person comes to obtain, or take hold of, eternal life. A regenerate person, being loosed from the carnal man (Romans 7:1-4), and now having the capacity to receive the Holy Spirit, which is required to discern the gospel (1 Corinthians 2:11 & 14), must now hear the gospel, trust in the gospel, and believe the gospel. Once this has occurred, the person receives the Holy Spirit, which confirms the testimony of the gospel. The Holy Spirit, as defined in Ephesians 1:14, is the earnest of the inheritance, which the person received at regeneration (Ephesians 1:11).
It is by this second perspective of eternal life that a regenerate person either lives or dies, spiritually. It is only through faith that a regenerate person can take current and immediate possession of eternal life in this mortal world (Matthew 19:16, Mark 10:17, Luke 10:25, John 3:15, John 6:47, John 17:2, 1 Timothy 6:12, 1 Timothy 6:19). Christ, as the mediator of the inheritance (1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 8:6, Hebrews 9:15, Hebrews 12:24), is the only one who is able to lay charge against the elect and condemn them (Romans 8:33-34) to either life or death, in a spiritual sense, in this mortal world. He accomplishes this judgement by the administration of the Spirit. (John 5:22, John 5:27, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Peter 4:17)
The Holy Spirit is given in measure (John 3:34, Ephesians 4:7), and is given in accordance with the persons faith and obedience. The person is able to grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30), as well as, quench the Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19). In quenching the Spirit, the earnest of the inheritance is cut off. The end result is no different than being removed from the vine, withered, and cast into fire (John 15:6).
Ezekiel 18:21-24 & Ezekiel 18:26-28 are very clear and straight forward in teaching what happens to those who turn away from their sins and those who backslide and fall away. Yes, it is possible for a person to loose this aspect of their salvation, but only this aspect.
Again, by being regenerate the person will live forever (John 6:51), but without faith he will not possess the earnest of eternal life (John 6:53). A person must be both regenerated by the Father and converted by faith to possess eternal life (John 6:47 & 54).
Kingdom of Heaven / Kingdom of God
The "kingdom of Heaven" and the "kingdom of God" mean the same thing. Matthew is the only book in which the phrase "kingdom of Heaven" is used, and the only book in which both phrases are used. All other authors, including Paul, uses the phrase "kingdom of God". Both phrases are references to the kingdom that was to be established at Pentecost.
Daniel prophesied of the coming of this Kingdom (Daniel 2:44). It was established during the reign of the fourth kingdom of iron, which we know today was the Roman Empire. Also, as Daniel prophesied, it was broken into pieces a scattered to many nations, as is evident by Paul's travels and the churches he established, and consumed those nations. Today, it is still broken into pieces and consumes all nations, because every where that believers in Christ are present, so also is the kingdom of God.
John the Baptist preached of this kingdom, which at the time of his ministry, was only "at hand", or very close, or within reach, but not yet obtainable. The kingdom of Heaven would remain "at hand" until Pentecost.
In Matthew 21:43, since God dwelled in the temple among the nation of Israel, Israel was a physical kingdom of God. However, later in Matthew 23:38 and Luke 13:35, Jesus declares that the temple is left desolate, signifying that God would no longer dwell in the temple made with hands. Under the New Testament, God would dwell among His people only in the form of the Holy Ghost in a spiritual kingdom. Passages such as John 14:2, 1 Corinthians 3:9, Ephesians 2:21-22, 1 Peter 2:5, describe bodies of believers as buildings, spiritual houses, and habitations of God. These are all alternate descriptions of the kingdom of God. They are realms in which God the Father and Christ are Kings and Lords over the groups of people.
The spiritual kingdom of God became available at Pentecost. From that time until 70 A.D., both the physical kingdom of God, the nation of Israel, and the spiritual kingdom of God coexisted. Mark 9:1 was fulfilled in 70 A.D. when the physical nation of Israel was completely destroyed by the Roman Legions which had surrounded it. (See the works of Flavius Josephus: War of the Jews - Books 5, 6, & 7.)
The kingdom of God is never used as a reference to immortal heaven, or rather the heaven where we will be when we depart this world. It is a spiritual place that exists here on earth. It is a place of refuge and of rest for the believers.
According to 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, only the righteous can inherit the kingdom of God. And according to 1 Corinthians 15:50, "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God". John 3:5 teaches that a person enters into the kingdom of God, but only after both regeneration and conversion. Since flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, it can only be received by way of the Holy Spirit. This is also confirmed by John 3:5, since a person can only receive the earnest their inheritance, the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:14), by conversion, which also means to be born of the Spirit. Therefore, only the obedient children, those which have been exercised by the chastening of God and become fruitful (Hebrews 12:11), can possess the indwelling Holy Spirit and enter into the kingdom of God.
To enter into the kingdom of God is to also enter into Christs' rest. Only those who convert (Matthew 11:28-29) and believe (Hebrews 3:18, Hebrews 4:9-11) in Christ can enter into His rest.
Daniel prophesied of the coming of this Kingdom (Daniel 2:44). It was established during the reign of the fourth kingdom of iron, which we know today was the Roman Empire. Also, as Daniel prophesied, it was broken into pieces a scattered to many nations, as is evident by Paul's travels and the churches he established, and consumed those nations. Today, it is still broken into pieces and consumes all nations, because every where that believers in Christ are present, so also is the kingdom of God.
John the Baptist preached of this kingdom, which at the time of his ministry, was only "at hand", or very close, or within reach, but not yet obtainable. The kingdom of Heaven would remain "at hand" until Pentecost.
In Matthew 21:43, since God dwelled in the temple among the nation of Israel, Israel was a physical kingdom of God. However, later in Matthew 23:38 and Luke 13:35, Jesus declares that the temple is left desolate, signifying that God would no longer dwell in the temple made with hands. Under the New Testament, God would dwell among His people only in the form of the Holy Ghost in a spiritual kingdom. Passages such as John 14:2, 1 Corinthians 3:9, Ephesians 2:21-22, 1 Peter 2:5, describe bodies of believers as buildings, spiritual houses, and habitations of God. These are all alternate descriptions of the kingdom of God. They are realms in which God the Father and Christ are Kings and Lords over the groups of people.
The spiritual kingdom of God became available at Pentecost. From that time until 70 A.D., both the physical kingdom of God, the nation of Israel, and the spiritual kingdom of God coexisted. Mark 9:1 was fulfilled in 70 A.D. when the physical nation of Israel was completely destroyed by the Roman Legions which had surrounded it. (See the works of Flavius Josephus: War of the Jews - Books 5, 6, & 7.)
The kingdom of God is never used as a reference to immortal heaven, or rather the heaven where we will be when we depart this world. It is a spiritual place that exists here on earth. It is a place of refuge and of rest for the believers.
According to 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, only the righteous can inherit the kingdom of God. And according to 1 Corinthians 15:50, "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God". John 3:5 teaches that a person enters into the kingdom of God, but only after both regeneration and conversion. Since flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, it can only be received by way of the Holy Spirit. This is also confirmed by John 3:5, since a person can only receive the earnest their inheritance, the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:14), by conversion, which also means to be born of the Spirit. Therefore, only the obedient children, those which have been exercised by the chastening of God and become fruitful (Hebrews 12:11), can possess the indwelling Holy Spirit and enter into the kingdom of God.
To enter into the kingdom of God is to also enter into Christs' rest. Only those who convert (Matthew 11:28-29) and believe (Hebrews 3:18, Hebrews 4:9-11) in Christ can enter into His rest.
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Each elect person, chosen by God the Father (Ephesians 1:14), that is given to Christ, will be delivered to Him. Every person that is delivered to Him, from the Father, will in no way be rejected. This is salvation by grace, freely given, undeserved, without the persons interaction, in any way, and without the persons knowledge or awareness. This is the exact same as being translated (Colossians 1:13). It is a legal transaction that occurs in a spiritual realm. The persons ownership is transferred from the power of darkness to Christ. Also, at this same time, the person is adopted and received as a child (Hebrews 12:6) of God the Father. This is also referred to by Paul as the washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5).
John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
In order to "cometh" to Christ, a person must be drawn (John 6:44) of God, which is the same as being translated (Colossians 1:13). This is can only be accomplished by the Father (John 6:65). When the person is drawn, he is translated from the power and authority of darkness to the power and authority of Christ. Thus, the person is delivered to Christ (John 6:37 & 39). At the same time an adoption occurs and the person is received of the Father as a child (Hebrews 12:6). This is salvation by grace without works. It is referred to by Paul as the washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5), or more commonly today as simply regeneration. Therefore, those who only eat the flesh of the Son of Man or eat the bread of Life (John 6:50, 51, 57, 58), without also drinking His blood, will live forever, as opposed to possessing eternal life.
Of those who are delivered to Christ, having been regenerated and adopted as children, those who freely chose to believe in Him, will, by faith, partake in the drinking of His blood. In doing so, they will receive the earnest of their inheritance, which is the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:14, 2 Corinthians 1:22, 2 Corinthians 5:5), and obtain the immediate possession of eternal life (John 6:40, 47, 53, 54, 68).
Of those who are delivered to Christ, having been regenerated and adopted as children, those who freely chose to believe in Him, will, by faith, partake in the drinking of His blood. In doing so, they will receive the earnest of their inheritance, which is the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:14, 2 Corinthians 1:22, 2 Corinthians 5:5), and obtain the immediate possession of eternal life (John 6:40, 47, 53, 54, 68).
John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also.
As discussed in John 14:2, the place that Jesus went to prepare was the Comforter, which is synonymous with the Kingdom of God/Heaven ushered in by Christ and established here on earth.
In verse 17, Jesus says, "for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you", referring first, to Himself in the flesh, and then secondly, as the Comforter, which would come on the day of Pentecost.
In verse 18, Jesus states, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you", referring to Himself in the form of the Comforter. It is by this means, that He comes to the person (John 14:18 & 23) and receives a person unto Himself, so that He and the person can abide (John 14:23) together in the same place. Through the Comforter, Christ manifests Himself (John 14:21) to His obedient children.
This is why He also said, to His disciples, "A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me", and "ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy". He was not only referring to the time He would spend with them after His resurrection, but also the time after Pentecost, when the Holy Ghost had been given to them.
Only the Children of Obedience receive the Comforter.
Related passages:
John 7:39
John 13:36
John 14:23
John 14:28-29
John 15:4
John 15:26
John 16:7
John 16:13
John 16:16
John 16:20
In verse 17, Jesus says, "for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you", referring first, to Himself in the flesh, and then secondly, as the Comforter, which would come on the day of Pentecost.
In verse 18, Jesus states, "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you", referring to Himself in the form of the Comforter. It is by this means, that He comes to the person (John 14:18 & 23) and receives a person unto Himself, so that He and the person can abide (John 14:23) together in the same place. Through the Comforter, Christ manifests Himself (John 14:21) to His obedient children.
This is why He also said, to His disciples, "A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me", and "ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy". He was not only referring to the time He would spend with them after His resurrection, but also the time after Pentecost, when the Holy Ghost had been given to them.
Only the Children of Obedience receive the Comforter.
Related passages:
John 7:39
John 13:36
John 14:23
John 14:28-29
John 15:4
John 15:26
John 16:7
John 16:13
John 16:16
John 16:20
John 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if [it were] not [so], I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
If we look at the following scriptures and examine them carefully, we find that they teach in regards to a building, house, and habitation, all of which are comprised of a group, rather than any single individual.
1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
Ephesians 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
1 Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
In this passage, Jesus is likewise speaking in regards to the same building, house, and habitation.
Jesus goes a step further, by identifing the individuals that make up the building, as "many mansions" that exist within the "Father's house".
The word "mansions" is synonomus to the "chambers" of the temple shown to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 40-48). The vision Ezekiel was shown was of the coming Kingdom of God/Heaven, which was to be ushered in by Christ Jesus, and as prophesized by Daniel.
Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
This Kingdom of God/Heaven is synonymous with the Comforter. This passage is in the context of the teachings of Jesus to the apostles, concerning the Comforter, which was to come at Pentecost.
In John 16:7, when Jesus stated, "It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you", He was referring to the place which He went to prepare.
Niether the Kingdom of God/Heaven or the Comforter could come, until Jesus had been glorified.
Properly understood, Jesus is speaking in regards to the kingdom of heaven and the multitude of individual believers (Matthew 9:37). Each of these individual, as chambers within the house, would be dwelling places for the Holy Spirit, by which the Father and Son would dwell within each (John 14:16, 17,18, 20, 23, 26, 28, John 15:26).
Related passages:
1 Kings 6:5
Ezekiel 40-48
1 Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
Ephesians 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
1 Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
In this passage, Jesus is likewise speaking in regards to the same building, house, and habitation.
Jesus goes a step further, by identifing the individuals that make up the building, as "many mansions" that exist within the "Father's house".
The word "mansions" is synonomus to the "chambers" of the temple shown to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 40-48). The vision Ezekiel was shown was of the coming Kingdom of God/Heaven, which was to be ushered in by Christ Jesus, and as prophesized by Daniel.
Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
This Kingdom of God/Heaven is synonymous with the Comforter. This passage is in the context of the teachings of Jesus to the apostles, concerning the Comforter, which was to come at Pentecost.
In John 16:7, when Jesus stated, "It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you", He was referring to the place which He went to prepare.
Niether the Kingdom of God/Heaven or the Comforter could come, until Jesus had been glorified.
Properly understood, Jesus is speaking in regards to the kingdom of heaven and the multitude of individual believers (Matthew 9:37). Each of these individual, as chambers within the house, would be dwelling places for the Holy Spirit, by which the Father and Son would dwell within each (John 14:16, 17,18, 20, 23, 26, 28, John 15:26).
Related passages:
1 Kings 6:5
Ezekiel 40-48
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
The word "come" used here simply means to be moved from one place to another. Just as a package is transported from point A to point B by a truck. The meaning of this passage is brought to light by looking at John 6:37 which states that a certain group of people are delivered to Christ by the Father.
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Only those who are given to Christ by the Father will be delivered to Him. To be delivered to Christ, they must be moved from one place to another. We can find scriptural support for this in Colossians 1:13, which states that those who are delivered to Christ are translated, which is a synonym of being transported, from the power and authority of darkness into the power and authority of Christ. The word translated is used in Hebrews 11:5 to describe how Enoch was taken from this world so that he should not see death.
Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son:
See John 6:37 for comments on the proper understanding and usage of the rest of that passage.
An example for the word "draw" is that of John 21:6, when the fishermen were not able to draw in their net for the multitude of fish. When we use this to properly understand the drawing of God we find that only by the great power and strength of God the Father is a person able to be removed from the power and authority of darkness and place him into the power and authority of Christ.
Jesus states that no man "can come" except by the Fathers drawing. No person can be delivered into His power and authority, except by the Father's divine intervention. This drawing does not violate mans free will. In fact, it enables the person to exercise his free will choice at a later time.
Matthew 11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father…
The word "delivered" means to give into the hands of another. Thus, we come into Christ’s possession by being delivered to Him only by the Father, and not by our own means.
Other than the references presented here, this event is also described as the washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5), being born of water (John 3:5), being baptized into death with Christ (Romans 6:3&4), eating the bread from heaven (John 6:50&51,58), eating the flesh of the Son of man (John 6:53&54,56,57), and adoption (Ephesians 1:5)
This event takes place without the knowledge of the person. There is no physical, mental, or moral change that takes place. It is only a spiritual status change. A legal adoption takes place where the person becomes a child of God, although disobedient and unlearned at first.
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Only those who are given to Christ by the Father will be delivered to Him. To be delivered to Christ, they must be moved from one place to another. We can find scriptural support for this in Colossians 1:13, which states that those who are delivered to Christ are translated, which is a synonym of being transported, from the power and authority of darkness into the power and authority of Christ. The word translated is used in Hebrews 11:5 to describe how Enoch was taken from this world so that he should not see death.
Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son:
See John 6:37 for comments on the proper understanding and usage of the rest of that passage.
An example for the word "draw" is that of John 21:6, when the fishermen were not able to draw in their net for the multitude of fish. When we use this to properly understand the drawing of God we find that only by the great power and strength of God the Father is a person able to be removed from the power and authority of darkness and place him into the power and authority of Christ.
Jesus states that no man "can come" except by the Fathers drawing. No person can be delivered into His power and authority, except by the Father's divine intervention. This drawing does not violate mans free will. In fact, it enables the person to exercise his free will choice at a later time.
Matthew 11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father…
The word "delivered" means to give into the hands of another. Thus, we come into Christ’s possession by being delivered to Him only by the Father, and not by our own means.
Other than the references presented here, this event is also described as the washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5), being born of water (John 3:5), being baptized into death with Christ (Romans 6:3&4), eating the bread from heaven (John 6:50&51,58), eating the flesh of the Son of man (John 6:53&54,56,57), and adoption (Ephesians 1:5)
This event takes place without the knowledge of the person. There is no physical, mental, or moral change that takes place. It is only a spiritual status change. A legal adoption takes place where the person becomes a child of God, although disobedient and unlearned at first.
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