Jesus, & His Purpose
Please also see: ‘Eternal Life.’ ‘Jesus’ crucifixion.’ ‘Jesus’ resurrection.’ ‘Prophecy.’
‘Relationship.’ ‘Salvation.’
Seek the Truth with all your heart.
Who was and is Jesus, and His purpose? Why was He crucified?
Jesus is the Word of GOD. He is also Truth. He is referred to as ‘Son of GOD’ and ‘Son of man,’ because GOD sees Him as both. Jesus was GOD the Son.
Jesus, by His death and resurrection, took back the kingdom from Satan – Lucifer the fallen archangel – and gave it to humanity. Jesus is GOD’s key to restoring HIS children to HIS Family.
(See at foot of article: ‘On My Father’s Side.’ The Barn Again Gang)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5ddoyfn6g4 3 min 40 secs
John 1:1-5 ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with GOD, and the Word was GOD. He was with GOD in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’
Vs 18 ‘No one has ever seen GOD, but the one and only Son, Who is Himself GOD and is in closest relationship with the FATHER, has made Him known.’
GOD created everything through Himself - in the person of Jesus - which sounds an amazing statement, but is true – a mysterious dimension that will only be understood and fully comprehended by all who are eventually in heaven.
John 3:16 ‘For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
“I am Jesus the Messiah.” (Hebrew = “Ani Yeshua Hamashiach.”) Messiah = Anointed One. (Jesus original name is Yeshua. He was also known as Yehushua, or Yehoshua.)
Joshua = Yoshua or Yahushua because there is no ‘J’ sound in the Hebrew language.
The ‘J’ with its ’J’ sound did not come into the English language until about 500 years ago.
The ‘J’ is not even found in the original 1611 King James Bible. The original ‘J’ was written as ‘I’ but still pronounced as ‘J.’
It is not necessary to be preoccupied about His ‘original name’ and spelling; the most important factor is to know Him.
It is a real blessing to be able, by your own choice, to have a relationship with Jesus.
Jesus’ name appears in the Bible over 900 times.
Why did Jesus come to this world; allow Himself to be executed by crucifixion, and then defeat death by returning to life?
The answers to these questions reveal the incredible love GOD has for humanity, who He originally created. We separated ourselves from GOD, and therefore GOD lost us; and to our indescribable blessing and privilege, GOD Himself, through Jesus, was prepared to pay the ultimate price to get (redeem) us back into GOD’s family as inheritors of eternal life.
Jesus came to Earth to destroy the works of Satan. He carried out the one and only rescue ever in the timeless eternal existence of GOD.
Following Adam and Eve’s becoming Satan’s victims, humanity became a fallen race of people, without exception, because we were unavoidably born into this condition, having inherited this sinful state of self and life which Adam and Eve’s disobedience brought on all people throughout all following generations. Only the CREATOR Himself - as Jesus- could rescue humanity.
Jesus’ presence and purpose on earth was to open the door for us to be restored to our Creator’s original, magnificent plan. Jesus brought GOD’s kingdom, redemption, and salvation to humanity as a free gift, for us to receive as part of a mutual loving relationship. He achieved complete victory on behalf of humanity.
GOD already had a plan for redeeming humanity to HIS kingdom: Jesus - the Son would come to this Earth to become humanity’s Substitute to overcome the consequence of sin by dying in our place, and thereby opening the door for humanity to have another chance to live forever, as GOD had originally intended.
When we accept Christ’s life, death, and resurrection in our place, He justifies us – meaning full pardon and acceptance for us as if we had never sinned. He also makes us new again by filling us with The Holy Spirit = new birth = born again = born from above (Spiritually,) which gives us power to live as He lived, and to love as He loved.
This is GOD’s gift of grace to us through our faith in Jesus.
Jesus died for us all, and after a Sabbath rest in the tomb, He rose again, breaking forever the power of death over humanity for all who believe and choose Him as Saviour, and Lord.
When He was born on Earth there was not even a room to accommodate His birth, yet He later said that all who choose to love and follow Him are fully welcome in the magnificent accommodation He has prepared for each person in His home in heaven.
2 Corinthians 3:6 ‘HE (GOD) has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant – not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.’ Jesus didn't come to endorse the letter of the law, He came to introduce the Spirit of the law. This did not replace the ten commandments, it added dimension to them so that they could be honoured and respected in an expanded perspective of Spiritual fulfilment.
(Beware of dry, ritualistic, man-made religion - religiosity, rules, and Old Testament requirements.)
Jesus fulfilled His purpose at every opportunity, and when anyone listened to Him they believed that He was the Anointed One of GOD. Satan’s works were destroyed by Jesus transforming that person. He undid the effects of the law of sin and death and brought abundant life to people. When Jesus was born on earth it was as if GOD had created a perfect Adam all over again. Apart from the main purpose of His being here, He was the fulfilment of what GOD originally intended HIS family to be.
The first Adam brought death to the world as the result of His fall. Jesus has been described as the second Adam Who opened the way to eternal life.
GOD, after testing humanity under the law, as recorded in the Old Testament, eventually sent Himself as His Son Jesus, to open the door for us to be able to choose to return to the originally created human condition of perfection, which did not involve death at all. Death was absent, until Adam and Eve allowed Satan to influence them, which allowed and set into action, his curse on human life and the world itself.
The only way for fallen, disobedient humanity to be able to be restored – redeemed – saved - receive salvation - was for humanity’s Creator Himself to die on our behalf and then defeat death. If He had just left humanity to the inevitability of death, there would not have been any way back, we would have been dead forever. Only GOD could pay our penalty of permanent death, then defeat death on our behalf, and open the door for us to be seen as perfect through Jesus. Only perfection can enter heaven, so it is only for those who accept GOD’s rescue, make Jesus Lord of their life, and through Jesus to live in loving relationship with GOD.
As stated elsewhere, the automatic (default) setting on this world is death = eventual hell = the lake of fire of burning sulphur, in which it is impossible for life to survive. The only escape is relationship with Jesus.
All of humanity is destined to die permanently, so only GOD, through Jesus, could die on our behalf, thus paying our unavoidable penalty. Following this, Jesus then defeated death; and now through relationship with Him and making Him Lord of our life, which qualifies us to be resurrected by Him, we become inheritors of the most amazing privileges in eternal future, which, to human minds, are unimaginably magnificent. There are many scriptures pertaining to this; some obvious, many are not, unless the Holy Spirit gives the reader illumination and understanding.
"GOD is a Spirit and we need to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth" – ordinary ‘religious worship’ is insufficient. Jesus is endorsing this idea through all of His ministry as we can see in:
‘The Parable of The 10 virgins,’
‘Preaching on the Mountain – The Beatitudes,’
‘Conversation with Nicodemus.’
To put this into perspective we need to see that Jesus was living during the time of the "Old Covenant" that is the time of the ‘letter of the law.’
He spiritually established ‘The New Covenant’ just before His crucifixion, so He couldn't say 'do not obey the letter of the law' at this time, but now He is saying;
"Anyone who is obeying the letter of the fulfilled law, is falling off the grace platform," as in the case of circumcision for example, which is no longer to any avail.
(The Messianic Prophecy Bible Project, also known as Bibles for Israel, will be releasing The Messianic Prophecy Bible, which is being compiled with meticulous and thorough in-depth research, will show all the Messianic prophecies throughout the Bible, and how in their specific ways they have been fulfilled. This will enable Jewish people, and everyone, to see clearly that Jesus (Yeshua) was and is the Messiah.)
The Gospels of Matthew 13:55-56 and Mark 6:3 state that Jesus’ brothers were James, Joses (or Joseph), Jude, and Simon. The same verses also mention sisters of Jesus, without naming them.
Jesus taught by using Earthly life examples which clearly explained the subject. His teaching was concise and precise. Jesus as the Passover Lamb was also set aside on the 10th day of Nissan. On this day, He entered Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecy in:
Zechariah 9:9 ‘Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion. Shout, Daughter Jerusalem. See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’
The true significance of His triumphal entry was that on this occasion Jesus set Himself aside as the Passover Lamb. He was tested from the 10th day until the 14th day of Nissan, by the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Scribes, and the Herodians. By answering all of their objections and questions, Jesus (The Lamb of GOD) clearly showed that He was without spot or blemish.
He was crucified on the same day that the special Passover animal sacrifice, a lamb or a male goat, was offered in the Temple compound. Just as the Jewish leaders were very careful that not a single bone of the Passover lamb was broken, John 19:36 points out that not a single bone of Jesus was broken during His scourging, the crucifixion itself, or by the Roman soldiers who always broke the victim’s legs to speed their death.
Jewish Believers celebrate the Good News of Jesus at Passover, recognizing that the blood that was placed on the tops and sides of Egypt’s door frames was a foreshadowing of the blood that Jesus would shed 1500 years later, which would cover mankind from all of their sins.
Even though the Jewish People are known as the ‘People of the Book,’ most know very little, if anything, about the Messianic prophecies. The rabbis do not investigate or discuss them, and they ignore what Moses says as recorded in:
Leviticus 17:11 ‘For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.
Millions of Jewish people worldwide celebrate Passover in their homes each year with family and friends who are gathered around the table for the ‘Seder’ meal, retelling and celebrating the story of Passover, with symbolic food, and wine – which represents Jesus’ blood which He shed on our behalf. However it is tragic and heartbreaking that so few have a clue, as they read about GOD’s deliverance in Egypt, that the Passover lamb has been fulfilled in Jesus (Yeshua.) The prophetic scriptures in Isaiah and Daniel have been hidden from them by their Rabbinical teaching. The rabbis have told Jewish people to not bother reading these sections of the Bible, and in doing so, in ignorance, have fooled themselves as well. There are prophetic scriptures dotted throughout the Bible which refer to Jesus in various ways.
The Jews are still expecting and awaiting the arrival of the Messiah, not knowing that Jesus was and is the Messiah, whose arrival on Earth, His life of teaching, healing, and giving life back to certain dead people; followed by His crucifixion, death, burial, rising to life again, and ascending home to heaven; fulfilled all of the associated prophecies.
John 3:31-36 ‘The One Who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the Earth belongs to the Earth, and speaks as one from the Earth. The One Who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what He has seen and heard, but no one accepts His testimony. Whoever has accepted it has certified that GOD is truthful. For the One Whom GOD has sent speaks the words of GOD, for GOD gives the Spirit without limit. The FATHER loves the Son and has placed everything in His hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for GOD’s wrath remains on them.’
John 8:31-32 ‘To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said: “If you hold to My teaching, you are really My disciples. Then you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.”
John 14:6 ‘Jesus answered, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the FATHER except through Me.
What did Jesus look like? We do not know except for suggestions in these two scriptures:
Isaiah 53:2 ‘He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him.
Isaiah chapters 49-53 These chapters cover nearly all the factors of Jesus forthcoming life on Earth approximately eight hundred years later.
1 Corinthians 11:14-15 ‘Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory.’
This was the custom in Jesus’ time, which would suggest that Jesus did not have long hair, even though He is depicted in drawings and paintings as doing so. Such drawings usually show Jesus as being tall and having light skin and blue eyes. He was born as a Jew, and Jews were not tall at the time, and He would, most likely, have had olive skin and brown eyes.
Revelation 1:14-16 ‘The hair on His head was white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In His right hand He held seven stars, and coming out of His mouth was a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.’
This was the vision that GOD gave John, on the Island of Patmos, of Jesus in heaven. A sword coming out of His mouth is symbolic of Him speaking GOD’s truth.
Jesus resurrection distinguishes Him from all other religious figures. This is followed by His guarantee of eternal life in GOD’s perfect kingdom, for all genuine believers and followers. Jesus was the Word of creation who was born into human life so that He was able to identify with us, and we with Him, and to carry out GOD’s rescue plan. He was GOD in earthly flesh. This shows the amazing complexity of the GOD-head.
The awesomely magnificent destiny of – saved – mankind - those who are believers and have made Jesus The Lord of their life, is to become part of GOD’s family, to eventually have a new body, and eternal life, following the resurrection.
Christ Jesus is described symbolically as ‘The Foundation Stone,’ meaning the solid foundational beginning which can also be seen as the Alpha = the beginning.
Jesus was also described as ‘The Capstone,’ representing the crowning finish, which can also be seen as the Omega = the end or finish. The perfect completion.
Jesus Christ purchased freedom for everyone, which fulfilled GOD’s legal requirements. He alone could do that to allow us to inherit eternal life.
Jesus is the only bridge between Earth and Heaven.
Jesus is the only bridge between mortality - finite - temporary life - on Earth, and immortality - infinite - eternal life - in Heaven.
Jesus is the only bridge between Satan’s messed up Earth and GOD’s perfection in Heaven.
Jesus is the only bridge between suffering on Earth and eternal blissful happiness in heaven.
This is the fulfilment of GOD’s promise.
Do not be ashamed to confess JESUS anytime and anywhere. Be assertively confident, but inoffensively genuine about who, and what, you are, and WHO you stand for.
Psalm 118:22-23 ‘The stone (Jesus) the builders rejected has become the capstone; the LORD has done this, and it is marvellous in our eyes.’
This prophetic scripture, in the Old Testament, refers to Jesus, who was to come hundreds of years later. As we know, the leaders rejected Him; but He proved to be the Son of GOD, symbolised by the capstone.
Isaiah 52:13-15 -- 53:1-12 Written approximately 750 years before Jesus was born. All 15 verses accurately prophesy about Jesus.
Jesus is everything, possessions are nothing. In the end even gold and silver will be worthless.
Ezekiel 7:19 ‘They will throw their silver into the streets, and their gold will be an unclean thing. Their silver and gold will not be able to save them in the day of the LORD’S wrath. They will not satisfy their hunger or fill their stomachs with it, for it has made them stumble into sin.’
28 prophecies were fulfilled on Jesus crucifixion day, including the points in Psalm 22, and as reported in:
Matthew 27:32-56; Mark 15:21-41; Luke 23:26-49; John 19:17-24.
GOD applied justice by paying the penalty of death for our sinful state (condition) on our behalf. HE did this through Jesus, but only GOD could defeat death, so HE was the only one who could die on our behalf and rise again. If we believe in and love Jesus, we inherit eternal life, where death is eternally non-existent and life is unimaginably magnificent.
In this one act (process) of death and resurrection, GOD applied justice to HIMSELF on our behalf, and justified us in HIS own eyes, instead us having to die without any forgiveness and no ability to regain life.
The Holy Lord GOD Almighty alone could answer Himself and His requirements, and open the doorway to eternal life in His perfect kingdom, and, in all this, to meet the demand of His own holiness. GOD did this to rescue all human beings, who accept that rescue and enter relationship with HIM, which includes redemption from a life ending in death, and to be restored to the inheritance of eternal life.
GOD, as Jesus, carried our sinful condition and died on our behalf, because only He could defeat death and rise again to eternal life. This offered each of us an open door to choose to reconnect to GOD and HIS eternal kingdom.
Every person who acknowledges Jesus as their Saviour and Lord is saved eternally.
Matthew 4:18-22 ‘As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. Jesus said “Come follow Me and I will make you fishers of men (people). At once they left their nets and followed Him. Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets, Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him.’
Matthew 5:17-20 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law and the Prophets, I have not come to abolish them but to fulfil them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus, after returning to heaven, sent us the Holy Spirit who gave us the power and ability to keep the ten commandments. Does that make us perfect? NO, not yet, but it helps us to become overcomers, notwithstanding:
Matthew 5:48 ‘Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.’
Matthew 10:32-33 Jesus said; “Whoever acknowledges Me before people, I will also acknowledge them before My FATHER in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before people, I will disown them before My FATHER in heaven.”
Matthew 11:27-30 “All things have been committed to Me by My FATHER. No one knows the Son except the FATHER, and no one knows the FATHER except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal HIM.”
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Matthew 13:10-15 ‘The disciples came to Him (Jesus) and asked, “Why do You speak to the people in parables?” He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. This is why I speak to them in parables:
Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:
“You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.”
Simon Peter identified accurately Who Jesus was, as recorded in the following:
Matthew 16:13-19 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is? They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” He asked, “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living GOD.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by any person, but by My Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
By saying “On this rock I will build my church,” Jesus meant on the ‘rock’ of Peter’s observation, the ‘rock’ of truth. Jesus did not refer to Peter himself as being the ‘rock.’ Peter – ‘Petros’ in Greek, means stone.
Matthew 19:28-30 ‘Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man (Jesus) sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or fields for My sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.’
Matthew 20:26-28 ‘Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.’
Carrying this out, and helping others, is rewarding.
Jesus’ life on Earth even changed the dating system, starting the recording of time again from year 1. No one else has ever caused such a thing to happen. It is unique, extremely significant, and indicative that He was very, very special.
His whole life was to bring redemption and salvation to humanity as a free gift; but we need to receive it as part of a mutual loving relationship with Him.
Like us losing our most precious possession; GOD had lost us, the most precious thing in HIS Creation, and HE was willing to pay whatever ‘cost’ was necessary to redeem us back to relationship with HIM, and once again to be eligible for eternal life.
Jesus was born into humanity (mankind) on earth to bring us the greatest gift possible. If only people would realize with full understanding and appreciation, that Jesus was sent by GOD, not to introduce religious control, manipulation, suppression, limitation or interference, but to bring us the correct way of living and overcoming and being free from the death sentence of this temporary, compromised life. The human race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin and GOD also wanted to restore to the heart and mind of mankind the original spiritual and moral purity which had been lost through Satan’s deception in the Garden of Eden.
GOD, through Jesus, wants everyone to qualify for perfect eternal life in new immortal bodies, after the resurrection. Each person needs to make their choice in this present life, there can be no leaving it to chance or until later in life, with the attitude of “Well whatever happens --- happens.” This throws away the greatest GOD given opportunity in the history of humanity. A conscious meaningful, committed decision has to be made in this life, and as soon as possible, because life can end for any reason at any time, and then it is too late; The decision has to be made in this life; after this life is too late.
May each person respond to the Holy Spirit touching their heart and mind.
Jesus allowed himself to be at the mercy of men, in their hands; so that we could be free to choose to place ourselves at His mercy, in His hands.
When Jesus, on the cross, said “Tetelestai” (which is Hebrew for ‘It is finished’) His purpose had been fulfilled forever. (‘Tetelestai’ is a perfect passive verb, which inclusively indicates that the result of the fulfilled purpose continues forever.)
Jesus came to Earth to be crucified for a massively significant reason. He did everything purely for the sake of humanity. He made claims that no other rational, spiritual figure has ever made.
Jesus spontaneity, engenders spontaneity.
The bedrock of Christianity is composed of Jesus Christ’s fulfilment of hundreds of prophecies, including His virgin birth, His sinless life, His atoning death, His victorious resurrection, His work of mediation, and His forth-coming visible return as the King of Kings Messiah.
Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus said “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the FATHER and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Mark 8:27-30 ‘Jesus and His disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way He asked them, “Who do people say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah, and still others, one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” He asked, “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.” Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about Him.’
(It was too early for people to be able to understand who He was.)
It is thought that Jesus name in heaven was ‘Michael,’ which means: from the Hebrew name מִיכָאֵל = Mikha'el, meaning ‘Who is like GOD.’ This is a rhetorical question, implying no person is like GOD. Michael is one of the seven archangels in Hebrew tradition and the only one identified as an archangel in the Bible. In the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, Michael is portrayed as the leader of heaven's armies.
Mark 14:3-9 ‘While He was on Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper; a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard – spikenard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on His head.
Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.
“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to Me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them anytime you want. But you will not always have Me. She did what she could. She poured perfume on My body beforehand to prepare for My burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”
This expensive perfume would have been part of her personal appeal, and using it in this way showed her unlimited love and respect for Jesus. It would also have been a devoted and sincere way of breaking away from her former life.
Mark 14:60-62 ‘The high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?” “I am,” said Jesus, “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the MIGHTY ONE and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Jesus was born in the image of GOD. He had on the inside of Him the same life that GOD first breathed into Adam. That life was so powerful that if anyone just touched His garment in faith, it would drive sickness and disease right out of their body. This has everything to do with GOD’s plan continuing right into the present. As believers, we have been re-created in GOD’s image, so that spiritually we are just like Jesus, filled with the same Holy Spirit that filled Him. We have GOD-given life in our Earthly bodies just as He had, so the same power can flow through us. Jesus said that we as believers will be as follows:
Mark 16:17-18 “And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My Name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
Wisdom is called for; do not test GOD, do not put HIM on trial. There are many documented cases of people who are GOD’s strong believers, having innocently and mistakenly touched snakes, and drunk poison, without detrimental effects; but do not ever do such things intentionally to test GOD.
In Jesus’ Name, believers can prayerfully lay hands on sick people.
Luke 1:32-33 ‘He (Jesus) will be great and will be called the Son of the MOST HIGH. The Lord GOD will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end.’
Luke 4:5-7 ‘The devil (Satan) led Him (Jesus) up to a high place and showed Him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he (Satan) said to Him (Jesus), “I will give You all their authority and splendour, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So if You worship me, it will all be Yours.”
Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”
Luke 4:43 ‘Jesus said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of GOD to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”
Luke 6:46 “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?’
Luke 9:23-25 Jesus said: “If anyone would come after Me, they must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me will save it. What good is it for anyone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self.”
Luke 10:19-20 ‘Jesus said: “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
John 1:1-5 ‘In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with GOD, and the Word was GOD. He was with GOD in the beginning. Through Him (Jesus) all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of mankind. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.’
John 1:11-13 ‘He (Jesus) came to His own people (the Jews) which were His own, but they did not receive Him. To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of GOD; children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of GOD.’ A spiritual birth.
We need to know and believe that Jesus is the only name under heaven through whom each person may be saved; and we need to make Him our personal saviour. By keeping His commandments and living in relationship with GOD, we dwell in Him, and He in us, through the power of the Holy Spirit which Jesus sent from heaven to help, protect, and lead us.
Those who do not follow Jesus will be forever cut off from GOD. There is no other way. There is no second chance, the only chance is here and right now, there is no guarantee of tomorrow.
John 1;14-18 ‘The Word (Jesus) became flesh (a human being) and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the FATHER, full of grace and truth.’
(John testified concerning Him. He cried out saying, “This is the One I spoke about when I said, “He Who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.” Out of His (Jesus) fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No, one has ever seen GOD, but the one and only Son, Who is Himself GOD and is in closest relationship with the FATHER, has made HIM known.’
Jesus said that He would die, and after three days and nights rise back to life again. People could have accused Him of being a liar, or deluded. However, the outcome validated His words and all previous prophecies, one hundred percent.
Jesus became the Passover Lamb as prophesied in:
John 1:29-36 ‘The next day John (the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of GOD, who takes away the sin of the world. This is the One I meant when I said, ‘A Man who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me. I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that He might be revealed to Israel.”
Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on Him. And I myself did not know Him, but the One Who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The Man on Whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the One Who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is GOD’s Chosen One.”
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, The Lamb of GOD.”
Part of the biblical Passover practice was that the lamb, which would be used for the Passover, was to be set aside on the 10th day of the month of Nissan (March – April.) It was then to be tested until the 14th day, to be certain that it was without spot or blemish before it was killed – typifying Jesus.
John the Baptist knew that Jesus was to become the supreme sacrifice, which would be the fulfilment of the blood sacrificial system involving the blood of a perfect, innocent lamb, pointing to Jesus becoming the ultimate perfect Lamb of GOD.
John 3:1-3 ‘Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from GOD. For no one could perform the signs You are doing if GOD were not with Him.’
In reply, Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of GOD unless they are born again.”
John 3:16-18 ‘For GOD so loved the world that HE gave HIS one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For GOD did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because that person has not believed in the name of GOD’s one and only Son.’
John 3:34-36 ‘For the One whom GOD has sent speaks the words of GOD, for GOD gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in His hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for GOD’S wrath remains on him.’
John 4:13-14 ‘Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
John 4:24-26 “GOD is spirit, and His worshipers must worship in spirit and truth.” The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I who speak to you am He.”
John 4:34 ‘Jesus said “My food is to do the will of HIM Who sent Me and to finish HIS work.”
John 4:41-42 ‘And because of His words many more became believers.
They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this Man really is the Saviour of the world.”
John 5:19-23 ‘Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself, He can do only what He sees His FATHER doing, because whatever the FATHER does the Son also does. For the FATHER loves the Son and shows Him all HE does. Yes, and HE will show Him even greater works than these so that you will be amazed. For just as the FATHER raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom He is pleased to give it. Moreover, the FATHER judges no one, but has entrusted all judgement to the Son, that all may honour the Son just as they honour the FATHER. Whoever does not honour the Son does not honour the FATHER, WHO sent Him.”
We who are in close relationship with GOD and Jesus Christ, with ‘Jesus being in us, and our being in Jesus’ have a massive privilege in that Jesus can do through us, the same things that GOD the FATHER does through Jesus. Praise GOD!!!
John 5:30 Jesus said: “By Myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and My judgement is just, for I seek not to please Myself but HIM (GOD) WHO sent Me.”
John 5:39-40 “You diligently study the scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. These are the Scriptures that point to Me; (testify about Me;) come to Me to have (eternal) life.” GOD wants people to truly understand that it is meaningful relationship with HIM, and belief in and acceptance of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection; and making Jesus Lord of your life, that are required to be enabled to be resurrected to eternal life.
The bread of life.
John 6:33-40 “For the bread of GOD is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
“Sir” they said, “always give us this bread.”
‘Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never go thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen Me and still you do not believe. All that the FATHER gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do My will but to do the will of HIM WHO sent Me. And this is the will of HIM WHO sent Me, that I shall lose none that HE has given Me, but raise them up at the last day. For My FATHER’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Vs 43-51 ‘”Stop grumbling among yourselves,’ Jesus answered. “No one can come to Me unless the FATHER WHO sent Me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: They will all be taught by GOD. Everyone who has heard the FATHER and learned from HIM comes to Me. No one has seen the FATHER except the One Who is from GOD; only He has seen the FATHER. Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
John 7:37-38 ‘On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let them come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the scripture has said, streams of living water (The Holy Spirit) will flow from within them.”
John 8:23-32 ‘But He (Jesus) continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am the One I claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins.”
“Who are You? They asked. “Just what I have been claiming all along,” Jesus replied. “I have so much to say in judgement of you. But HE WHO sent Me is reliable, and what I have heard from HIM is reliable, and what I have heard from HIM I tell the world.”
They did not understand that He was telling them about His FATHER (GOD.) So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the One I claim to be, and that I do nothing on My own but speak just what the FATHER has taught Me. The ONE who sent Me is with Me; HE has not left Me alone, for I always do what pleases HIM.” Even as He spoke, many put their faith in Him.”
‘To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said: “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:58 ‘Jesus answered “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I am.”
Jesus said this to tell them that He always existed. His being crucified on our behalf was the only time death ever entered His life.
Jesus’ death on our behalf, fully paid our debt. With the mighty power of GOD, He then defeated death on our behalf. His life was restored, which means that if we make Him Lord of our life, we also will be resurrected to eternal life.
John 10:10-11 “The thief (Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they (us) may have life, and have it to the full. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
John 10:24-30 ‘The Jews gathered around Him, saying “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.”
Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you did not believe. The miracles I do in My FATHER’s NAME speak for Me, but you do not believe because you are not My sheep. My sheep listen My voice. I know them, and hey follow Me. I give eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand. My FATHER, WHO has given them to Me, is greater than all, no one can snatch them out of My FATHER’s hand. I and the FATHER are ONE.”
‘Sheep’ refers to Jesus’ followers.
John 10:30 “I and the FATHER are one”; ----
V35 “----- Scripture cannot be broken.”
V36 “----- I am GOD’s Son.”
V38 “----- the FATHER is in Me and I in the FATHER.”
John 11:25-27 ‘Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die, and whoever lives by believing in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”
“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that You are the Messiah, the Son of GOD, Who is to come into the world.”
Shortly before the mock trial of Jesus, followed by His crucifixion, He said:
John 12:26-28 “Whoever serves me must follow Me; and where I am, My servant also will be. My FATHER will honour the one who serves Me. Now My heart is troubled, and what shall I say? FATHER, save Me from this hour. No it was for this very reason I came to this hour. FATHER, glorify Your Name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.”
John 12:44-46 ‘Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in Me does not believe in Me only, but in the ONE WHO sent Me. The one who looks at Me is seeing the ONE WHO sent Me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness.’
John 12:50 “I (Jesus) know that His (GOD’s) command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the FATHER has told Me to say.”
John 14:1-3 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in GOD; trust also in Me (Jesus.) My FATHER’s house has many rooms (mansions); if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
John 14:6-7 ‘Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the FATHER except through Me. If you really know Me, you would know My FATHER as well. From now on, you do know HIM and have seen HIM.”
John 14:9 (part) Anyone who has seen Me has seen the FATHER.
John 14:10-15 “John Don’t you believe that I am in the FATHER, and that the FATHER is in Me.? The words I say to you are not My own. Rather, it is the FATHER, living in Me, Who is doing HIS work. Believe Me when I say that I am in the FATHER and the FATHER is in Me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. They will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the FATHER. And I will do whatever you ask in My Name, so that the Son may bring glory to the FATHER. You may ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it. If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
What a massive privilege we have.
John 14:19-24 ‘before long, the world will not see Me anymore, but you will see Me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in My FATHER; and you are in Me, and I am in you. Whoever has My commands and obeys them, they are the ones who love Me. They who love Me will be loved by My FATHER, and I too will love them and show Myself to them.
Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do You intend to show yourself to us and not to the world?”
Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves Me will obey My teaching. My FATHER will love them, and we will come to them and make Our home with them. Anyone who does not love Me will not obey My teaching. These words you hear are not My own; they belong to the FATHER Who sent Me.”
John 15:1-17 “I (Jesus) am the true vine, and My FATHER is the gardener. HE cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit HE prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Either can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in Me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up , thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (According to GOD’s approval and will.) This is to My FATHER’s glory, that you will bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples.
As the FATHER has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love. If you keep My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My FATHER’s commands and remain in HIS love. I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are My friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know their master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My FATHER I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit; fruit that will last. Then the FATHER will give you whatever you ask in My name. This is My command: Love each other.”
John 15:5-17 Jesus said “I am the vine and you are the branches. If anyone remains in Me and I in them, they will bear much fruit; apart from Me you con do nothing. If anyone does not remain in Me, they are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you. (Subject to GOD’s approval.) This is My FATHER’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples. As the FATHER has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love. If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My FATHER’s command and remain in HIS love. I have told you this so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that a person lay down their life for their friends. You are My friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know their master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My FATHER I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit; fruit that will last. Then the FATHER will give you whatever you ask in My Name. This is My command: Love each other.”
John 16:33 ‘Jesus said “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
All 26 verses of John 17 record Jesus’ praying to GOD the FATHER; before His being crucified, buried, rising to life, and ascending home to heaven.
John 17:1-5 ‘After Jesus said this, He looked toward heaven and prayed:
“FATHER, the hour has come. Glorify YOUR Son, that YOUR Son may glorify YOU. For YOU granted Him authority over all people that He might give eternal life to all those YOU have given Him. Now this is eternal life; that they know YOU, the only true GOD, and Jesus Christ, Whom YOU sent. I have brought YOU glory on Earth by finishing the work YOU gave Me to do. And now FATHER, glorify Me in YOUR presence with the glory I had with YOU before the world began.”
John 17:13-26 “I am coming to YOU now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of My joy within them. I have given them YOUR WORD and the world has hated them, for they are not of this world. My prayer is not that YOU take them out of the world but that YOU protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; YOUR WORD is truth. As YOU sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify Myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.
My prayer is not for them (committed Christians) alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, FATHER, just as YOU are in Me and I am in YOU. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that YOU have sent Me. I have given them the glory that YOU gave Me, that they may be one as We are One. I in them and YOU in Me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that YOU sent Me and have loved them even as YOU have loved Me.’
Father, I want those YOU have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory, the glory YOU have given Me because YOU loved Me before the creation of the world.”
Righteous FATHER, though the world (= most people) does not know YOU, I know YOU, and they know that YOU have sent Me. I have made YOU known to them , and will continue to make YOU known in order that the love YOU have for Me may be in them and that I Myself may be in them.”
John 18:36-37 ‘Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, My servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is from another place.”
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me.”
John 20:30-31 “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book (The Bible). But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of GOD, and that by believing you may have life in His Name.’ (Real life, which is eternal.)
Acts 1:7-8 Jesus said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the FATHER has set by HIS OWN authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth.”
Acts 4:12 ‘Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.’
Acts 9:22 ‘Yet Saul (who became known as Paul) grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.’
Acts 10:38 ‘GOD anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because GOD was with Him.’
Romans 3:22-26 ‘Righteousness from GOD comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of GOD, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. GOD preserved Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood. He did this to demonstrate His justice, because in His forbearance He had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished; He did it to demonstrate His justice at this present time, so as to be just, and the One who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.’
Romans 5:8 ‘GOD demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’
Romans 6:23 ‘For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.’
Romans 8:1-2 ‘Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.’
Romans 8:31-39 ‘What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If GOD is for us, who can be against us? HE WHO did not spare HIS OWN Son, but gave Him up for us all; how will HE not also, along with Him, graciously give us al things? Who will bring any charge against those whom GOD has chosen? It is GOD WHO justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died; more than that, Who was raised to life; is at the right hand of GOD and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through HIM WHO loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of GOD that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’
Romans 10:4 ‘Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.’
This is about the law, NOT the commandments. ‘The law’ referred to old testament law of shadows which pointed towards the coming of Jesus, Who fulfilled them.’
Romans 10:9 ‘If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord”, and believe in your heart that GOD raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.’
Romans 14:11 ‘It is written, “As surely as I live” says the Lord, “every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to GOD.”
1 Corinthians 1:22-31 ‘Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom GOD has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of GOD and the wisdom of GOD.
For the foolishness of GOD is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of GOD is stronger than human strength.
Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But GOD chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; GOD chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. GOD chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before HIM. It is because of HIM that you are in Christ Jesus, Who has become for us wisdom from GOD - that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 2:8 "None of the rulers of this age understood it (GOD’s secret wisdom); for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory"
1 Corinthians 2:16 “For who has known the mind of the Lord that we may instruct Him.?” But we have the mind of Christ.’
1 Corinthians 12:3 ‘Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of GOD says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.’
2 Corinthians 5:17 & 20-21 ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here.’
‘We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though GOD were making HIS appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to GOD. GOD made Him Who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him – Jesus - we might become the righteousness of GOD.’
‘GOD made Him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him (the ultimate sin offering on our behalf) we might become the righteousness of GOD.’
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ‘But He (Jesus) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.’
2 Corinthians 5:21 ‘GOD made Him (Jesus) who had no sin, to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of GOD.’
Jesus has already made you righteous with His blood. The more you behold Jesus, the more you will be transformed into His likeness.
2 Corinthians 3:18 ‘And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.’
Keeping your eyes on Jesus leads to the greatest expression of holiness. Many people think they have to do more in order to be more holy and accepted by GOD. Focus on Jesus and see His love, His forgiveness, His abundant grace, and His gift of righteousness purchased for you with His own blood, then your approach to Christian living changes and you are transformed from the inside out. Holiness comes by focussing on Jesus - not on yourself. This is not outward behaviour modification, it’s inward change sustained by a heart that’s been touched by grace, and a conscience that is freed from guilt and condemnation, resulting in your walking in victory instead of defeat. This is the life GOD wants for you.
2 Corinthians 8:9 ‘For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you, through His poverty, might become rich.’
Galatians 1:3-5 ‘Grace and peace to you from GOD our FATHER and the Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our GOD and FATHER, to WHOM be glory for ever and ever. Amen.’ ‘The present evil age’ refers to this evil Earth as it has been since Adam and Eve let sin enter. Only the coming New Earth will be restored to GOD’s original.
Galatians 3:13 ‘Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.’
Ephesians 1:17-18 ‘Jesus came and preached peace to all who were ‘far away’ and peace to those who were ‘near.’ For through Him we all have access to the FATHER by one Spirit.
Ephesians 2:13-22 ‘But now in Christ Jesus you who were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
For He Himself is our peace, Who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in His flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create one new person out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to GOD through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through Him we both have access to the FATHER by one Spirit.’
‘Consequently, you re no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with GOD’s people and also members of HIS household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which GOD lives by HIS Spirit.’
When a building is destroyed or even demolished, the foundation usually remains intact. For example Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem was totally destroyed in 70AD, and the Western Wailing Wall (The Kotel) is still standing, and is used by millions of people to pray, especially Orthodox Jews, to whom it is especially important because of their focus on the Old Testament.
In past times, the cornerstone was the crucially important part of the foundation. It was the strongest point and reference point for the remainder of the foundation’s measurements and alignment. It was the ‘key stone’ to help lock all the foundation stones together.
Jesus was and is considered to be the ‘chief cornerstone.’
Millions of people who have made up the church on Earth over the last 2,000 years, have come and passed-on, but Jesus, the chief cornerstone - the foundational key stone - is eternal.
Ephesians 4:10-16 ‘He (Jesus) Who descended is the very One Who ascended higher than all the heavens, is order to fill the whole universe. So Christ Himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip His people for works and service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of GOD and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by he waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of Him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.’
Philippians 2:5-11 ‘In your relationship with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature GOD, did not consider equality with GOD something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death; even death on a cross.
Therefore GOD exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the Name that is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on Earth and under the Earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is lord, to the glory of GOD the FATHER.’
Philippians 3:8-11 ‘What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ; the righteousness that comes from GOD and is by faith. I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.’
Colossians 1:15-20 & 21-22 ‘The Son is the image of the invisible GOD, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. And He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the first-born from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy. For GOD was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself al things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from GOD and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behaviour. But now HE has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in HIS sight, without blemish and free from accusation’
Colossians 2:2-3 ‘My (Paul’s) goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of GOD, namely, Christ, in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.’
Colossians 2:9-10 ‘For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ; Who is head over every power and authority.’
Hebrews 1:1-6 ‘In the past GOD spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days HE has spoken to us by HIS Son, Whom HE appointed heir of all things, and through whom also HE made the universe. The Son is the radiance of GOD’s glory and the exact representation of HIS Being, sustaining all things by HIS powerful Word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So He became as much superior to the angels as the Name He has inherited is superior to theirs.
For to which of the angels did GOD ever say, “You are My Son; today I have become Your FATHER.”
Or again, “I will be His FATHER; and He will be MY Son. And again, when GOD brings HIS firstborn into the world, HE says, “Let all GOD’s angels worship Him.”
Hebrews 2:5-18 to 3:1 ‘It is not to angels that HE has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. But there is a place where some-one has testified: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son that YOU care for him? YOU made them a little lower than the angels; YOU crowned them with glory and honour and put everything under their feet.”
In putting everything under them, GOD left nothing that is not subject to them. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them. But we do see Jesus, Who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honour because He suffered death, so that by the grace of GOD He might taste death for everyone.
In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that GOD, for WHOM and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what He suffered. Both the One Who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. He says:
“I will declare your name to My brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.” And again, “I will put My trust in him.” And again He says, “Here am I, and the children GOD has given Me.”
Since the children have flesh and blood, Ho too shared in their humanity so that by His blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels He helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason He had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to GOD, and that He might make an atonement for the sins of the people. Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.
Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, Whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.’
Summary:
GOD’s original intent for man was that we rule over the Earth (Hebrews 2:5-8a)
Mankind’s destiny is higher than that of the angels (Hebrews 2:5)
GOD’s original intent for us is described in Psalm 8 (Hebrews 2:6-8)
GOD’s original intent for man was hindered by our fall into sin (Hebrews 2:8b)
GOD’s original intent for man will be realized through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:9)
Hebrews 3:6 ‘But Christ is faithful as a Son over GOD’s house. And we are His house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.’
Hebrews 3:14 ‘We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.’
Hebrews 7:20-28 ‘And it was not without an oath. Others became priests without any oath, but He (Jesus) became a priest with an oath when GOD said to Him:
“The LORD has sworn and will not change HIS mind: ‘You are a priest forever.” Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.
Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to GOD through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.’
Hebrews 9:12-15 ‘He (Jesus) did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more then, will the blood of Christ, Who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to GOD, cleanse our conscience from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living GOD!
For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance – now that He has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.’
Hebrews 12:2-3 ‘Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of GOD. Consider Him Who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.’
Hebrews 13:8 ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.’
James 4:4b ‘Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of GOD.’
Being a friend of the world means to continue living in and enjoying any un-GOD-ly ways of this fallen world, instead of turning to the ways of GOD.
1 Peter 1:3-5 ‘Praise be to the GOD and FATHER of our Lord Jesus Christ.! In HIS great mercy HE has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by GOD’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.’
1 Peter 3:21b-22 ‘Baptism symbolises a good conscience toward GOD. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at GOD’s right hand, with angels, authorities and powers in submission to HIM.’
2 Peter 1:17-18 ‘He (Jesus) received honour and glory from GOD the FATHER when the voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is AMY Son, Whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with Him at the sacred mountain.’
2 Peter 3:18 ‘But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen.’
1 John 2:3 & 3:24 ‘We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commandments.
Those who obey His commandments live in Him, and He in them. And this is how we know that He lives in us: we know it by the Spirit He gave us.’
1 John 3:2-3 ‘Dear friends, now we are children of GOD, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He (Jesus) appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies themselves, just as He is pure.’
1 John 3:8 ‘Whoever does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of GOD (Jesus) appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.’
1 John 4:9 ‘This is how GOD showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.’
1 John 5:11-12 ‘This is the testimony: GOD has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of GOD does not have life.’
1 John 5:20 ‘We know also that the son of GOD has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him Who is true. And we are in Him Who is true; even in HIS Son Jesus Christ. He is the true GOD and eternal life.’
Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and Omega,” says the Lord GOD, “Who is, and Who was, and Who is to come, the Almighty.”
This applies to GOD the FATHER and GOD the Son = Jesus.
Revelation 5:9-10 ‘And they sang a new song, saying: “You (Jesus) are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and with Your blood you purchased for GOD persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our GOD, and they will reign on the Earth.”
Never turn your back on Jesus and His love for humanity.
Type and Anti-type.
Another name for ‘Type and Anti-type is a ‘Shadow of things to come,’ which is followed by the Substance = the real thing. It is a celebration or event which points forward to a future event. An indication followed by the actual reality.
The Old Testament (Old Covenant) is The New Testament (New Covenant) concealed – a shadow of things to come – pointing forward to what is to come.
The New Testament reveals the fulfilment of things that were referred to in the Old Testament, in the form of shadows of things to come. That fulfilment is only ultimately completed when Jesus comes the second time to take ‘His Bride’ (The Church) home to heaven. ‘The Church’ being the people who are in truly loving, obedient relationship with Jesus and GOD.
JESUS is all of the following:
In Genesis He is the seed of the woman.
In Exodus He is the Passover Lamb.
In Leviticus He is the Atoning Sacrifice.
In Numbers He is the Smitten Rock.
In Deuteronomy He is the Greatest Prophet.
In Joshua He is the Captain of the Lord’s host.
In Judges He is the Deliverer.
In Kings He is the Promised King.
In Nehemiah He is the Restorer of the Nation.
In Esther He is the Advocate.
In Job He is my Redeemer.
In Psalms He is my Shepherd.
In Proverbs He is My Pattern.
In Ecclesiastes He is my Goal.
In The Song of Solomon He is my Satisfier.
In the Books of the Prophets He is my Coming Prince of Peace.
In the Gospels He is the One who came to seek and to save us.
In Acts He is our Risen Lord.
In the Epistles He is our Representative at the Father’s right hand.
In Revelation He is our Returning Lord.
Luke’s Genealogy of Jesus (Yeshua).
Some of Christianity believe that Jesus was known as Michael in heaven.
‘The Bible states that “Michael and his angels battled with the dragon….” (Revelation 12:7) Michael is the Chief of all Angels and thus the leader of the army of Angels that waged a war on Satan and his dark forces but The book of Revelation also insists that Lord Jesus The Christ is the Leader of the army of all faithful Angels. (Revelation 19:14-16) So we have The Bible which assigns the role of Chief and Leader of all Angels to both Archangel Michael and Lord Jesus. (Matthew 13:41) Now, since in The Bible there is no mention of God saying that there are two separate armies of Angels that wage a war against Satan (the dragon); one army of Angels led by Archangel Michael and another army of Angels with Jesus Christ in command; it thus makes sense to conclude that Archangel Michael is Jesus Christ in His Heavenly Avatar. Jesus is linked with the office of Archangel.
Scholars also believe that as Jesus Christ is considered in charge of Angels and 1 Thessalonians 4:16 states: “The Lord himself will descend from heaven with a commanding call, with an archangel’s voice.” Thus, the voice of Lord Jesus is described as being that of an Archangel. If Lord Jesus is described to possess a voice of an Archangel, if Michael is considered to be the Chief of all Angels; and if the Chief of all Angels, naturally becomes The Archangel, then through the interpretation of the scripture it logically surmises that Lord Jesus Himself is Archangel Michael.
Could it be that this is the reason why the meaning of Michael is “The One who is like God”? Who can be like God; if not His Own Son, Jesus The Christ.’