” Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. “Thank you to those of you who have written me recently from other countries.

The Lord bless you.

In response to your request that I translate these Bible studies into your language, the problem is my wife and I have no idea how to go about this.

There is a translator on the main homepage of my Bible study website for a limited number of languages that my wife found, but that is all she can find.

If anyone has any ideas how to go about finding translator software that can be used in this website for languages other than what we already have, please let me know.

It thrills my soul to receive a letter from someone in another country who knows Jesus as his or her personal Lord and Savior.

I recently received some letters from places I never dreamed that Jesus had a people.

I’m learning much from the responses to my Bible study website.

My wife and I recently had the honor and privilege of finding a Bible that we could afford that is almost to the specs that a born again christian in the Philippines was asking and believing the Lord for.

We mailed it yesterday and notified him that it is on its way.

The Lord Jesus be praised.

After my heart attack in October of 2002, while I was at work one day I amazingly saw or at least had a very strong visual impression of the throne of God. It was almost like the Father and Jesus had their heads turned facing me as if they were expecting me. That in itself made me wonder how much longer I had to live.

My cardiologist told me that I was smart to take an aspirin when my heart attack happened. I could have died.

Ever since this experience I have felt like I was living on borrowed time, if you know what I mean.

If it doesn’t seem too far off the deep end to you in me saying this, it seemed to me that I could somehow feel the words come across the building where I work and it seemed that the Lord was asking me what I was doing with the gospel.

I felt ashamed because I knew in my heart for many years I had done very little for the Lord.

As Paul told Timothy who was depressed, to rekindle the fire of the gift within him, so I in a sense was stirred and even burned inside to start sharing the gospel again which I had neglected for so many years.

I would sit in church and be overwhelmed with thoughts and plans for things to teach and say. Fortunately, I have this little wife of mine here to design this website and post all the texts I type each week.

My burning desire is to lead people to the only way a person can get to Heaven and that is through God’s only Son Jesus, the Messiah, the Christ.

This is the sole purpose of this website… to lead people to Jesus.

Since typing these Bible studies my love has been stirred again for the Lord Jesus, as it was when I was first saved.

Even today, I still have my moments as satan tries to bring me down again.

Nobody, especially me, is perfect.

Sometimes when I wake up during the night I will reach over and lay my hand on my Bible and say, I love you Lord.

One night I had a visit from someone who set on the bed and whoever it was, laid his hand on me, much in the same way I lay my hand on my Bible. I tried but I could not raise up to see the face of the person doing this and at first I thought it might have been my Dad who went to be with Jesus exactly one year to the month before my heart attack.

Then, I got to thinking of the same way his hand was laid on me as I lay my hand on the Bible at night.

If it was the Lord Himself, there sure is a sweetness about Him like no one can imagine.

I have refrained from sharing this with you all because it goes against the grain of my own teaching.

I do know these things happen but we have to be careful. We must be sincere and honest about it.

When I get letters from countries I never knew the Lord Jesus ever had a people in, it keeps me going. And the stats this website server provides me with on a daily basis of numbers of hits on this website tells me my readership is increasing by the thousands, especially on Tuesday night and Saturday night when I traditionally have a new Bible study text posted.

Let’s continue.

” Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? “

Notice John, the writer of this book we are studying did call the others who left Jesus, “disciples” and then referred to His initial disciples as ” the twelve “.

John was making it clear that the other disciples that left Jesus were for sure disciples as were “the twelve “.

Make no mistake. The ones who left Jesus, some of them did actually believe in Jesus. They weren’t all just along for the ride. Read the rest of this entry »

” And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. “

 

Let’s continue.

” And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. “As I have discussed repeatedly, Jesus was not promoting a doctrine of predestination to be saved as those churches who do today use this verse to support their view. As I have discussed repeatedly, Jesus was not promoting a doctrine of predestination to be saved as those churches who do today use this verse to support their view.As we have already learned, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Father all work together in unity in directing people to God’s plan of salvation, who is Jesus the Son of God.As I have discussed repeatedly, Jesus was not promoting a doctrine of predestination to be saved as those churches who do today use this verse to support their view.As we have already learned, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Father all work together in unity in directing people to God’s plan of salvation, who is Jesus the Son of God.I have heard stories in which a person was once told that he could not be saved because he was not “predestined” to be saved. The person who told this person this statement will answer to God for this.

As I have discussed repeatedly, Jesus was not promoting a doctrine of predestination to be saved as those churches who do today use this verse to support their view.As we have already learned, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Father all work together in unity in directing people to God’s plan of salvation, who is Jesus the Son of God.I have heard stories in which a person was once told that he could not be saved because he was not “predestined” to be saved. The person who told this person this statement will answer to God for this.It is interesting that the Greek word “elthein” translated ” come ” which is an aorist active infinitive of the Greek word “erchomai” means accompany, resort, be set. In both English and Greek these words indicate an ongoing and frequent visiting, even turning for help.

Jesus saying;

” come unto me, ”

implies an ongoing relationship.

This makes it more understandable when we see what happened to these “disciples” who were actually with Jesus, who then turned against Him.

“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. “

These disciples were actual disciples who once believed in Jesus.

These are the ones Jesus referred to, who, like many of us in today’s 21st century society are doing the same thing as these who left Jesus;

” They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. “     Luke 8:13Luke 8:13In today’s society these would be people who “stumble” into church and hear about Jesus and get all excited… for the moment.Luke 8:13In today’s society these would be people who “stumble” into church and hear about Jesus and get all excited… for the moment.These are people in today’s society who heard about the rock concert in church and came to check it out and got all wrapped up in the beat of the music.Luke 8:13In today’s society these would be people who “stumble” into church and hear about Jesus and get all excited… for the moment.These are people in today’s society who heard about the rock concert in church and came to check it out and got all wrapped up in the beat of the music.These are people in today’s society who are drawn into churches that devise every activity from the music to programs, toward only the youth.

Luke 8:13In today’s society these would be people who “stumble” into church and hear about Jesus and get all excited… for the moment.These are people in today’s society who heard about the rock concert in church and came to check it out and got all wrapped up in the beat of the music.These are people in today’s society who are drawn into churches that devise every activity from the music to programs, toward only the youth.” and walked no more with him. “As I have discussed many times, once one has left the faith they will not come back to the faith.As I have discussed many times, once one has left the faith they will not come back to the faith.The writer of Hebrews said clearly; ” For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. “  Hebrews 6:4-6As I have discussed many times, once one has left the faith they will not come back to the faith.The writer of Hebrews said clearly; Hebrews 6:4-6I will continue with verse 67 in the next study.

As I have discussed many times, once one has left the faith they will not come back to the faith.The writer of Hebrews said clearly; Hebrews 6:4-6I will continue with verse 67 in the next study.Wayne Brown

” But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. “You are probably aware that you can now listen to this study on audio.To provide you with this convenience is costing me more to run this website than it would without the audio feature availability for this Bible study.To provide you with this convenience is costing me more to run this website than it would without the audio feature availability for this Bible study.My wife and I have added the audio for this Bible study looking at it as part of our ministry but it does cost money, nevertheless.To provide you with this convenience is costing me more to run this website than it would without the audio feature availability for this Bible study.My wife and I have added the audio for this Bible study looking at it as part of our ministry but it does cost money, nevertheless.I would appreciate your consideration in giving us a donation to our ministry.

To provide you with this convenience is costing me more to run this website than it would without the audio feature availability for this Bible study.My wife and I have added the audio for this Bible study looking at it as part of our ministry but it does cost money, nevertheless.I would appreciate your consideration in giving us a donation to our ministry. 

Let’s continue.

 

We have learned that Jesus is referring to the spiritual when talking about us eating His body and drinking His blood.

It is enough that Jesus explained to us that He was not talking of His literal flesh and blood, even though it is through the sacrifice He gave of His own literal flesh and blood that provides salvation for anyone who believes in Him in repentance, since He said;

” It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. ” John 6:63John 6:63But for the sake of those religions who argue that during the taking of Communion, the wine and/or grape juice (whichever the particular church chooses to use, as some vary) turns into the literal blood of Jesus and the taking of the bread or crackers ( again, as some churches vary in use) turns into the literal flesh of Jesus’ body, I’m going to discuss the Bible verses commonly quoted.John 6:63But for the sake of those religions who argue that during the taking of Communion, the wine and/or grape juice (whichever the particular church chooses to use, as some vary) turns into the literal blood of Jesus and the taking of the bread or crackers ( again, as some churches vary in use) turns into the literal flesh of Jesus’ body, I’m going to discuss the Bible verses commonly quoted.During the “Last Supper” Matthew and Luke recorded these words of Jesus;John 6:63But for the sake of those religions who argue that during the taking of Communion, the wine and/or grape juice (whichever the particular church chooses to use, as some vary) turns into the literal blood of Jesus and the taking of the bread or crackers ( again, as some churches vary in use) turns into the literal flesh of Jesus’ body, I’m going to discuss the Bible verses commonly quoted.During the “Last Supper” Matthew and Luke recorded these words of Jesus;” And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins “     Matthew 26:26-28

John 6:63But for the sake of those religions who argue that during the taking of Communion, the wine and/or grape juice (whichever the particular church chooses to use, as some vary) turns into the literal blood of Jesus and the taking of the bread or crackers ( again, as some churches vary in use) turns into the literal flesh of Jesus’ body, I’m going to discuss the Bible verses commonly quoted.During the “Last Supper” Matthew and Luke recorded these words of Jesus;Matthew 26:26-28” And he took bread, and gave thanks, and broke it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. ” Luke 22:19-20

First, let’s backtrack a little to something Jesus said to His disciples;

” And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer: For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. ” Luke 22:15-16

Jesus really loved His disciples.

Let’s not be so hasty in being critical of them because of things they said or did as if we ourselves have not done not so wisely. I get tired of hearing pastors making fun of Peter and other people in the Bible.

No, they were not perfect but it is for obvious certainty that we today are not either.

As a matter of fact, I do not know one christian personally who loves the Lord like these guys did who would tell his executioner to crucify him upside down, since he was not worthy to die the way his Lord died. This was Peter who said this, the one pastors make fun of the most today.

For you reading this in other countries, I’m referring only to pastors here in the USA who do this as I have not heard of any of you, hopefully, doing such a thing as this. As we say here, only in America.

Yes, Jesus loved His disciples;

” With desire I have desired ”

This is pretty heavy stuff.

The Greek word “epithumia” translated “desire ” is the same Greek word Jesus used when He said;

” Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. “     Matthew 5:27-28

The Greek word “epithumia” is the same for the translated word ” lust “.

This Greek word means to set the heart upon, to covet, long for, desire, lust.

Jesus strongly looked forward to this meal He was going to have with His disciples just before He died.

This meal was meant to connect them in remembrance of Him and His suffering and bring them closer to Him in such a way that by eating with Him they would in a sense be partaking with Him in His suffering.

Paul said;

” The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? “1 Corinthians 10:161 Corinthians 10:16The Greek word “koinonia” translated ” communion” means fellowship, partnership.1 Corinthians 10:16The Greek word “koinonia” translated ” ” means fellowship, partnership.We are partners with Jesus and when we partake of communion Paul said;

1 Corinthians 10:16The Greek word “koinonia” translated ” ” means fellowship, partnership.We are partners with Jesus and when we partake of communion Paul said;” For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come. ” 1 Corinthians 11:261 Corinthians 11:26Now, let’s get down to where the rubber meets the road.1 Corinthians 11:26Now, let’s get down to where the rubber meets the road.Jesus said;1 Corinthians 11:26Now, let’s get down to where the rubber meets the road.Jesus said;” Take, eat; this is my body. ”

1 Corinthians 11:26Now, let’s get down to where the rubber meets the road.Jesus said;” “and;

” Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, ”

I will tell you plainly that the Greek word “aima” translated “blood ” and the Greek word “soma” translated ” body ” can both be interpreted literally or figuratively.

If, as the catholic church teaches that the bread and the wine “turn into” or “become” the literal flesh and blood of Jesus, then why did Jesus not say to His disciples of already existing and understood to be “arton” the Greek word here that is translated ” bread, ”

that it would “turn into” or “become” his flesh and blood, rather than what He did technically say;

” this is my body. ”

and about whatever they were actually drinking at this moment;

” this is my blood “?

In other words, He did not say these things would turn into His flesh and blood but rather He said that they are already, presently His flesh and blood.

I think the wisest way to conclude from this issue is that the elements represent the flesh and blood of Jesus, not that we should believe they literally turn into His flesh and blood.

Jesus said to His disciples;

” this do in remembrance of me. “    Luke 22:19Luke 22:19not in order to become saved or a part of Him since we are saved by grace through faith when we repent of our sin and believe in Jesus.Luke 22:19not in order to become saved or a part of Him since we are saved by grace through faith when we repent of our sin and believe in Jesus.The importance of understanding communion is that it is not a work necessary to be saved. It is an act of fellowship and partnership showing that we belong to our Savior Jesus.Luke 22:19not in order to become saved or a part of Him since we are saved by grace through faith when we repent of our sin and believe in Jesus.The importance of understanding communion is that it is not a work necessary to be saved. It is an act of fellowship and partnership showing that we belong to our Savior Jesus.While it is looked at as a requirement to be saved, Jesus never taught it this way.

Luke 22:19not in order to become saved or a part of Him since we are saved by grace through faith when we repent of our sin and believe in Jesus.The importance of understanding communion is that it is not a work necessary to be saved. It is an act of fellowship and partnership showing that we belong to our Savior Jesus.While it is looked at as a requirement to be saved, Jesus never taught it this way.Jesus knew ahead of time how people would carry this to the extreme and that is why He said;

” It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. ” John 6:63John 6:63It is interesting that Jesus Himself dined with His disciples. They were not the only ones eating and drinking.John 6:63It is interesting that Jesus Himself dined with His disciples. They were not the only ones eating and drinking.Jesus would not have needed to eat His own flesh and drink His own blood.John 6:63It is interesting that Jesus Himself dined with His disciples. They were not the only ones eating and drinking.Jesus would not have needed to eat His own flesh and drink His own blood.The idea here was He wanted to share this precious moment with His disciples before He died because He said to them;

John 6:63It is interesting that Jesus Himself dined with His disciples. They were not the only ones eating and drinking.Jesus would not have needed to eat His own flesh and drink His own blood.The idea here was He wanted to share this precious moment with His disciples before He died because He said to them;” But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom. “    Matthew 26:29 Matthew 26:29 Now, continuing with our study for tonight.” But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. ” Jesus knew among these people who did not believe from the beginning, who only followed Him around for the handouts.Jesus knew among these people who did not believe from the beginning, who only followed Him around for the handouts.Jesus also knew who did believe but would not continue to believe.Jesus knew among these people who did not believe from the beginning, who only followed Him around for the handouts.Jesus also knew who did believe but would not continue to believe.Hence, the reason for the usage of both Greek words “pisteuosin” in;

Jesus knew among these people who did not believe from the beginning, who only followed Him around for the handouts.Jesus also knew who did believe but would not continue to believe.Hence, the reason for the usage of both Greek words “pisteuosin” in;” But there are some of you that believe not. “and the Greek word “pisteuontes” in; and the Greek word “pisteuontes” in;“For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. “The reference to Judas here betraying Him shows as we learned in an earlier study, Judas once believed in Jesus.The reference to Judas here betraying Him shows as we learned in an earlier study, Judas once believed in Jesus.I will continue with verse 65 in the next study.The reference to Judas here betraying Him shows as we learned in an earlier study, Judas once believed in Jesus.I will continue with verse 65 in the next study.I wanted to do a study on verse 64-66 tonight but I felt the need to discuss the wrongfulness of taking Jesus to mean His literal flesh and blood rather than understanding Him in the spiritual realm as He intended for us to.

The reference to Judas here betraying Him shows as we learned in an earlier study, Judas once believed in Jesus.I will continue with verse 65 in the next study.I wanted to do a study on verse 64-66 tonight but I felt the need to discuss the wrongfulness of taking Jesus to mean His literal flesh and blood rather than understanding Him in the spiritual realm as He intended for us to.Taking Jesus to mean His literal flesh and blood leads us only to mass confusion when trying to understand the Biblical truth about taking communion.

The Lord bless you and please keep the faith to the end of life or until He comes, whichever comes first.

Wayne Brown 

” It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. “

Let’s continue.

” It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”

The Greek word “pneuma” translated “spirit ” is much like our English word “spirit” in the sense it is used in a variety of ways and could mean emotions, feelings, as in a certain mood, such as we would say, “He is highly spirited”.

“Pneuma” just like our English word “spirit” can also mean a movement of wind such as a breeze or even a breath.

“Pneuma” just like “spirit” can also be used in reference to a person’s inner being - that is, a person’s soul. Even when used in this way, “Pneuma” and “spirit” can still be used in a variety of ways in the sense it can be used in reference to a ghost or spirit of a person as in a haunted house or whatever.

“Pneuma” and “spirit” can also refer to angels or demons.

“Pneuma” and “spirit” can also be used in reference to deity - that is, God, the Holy Spirit and Jesus.

An example of 2 different ways “pneuma” is used in the same verse is when John said;

” We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. ” 1 John 4:6

Yes, the Greek word “pneuma” is used in both clauses;

” the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. ”

One can be of the spirit of truth while another person can be of the spirit of error.

My point in all this discussion about the Greek word “pneuma” is that we can understand its intended meaning by relating it to the context within it is used.

Same when using the English equivalent “spirit”. All we have to do is understand the text of thought in which it is used, to know what a person is referring to.

It does not take a rocket scientist to figure this out.

Obviously, when Jesus said;

” It is the spirit that quickeneth; “

since He used the Greek word “zoopoioun” translated ” quickeneth; ” meaning vitalize, make life, give life… He is referring to the Holy Spirit of God since as we learned much earlier in our studies, when we are saved we are born of the Holy Spirit of God.

It is the Holy Spirit of God that brought us from spiritual death to life in him.

” Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. ” John 3:5-8

No other ” pneuma” or “spirit” - that is, wind, a breeze, breath, someone’s emotions, feelings, someone’s excitement or enthusiasm, someone’s inner being ( since we are all born sinners, born spiritually dead and eternally separated from God anyway ) a demon, an angel, a ghost, or a spirit being in a haunted house, etc… has the capability of “zoopoioun” - that is, quickening, making and giving life. Only the precious Holy Spirit of God has this power to do so.

Jesus continues to say;

” the flesh profiteth nothing: “

The Greek word “sarx” translated ” flesh” like “pneuma” and “spirit” can have various meanings too but mainly limited to such as the meat of animals, and our existence as a human being, quite carnal.

Since Jesus was using the Greek word “sarx” translated ” flesh” within His text of thought relating the Holy Spirit of God;

” It is the spirit that quickeneth; “

as our personal need to come forth from spiritual death that we were born in, to eternal life in Him… it is quite obvious He was not referring to the meat of animals.

Nor was He even referring to His own flesh - that is, His own body.

Now listen up!

This will blow your socks off.

Jesus was plainly talking “spirit” issues here. He was not promoting cannibalism as some teach today. It is not His flesh that He told us to partake of.

” the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”

Jesus referred to Himself in the spirit realm because it is through the Holy Spirit of God that we are made alive in Him when we are saved.

As we have learned already, Jesus is much more than a human being. Jesus came to earth and became fully man in every sense except sin and spiritual death as we are when we were born.

Jesus is also God, my friend.

Check this out! It is lengthy but you need to read every word.

” Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold thatperisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. ” 1 Peter 1:1-25

There is so much good in this chapter to discuss but for the sake of keeping within our study here I want to point out the phrase in verse 11 in this chapter;

” Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, ” verse 11

This, along with;

“And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. ” 1 Corinthians 10:4

Interesting that the Old Testament people also drank from Christ, just as Jesus said to do here in the New Testament.

Jesus was very much active in the life of these believers back then too.

” the Spirit of Christ which was in them “

Clearly, not on them, nor around them but;

” in them “

Oh yes, they had knowledge of Christ and who He is and looked forward to His day;

” Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. ” John 8:56

The point in all this is Jesus is discussing spiritual issues here in our relationship with Him.

” It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. “

If we do not listen to Jesus and believe Him, then we remain in spiritual death and in our sins and when we physically die we will end up in hell and will be there forever and ever.

Jesus’ words are life and when we believe in Him the Holy Spirit quickens us - that is, makes us alive in Jesus and rebirths us spiritually into God’s family.

Jesus told His disciples, the original 12, who did not leave Him like the other disciples did, which we will learn about soon ( and as many are in today’s society), that He has to leave them physically and return to the Father;

” I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. ” John 16:28

Yes, Jesus said:

” I leave the world, “

But He also said to them;

” I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. ” John 14:18

Yes, Jesus said clearly;

” I will come to you. “

There is no contradiction here.

Jesus is fully man and had to leave this planet to return to the Father and at the same time He is fully God and He promised to be with them forever;

” Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. ” Matthew 28:20

Yes, Jesus said clearly;

” and, lo, I am with you always, “

Jesus also promised;

” If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. ” John 14:23

Yes, Jesus said clearly that He and His Father would live in us!

“and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. ”

Jesus promised definitely;

” we will come “

meaning both He and His Father.

Isn’t that incredible?

And then not only this but;

” And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. ” John 14:16

Jesus clearly said the Holy Spirit of God would also come and live in us.

” for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. ”

All this is promised to us if we repent of our sins, receive Jesus into our heart as Savior and believe everything He taught us and said to us including when He said;

” I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. ” John 14:6

The faith is - believing that Jesus is Savior and that He is who he claimed He is and that He really meant it when he said He is the way to Heaven and that no human being can make it to Heaven any other way.

To believe that Jesus is one of many ways to Heaven is the same as not being in the faith at all… simply because the faith is Jesus is the only way to Heaven just as he said.

We cannot believe Jesus is “a way” and believe He is the “only way” at the same time as this is a paradox resulting in not being in the faith.

We either believe Jesus is the only way or we believe He is one of many ways. We cannot believe both and still be in the faith.

So, the 57% of evangelical christians here in the USA who no longer believe Jesus is the only way to Heaven, and that God has other ways of getting to Heaven… you need to make up your mind what you believe.

Unless you have already made the choice.

I hope you made the right choice.

I will continue with verse 64 in the next study.

The Lord bless you.

Please stay in the faith!

Wayne Brown