The Gospel According to John--"I Am The Bread of Life" (John 6:35)

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Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,215
2,551
113
#21
That's a tough one. Possibly because Jesus is the Bread of Life and you needed Him at that point, while the Holy Spirit is compared to water (John 7:38,39) and the gift of the Holy Spirit comes only AFTER believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
Yes at that time I was undergoing attacks as a new believer that I didn't know how to handle so maybe your right and this isn't the only bread has been a part of my spiritual walk so I have wondered for a good while now what does bread truly mean in regards to God realm if it was a one time thing I wouldn't concern myself much with it but three things in particular have always popped up in my walk bread water and fire and I feel like these things have a deep meaning and are not just symbolic but I am not good at understanding things like this I can understand the base sybolism but when there is a deeper message to it this requires either a long time to understand or I have to have an interpreter
 
Dec 18, 2023
6,402
406
83
#22
Yes at that time I was undergoing attacks as a new believer that I didn't know how to handle so maybe your right and this isn't the only bread has been a part of my spiritual walk so I have wondered for a good while now what does bread truly mean in regards to God realm if it was a one time thing I wouldn't concern myself much with it but three things in particular have always popped up in my walk bread water and fire and I feel like these things have a deep meaning and are not just symbolic but I am not good at understanding things like this I can understand the base sybolism but when there is a deeper message to it this requires either a long time to understand or I have to have an interpreter
I honestly believe you where chosen for something in your dream now.

I believe that bread represent something to give to others.

I really do. Its like when you where fed a red sapphire, with a letter, that flew into you and disappeared, I believe he's been giving you certain missions and messages to give to certain people.

I dont believe that prayer in the cage was a warning to you, I believe it was a mission you where given, you've probably already accomplished that mission
 

SilverFox7

Well-known member
Dec 24, 2022
520
358
63
Grand Rapids, Michigan
#23
“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.”
‭‭John‬ ‭12:48-50‬ ‭KJV‬‬
I'm seeing a common thread as I am making my way through John on how Jesus references the Father and gives Him the credit as you noted from chapter 12 above, "...as the Father said unto me, so I speak."

And John brings the Father into the picture at the very beginning of his gospel:

John 1:14

New King James Version

The Word Becomes Flesh

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

That "grace and truth" sums up the nature of Jesus so well, and the glory is given back to the Father.

Also, look at John referencing back to Moses in the beginning of his book as well:

"For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (v. 17).

Notice how John puts the emphasis on the "grace and truth" character of Jesus. Incredible and inspiring writing!
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
12,818
5,153
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#24
I'm seeing a common thread as I am making my way through John on how Jesus references the Father and gives Him the credit as you noted from chapter 12 above, "...as the Father said unto me, so I speak."

And John brings the Father into the picture at the very beginning of his gospel:

John 1:14

New King James Version

The Word Becomes Flesh

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

That "grace and truth" sums up the nature of Jesus so well, and the glory is given back to the Father.

Also, look at John referencing back to Moses in the beginning of his book as well:

"For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (v. 17).

Notice how John puts the emphasis on the "grace and truth" character of Jesus. Incredible and inspiring writing!
It’s my favorite I like studying johns epistles along wIth it the language all matches so you don’t lose the point if that makes sense but it expands the points from the gospel of John

i like when you take a macro view of what transpired

So you have the beginning

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1:1, 3‬ ‭KJV‬‬
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ( not father but God )

…..And the Word was made flesh,( the son ) and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1:1, 14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

See how the gospel when the son is born is when the concept of “ God “ becomes the concept revealed of Father son and holt ghost ? In other words Godhead ? Or trinity which is one being but has three manifestations

The Father unseen in heaven

the son who was God manifest in the flesh on earth overcame sin and death as a man and now is at his right hand having conquered all things in his name being our high priest and intercessor

and then the holy ghost who lives within our hearts and is manifest in a personal way being but a portion of the living spirit of Jesus Christ the son of God in who’s name we do all things and give all thanks

So you have after Jesus concluded his work just before he went to the cross to be glorified confirming that indeed God was become flesh and would be returning to his eternal glory having delivered us from sin and death that believe
I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.”
‭‭John‬ ‭17:4-5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

so we’re called back to the eternal Godhead that exists in Jesus Christ

the father son and holy ghost or “ the fulness of God bodily ( in the flesh of man ) “son of man “ Jesus who is Christ

So then herring this part revealed

“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1:26-27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Think of what that’s saying his image singular

“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3:26-29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Only in Christ is found the father son and Holy Ghost I believe johns writings really really teach this thing here which Paul wrote to the Colossians

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. ( man in Gods true and full image is Jesus ) And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2:8-12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I believe Gods plan on genesis 26 regards the gospel
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
12,818
5,153
113
#25
I'm seeing a common thread as I am making my way through John on how Jesus references the Father and gives Him the credit as you noted from chapter 12 above, "...as the Father said unto me, so I speak."

And John brings the Father into the picture at the very beginning of his gospel:

John 1:14

New King James Version

The Word Becomes Flesh

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

That "grace and truth" sums up the nature of Jesus so well, and the glory is given back to the Father.

Also, look at John referencing back to Moses in the beginning of his book as well:

"For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (v. 17).

Notice how John puts the emphasis on the "grace and truth" character of Jesus. Incredible and inspiring writing!
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

that’s in johns beginning of his gospel then later at the end

I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.”
‭‭John‬ ‭17:4-5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Is sort of what I was trying to say


Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:5-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Now we have this statement whereas before it wasn’t “ God the father “ now it is because the son was now revealed to John which taught as you are saying he himself the sin taught the doctrine about the father to believers and said believe

“And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭23:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. ….For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:9, 14-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:8‬ ‭

“All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:27-30‬ ‭

The whole God the father Jesus the son and believers receiving his spirit doctrine is what Jesus had taught in the gospel to begin with the son himself taught of the father as your saying and it’s wonderful news when you really hear the father and child aspects of what he’s teaching

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭6:35-38‬ ‭KJV‬‬

you see I’m sure what I’m poorly trying to say the doctrine of Jesus revolves around and establishes the whole father sonand holy spirit and being born again as Gods children in Christ also the same he’s actually teaching believers “ God loves you he is your father even though you have sinned he’s there waiting for you to come home with open arms as a lovong father would his wayward son who came home in need and in humility “
Ultimately we know

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:6-7‬ ‭KJV‬‬
 

SilverFox7

Well-known member
Dec 24, 2022
520
358
63
Grand Rapids, Michigan
#26
you see I’m sure what I’m poorly trying to say the doctrine of Jesus revolves around and establishes the whole father sonand holy spirit and being born again as Gods children in Christ also the same he’s actually teaching believers “ God loves you he is your father even though you have sinned he’s there waiting for you to come home with open arms as a lovong father would his wayward son who came home in need and in humility “
Ultimately we know
I actually think you have summed it up quite well. Almighty God taking on the role of the Father towards us shows the type of loving family relationship He desires to have with us. And, Jesus has made it abundantly clear how much He loves us as well, and His zeal is made evident in the book of John as well.

John 2:15-16

New King James Version

15 When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. 16 And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!”

Here is one of those instances where Jesus' passion for the Father and His work is made evident. The temple was meant to be a place of prayer and worship, yet we have people seeking to take advantage of worshippers and profit from this venue.

"Then His disciples remembered that it was written, 'Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up'” (v.17).

Jesus then turns the attention to a different type of temple, His Body:

John 2:19-21

New King James Version

19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
20 Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?”
21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body.

Here are verses early on in the book of John pointing to the ultimate passion of Christ, to be that "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1: 29).
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
12,818
5,153
113
#27
I actually think you have summed it up quite well. Almighty God taking on the role of the Father towards us shows the type of loving family relationship He desires to have with us. And, Jesus has made it abundantly clear how much He loves us as well, and His zeal is made evident in the book of John as well.

John 2:15-16

New King James Version

15 When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. 16 And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!”

Here is one of those instances where Jesus' passion for the Father and His work is made evident. The temple was meant to be a place of prayer and worship, yet we have people seeking to take advantage of worshippers and profit from this venue.

"Then His disciples remembered that it was written, 'Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up'” (v.17).

Jesus then turns the attention to a different type of temple, His Body:

John 2:19-21

New King James Version

19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
20 Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?”
21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body.

Here are verses early on in the book of John pointing to the ultimate passion of Christ, to be that "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1: 29).
amen great stuff there

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh,

justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.”
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God was manifest in the flesh,

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1:1, 14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

received up into glory.”

“And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.”
‭‭John‬ ‭17:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭16:19‬ ‭KJV‬‬

He was manifest in the flesh of man the glory of the son

But was glorified with the father as he was beforehand before he became flesh …..when he left

“I and my Father are one.”
‭‭John‬ ‭10:30‬ ‭KJV‬‬

One glory on earth and another in heaven father in heaven son on earth

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:18-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬
 

SilverFox7

Well-known member
Dec 24, 2022
520
358
63
Grand Rapids, Michigan
#28
“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:18-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬
The great commission of the church is wonderful work for all of us as Christians. God uses us to teach and baptize disciples in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and then it's up to all of us to observe Jesus' teachings and follow His example. The power comes from our Lord, and He promised that He would be with us until the end.

As I look at chapter 3 in John, the pharisees in general are not put in a positive light by Jesus overall. But, here comes Nicodemus to visit Jesus at night to learn more about Him. Nicodemus acknowledged that Jesus was "...a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him" (John 3: 2).

Jesus' response was not what Nicodemus expected,

John 3:3

New King James Version

3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

While this is clear to us as Christians, this was certainly a new concept for Nicodemus who asked, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” (v. 4). Nicodemus was thinking in practical terms about this fleshly mortal existence, but Jesus introduces him to a life that transcends mortality.

"Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." (v. 5-6)

As you noted above from Matthew, we as Christians are baptized in water (born of water) and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (the Spirit). It is a spiritual existence that transcends the finite and allows us to enter the kingdom of God, which is infinite.

Jesus answered Nicodemus' question about how a person can be born again by being "born of water and the Spirit." If we think of traditional water baptism, the believer enters the watery grave and then emerges in a new spiritual life as a child of God.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
12,818
5,153
113
#29
The great commission of the church is wonderful work for all of us as Christians. God uses us to teach and baptize disciples in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and then it's up to all of us to observe Jesus' teachings and follow His example. The power comes from our Lord, and He promised that He would be with us until the end.

As I look at chapter 3 in John, the pharisees in general are not put in a positive light by Jesus overall. But, here comes Nicodemus to visit Jesus at night to learn more about Him. Nicodemus acknowledged that Jesus was "...a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him" (John 3: 2).

Jesus' response was not what Nicodemus expected,

John 3:3

New King James Version

3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

While this is clear to us as Christians, this was certainly a new concept for Nicodemus who asked, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” (v. 4). Nicodemus was thinking in practical terms about this fleshly mortal existence, but Jesus introduces him to a life that transcends mortality.

"Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." (v. 5-6)

As you noted above from Matthew, we as Christians are baptized in water (born of water) and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (the Spirit). It is a spiritual existence that transcends the finite and allows us to enter the kingdom of God, which is infinite.

Jesus answered Nicodemus' question about how a person can be born again by being "born of water and the Spirit." If we think of traditional water baptism, the believer enters the watery grave and then emerges in a new spiritual life as a child of God.
indeed regarding baptism there at the end that’s what Paul taught of baptism were crucified with the one who died for our sins buried with him having our sins remitted in his death for them and then raised up with him through the hope of his resurrection

i think when we think of “ spirit “ sometimes it’s talking about this spirit

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 ‭6:63‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
‭‭John‬ ‭4:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8:31-32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

and be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:21-24‬ ‭

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

what could change a persons mind from corrupt to correct ?

“It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:45‬ ‭KJV‬‬
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,215
2,551
113
#30
I honestly believe you where chosen for something in your dream now.

I believe that bread represent something to give to others.

I really do. Its like when you where fed a red sapphire, with a letter, that flew into you and disappeared, I believe he's been giving you certain missions and messages to give to certain people.

I dont believe that prayer in the cage was a warning to you, I believe it was a mission you where given, you've probably already accomplished that mission
 

SilverFox7

Well-known member
Dec 24, 2022
520
358
63
Grand Rapids, Michigan
#31
indeed regarding baptism there at the end that’s what Paul taught of baptism were crucified with the one who died for our sins buried with him having our sins remitted in his death for them and then raised up with him through the hope of his resurrection

i think when we think of “ spirit “ sometimes it’s talking about this spirit

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 ‭6:63‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
‭‭John‬ ‭4:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬
That's a great point, Pilgrim, and I didn't make the full connection between the spiritual birth we have at belief/baptism and the full spiritual birth that takes place after death when we receive our new spiritual body and existence.

Paul talks about this in Ephesians:

Ephesians 1:13-16

New King James Version

13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

Other translations refer to the Holy Spirit as a "down payment" or "deposit guaranteeing our inheritance" (NIV), which is such an awesome concept to think about. God's investment in us is clear--the Holy Spirit who is our Comforter is a gift that proves God has a better life in store for us as His eternal children. We will receive new bodies and a new spiritual life in His kingdom forever!

Jesus tried to explain this to Nicodemus, who was too focused on the here and now:

John 3:7-8

New King James Version

7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

We cannot perceive "the Spirit" with our five natural senses. It is invisible and not physically tangible in this finite existence. Jesus relates it to the wind that "blows where it wishes." Once we are fully "born of the Spirit," we have entered a new realm beyond the confines of this physical universe.

Like you noted: “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (‭‭John‬ ‭4:24‬ ‭KJV). The Holy Spirit allows us to worship our spiritual God "in spirit and in truth." That's the type of worship our Father in heaven desires from us as "true worshipers" (v. 23).
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
12,818
5,153
113
#32
That's a great point, Pilgrim, and I didn't make the full connection between the spiritual birth we have at belief/baptism and the full spiritual birth that takes place after death when we receive our new spiritual body and existence.

Paul talks about this in Ephesians:

Ephesians 1:13-16

New King James Version

13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

Other translations refer to the Holy Spirit as a "down payment" or "deposit guaranteeing our inheritance" (NIV), which is such an awesome concept to think about. God's investment in us is clear--the Holy Spirit who is our Comforter is a gift that proves God has a better life in store for us as His eternal children. We will receive new bodies and a new spiritual life in His kingdom forever!

Jesus tried to explain this to Nicodemus, who was too focused on the here and now:

John 3:7-8

New King James Version

7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

We cannot perceive "the Spirit" with our five natural senses. It is invisible and not physically tangible in this finite existence. Jesus relates it to the wind that "blows where it wishes." Once we are fully "born of the Spirit," we have entered a new realm beyond the confines of this physical universe.

Like you noted: “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (‭‭John‬ ‭4:24‬ ‭KJV). The Holy Spirit allows us to worship our spiritual God "in spirit and in truth." That's the type of worship our Father in heaven desires from us as "true worshipers" (v. 23).
Always a pleasure and blessing to read brother

In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, …..you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.”

if so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

that ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

and be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:21-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It is the spirit that quickeneth; ( gives life loosely interpreted ) the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I ( Jesus ) speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:63‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8:31-32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.”
‭‭John‬ ‭4:24-26‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭61:8‬ ‭KJV‬‬


“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”
‭‭John‬ ‭18:37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭42:1, 3-4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:18-20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As we hear what Jesus was saying we begin to hear what God is saying to believers this part of Paul’s doctrine is powerful and effectual

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:1-2‬ ‭KJV‬‬

see how he’s saying be changed by the renewing of your mind ? And in another place

“and be renewed in the spirit of your mind;”

and another place he says you are “renewed in knowledge”

“and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

what im saying is the gospel is how the spirit gets into our hearts and minds and lives like the vehicle as we hear it it’s changing our minds and hearts if we believe the things God said

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“renewing the spirit of your mind “ comes by hearing and believing the gospel it changes how a person thinks about God , themselves , life in this world , life after death , it answers questions does God love us even if we have sinned ? How much does he love us ? What has he done to save us ?

how should we believe and pray ? Does he really want us to call him Our Father in heaven when we pray ? Does he really command tbat we forgive others who sin against us as he forgave we who sinned against him ? What is God really like in person ?

Looking to Jesus in the gospels and herring what he was saying to believers and also those who rejected him answers all of those questions it’s full of Gods spirit when we’re believers
 

SilverFox7

Well-known member
Dec 24, 2022
520
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Grand Rapids, Michigan
#33
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬
It's interesting that Jesus says that those who hear His word and believes in the Father has everlasting life. We have "passed from death unto life." We've talked about this before, and my theology has changed a little on my view of the resurrection. The big question is if we go directly to heaven after death, why is the resurrection from the dead necessary for Christians?

Jesus' teaching seems pretty straight-forward to me from John 5:24 as you quoted. Those who hear (listen and inculcate) and believe (accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior) have everlasting life. Think about it--if the Holy Spirit is living within us, we have a slice of eternity living within us already. And, we are being meshed/grafted together: our spirit with God's Spirit. So, it makes sense to me that we will not die when this mortal body dies. The death that occurs is physical--our spirit as a part of God's Spirit enters heaven (i.e. the Kingdom of God).

Jesus addresses the resurrections a few verses later:

John 5:28-29

New King James Version

28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation [judgement].

Here's where it gets a little tricky when we factor in Paul's observations on the resurrection that occurs when Jesus returns:


1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

New King James Version

The Comfort of Christ’s Coming

13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen [a]asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who [b]sleep in Jesus.
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are [c]asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

One of my mentors who was an avid student of the Bible and a very wise Christian had an interesting theory on this topic. He thought that the passage of time is irrelevant to those who are dead, so when Christ returns and the dead in Christ rise first, the next moment we remember after our physical death is rising out of the grave to meet Jesus at His second coming.

I can relate with this through a medical procedure I went through a few years ago. I was knocked out on a heavy dose of anesthetic for a few hours, and when I woke up, my wife was by my side. I had no recollection on the passage of those few hours. The last thing I remembered was getting drowsy from the anesthetic and falling to sleep. The next moment in my life was waking up to see my wife. The time in between those two points doesn't exist in my consciousness.

Bottom line however it all works out--we don't have to worry about our enemy, death. We have life eternal in our Lord Jesus Christ!
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
12,818
5,153
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#37
It's interesting that Jesus says that those who hear His word and believes in the Father has everlasting life. We have "passed from death unto life." We've talked about this before, and my theology has changed a little on my view of the resurrection. The big question is if we go directly to heaven after death, why is the resurrection from the dead necessary for Christians?

Jesus' teaching seems pretty straight-forward to me from John 5:24 as you quoted. Those who hear (listen and inculcate) and believe (accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior) have everlasting life. Think about it--if the Holy Spirit is living within us, we have a slice of eternity living within us already. And, we are being meshed/grafted together: our spirit with God's Spirit. So, it makes sense to me that we will not die when this mortal body dies. The death that occurs is physical--our spirit as a part of God's Spirit enters heaven (i.e. the Kingdom of God).

Jesus addresses the resurrections a few verses later:

John 5:28-29

New King James Version

28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation [judgement].

Here's where it gets a little tricky when we factor in Paul's observations on the resurrection that occurs when Jesus returns:


1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

New King James Version

The Comfort of Christ’s Coming

13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen [a]asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who [b]sleep in Jesus.
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are [c]asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

One of my mentors who was an avid student of the Bible and a very wise Christian had an interesting theory on this topic. He thought that the passage of time is irrelevant to those who are dead, so when Christ returns and the dead in Christ rise first, the next moment we remember after our physical death is rising out of the grave to meet Jesus at His second coming.

I can relate with this through a medical procedure I went through a few years ago. I was knocked out on a heavy dose of anesthetic for a few hours, and when I woke up, my wife was by my side. I had no recollection on the passage of those few hours. The last thing I remembered was getting drowsy from the anesthetic and falling to sleep. The next moment in my life was waking up to see my wife. The time in between those two points doesn't exist in my consciousness.

Bottom line however it all works out--we don't have to worry about our enemy, death. We have life eternal in our Lord Jesus Christ!
Always a pleasure and blessing to read brother and Yes brother I find the same there

There’s are two possibilities found here a current time and a future time

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.


Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, ( future tense )

and now is, ( present tense ) when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth;

they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:24-25, 28-29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

I see this promise you’ve already passed from death

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8:51‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And also this promise a time is coming later when they will be raised up from death

“And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.”
‭‭John‬ ‭6:40‬ ‭

I see this factor

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, ( accepts as the word of God ) and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And then this factor

“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.”
‭‭John‬ ‭12:48‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We can die in our sins and then be judged by our works alone or we can accept the gospel and let Christ die for and remit our sins in his death and then rise up in his spirit and life having those sins remitted by the judge himself

Some will not enter death they will be translated at death because while they lived they came to repentance and faith in Christ

Others will be raise and judged by thier works alone without atonement