This lesson discusses the profound significance of the Word of God, equating it with God and Jesus Christ themselves. It emphasizes that the Word became flesh in Jesus, making God tangible and knowable. The Word has the power to create and give life, just as God does. It is the source of light, truth, and spiritual rebirth through the cleansing waters of baptism and the revelation of the Holy Spirit. The lesson contrasts the life-giving Word of God with other words, presenting a choice between them. It encourages receiving and acting upon God’s Word, which leads to salvation and eternal life in the new heaven and new earth, where all nations will worship. The central theme is the transformative power of the living Word of God.
Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.
While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.
The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.
I find myself often reflecting on the way Apostle Paul thinks. When you consider his situation, Paul was someone quite zealous for God. He trained under one of the most respected Pharisees at that time, named Gamaliel, whom we see mentioned in a few passages in the book of Acts.
Paul was a Pharisee’s Pharisee, a Jew’s Jew, one who kept the law perfectly, or at least to his understanding. Unfortunately, he also did some unfortunate things to the church. He was known for heavily persecuting the church. When you think about the 180-degree turn Paul made after encountering Christ, part of the reason he worked so hard was because he realized the immense grace he had received – a grace he did not deserve.
In fact, he deserved the opposite of grace, yet he was shown grace anyway. So he worked extra hard, even harder than the other disciples, as he self-proclaimed, ‘I worked harder than all of them, not out of some sort of self-power or anything like that, but because of the grace of God working through me.’
I can relate to this sentiment. I too have come a long way and was not always the person you see before you. I also had a lot of changing to do. And I worked so hard because I realized the grace I have received. I want to help God in His mission and pay back the grace, even if it’s one ten-thousandth of the level I could pay it back.
That’s what I would still like to do. So I’m grateful that you’re all here, allowing me to pay back my grace.
The Word in the Beginning and Being Born Again
Jn 1, Jn 3
Our two main reference chapters are John 1 and John 3.
John 1 talks about the word in the beginning, and John 3 talks about being born again. The book of John is a favorite for many people among the four gospels for many reasons. I always feel that in the book of John, John was really able to describe the heart of Jesus well and describe Jesus spiritually and Jesus’s role in his connection to God.
It was really beautiful. I love the book very much. And so, we’ll look at this book, chapter one and chapter three for today, the word in the beginning and being born again.
Our hope is to receive life and light from God and Jesus and to be born again through the word of God.
1.- The Word of the Beginning
John 1:1-5. Everybody should already have it in their hearts and minds by now.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
John 1:1-5
Let’s break down each of these verses carefully. This will be the first part of the lesson. Verse 1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
So, in the beginning, God already equated himself with the Word.
Why does God equate himself with his Word?
God’s Word is Spirit. While you can’t see God physically, you can hear him.
The Word is God’s breath, and all matter was created through the Word.
God spoke, and God’s words came from him.
Indeed, a person’s words are indistinguishable from the person themselves. Let’s say I came to visit you in your city, and I was talking to a mutual friend of ours behind you. You heard me, and you said, “That’s Nate.”
You haven’t seen me yet, but you knew it was me because you recognized the sound of my voice and my words. You knew it was me before you saw me because my words come from me. This is the reason why God equated himself with his Word, because his Word comes from him, and his Word has the power to do everything that God has the power to do. Let me show you a really cool verse that talks about this.
10 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:10-11
So how does God describe his Word? When God’s Word goes out, it always fulfills its mission. And then God’s Word comes back to him. When God speaks, his Word fulfills its purpose. It comes back successful. Why? Because it originates from him. This is the reason why God wants and desires us to know him through his Word, because it’s like truly knowing him.
We can only know God to a limited extent when we don’t try to know him through the Word. But when we know him through the Word, our understanding of him becomes expansive and robust. However, the Word in the beginning is also described as another entity too. Who else is the Word in the beginning described as? Jesus (the Word of Life).
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.
1 John 1:1-2
John likes to open his books with profound statements.
What does he say? He said, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, and our hands have touched.”
Our hands have touched it. What does this mean? How can we understand this?
“This we proclaimed concerning the Word of life. The life appeared. We have seen it and testified to it.”
And we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. So, what is Apostle John meaning here when he describes the Word as something tangible?
It was real. Which word became real to them?
Prophecy and fulfilment. Exactly.
The Word of life was fulfilled. Which words of life? “A virgin will give birth to a son.” “A ruler will be born in Bethlehem.” “I will send among you a prophet.” “A light will come out of Galilee.” “A ruler will ride on a donkey.” “He will bear your iniquities, and from his stripes, you will be healed.” God had been speaking his Son into existence for thousands of years.
At the time of the first coming, all those words were fulfilled. That’s why John says the Word of life, which we can now touch. So, Jesus too was the very physical embodiment of the Word.
The prophecies that God had spoken were now fulfilled. That’s why it says in John 1:14, “the Word became flesh.” So, Jesus was the walking Word.
Both God and Jesus are the Word in the beginning.
We’re going to go verse by verse and really describe this in detail. So, John chapter 1, let’s look at verses 1 and 2 once again.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning.
John 1:1-2
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This verse indicates that God truly desires us to know him through his Word, which he equates to himself.
If one does not approach God through his Word, they cannot truly know him. Allow me to show you a verse that emphasizes this point, as it is of great importance.
The Lord continued to appear at Shiloh, and there he revealed himself to Samuel through his word.
1 Samuel 3:21
God revealed Himself to Samuel through His Word. That’s how God made Himself known to Samuel in more detail. Samuel was listening to God’s Word, and this is how God wants us all to be. This is how God wants to reveal Himself to all of us. So let’s understand what happens to people who do not really understand God through His Word, but instead through other means. And what tends to happen when that has been the case for a long time?
Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2 For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3 Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.
Romans 10:1-3
At the time of the first coming, the believers, referring to the Israelites here, believers of God, possessed a great deal of zeal. As I mentioned earlier about Paul, they had an abundance of zeal for God.
However, something was missing. Their zeal was not combined with knowledge. So, what happened to their zeal?
Was their zeal justified in this case? No. They focused on their own righteousness.
They thought, “I will worship God the way that I want to worship God. I will continue doing as I always have.” What knowledge did they lack?
What knowledge was Paul referring to?
The knowledge they were supposed to have was the knowledge of the word that had become flesh, which is Christ. They misunderstood God’s words.
So when God’s words became a reality, they did not recognize God’s word that was standing right in front of them. Instead, they focused on doing the things they had always done, their own righteousness. But as Paul later on describes, this is something that God still wants to do with his people.
He still wants them to come to a knowledge of the truth, just like everybody else. But Christ is the central knowledge that they must all come to, and everyone must all come to. It cannot be by the establishment of one’s own righteousness.
So God’s initial intent was to send the light, his son, the word that became flesh, to them. They were the first target of his word, but his own did not receive him. A very sad situation.
But all of this is to say this, God’s word is God. God’s word is Jesus. That’s why Jesus says the Father and I are one of the same word that is from the beginning.
In summary, the word in the beginning equals both God and Jesus. And if someone wants the word in the beginning to give them life and light and understanding and wisdom and all the things that come with it, they must come to Jesus. Must.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
John 1:3
Does God have the power to create? Yes.
Does God’s word have the power to create? Yes.
Why? Because the word represents God. Amen.
Right, God has the power to create, and so too does His word. Why? Because God is the word.
And how did God create in Genesis chapter 1? What did He do? He spoke.
He spoke. And God said, “Let there be light.” Amen.
So, God created by speaking. So, God’s word has the power to create. All things were made that have been made.
So, what were the things that God made? All things.
All of heaven and earth. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. But He also created something related to us too.
I like the way Zechariah 12:1 describes it.
This is the word of the Lord concerning Israel. The Lord, who stretches out the heavens, who lays the foundation of the earth, and who forms the spirit of man within him, declares:
Zechariah 12:1
Take some time to read what He declares after class. The main point is about God, who stretches out the heavens and the earth, and our spirits within us.
When it was time for us to be conceived and born, God said, “This spirit will go here.” And there we were. He formed the spirits within us. So, when our spirit is sick, should we take it to Samsung or Apple? “Hey, my spirit is broken. I need you to fix it.” Who should we take our spirit to when it is sick? To God.
Yes, to God who made it. And what will He say is the remedy or the cure for a sick spirit? The word. Amen. “God, help me, my spirit is sick.” Okay, have some medicine. Here is your prescription. Please go to the pharmacy to check it out. The word is the cure for the spirit. And when one’s spirit is thriving, we read this in Q&A, but I would like to share it with all of you. Proverbs 18:14 says, “A man’s spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear.”
I know that many students are dealing with health issues in the class. This verse is an ultimate encouragement for you. When you focus on your spirit, you will be amazed at how remarkable its effects are on the body as well. So, really focus on having a healthy spirit.
Now, let’s go back to God. God’s word has the power to create. And of course, God too, because God is the word. It’s the same thing. Because God has the power to create, what unique ability does God have that no one else has? Because He has the power to create, what can He do that no other entity can do?
Like John 14:29, John 19:30, and Revelation 21:6, prophecy and fulfillment is the unique ability of a creator. A creator that has the ability to see the past and the future as if they are current, as being not bound by time, like we are. He can prophesy, saying, “This will take place.” And then God can put the pieces in place for those words to be fulfilled.
One of my favorite examples that is often overlooked is God’s prophecy in Micah 5:2, that a ruler will be born in Bethlehem. Joseph and a very pregnant Mary were not in Bethlehem for quite some time. But Christ had to be born in Bethlehem. So, what do you think God did behind the scenes? Okay, Julius, time to establish a census and make sure everyone goes back to their hometown because I want to make sure my son is born.
Of course, He wasn’t saying those things directly to Caesar. But the circumstances were put in place for Joseph and a very pregnant Mary to make their way to Bethlehem to take part in the census. And then Jesus was born in Bethlehem as prophesied, because God has the power to create. No other being has this ability. But guess what? The people that God is with will also have the same ability too. The things that they speak will take place, not by their own power, but the power of the one who is using them.
I love to imagine the confidence that the prophets of the Old Testament, like Elijah, had when they would confront falsehood and say, “Okay, bring your God. Pour water on these logs right here and tell your God to light it on fire. My God is going to do it. But will your God do it?” They said, “Okay, we’ll take you up on that.” Oh, bam! “Oh, light it.” “We’ll do it again. Maybe we didn’t do it hard enough the first time.” Right? “Okay, God, time to show yourself.” Like that.
So, the people that God is with also have the ability, not because of them. So, please don’t get me wrong. But because of the God that is with them, right?
In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
John 1:4
So life equals the light of men. One and the same.
So if someone wants life, they need the word that gives life. If someone wants light, they need the word that gives light.
The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.
John 6:63
The spirit gives life. The flesh counts for nothing.
The words that I have spoken to you represent spirit and life. And these are the words that Jesus spoke. This is what Jesus meant when he said, “Eat my flesh and drink my blood, and you will have eternal life.”
The people did not understand. They didn’t make that connection. It was part of having zeal, but without the right knowledge.
Again, no one has this knowledge inherently. It’s not like some people can understand, and some people cannot understand. It really starts with the heart condition.
That is the thing that we do have control over. And those with the right heart condition receive the knowledge, the grace, and then they can believe and act. But if someone’s heart is corrupt, hardened, or not open, or like the path, rocky or thorny, they won’t receive the knowledge that they need to have faith.
Because the knowledge won’t be able to go in. It will be like pouring water into a closed container or throwing seed on the road or throwing seed on the path. The seed’s just going to sit there.
It doesn’t actually go in. So, the heart condition is what matters, not someone’s intelligence level. It’s not an IQ thing.
So, to make it clear, if one wants life, one must have the word of God. Without the word of God, there is death.
We must have the word of God. But it has to be the true word of God because the Bible taught incorrectly cannot give life. It has to be the true word.
And that was the distinction that Jesus had, separate from the distinction of the others. Another really cool verse that talks about the distinction between the way Jesus taught and the way the others taught is found in Matthew. This is something that I read recently.
And I thought I’m going to share it with the class because it’s just so cool.
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
Matthew 7:24-29
One of the things I love is the difference between the way Jesus taught and the way the Pharisees taught.
The Pharisees were probably like, “These are the things in the law you must keep. You must keep this. You must keep this. You must keep this.” Sorry, excuse me, right? They repeated the same thing over and over again.
But when Jesus came, he would speak in a parable, and the people would say, “What?” He was totally different. It was not the same at all.
The difference between the way Jesus taught the truth and the way everyone else taught was not the same. The same sentiment is made in Mark 1:27, “What is this? A new teaching and with authority.” So that was the confession of the people. They were astonished by what Jesus taught because what Jesus taught was so different than what everyone else taught.
Jesus’s words are the words that gave life. We really needed his words to have life.
All right, let’s now talk about verse 5 and compare the word of light to the word of darkness and their difference.
The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
John 1:5
The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. Some versions say “overcome” instead of “understood,” but they convey the same meaning. Was Jesus combating literal darkness with his word?
Was he referring to the darkness that occurs when you turn off a lamp or a light switch? Or when you’re the last one downstairs and have to turn off the lights before quickly running upstairs? I’m sure I’m not the only one who has done that. But Jesus was not combating physical darkness with his word.
He was referring to spiritual darkness. God’s word, his word of truth, equaled light. And it shined in the darkness. You can also substitute Jesus here. But people who saw the light of God’s true word were unable to comprehend or understand it, and they fought against it. So light and darkness were embodied by people.
When thinking about this, you should really be thinking about people. Because even a person with God’s word can be considered light. That’s why Jesus said in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world.” But people without that light of the world were like darkness. The people were also darkness.
So, who was light and who was darkness in each era? God is the light. Satan is darkness. The word is light, particularly and especially the word that is open or revealed. And the word that is sealed has the potential and attitude of lies, which brings death. This, of course, would be the truth.
Also, light is the shepherd with the word, the person through whom God is working, the person through whom heaven is working, the person through whom Jesus is working, including Jesus himself, who taught at the first coming. This is why Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” But someone who does not have the word of truth will spread darkness. The one without the word of life will spread darkness. Also, those who are darkness or those who have the word, they will also be a light.
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Matthew 5:14
You are the light of the world. Who is Jesus talking to here? His disciples.
He was talking with his disciples who had been receiving what? The open word.
So they too became light, or they too became light and could spread that light to others. And that was their job at the first coming: to spread as much light and truth as they could.
2.- Those Born Again with Water and Spirit
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.” 3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. ” 4 “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.
John 3:1-6
Jesus spoke about the importance of being born again. We must be born again of two things: water and spirit. These two things are obviously very important. However, Jesus was speaking figuratively, using parables. That’s why Nicodemus initially misunderstood him, asking, “How can a man who is already old enter his mother’s womb and be born once more?” Jesus likely responded, “You missed it. That’s not what I was talking about.”
Since Jesus was speaking in parables, we need to understand the parables he was referring to. What kind of water is the water that we need to be cleansed with? The word.
The verse from Deuteronomy 32:2 comes to mind: “Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.”
Just as plants need water to fall on them to have life, we too, who are compared to plants or grass, also need the life-giving water from above, which is the word. The word will bring us to life when we receive it, when we are cleansed by it.
You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.
John 15:3
God’s life-giving word is also His cleansing word. It washes, purifies, cleans, baptizes, and cleanses us, washing the inner being, cleansing it, and making it anew.
What about the spirit? What is the spirit? The Holy Spirit. How does the Bible describe the Holy Spirit? As truth in Life.
And what is truth in life? The word. The spirit and the word are one. They are one and the same. There isn’t a distinction between the spirit and the word, everyone. This is something that we have often made.
“Oh, I received the spirit of God. It’s powerful upon me. What town was Jesus born in? I think Jerusalem.” “No, he was born in Bethlehem.” “Oh yeah, but it doesn’t matter. It’s okay. I still have the spirit of God.” It does not work that way, my brothers and sisters.
For where God’s spirit is, the word is also. You cannot pull the two apart. They are together as one, one and the same thing, like in 1 Corinthians chapter 6.
Or 1 Corinthians chapter 2, starting from verse 6. What’s really important here is how Paul connects the spirit and the word together. I will read because there are some points I want us to see from this.
“We do, however, speak a message among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God has destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would have not crucified the Lord of glory. However, as it is written, ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.’ But God has revealed it to us by his spirit. The spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except a man’s spirit within him? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world, but the spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in words taught by the spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the spirit does not accept the things that come from the spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man’s judgment. For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”
Spirit and the word, everyone, cannot be divided; they are one and the same. They are together as one. And of course, John 6:63, which we read earlier, “The spirit is life, and the word… and flesh counts for nothing.” Okay, so Jesus is saying you must be born again of the word.
For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
1 Peter 1:23
You have been born, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, by the living and enduring word of God. This is what we should be born from.
And those born of God’s seed, what will happen to them at the end times? Those born of God’s seed will be reharvested.
The goal is that those born of God’s seed will be harvested.
We have the field, in which two seeds were sown. We’ve seen this parable many times since the beginning of the class. And then there are the weeds that are also there, as mentioned in Matthew 13:24-30, 37-43.
Both the wheat and the weeds grow together in the same field, sown by two different individuals – the enemy and the Son of Man. They grow up together until the time of the harvest, where the wheat is brought into the barn, and the weeds are tied in bundles and burned. The field represents the world, not the final destination place.
The field is the place where we were raised and grew up. But the barn represents the final destination place. That’s where we need to end up.
And this is what happens to all who are born of the word, born again. Those who are not born again will not be harvested.
So, who are the ones that are harvested? They are mentioned in Revelation 7, Revelation 14, Revelation 15, and Revelation 21. These are the ones we need to become right away.
Revelation 7 mentions the 144,000 and the great multitude. Revelation 14 mentions the 144,000 again, standing on Mount Zion. Revelation 14 also talks about the harvest of the earth.
Revelation 15 talks about those who overcame the beast, his image, and the number of his name. They established a tabernacle that represents a testimony. And those of the new heaven and new earth, where heaven comes down.
They are the ones who, at the end times, will be born of the word, born of God, born again.
Which tribe also will we not be a part of?
We have talked about not being the great tribe of Matthew, Philip, or Peter. We also will not be the tribe of Matthias. So, we can cross Matthias off our list.
We have eight tribes left to consider, making progress. Of course, in Acts chapter 1, Matthias replaced Judas. That’s why Matthias is mentioned there. One thing to know about Matthias is that he had been present the whole time. That’s why he was deemed worthy.
He wasn’t some random person they picked off the street. Matthias had been there too, alongside the others.
Memorization
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
John 1:1-5
Instructor Review
SUMMARY
In the beginning was the Word. God and Jesus are the Word in the beginning.
Jesus, the Word that became flesh, as John described, we can see, touch, and feel Him. This is because the words about Jesus have been fulfilled.
God’s desire is for all to know Him and come to life, even those who have great zeal but lack correct knowledge. They too will come to a knowledge of the truth, as stated in 1 Timothy 2:3-4.
God’s Word has the power to create, just like God. And God, who formed the heavens, the earth, and our spirits, also has the ability to prophesy and fulfill. The only entity in the entire universe who can do this is God. Life is also light.
The Word is life and light. It is spirit. And when we hear that Word, when we hear that spirit, it gives us life.
We realize the difference between this Word and the other words we have received. We have to make a decision between these two words because God is light, and His Word is life.
The one He has sent is life. Those who receive the one who was sent also become life and light. But that decision has to be made because there are always two choices.
We are caught in the middle, and it’s not an easy decision, but we have to make it. The only way to make it is by receiving the Word, hearing the message, for faith comes by hearing and confessing.
Then we must act according to the Word that is being fulfilled.
How are we born again? Of the water and the spirit, both of which are the Word.
The Word that cleanses, washes, and even baptizes. And the spirit that searches the deep things of God and reveals the deep things of God to us too.
Those who are born of God’s seed are the ones who are harvested at the end times. They end up in the barn, which is Mount Zion, the new heaven and new earth, a tabernacle of testimony, a place all nations must come to worship.
And all nations will, and already they are.
Review with the Evangelist
Review
I pray that we have all received the spiritual food that gives life. Amen. So, let’s not go anywhere just yet.
What we’re going to do is show a special video. After watching the video, we’ll recap its content, and then we will go over the announcements. If you’re ready, please share the video.
[Video]
Once upon a time there was a king with four wives. One day the king got sick and was on his deathbed. Afraid of being in the afterlife alone he asked his fourth wife which he loved the most and bought her diamonds and gold and elegant clothing.
He asked her would you die with me and go with me to the afterlife. The fourth wife replied I’m sorry I can’t do that and walked away. He also loved his third wife and was very proud and would always show her off to neighboring kingdoms.
So he called on his third wife and asked would you accompany me to the afterlife. The third wife replied I love my life too much and I’m sorry I cannot go with you. And when you die I’m going to remarry.
The second wife has always been there for him in his times of need. So he asked would you accompany me to the afterlife. The second wife then replied I’m sorry that I can’t help you out this time.
But what I can do is arrange your funeral and I will be there for your funeral. A voice called out and said I’ll leave with you and follow you wherever you go even if it is to the afterlife. And the king looked and it was his first wife.
But this was the wife that he took care of the least. Felt embarrassed and said I’m sorry I should have taken more care of you and given you more attention when I was alive. The moral of this story is that we all have four wives.
Our fourth wife is our body. We like to decorate it with nice jewelry, nice clothing. But in the end it can’t follow us to the afterlife.
The third wife represents our possessions. We spend so much time trying to gather possessions but in the end they cannot follow us to the afterlife. It will be given to other people and divided.
Just like the third wife said she’s going to remarry. The second wife, our friends and family. We trust them.
They’re always there for us in times of need. But the furthest they can go with us is to our funeral and send us off. Our first wife.
The first wife represents our soul. We usually neglect taking care of our soul. That is the thing that will follow us to the afterlife.
Care for your body. Keep it healthy. Enjoy your possessions and the comfort they provide.
Cherish your friends and family for the love that they provide. But don’t forget to take care of your soul. Nourish your soul.
Take time to be alone. Take time to pray. Take time to meditate.
Because it is the source of all of your life and your most faithful friend. I hope this story can help you or somebody that you love.
[End of Video]
[Evangelist 1]
Each one of us has four bodies. The fourth body is our physical body, right? People love to decorate themselves and make their bodies look beautiful.
However, if a person dies, they can’t bring their physical body with them, right? The third body represents our possessions. People tend to collect worldly possessions, right?
They even work two or three jobs just to get the car or house that they love. The world also sets standards for what we should have by a certain age, right? But in the end, when a person dies, we can’t bring these possessions with us.
Just like the second body, which represents our family and friends, our possessions will be divided among others when we pass away. We trust our family and friends, right?
We want to spend time with them. But when we die, they can’t be with us. The most important body is the first one, right? Our spirit, which we tend to forget.
When times get tough, people tend to neglect nurturing their spirit. The spirit is the only one that can be with us forever. Our true form is our spirit, right? So we have to exert effort to nurture our spirit, especially right now.
What time are we living in currently? The end times, the second coming, where the world is open, and we are led to better understand the prophecy and its fulfillment, especially the book of Revelation, which is our new covenant.
So let us take care of our spirit, right? By setting aside time to review and meditate on our lessons. Let us attend class with perseverance and overcome situations that occur because Satan is desperate to stop you.
Satan is desperate to stop you, so make use of your resources, which are your evangelists. We’re here to help. Meet with us one-on-one or attend reviews. Let us hold each other accountable.
We learned about the wedding banquet, and to enter this banquet, we must prepare ourselves. What are the things we need to prepare? We have to prepare the lamp, oil, and wedding clothes.
What is the lamp, everyone? Yes, the word, right? But that doesn’t mean that if I have the Bible, I’m okay, right? We are mature now, so I should be able to answer maturely.
The word of God is the open word, right? The understanding of the prophecy and its fulfillment. Now, what about the oil? What is the meaning of the oil? The word of testimony, yes. It’s the testimony of what has been fulfilled.
And of course, our wedding clothes. What are our wedding clothes, everyone? Our righteous acts. Most importantly, we have to believe in God’s promise, right?
But also believing in the fulfillment. Believing in only the promise means I’m only 50% prepared, right? If I don’t even understand the promise, I’m not even a foolish virgin.
The foolish virgin has the oil but not enough. But if we don’t even understand the promise, do we even belong to the category of foolish or wise virgins? We don’t even belong to that category, right?
That is why it is really important for us to know the prophecy, understand the prophecy, and especially its fulfillment. Let’s realize the time we are living in and the grace and love that God is overflowing.
I pray that this will help us self-reflect. Am I truly giving my best to God? Because only through Him and His word, being born again, can we receive salvation and eternal life. I pray that everyone will truly self-reflect at this time.
Let’s Us Discern
Discernment is still a work in progress …. Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Analysis
Questions to Self-Reflect
Outline
Understanding the Word: A Deep Dive into Biblical Teachings
I. Introduction: The Importance of Grace and the Word
This section connects the author’s personal experience of transformation to the teachings of Apostle Paul, emphasizing the role of grace and dedication to God’s mission. It then introduces the main themes of the lesson: “The Word in the Beginning” and “Being Born Again” as explored in the Gospel of John, chapters 1 and 3.
II. Review: Understanding the Old and New Covenants
This section reviews key concepts from the previous lesson, highlighting the establishment and breaking of the Old Covenant, the prophecy of a New Covenant in Jeremiah 31, and its fulfillment through Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the importance of Jesus’ blood in establishing the New Covenant and its future fulfillment at the Second Coming.
III. The Word in the Beginning: Exploring John 1:1-5
This section delves into the profound opening verses of John, analyzing the concept of “The Word” as both God and Jesus. It emphasizes the creative power of the Word and the importance of knowing God through His Word, drawing parallels with verses from Isaiah and 1 Samuel.
IV. The Word as Life and Light: Understanding the Power of God’s Word
This section further explores the concept of the Word as life and light, connecting it to the teachings of Jesus in John 6:63 and highlighting the importance of the true Word of God. It differentiates Jesus’ teachings from those of the Pharisees, emphasizing the authority and life-giving nature of Jesus’ words.
V. Light vs. Darkness: The Choice Between God’s Word and Spiritual Darkness
This section analyzes John 1:5 and John 3:19-21, contrasting the light of God’s word with spiritual darkness. It emphasizes that the conflict between light and darkness plays out through individuals’ choices and their reception of either truth or falsehood.
VI. First and Second Coming: The Spread of Light and Truth
This section examines how the conflict between light and darkness played out during both the First and Second Coming. It highlights the challenges faced by early Christians in choosing between the established religious leaders and the teachings of Jesus. It connects this to the Second Coming, emphasizing the importance of hearing and believing the revealed word of God as described in Revelation 10:8-11.
VII. Being Born Again: The Necessity of Water and Spirit
This section delves into the concept of being born again as described in John 3:1-6. It explains Jesus’ parable of water and spirit, interpreting “water” as the cleansing Word of God and “spirit” as the Holy Spirit, which is equated with truth in life and the Word itself. It stresses the inseparable connection between the Word and the Spirit.
VIII. The Imperishable Seed: Being Born Again Through God’s Word
This section further explores the concept of being born again through God’s enduring word, referencing 1 Peter 1:23. It connects this concept to the parable of the wheat and the weeds in Matthew 13, emphasizing that those born again through God’s Word will be harvested at the end times.
IX. The Harvest and the Final Destination: Identifying the True People of God
This section elaborates on the harvest imagery, outlining the characteristics of those who will be gathered at the end times as described in Revelation 7, 14, 15, and 21. It emphasizes the importance of being born again through the Word to reach the final destination, symbolized by Mount Zion, the new heaven and new earth, and the tabernacle of testimony.
X. The Four Wives: A Symbolic Story of Spiritual Priorities
This section summarizes a video parable about a king and his four wives, each representing different aspects of life: the body, possessions, relationships, and the soul. The parable emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the soul, which represents our spiritual well-being, and nurturing it through prayer, meditation, and connection with God.
XI. Preparing for the Wedding Banquet: Understanding the Essential Elements
This section connects the parable of the four wives to the concept of the wedding banquet, emphasizing the need for preparation. It explains the symbolism of the lamp (the open Word of God), oil (the testimony of fulfilled prophecy), and wedding clothes (righteous acts). It emphasizes the importance of understanding both the promise and its fulfillment to be fully prepared.
XII. Conclusion: Embracing the Word for Salvation and Eternal Life
This section concludes the lesson by urging self-reflection and emphasizing the importance of giving one’s best to God. It reiterates the main theme: true salvation and eternal life are only achievable through embracing the Word of God and being born again. It encourages attendees to utilize available resources and support systems to persevere in their spiritual journey.
A Study Guide
A Deep Dive into God’s Word: John 1 & 3
Study Guide
Central Themes:
- The Word in the Beginning: Exploring the nature of God’s Word as both God and Jesus and its power to create, give life, and illuminate.
- Being Born Again: Understanding the necessity of spiritual rebirth through the Word (water) and the Holy Spirit (spirit) to gain entry into God’s Kingdom.
- The Conflict Between Light and Darkness: Analyzing the choices individuals make when confronted with God’s Word and the resulting consequences in both the First and Second Coming.
Key Concepts:
- God’s Word as Spirit: God reveals himself through his Word, which is Spirit, his breath, and the source of creation.
- Jesus as the Word Incarnate: The prophecies concerning the Messiah found their fulfillment in Jesus, who became the physical embodiment of God’s Word.
- The Power of God’s Word: God’s Word possesses the power to create, give life, and bring about prophecy and fulfillment.
- Spiritual Rebirth: To enter God’s Kingdom, one must be born again through the cleansing and life-giving power of God’s Word (water) and the illuminating guidance of the Holy Spirit (spirit).
- The Choice Between Light and Darkness: Individuals are presented with a choice to embrace God’s Word (light) or reject it, leading to consequences in both the present and the future.
- The Role of the Sons of Light: Believers are called to be children of light, spreading the truth and illuminating the world with God’s Word.
- The Harvest of the End Times: Those born again through God’s Word will be gathered into God’s Kingdom, while those who reject it will face the consequences.
Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.
- How does God reveal himself to humanity? Explain using a specific example from the text.
- Why is Jesus referred to as the “Word made flesh”? Provide textual evidence to support your answer.
- Describe the unique ability of God that stems from His power to create. Explain using an example from the text.
- Explain the relationship between “life” and “light” in the context of John 1. Use a specific verse to support your answer.
- According to the text, why do some individuals reject God’s Word (light)? Cite a verse from John 3 to support your response.
- What two choices do individuals face when presented with God’s Word? What are the ultimate consequences of each choice?
- What is the role of believers in the world according to the text? Provide textual evidence to support your answer.
- Describe the two elements necessary for spiritual rebirth. Explain their symbolic meaning.
- According to the text, what is the ultimate fate of those who are born again? Use a specific example from the book of Revelation.
- How does the analogy of the four wives illustrate the importance of nurturing the soul?
Answer Key
- God reveals himself through His Word, which is Spirit. An example is found in 1 Samuel 3:21, where God reveals himself to Samuel through His Word.
- Jesus is called the “Word made flesh” because he is the physical embodiment of God’s Word. This is stated in John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
- God’s power to create gives him the unique ability to prophecy and fulfill those prophecies. An example is Micah 5:2, where God prophesied the Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem, and the circumstances surrounding Jesus’s birth fulfilled that prophecy.
- Life and light are intertwined concepts in John 1. John 1:4 states, “In him was life, and that life was the light of men,” signifying that God’s Word brings both spiritual life and enlightenment.
- John 3:19-20 states, “Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.” This indicates that people reject God’s Word because it exposes their sinfulness.
- Individuals must choose between embracing God’s Word (light) or rejecting it (darkness). Embracing God’s Word leads to spiritual life and eternal salvation, while rejecting it leads to spiritual death and separation from God.
- Believers are called to be “sons of light” (1 Thessalonians 5:5), spreading God’s truth and illuminating the world with His Word. They are responsible for sharing the gospel and bringing others to faith.
- Spiritual rebirth requires being born of “water” and “spirit.” Water symbolizes God’s Word, which cleanses and gives life, while spirit represents the Holy Spirit, which guides and illuminates.
- Those who are born again are destined for God’s Kingdom, as depicted in Revelation 7 and 14, where they are gathered on Mount Zion and participate in the harvest of the earth.
- The analogy of the four wives highlights the importance of caring for the soul, which represents our spiritual well-being. While material possessions, physical health, and relationships are important, they are ultimately temporary. Our soul is eternal and requires nurturing through prayer, meditation, and connection with God.
Additional Questions
1. Who is the Word in the beginning?
– God (Jn 1:1-2) and Jesus (1 Jn 1:1-2)
2. Who has the power to create through the Word? And what are the evidence?
– God has the power to create
a. God (Gn 1:1) → Creator of the world
B. God (Zec 12:1) → Created spirit within people
C. God (Jn 14:29) → is the only one who can give prophecy and create fulfilment.
3. What is the process of being born again of water and spirit?
– Being born again of water: spirit of a person being cleansed by the Word.
God’s Word is water (Dt 32:2)
– Being born again of spirit (spiritually): The spirit of a person is recreated by God’s Word.
Born again → of a seed that is imperishable seed (1 Pt 1:23)
Glossary of Key Terms:
- The Word: Represents God himself, His spoken Word, and Jesus Christ, who is the Word incarnate.
- Spirit: Refers to both the Holy Spirit and the spiritual nature of God’s Word.
- Born Again: The process of spiritual rebirth through the Word (water) and the Holy Spirit (spirit).
- Light: Symbolizes God, truth, righteousness, and the illuminating power of God’s Word.
- Darkness: Represents the absence of God, falsehood, sin, and the consequences of rejecting God’s Word.
- Sons of Light: Believers who have embraced God’s Word and are called to spread His truth and righteousness.
- Harvest: The gathering of believers into God’s Kingdom at the end times.
- Mount Zion: Represents God’s dwelling place and the ultimate destination of the redeemed.
- Tabernacle of Testimony: A symbol of God’s presence and the faithful witness of His people.
- New Heaven and New Earth: The ultimate culmination of God’s redemptive plan, where righteousness dwells and God’s presence is fully realized.
- Prophecy and Fulfillment: God’s ability to foretell future events and bring them to pass, demonstrating His sovereignty and power.
- Zeal Without Knowledge: Enthusiasm for God that is not grounded in understanding His Word, leading to misdirected actions and spiritual blindness.
- The Field: Represents the world, where both believers (wheat) and unbelievers (weeds) coexist.
- The Barn: Represents God’s Kingdom and the final destination of the redeemed.
Breakdown
Timeline of Events:
This lesson doesn’t provide a timeline of specific historical events. Instead, it focuses on theological concepts and uses biblical examples to illustrate them. Therefore, a traditional timeline isn’t applicable here.
However, we can outline the key theological points presented in a progressive order:
- Old Covenant Established and Broken: The source begins by referencing the establishment of the Old Covenant, symbolized by the blood of a sacrificed lamb in Exodus 24. It highlights the eventual breaking of this covenant due to the people’s disobedience.
- Prophecies of a New Covenant: Following the broken covenant, prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel foretell the arrival of a new covenant. Jeremiah 31 specifically promises this new covenant as a “creation of a new thing.”
- Jesus’ First Coming and Establishment of the New Covenant: Jesus’ arrival marks the “sowing of the good seed” and the establishment of the new covenant in his blood, fulfilling the prophecies.
- Second Coming and Fulfillment of the New Covenant: The source points towards the second coming of Jesus as the time when the new covenant will be fully realized. The kingdom and priests will be “purchased and washed by the blood of the Lamb,” ultimately achieving salvation.
- The Word in the Beginning: Shifting focus, the source delves into the concept of “the Word” from John 1. It establishes both God and Jesus as the Word, emphasizing that God reveals himself through His Word.
- Jesus as the Word Made Flesh: The source connects the Word to Jesus, the physical embodiment of God’s Word, fulfilling prophecies and demonstrating God’s power to create through his Word.
- Life and Light Through the Word: John 1:4 is explored, equating life with the light of men. The source argues that true life and light are found only through God’s Word, specifically through Jesus.
- The Conflict of Light and Darkness: The source contrasts the Word, representing light, with darkness, symbolizing those who reject God’s truth. This conflict is traced from the first coming, where many rejected Jesus despite his teachings, to the second coming, where a similar resistance is anticipated.
- Being Born Again: The concept of being born again from John 3 is discussed. The source interprets “water” as the cleansing Word of God and “spirit” as the Holy Spirit, ultimately inseparable from the Word.
- The Harvest at the End Times: The source concludes by emphasizing the importance of being born again for salvation. It connects this rebirth to the harvest at the end times, where those who have accepted God’s Word will be gathered.
Cast of Characters:
1. Apostle Paul:
- A zealous Pharisee who initially persecuted the church.
- Experienced a profound conversion after encountering Christ.
- Became a tireless apostle, attributing his work ethic to the grace he received.
2. Gamaliel:
- A highly respected Pharisee.
- Paul’s teacher in Jewish law.
- Briefly mentioned in the Book of Acts.
3. John (Apostle):
- Author of the Gospel of John.
- Praised for his insightful portrayal of Jesus’s heart and spiritual nature.
- Emphasizes the concept of “the Word” in his gospel.
4. Moses:
- Mediator of the Old Covenant.
- Received the law from God on Mount Sinai.
- Led the Israelites out of Egypt.
5. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel:
- Old Testament prophets who foretold the coming of Jesus and the New Covenant.
- Their prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.
6. Jesus Christ:
- The central figure of the New Testament.
- The Word made flesh, embodying God’s Word and fulfilling prophecies.
- Established the New Covenant through his sacrifice.
7. Nicodemus:
- A Pharisee who approached Jesus at night to inquire about his teachings.
- Jesus explained the concept of being “born again” to Nicodemus.
- Represents those who are curious about Jesus but struggle to fully commit.
8. Evangelist 1:
- The speaker in the video shared during the class.
- Uses the analogy of four wives to illustrate the importance of caring for one’s soul.
- Encourages listeners to prioritize spiritual growth through studying the Bible and attending classes.
9. Satan:
- The source identifies Satan as the embodiment of darkness and the enemy of God.
- Actively seeks to hinder God’s work and prevent people from receiving salvation.
10. The Sons of God:
- Believers who have been born again through the Word and spirit.
- The source highlights Romans 8, where creation eagerly awaits their revelation at the end times.
- Destined to play a crucial role in God’s plan for salvation.
Overview
Overview: The Word in the Beginning and Being Born Again
Main Themes:
- The Primacy of God’s Word: God’s word is equated with God himself and with Jesus, the Word made flesh. It is the source of life, light, and creation.
- The Necessity of Being Born Again: To enter the Kingdom of God, one must be born again through water and the Spirit, which are both symbolic of God’s Word.
- The Conflict Between Light and Darkness: There is a constant battle between those who accept God’s word (light) and those who reject it (darkness), playing out through history and culminating in the end times.
- The Importance of Spiritual Nourishment: Just as we care for our physical bodies, possessions, and relationships, we must prioritize nurturing our souls through God’s Word.
Most Important Ideas/Facts:
- God’s Word is Inseparable from Him: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) This emphasizes the profound connection between God and His word, making it the ultimate source of truth and understanding.
- Jesus is the Embodiment of the Word: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:14) Jesus is not only a prophet but the fulfillment of God’s word, making him the ultimate revelation of God’s nature and will.
- Knowledge of God’s Word is Crucial: “For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.” (Romans 10:2) Zeal without knowledge is misguided. True understanding of God comes through diligent study and application of His word.
- Being Born Again Requires Water and Spirit: “Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.'” (John 3:5) This highlights the transformative power of the Word (water) and the Holy Spirit, both working together for spiritual rebirth.
- The Choice Between Light and Darkness: “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19) We constantly face the choice to align ourselves with God’s truth (light) or embrace the ways of the world (darkness).
- The Harvest at the End Times: “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” (1 Peter 1:23) Those who have truly internalized God’s word and allowed it to transform them will be gathered like wheat at the end times.
Supporting Quotes:
- “Indeed, a person’s words are indistinguishable from the person themselves.” – This analogy effectively illustrates the intimate link between God and His word.
- “God’s Word has the power to create, just like God.” – This emphasizes the creative power inherent in God’s word, mirroring His own ability to bring forth life and order.
- “The spirit and the word are one. They are one and the same. There isn’t a distinction between the spirit and the word.” – This reinforces the unity between the Holy Spirit and the Word, both being instruments of God’s work in our lives.
- “The field is the place where we were raised and grew up. But the barn represents the final destination place. That’s where we need to end up.” – This provides a powerful visual of the ultimate goal for believers: to be gathered into God’s presence at the end times.
Analysis:
This teaching emphasizes the centrality of God’s word in our lives. It calls us to move beyond mere religious practice and pursue a deep, transformative relationship with God through His word. It highlights the urgency of choosing light over darkness and actively nurturing our souls through the life-giving power of scripture. The parable of the four wives provides a compelling reminder to prioritize our spiritual well-being above worldly pursuits. By aligning ourselves with God’s Word and allowing it to shape us, we can experience true spiritual rebirth and prepare ourselves for the harvest at the end times.
Q&A
Q&A: The Word in the Beginning and Being Born Again
1. What is the significance of the Word in the beginning?
The “Word” represents both God and Jesus. It is through the Word that God created everything, and it is through the Word that we can come to know Him. Just as our words are inseparable from who we are, God’s Word reflects His essence and possesses His power. To truly understand God, we must engage with His Word.
2. How are God and Jesus both considered the “Word”?
God is the original Word, the source of creation and life. Jesus, as the Word made flesh, embodies God’s Word in a tangible, physical form. The prophecies about Jesus, spoken by God throughout history, were fulfilled in Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. Therefore, both God and Jesus represent the Word, the source of life and light.
3. What is the meaning of being “born again”?
Being “born again” refers to a spiritual transformation that occurs when we receive the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. It is not a physical rebirth but a renewal of our inner being. This new birth comes from understanding and embracing the truth revealed through the Word.
4. How are water and spirit connected to being born again?
“Water” symbolizes the cleansing power of God’s Word. Just as water sustains physical life, the Word nourishes and purifies our spirit. The “spirit” refers to the Holy Spirit, which is inseparable from the Word. The Holy Spirit reveals the truth of God’s Word to us, enabling us to understand and apply it to our lives.
5. What is the difference between the “sons of light” and the “sons of darkness”?
The “sons of light” are those who have chosen to embrace God’s Word and allow it to illuminate their lives. They seek truth and allow their actions to be guided by the Word. The “sons of darkness,” on the other hand, reject God’s Word, preferring to remain in spiritual ignorance. They may follow their own desires and cling to falsehood, ultimately hindering their spiritual growth.
6. How does the parable of the four wives relate to spiritual life?
The parable illustrates the importance of prioritizing our spiritual well-being over temporary, worldly pursuits. The four wives symbolize different aspects of our lives:
- Fourth wife (body): Represents our physical appearance and material comforts, which will eventually fade.
- Third wife (possessions): Symbolizes material wealth and possessions, which cannot be taken into the afterlife.
- Second wife (family and friends): Represents our loved ones who, while important, can only accompany us to a certain point in life.
- First wife (soul): Represents our spiritual essence, the most important aspect of ourselves, which is eternal and deserves our utmost care.
7. What is the role of prophecy and fulfillment in understanding the Word?
Prophecy, as spoken by God, reveals His plan for humanity. Fulfillment demonstrates God’s power and faithfulness as His Word comes to pass. Understanding both prophecy and its fulfillment deepens our comprehension of God’s will and strengthens our faith. Recognizing the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus’s life confirms His identity as the Messiah and reinforces the authority of the Word.
8. How can we ensure we are among those who are “harvested” at the end times?
To be “harvested,” we must be “born again” through accepting the Word, allowing it to cleanse and transform us. We must also nurture our spiritual growth by diligently studying the Word, seeking understanding through the Holy Spirit, and living out the truth it reveals through righteous actions. By prioritizing our spiritual lives, we can prepare ourselves for the final harvest and eternal life.