Table of Contents
The lesson discusses the figurative meanings of spring and river in relation to the word of God and receiving spiritual life. A spring represents a pastor or temple meant to receive and deliver the pure word from heaven above. A river represents disciples and evangelists who receive the word from the spring and spread it outward, bringing life. There were Old Testament prophecies about a future fountain that would cleanse sins, fulfilled by Jesus as the source of living water at his first coming. However, Revelation prophesies about Jesus leading people to “springs of living water” at his second coming, suggesting a specific source delivering the pure word in the last days, in contrast to false “springs without water.” The lesson emphasizes discerning the true spring and river of God’s word from counterfeits as the end times approach.
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.
Figurative meanings:
Spring = Pastor and Temple
River = Heart of a disciple or evangelist
Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Spring and River
I pray that this lesson will refresh us like a fresh glass of cool water on a hot summer day.
Picture this: it’s a sweltering summer afternoon, with temperatures in the nineties. You’ve been outside mowing the lawn or walking the dog. When you come back inside, the air conditioning envelops you. You go to the refrigerator, take out a fresh, chilled glass of water, and drink it. You feel rejuvenated and renewed. That’s how I hope you feel each time you come to study God’s word
– like you’ve just drunk a refreshing glass of clean water.
In this lesson, we will be going over spring and river just to continue the lesson of the figurative of water.
Spring represents Pastor and Temple
River represents the Heart of a disciples or evangelists.
So what’s the logic of this? Let’s understand this in this lesson.
Figurative Spring and River
Main Reference
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence.
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain, or you can say a spring of life. This means the things they say give life to others, like water that flows.
But the opposite comes out of the mouth of the wicked, leading them to death.”
1. Physical Characteristics of Springs and Rivers.
Springs are the source of water on Earth. They are often the first places where water emerges from underground. Springs are fed by rainwater seeping down from above. The rainwater fills up the springs, allowing them to overflow with water. Springs can also receive groundwater that originates from rain permeating into the earth.
The water cycle illustrates this circular system. God created the water cycle, demonstrating this continuous process. Springs collect the water, becoming full, and then the water begins to flow out.
The outpouring of water from springs forms rivers. Rivers transport water that originates from springs. Rivers typically flow downhill, from higher to lower elevations. One of the longest river systems in the United States is the Mississippi River, which flows from northern Minnesota down to the Gulf of Mexico in the south – a very gradual descent from a high point to a low point.
Rivers ultimately empty into the sea, which is the final destination of flowing water. As discussed in the previous lesson, the sea symbolizes a place of spiritual turmoil. The reason rivers flow into the sea will be explored in the next lesson. In summary, these are some key physical characteristics of springs and rivers.
2. Spiritual (True) Meaning of Spring and River
Draw a picture depicting a cloud hovering above a mountain.
At the mountain’s peak, sketch a spring flowing from the rock. Additionally, illustrate rain pouring from the cloud onto the mountain. Then, originating from the spring, depict a river winding down the mountainside.
Each component of this scene carries spiritual significance.
Each one of these things has a spiritual meaning. Each one of them does. So let’s talk about each meaning.
Cloud
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
So, what did the writer of Hebrews say here?
We are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses.
Who are these witnesses?
They are spirits. Whenever we see figurative clouds in the Bible, it represents the invisible spiritual world that is presently here or active in that location.
A cloud symbolizes the invisible spiritual realm, similar to what Ezekiel saw in Ezekiel 1. He saw a cloud descend and started to see visions of angels. The cloud represents a symbol of the invisible spiritual world.
And that makes sense because that’s where the water cycle begins – with rainwater from above.
It is the freshest and cleanest water. When the water flows through the dirty earth, it becomes corrupted and has to evaporate and become fresh again.
The rainwater is purest as it comes down from above.
Rain
Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.
The rain is the word.
So, from the spirits above, the word comes down. And where does the word first land? On a spring. And that makes a lot of sense.
Well, let’s see it in scripture. This is a critical chapter for this topic, and we’ll really break this down over the next two days.
Spring
The man brought me back to the entrance to the temple, and I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. 2 He then brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and the water was trickling from the south side.
So water was flowing from the temple. We read later in Ezekiel 47 that it flowed and became a great river. That river eventually flows into the sea.
Wherever the river flowed, life sprang up. Trees and grass were fed from the coming of that water.
When it flows into the sea, the seawater becomes fresh. However, not all the seawater becomes fresh. Some of that water still remains salty, like a marsh. I’ll discuss that more later.
The temple was the source of the water flowing down the mountain. A temple, or place of worship, is where the person inside is supposed to receive water from above and allow it to flow out.
Who is that person?
A pastor should be one that receives the water from the clouds above and flows it to the people below. They are the source of that water on Earth, but they are fed from above. That’s how it should be.
That’s how it should work. But does it always work that way?
That’s the question.
River
37 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.
What did Jesus say?
“Whoever hears my words, if anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. And whoever comes to me and drinks, rivers—or some versions might say streams, same thing—will flow from within them.” From within their hearts.
The goal for the person receiving the stream from the spring is not to keep it to themselves.
What is the purpose of a river?
It is to carry water and give life wherever it flows. So from within that person’s heart, like the disciples who heard Jesus’ word in John 15:3, their hearts would be cleansed.
They would be set on fire to go and teach others as well, saying “Have you heard about this man named Jesus?
Let me tell you about him.” As they share the word, others would be washed clean, and the cycle would repeat as the water keeps flowing.
But the source is always from above. The true water of life must originate from God.
So what should happen to a person receiving God’s word?
Hebrews 6 issues a warning, speaking about those who should understand and believe yet do not. Let’s examine the consequences described there.
7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
Land that receives rain and produces good fruit is praiseworthy. Conversely, land that receives rain but produces thorns and thistles is problematic.
Both types of land receive the same water from above, yet their results differ.
This passage evokes thoughts of the parable of the sower.
The concern is not actually for the land itself.
Rather, the land represents people and their reactions to receiving the word from above.
One type of land produces fruit, while the other only yields thorns and thistles, and ultimately this unfruitful land is burned.
This analogy is similar to the parable of the weeds and the wheat.
Many people receive the same word, yet some produce fruit while others do not. Let us ensure we are like the good soil, producing fruit for God, not thorns.
Jesus spoke the same words to a whole crowd, but only explained further to those humble enough to approach for more understanding. The others left after merely hearing.
So let us be those who produce fruit for God.
3. Springs and Rivers at the First Coming and the Second Coming
Old Testament Prophecy
“On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.
“So, what did we see here in Zechariah 13:1? The passage began by saying “On that day,” indicating that prophecy is now being used.
“On that day” signals that figurative language will follow. The passage states that “A fountain will be opened in the house of David and in the inhabitants of Jerusalem.”
What will this fountain do? It will cleanse the people from their sin and impurity.
Imagine living at Zechariah’s time, reading this passage, and expecting a physical fountain to literally appear that would cleanse sins. People likely waited for such a fountain, thinking their sins would be purified when it arrived.
Many probably took the words literally until a particular fountain manifested that truly delivered life-cleansing, sin-cleansing effects.
This Old Testament prophecy of a fountain or “well” or “spring” foretold what it would do – cleanse sin and impurity. Did this prophesied fountain appear? What name did this cleansing spring go by?
Of course, it was Jesus.”
First Coming Fulfillment
6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.
7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a])
10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”
13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
Jesus often used figurative language when speaking to people, who would initially misunderstand Him. He would then have to explain further. Very few were able to immediately grasp what Jesus was saying. Those who did understand quickly, Jesus would often point out, like the Roman centurion whose faith impressed Jesus.
Most people responded more like the Samaritan woman, saying “Give me this water so I don’t have to keep coming to draw water from the well.” But Jesus told her, “Whoever drinks the water I give will never thirst…” Jesus, the source of water on Earth, was Himself fed from above.
He told His disciples in John 7:38, “Streams of living water will flow from within believers.”
Jesus said disciples themselves become rivers, carrying the word to many. “Whoever hears My words and believes will have streams flowing from them,” to deliver the word received from Jesus to many nations, languages and kings – that is their mission.
So we see how this prophecy was fulfilled at Jesus’ first coming, through Him. What then about prophecies of a spring appearing at His second coming?
New Testament Prophecy
For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’
‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’
Will lead. What does this “will” mean? What kind of content are we reading when we see the word will?
We are reading prophecy.
Who was the lamb?
Jesus is the Lamb. So, what is Jesus saying then, here and now?
Jesus is saying, “I will lead my people to springs of living water.”
Wait, isn’t Jesus the spring?
So, what is Jesus saying here?
Where’s Jesus?
Jesus is in Heaven.
So, he’s saying when the time comes, when Revelation is fulfilled, “I will send people to springs of my living water.”
People who should be able to deliver my word truthfully. So, how will this be fulfilled?
Revelations 21:6
He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.
I will come, and this is God speaking now. I will give from the spring of the water of life. So, at the second coming, a spring is prophesied to appear.
And we know what a spring represents: a pastor and temple that is supposed to deliver the water of life. And what happens when that temple delivers water? It then flows.
And there will be disciples and evangelists to take that water and flow it as well. And this will be the place where God and Jesus work—a place.
Have we found a place like this yet?
A place where receiving the opened word, explanations of the deep things of God occur. Because at this place, the word should be able to be explained clearly from Genesis to Revelation.
But there are many other places that look similar to this but are not. They’re missing some key components.
4. Satan’s Springs.
These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them.
Apostle Peter prophesies about those who will speak boastful words.
They will promise freedom, but they themselves are enslaved to depravity. In this place, there will be springs – but what kind of springs? Springs without water.
Can we even call those springs at all if they lack water? A place like this cannot bring someone to salvation.
Though they may have pleasing words, a beautiful building, and even a large congregation, those are not signs that God is at work in a place.
The signs that God is working in a place are the word and the presence of the word.
We must be able to discern – we must. Because we are amidst places like this.
Have we found a place that openly provides the word and the water of life?
Let us continue studying that.
Memorization
Instructor Review
SUMMARY
Spring represents a pastor and a temple according to Ezekiel 47:1-2.
Springs flow into rivers, and rivers carry that water from a high place to a low place, bringing life. The job of a spring is to deliver the word from above, down, just like the natural water cycle that God created so we can understand.
There was a prophecy that a fountain, well, or spring would appear and cleanse the impurities of those who receive its water. That reality became Jesus, as He delivered the living water that welled up to eternal life within each person.
But that very same Jesus, at the time of the second coming, said "I will lead people to springs of living water" (Revelation 7:17). At the time of Revelation's fulfillment, at that place, the water of life will be given - a place where God and Jesus will be, the opposite of a place where God in Jesus will not be.
Places where there are springs without water, which means places without the word. The word will not be there in that place.
Let us be those able to find that place and be fed like well-bred grass.
Review with the Evangelist
REVIEW
The title lesson: Secrets of Heaven, the Figurative Spring and River
So, we need to run the spring that gives the word of life at the second coming. How to do that? But before that, we've got to know what a river and a spring are—the figurative meaning of spring and river.
A spring is a pastor or temple. A spring is a pastor or a temple, and a river is the heart of a disciple or evangelist.
Let's talk about some physical characteristics. Both of these are sources of water, springs and rivers, but they have different functions. We're going to talk about the physical characteristics of springs and rivers. Why is that important? God uses the physical things He has created to help us understand the spiritual things.
What are some physical characteristics of a spring?
A spring receives its water from above. So, rainwater is what creates the spring. It usually shoots up the water in an interesting way. And then gravity causes the water to flow down, creating a river. That's the physical characteristic of a spring - it receives water from above, from heaven.
So then, a spring should receive what? The word from heaven, understanding from heaven, not from their own thoughts, right? And then that spring creates rivers - rivers because the water is overflowing; it creates a river. And what are rivers again? Others, evangelists and disciples who also have the word and spread the word.
Where does a physical river deposit into? Like what is its destination? Into the sea or the ocean, right? What does that mean spiritually? The rivers take the water from the spring to fresh water or the word of life. And then deposit that into the sea.
Let's talk about the first coming. What was the situation at the first coming? Who was the spring or the fountain that's prophesied in Zechariah 13:1? There was a fountain - who is that spring or fountain that appeared that was able to give the water of life or the word of life? It was Jesus. Jesus was the spring who gave the word or water of life to whom? To his disciples, his followers. And they became like what? They became rivers of living water.
By God's grace, they spread that water to many. They gave the water to many, even to the point today that we know about Jesus, right? If they hadn't become like rivers and spread that water, we wouldn't know today.
There is a promise in Revelation 21:6 - “It is done.” It is done, meaning what? It is fulfilled. It's a promise - I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.
How can I find that spring of water of life that's promised? That's our hope. Let us be those who are able to discern. This learning is essential to finding the Spring of Water of Life.
How do we discern? With the Bible. There are two essential steps we need to take - Listen with our ears and then examine with the scriptures, right? In Job 34:3-4, we have to test our spiritual food, which is the word. So we have to test the words and then like in Acts 17:11, check the scriptures to see if what I was told is true. Because the Bible is our standard.
It seems like it's been a while since we talked about these things, but actually, this is how we can find the spring - by discerning.
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
Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Spring and River
Introduction
- This lesson aims to refresh learners by delving into the figurative meanings of "spring" and "river" within biblical scripture, building upon previous lessons on the "water of life."
Part 1: Foundation
Section 1: Review: Water as the Word of Life
- Recap of the concept of "water" symbolizing the revealed and fulfilled word of God, emphasizing the importance of understanding this figurative meaning.
Section 2: Daniel's Sealed Prophecy and the Unsealing of the Word
- Examination of Daniel 12:8-9, highlighting Daniel's inability to understand his visions because the words were sealed until the time of the end.
- Connection to Matthew 24:36-39, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the signs of the times and preparing for the Second Coming, just as Noah prepared for the flood.
Part 2: Exploring the Figurative Spring and River
Section 3: Proverbs 10:11: The Righteous Mouth as a Spring of Life
- Analysis of Proverbs 10:11, establishing the connection between a righteous person's words and a life-giving spring.
Section 4: Physical Characteristics of Springs and Rivers
- Explanation of the natural water cycle, highlighting springs as sources of water fed by rainwater and groundwater, and rivers as transporters of water originating from springs.
- Brief mention of rivers emptying into the sea, symbolizing a place of spiritual turmoil.
Section 5: Spiritual Meaning of Spring and River
- Introduction of a visual analogy: a cloud (spiritual realm) raining (the word) onto a mountaintop spring (pastor/temple), which overflows into a river (disciples/evangelists) flowing down the mountain.
Section 5.1: Cloud: The Invisible Spiritual Realm
- Interpretation of Hebrews 12:1, defining "cloud" as a symbol of the invisible spiritual world, emphasizing the source of the purest word being from above.
Section 5.2: Rain: The Word of God
- Using Deuteronomy 32:2, solidifies the association of "rain" with the word of God descending from the spiritual realm.
Section 5.3: Spring: Pastor and Temple
- Examination of Ezekiel 47:1-2, portraying the temple as the source of water flowing down, symbolizing a pastor/temple receiving the word from above and allowing it to flow to others.
Section 5.4: River: The Heart of a Disciple or Evangelist
- Analysis of John 7:37-38, where Jesus promises streams of living water flowing from believers, representing disciples becoming rivers, carrying the word and sharing it with others.
Section 5.5: The Importance of Bearing Fruit
- Utilizing Hebrews 6:7-8, emphasizes the importance of producing good fruit after receiving the word, contrasting with those who only yield thorns and thistles and ultimately face judgment.
- Draws parallels to the parable of the sower, highlighting the varying responses people have to receiving the word.
Section 6: Quick Review: Spring and River Symbolism
- Summary of the figurative meanings: spring representing pastor/temple, river representing the heart of disciples/evangelists.
Section 7: Daniel 12 and Receiving the Water of Life
- Revisiting Daniel 12, connecting it to the concept of receiving the water of life meaning accepting previously sealed words that are now revealed.
Section 8: Ezekiel 47 and the Life-Giving Flow of Rivers
- Return to Ezekiel 47, emphasizing how rivers, symbolizing the spread of the word, bring life wherever they flow, ultimately reaching the sea and making the saltwater fresh.
- Connection to 1 Peter 1:22-24, reinforcing the comparison of humanity to grass nourished by descending water.
Part 3: Springs and Rivers in Prophecy
Section 9: Old Testament Prophecy and First Coming Fulfillment
- Exploration of Zechariah 13:1, which prophesies a fountain cleansing people from sin and impurity.
- Fulfillment of the prophecy in John 4:6-14, identifying Jesus as the spring or fountain who provides living water.
- Jesus' statement in John 7:38, confirming that believers become rivers, carrying the word to many.
Section 10: New Testament Prophecy and Second Coming Anticipation
- Examination of Revelation 7:17, where Jesus promises to lead His people to springs of living water at the Second Coming.
- Revelation 21:6, God's promise to provide water from the spring of the water of life.
- Emphasis on discerning the true spring of the water of life, contrasting it with false springs lacking the word.
Section 11: Satan's Springs
- Analysis of 2 Peter 2:17, highlighting the existence of false springs or "springs without water," symbolizing places lacking the true word and leading people astray.
- Urging readers to discern between true and false springs based on the presence of the word of God.
Conclusion
- Recap of the figurative meaning of spring and river, their importance in understanding biblical prophecy, and the importance of discerning the true spring of the water of life at the Second Coming.
- Call to action: finding and being nourished by the true spring, becoming like well-bred grass nurtured by the water of life.
Review
- Summary of key concepts discussed in the lesson: the symbolism of spring and river, their connection to the water of life, and the prophecies surrounding them.
- Emphasis on the importance of discerning with the Bible, using Job 34:3-4 and Acts 17:11 as guidelines for testing spiritual food and checking scriptural accuracy.
- Final encouragement to diligently seek the spring of the water of life.
A Study Guide
Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Spring and River Study Guide
Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.
- What is the figurative meaning of water in the Bible, and provide a supporting scripture verse?
- Why couldn't Daniel understand the visions he received from God, even though he was intelligent and faithful?
- Explain the analogy between the physical characteristics of springs and rivers and their spiritual significance.
- What is the spiritual meaning of a cloud, rain, and spring according to the lesson?
- How does the parable of the sower relate to the concept of receiving the word of God?
- What Old Testament prophecy pointed towards the appearance of a life-giving spring, and how was it fulfilled in the New Testament?
- What promise does Jesus make in Revelation 7:17 regarding springs of living water at the second coming?
- What warning does 2 Peter 2:17 give about "springs without water"?
- What are the two essential steps for discerning the true Spring of Water of Life?
- Why is it important to examine the words we hear and check them against the scriptures?
Quiz Answer Key
- Water represents the Word of God that gives life – the Word of Life. Deuteronomy 32:2 states, “Let my teachings fall like rain and my words descend like dew."
- Daniel couldn't understand his visions because the word was sealed; the time for those prophecies to be fulfilled and explained had not yet arrived.
- Springs, fed by rainwater (the Word from above), represent pastors and temples who receive and dispense the Word. Rivers, originating from springs, symbolize disciples and evangelists who carry the Word and spread it to others.
- A cloud symbolizes the invisible spiritual realm. Rain represents the Word of God coming down from the spiritual realm. A spring represents a pastor or a temple where the Word is received and flows out to others.
- The parable of the sower illustrates how different people respond to receiving the Word. Some produce good fruit, while others yield thorns and thistles, highlighting the importance of being receptive and allowing the Word to transform us.
- Zechariah 13:1 prophesied a fountain that would cleanse people from sin and impurity. This was fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus, who offered living water that brings eternal life.
- Jesus promises that He will lead His people to springs of living water, indicating that there will be places where the true Word of God is taught and understood at His second coming.
- 2 Peter 2:17 warns against "springs without water," which represent places or people who may seem appealing but lack the true Word of God and cannot lead to salvation.
- The two essential steps are: (1) Listening attentively to what is being taught and (2) examining those teachings against the scriptures to verify their truth.
- Examining and checking against the scriptures is crucial because the Bible is the ultimate standard for truth. It helps us discern between true and false teachings and ensures we are receiving the authentic Word of God.
Additional Questions
1. What are the true meanings of Spring and River?
- Spring = pastor (Proverbs 10:11) and temple (Ezekiel 47:1-2)
- River = heart of a disciple/evangelist (John 7:38)
2. Who were the spring and rivers at the First Coming?
- First Coming = Jesus and his 12 disciples (Zechariah 13:1, John 4:6-14)
3. Who are the spring and rivers at the Second Coming?
- Second Coming = Springs of living water (Revelation 7:17, Revelation 21:6)
4. What are Satan’s springs?
- Springs without water (2 Peter 2:17)
Glossary of Key Terms
Word of Life: The revealed and fulfilled Word of God, represented by water, which brings spiritual life and cleansing.
Sealed Word: Prophecies or teachings in the Bible that were not yet fully understood until their appointed time of fulfillment.
Spring: Figuratively represents a pastor, a temple, or any source that dispenses the true Word of God.
River: Figuratively represents the heart of a disciple or evangelist, who receives the Word from the spring and carries it to others.
Sea: Figuratively symbolizes a place of spiritual turmoil or a world that is yet to be fully reached with the Word of God.
Cloud: Represents the invisible spiritual realm.
Rain: Represents the Word of God coming down from the spiritual realm.
Thorns and Thistles: Represent the negative consequences of not accepting or applying the Word of God in one's life.
Springs Without Water: Places or individuals who lack the true Word of God and cannot lead to genuine spiritual nourishment or salvation.
Discernment: The ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood, particularly in matters of faith and spiritual teaching.
Breakdown
Overview
Overview: The Spiritual Significance of Springs and Rivers
Main Theme: This lesson explores the figurative meaning of springs and rivers in the Bible, focusing on their representation of spiritual sources and the flow of God's word. It examines the roles of pastors, temples, and disciples in spreading this "living water" and contrasts true sources of God's word with false ones.
Key Ideas:
- Water as the Word of Life: Water consistently symbolizes God's word, particularly the revealed and fulfilled word that brings spiritual life (Deuteronomy 32:2). This understanding is crucial for understanding the figurative meaning of springs and rivers.
- Spring as Pastor/Temple: Springs represent pastors and temples who are meant to receive God's word ("rain") and distribute it to others. They are the initial source of the "living water" on earth (Ezekiel 47:1-2).
- River as Disciples/Evangelists: Rivers symbolize disciples and evangelists who receive the word from the "spring" and carry it to others, spreading the message and bringing spiritual life (John 7:37-38).
- The First Coming Fulfillment: Jesus Christ fulfilled the Old Testament prophecy of a cleansing fountain appearing (Zechariah 13:1). He is the ultimate source of living water (John 4:6-14).
- Second Coming Prophecy: Revelation prophecies a future appearance of "springs of living water" (Revelation 7:17), signifying a renewed outpouring of God's word and the establishment of a place where God and Jesus work (Revelation 21:6).
- Discernment Against False Springs: The lesson warns against "springs without water" (2 Peter 2:17), representing false teachers or places that appear to offer spiritual nourishment but lack true substance. It emphasizes the importance of testing teachings against Scripture (Job 34:3-4, Acts 17:11).
Important Facts:
- The lesson draws parallels between the physical characteristics of springs and rivers and their spiritual counterparts.
- It references the water cycle to illustrate the continuous flow of God's word, originating from above and being distributed throughout the earth.
- It uses the analogy of land producing fruit or thorns to represent individuals' responses to receiving God's word.
- It emphasizes the importance of being like "good soil" and producing fruit for God.
Key Quotes:
- "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence." (Proverbs 10:11)
- "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them." (John 7:38)
- "For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water." (Revelation 7:17)
- "These people are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them." (2 Peter 2:17)
Conclusion:
This lesson provides a detailed analysis of the figurative meanings of springs and rivers in the Bible, urging readers to seek true sources of God's word, become conduits of that word like rivers, and remain vigilant against false teachings. It emphasizes the importance of both receiving and spreading the "living water" of God's truth.
Q&A
Q&A: Figurative Springs and Rivers in the Bible
1. What do springs and rivers represent in the Bible?
Springs symbolize pastors and temples, places where the word of God is received and flows out to others. They are the source of living water, representing God's word.
Rivers symbolize the hearts of disciples and evangelists. They receive the living water from the spring (pastor or temple) and carry it to others, spreading the word of God and giving life wherever they flow.
2. How does the physical water cycle relate to the spiritual meaning of springs and rivers?
The water cycle illustrates the spiritual flow of God's word. Just as rain from clouds fills springs, God's word comes down from the spiritual realm and nourishes the spring (pastor or temple). The spring overflows, creating rivers (disciples and evangelists) that carry the living water to others, ultimately reaching the sea, which represents the world.
3. How was the prophecy of a cleansing spring fulfilled at Jesus' first coming?
The Old Testament prophecy of a fountain cleansing people from sin and impurity (Zechariah 13:1) was fulfilled in Jesus. He is the spring of living water who offers eternal life to those who believe in Him (John 4:6-14). His disciples, receiving His word, became rivers, spreading the Gospel throughout the world.
4. What is the prophecy of a spring at Jesus' second coming?
Revelation 7:17 prophesies that at Jesus' second coming, He will lead His people to springs of living water. This signifies a place where God's word will be revealed and explained in its fullness, a place where God and Jesus will work powerfully.
5. What are "springs without water," and why are they dangerous?
"Springs without water" (2 Peter 2:17) refer to places that appear to be sources of truth but lack the true word of God. They may have attractive qualities, but without the life-giving water of God's word, they cannot lead to salvation.
6. How can we discern true springs from those without water?
We must be discerning by:
- Listening carefully to the teachings and messages we hear.
- Examining the Scriptures (Acts 17:11) to see if what we hear aligns with God's word.
- Testing our spiritual food (Job 34:3-4) to ensure it is nourishing and life-giving.
7. What is the ultimate goal for those who receive the living water?
Those who receive the living water are called to become rivers, flowing out and sharing the truth with others. They are to spread the word of God, giving life and bringing others to salvation.
8. How can we ensure we are like good soil, producing fruit for God?
We must receive God's word with open hearts, allowing it to transform us. We should actively seek understanding and apply the word to our lives, producing good fruit that glorifies God.