Essential Study Notes for Baptism into Christ

UNDERSTANDING IS ESSENTIAL FOR BAPTISM
Opening reading: Acts 2:37-47; Psalm 51 & 103 & 119:1-16; Acts 10:34-43

THE NEED FOR BAPTISM:

– This is a commandment of John and of Christ: Mark 1:4; Matthew 3: 8, 15
– It is essential for salvation: Mark 16:16, Acts 8;38
– It is the means which provides a covering for sin: Galatians 3:27
– Brings us into covenant relationship with God. Ephesians 2:12
– Symbolic of the burial of the old man: Romans 6:3-5
– Provides forgiveness of sins: Colossians 2:12-14
– Represents rebirth into a new life: John 3: 5,6

THE MEANING OF BAPTISM is best understood as: immersion. Greek: “baptiso” = to dip, plunge, or to make fully wet. It is best understood as a clothing dyer’s term relating to change of color in a garment or cloth. This is not to be confused with ‘sprinkling’, Greek ‘rhantizo’.

THE SIGNIFICANCE FOUND IN THE ACT OF BAPTISM helps understand it’s meaning: Romans 6 offers a complete commentary on the significance of baptism.

• We are to be ‘buried with him (Jesus) by baptism into his death’. V4
• We are then planted together in the likeness of his death! v5
• V6 our ‘old man’ with its sinful nature is crucified (dies) with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed.
• To come out of the water of baptism is a ‘resurrection: raised up! V4. IE of a ‘coming forth’ or resurrection to a ‘new life’ in Christ. In the likeness of his resurrection v5.
• Being raised from the dead v4
• Even so we also should walk in the newness of life.
• It provides us with an association with the ‘body of Christ’.
• That henceforth we should not serve sin.

Read the whole chapter for a complete description of the significance of baptism.

THERE ARE TWO KEY REQUIREMENTS FOR BAPTISM

1. Belief of the gospel/truth: Romans 1:16, Acts 8:12
2. Repentance: (is a ‘reversal of direction’) Responsibility is based upon understanding. Once we have understanding, we must make a decision. Do we continue on as we always have or do we repent and change our heart from ‘the old man’ to the new man in Christ’? The first step of that change is Baptism. It is fulfilling all righteouseness’ and just as Jesus demonstrated, it is the public confession of faith evidenced in the act of obeying the truth of the gospel. Many people hear the truth, but few accept it. Baptism is a declaration that we choose to obey God. Matthew 3:7-8.

The scriptural significance of Baptism does not allow for the baptism of those without the ability to believe. Baptism is not for children. It can only be effective when an ‘enlightened’ individual makes an informed decision to follow God and his son Jesus Christ. There are no examples in the Bible of children or any others without understanding being baptized. All are baptized after a confession of their faith. Acts 2:38; Matthew 3:2; 4:17

THE AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE

The meaning of “Holy Bible” = a ‘sanctified or sacred book’.

Only the Bible declares itself to be the Word of God. There is no other authority for our belief. It reveals the whole plan of God to us and we are called to believe, accept and respond in faith in order to be acceptable to God. It was given by God through the work of inspiration. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21

While others claim to offer insight as to who God is and what His purpose entails: IE the Book of Mormon, Pope, or Holy Spirit revelation, there is only once source that God affirms to be his word! “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made and all the host of them by the word of his mouth” ,Psalm 33:6-9 …. “And God said, let there be light and there was light”, Genesis 1:3. “If they speak not according to this word… it is because there is no light (understanding) in them”! (Isaiah 8:20) There is nothing that can be added to what we know of God apart from what he has revealed. This is why He commands that no images should be made of God Exodus 20:3-5. The Bible is the means God chose to reveal Himself.

BIBLE HISTORY: FROM THE CREATION

GENESIS: Means birth or beginning and is the record of how the heavens and the earth came to be. Genesis 1:1 ‘God created’. V3 “God said”. The word for God in Hebrew is ‘Elohim’ and suggests that the angels were employed at the creation. The scriptures reveal there were many “Sons of God” at creation, Job 38:7. Evidence that the word is used of the angels is provided when the Apostle Paul quotes from Psalm 8:3, he used the Greek word “angelos” in Hebrews 2:7. This is telling us that he understood the passage to denote the angels who are God’s agents performing His tasks at the expression of His will: IE “God said”. Also, “Bless the LORD, you His angel mighty in strength, who perform His word, obeying the voice of His word!” Psalm 103:20-22, and again in Hebrews 1:7

THE CREATION OF MAN: Genesis 2 describes in more detail the creation of the man and the woman. “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul,” Genesis 2:7. The word “soul” is translated as: life, person, mind, heart, creature, body, and a few other ways. There is no emphasis nor application to a sentiment of man that carries on after death. There is never a referral in scripture to ‘an immortal soul’. This phrase “living being” – Hebrew ‘nephesh chayim’: can also refer to the animal creation. A ‘living being’ is man or animal as referred to in Genesis 1:20, 21, 30 & 7:21-22. Paul quotes Genesis 3:7 and applies this verse to a “natural body”, 1 Corinthians 15:44-45. Hence, the ‘immortality of the soul,’ is an invention outside of the Bible. The “breath of life” is not unique to mankind, but is vital in sustaining “all flesh”, both animal & human. Genesis 7:22, Ecclesiastes 3:19

LAW &RESPONSIBILITY: Genesis 2:17 In the garden, Adam was given the law by God. We may ask why, and did Adam have Free Choice? Once the law was revealed to Adam, and that he knew and understood God’s word that the tree was prohibited, he became accountable to that knowledge. What would he do? Here is a very important lesson: When we understand, we become responsible!

An example: once an individual receives his drivers license, he is responsible for adhering to the rules of the road. He cannot claim that he ‘didn’t know’ the speed limit or that parking beside a fire hydrant was not allowed. He is bound by the rule of having a license. Therefore: Understanding is the basis that makes us responsible. “For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law, and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law” Romans 2:12. For those who do not know God’s way, will ‘perish’ in their obliviousness. Once the law is in place,  and we know it, we are bound by that law. Adam now knew and understood the consequences. See also, John 12:47, 48.

“THE GREAT MYSTERY” OF HUSBAND AND WIFE: Genesis 2:21-25 The relationship introduced to Adam and Eve as described in this chapter has been established by God. The unique creation of Eve created a bond of love and sympathy that could not be found in the animal world. The husband and wife become ‘one’ in the effort to honor their God. It involved working together for this common purpose. Ultimately, this foreshadows the type to be fulfilled between Christ and his ‘bride’ (church: Greek: ecclesia). Paul explains this in his letter to the Ephesians 5:23-33. Jesus Christ is working to ‘sanctify and cleanse’ the Ecclesia which is “created” on the basis of Christ willing to die for his bride who is being formed out of him by being part of his “body”. “For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.” V30

THE FALL AND THE PROMISE OF REDEMPTION:

Genesis 3:1 “The serpent” – a literal animal as confirmed by Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:3. This animal was given the ability to speak, and is described as “more subtle”, or ‘observant’. However, it was an animal and had no moral responsibility to God. It spoke only as a self-satisfying carnal mind dictated as referred to in 2 Peter 2:12,14,18. It was the verbalizing of this carnal and deceptive reasoning that was a lie since it was presented to a morally accountable person. (Thus the serpent becomes a Symbol of Sin)

V4 “The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die!” This is a lie! God had warned the man that he would die if he did eat of it! (This is similarly perpetuated today in the teaching of the ‘immortal soul’, IE the soul doesn’t die!). N.B. Because the serpent was not given the commandment, this is not a deliberate, malicious lie, for the serpent was not capable of this, but merely expressed its ignorance of God’s law and presented carnal or animal thinking.

V6 “When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate”.  This is the process of temptation which can lead to sin!  CP 1 John 2:16: “lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life”, James 1:14, 15 “enticed by his own lust”; Also, refer to Mark 7:20,21 & Romans 7:14-21. All sin is due to having a desire and choosing to satisfy that desire, even when it is against the laws of God!

V7 Realization struck! They had disobeyed the command and KNEW IT. They felt naked and exposed because of their guilt! Now they knew ‘good AND evil’ and attempted to cover or hide their sin with an ineffectual covering of ‘fig leaves’. This would not satisfy God. Proverbs 28:13; Job 31:33. What is an acceptable covering for sin? We can compare this with the ineffectual religions of the world.

What is the significance of nakedness? It is associated with sin and the subsequent feeling of guilt. We then realize we need help, a way of covering or hiding our guilt. This becomes clear if we contrast Genesis 3:7 with Galatians 3:27 “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ”. This is necessary because it has been declared: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 

WHAT WAS ADAM’S SIN? Disobedience: it was an attempt at making himself equal unto God. By disobeying the commandment of God, he claimed himself to be on the same level as God by ‘making the rules’ that apply to him. We are all faced with the choice whether we will obey the command of God or serve our own natural, animal desires.

A DEFINITION OF SIN:

1 John 3: 4. “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.” (ESV) Death came by sin: Romans 5:12 & 6:23: “the wages of sin is death”. This is when we sin ‘against God’. He alone has the power of life and death.

THE SENTENCE PASSED UPON ADAM & EVE.

“To dust you shall return”. Genesis 3:19 This is the main change that resulted from their disobedience. Mortality, or dying and death, is the result imposed on their nature. They became subject to weakness, disease and death. This same condition has passed to all humankind; “So death spread to all men, because all sinned,” Romans 5:12.

What the Bible describes as death is: a total cessation of life: Ecclesiastes 3:19-20;
9:4-6: “the dead do not know anything”. Also consider Psalm 6:5. Adam and Eve were no longer ‘very good’ and became dying creatures due to sin.

As a result of their uncontrolled lusts, inflamed by the serpent’s lie, they now experience a bias toward evil in that their nature is now ‘prone to sin’: “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not”. Romans 7:18. See also Genesis 8:21, Jeremiah 10:23,17:9, Romans 7:18 & Mark 7:20-23 The heart of man is ‘desperately wicked’. You may think that this runs contrary to the general attitude that ‘man is basically good’, and you would be correct. Unless one embraces the word of God, he is considered “having no hope and without God in the world” Ephesians 2:12

HOPE IS PROMISED:

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel.” Genesis 3:15 While this is a Key Bible passage, it needs some explanation since at first it can seem rather obscure. It requires some knowledge of the whole Bible in order to appreciate the significance of what is being said. This is a promise of the Redeemer and the first instance of the Gospel message. Let’s analyze this verse:

a) Seed of the Woman: The woman spoke the truth (vs 2-3), and therefore she and her seed represent truth. Jesus says: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me,” John 14:6. This confirms that Jesus is the means how Adam and Eve and all humanity have the opportunity to be restored to favor with God!

b) Seed of the Serpent: The serpent was a liar, and therefore it, and the seed represent those who do not hold to the truth of God. IE “the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. 9 No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.” 1John 3:8-10 The seed of the serpent and the seed of the woman have always been opposed to each other. See also: “you generation of vipers”, Matthew 3:7. These are representative of that ‘seed’ who portray the power of sin.

c) Antagonism or hostility (enmity) will exist between the two classes: “because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so”. Romans 8:7. Also, “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God,” James 4:4; and again, John 15:18,19

d) The serpent class will bruise the seed of the Woman on the heel (a temporary wound). This was afflicted on Christ by “this generation of vipers” at his crucifixion. Matthew 3:7 The ‘wound’ was y temporary, and he was resurrected.

e) However, the seed of the woman crushes the head of the serpent (SIN), a fatal blow. Christ destroyed sin in his flesh by the sacrifice of himself. Hebrews 2:14; 9:26; Romans 8: 3-5. Also: “Knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11 Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin,” Romans 6:9-11.

THE NATURE AND SACRIFICE OF JESUS CHRIST:

We must understand in what way Jesus removed Sin by his own sacrifice. As we noted: ‘Sin is the transgression of the law’ (1 John 3:4). The inclination to sin is inherent in our natural flesh, “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not,” Roman 7:18. Because these propensities inevitably produce sin, human nature is styled “Sin” although no active transgression may have taken place. Hence we have the term “sin” used in a secondary sense, hence, Jesus ‘to be sin on our behalf’, 2 Corinthians 5:21. Jesus was “offered once to bear the sins of many,” Hebrews 9:28. Note that these 2 quotations refer to the Lord Jesus Christ, who became the representative sin-bearer of the human race, by virtue of his being born of a woman: (Galatians 4:4) and thereby partaking of the death-stricken nature common to all man-kind to be “tempted in all points as we are”, Hebrews 2:14. Because he too possessed human nature, he was able to demonstrate the principles upon which God is pleased to offer the forgiveness of our sins. “God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself,” Hebrews 9:27. God was working through His obedient Son, and thereby condemned the principle of sin inherit in human flesh: “…God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us…”  Romans 8:3-5. This condemnation was enacted during the lifetime of the Lord Jesus when he overcame all natural inclinations that typically lead to sin (John 8:46) and then it was dramatically accomplished in victory at his crucifixion which was a demonstration of the “righteousness of God”, Romans 3:23-26. He thwarted human nature provided the means God required to accomplish reconciliation as declared of the seed of the woman in Genesis 3:15.

No less is required of other men, but Paul reminds us: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”. Therefore we cannot succeed as Jesus did. However, we are given baptism, which requires our confession and provides participation in the crucifixion of Christ for the forgiveness of our sins… “all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death”. Romans 6:3

If we are “‘dead with Christ’, we shall also live with him,” Romans 6:8. In baptism, we are enjoined to his death, but also his resurrection! We must continue to exercise this principle to “have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires”, Galatians 5:24.

THE COVERING OF SKIN:

For Adam and Eve, participation in the salvation that was being offered by God necessitated the “shedding of blood”, which elsewhere in the Bible indicates forgiveness. IE “without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness”: Hebrews 9:22. The principle is that the life is in the blood: Leviticus 17:11, 14. The soul that sins is to die, as God revealed in Eden. So, God covered them with animal skins which meant that an animal had to die that their sin could be overlooked: “being justified as a gift by (God’s) grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed;” Romans 3:24. The animal sacrifices pointed to the coming Messiah who is described as: “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” Revelation 13:8

There must be the “pouring out” or emptying of one’s self of things related to the flesh. Jesus Christ poured out his soul (nephesh) unto death. Isa. 53:12, He gave his own life! By being baptized into him, we identify with him by confessing our sins and seeking for forgiveness, because “his blood (life) poured out in sacrifice “cleanses us from all sin”
1 John 1:7.

CAIN AND ABEL: Genesis 4

Immediately at the conclusion of the events in the Garden surrounding the departure of Adam and Eve, an example of the ‘enmity’ of 3:15 is presented when two lines of the ‘seed’ are described. This is a dramatic illustration of the hostility between the two classes: the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent. Cain’s offering of the ‘fruit of the ground’ (that God had cursed) does not endure him to God. And when he is given opportunity to ‘do well’ or right, instead he rebels against God. Thus, he and his descendants come to represent the seed of the serpent, 1 John 3:12.

In contrast: “By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained the testimony that he was righteous”, Hebrews 11:4. Abel’s faith identifies him with the seed of the woman. But, in a fit of rage Cain murders his brother Abel, who now sleeps in the earth awaiting the “period of restoration of all things,” Acts 3:21 Abels death is for a time (a bruise in the heal) but he shall rise again to stand before the one whom God appointed as heir of all things.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TWO SEEDS.

Genesis 4 We are given a genealogy of the descendants of Cain and are given insight as to their ‘carnal’ thinking. They were industrious, but very Godless.

Contrasting this we are introduced to a son appointed instead of Abel: “Adam had relations with his wife again; and she gave birth to a son, and named him Seth, for, she said, “God has appointed me another offspring in place of Abel, for Cain killed him.”

26 …Then men began to call upon the name of the LORD.” (or: to call themselves by the name of the LORD) A genealogy of the descendants through Seth is found in Genesis 5.

THE GENESIS FLOOD Genesis 6-9

In Genesis 6, it happens that intermarriage takes place between the two seeds. The results are disastrous. The earth was corrupt and filled with violence v11. Rather than ‘good overcoming evil’, the opposite happened. We are given to know that there can be no harmony between Godly and Godless people. The scriptures provide many examples and lessons about separation from evil. The defiling influence of mixed marriages, of believers with non-believers is stressed time and again. V5 it resulted in ‘wickedness’. Warnings are given in Deuteronomy 7:3-4 & 2 Corinthians 6:14 “Do not be bound together with unbelievers”; 1 Corinthians 7:39 marry “only in the Lord.” The principle – marriage with the unbeliever is prohibited!

So evil was this generation that God determined to destroy this wickedness from the earth. He called upon one faithful man and his family, “But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.” He was tasked with building an ‘ark’, a boat that would convey him, his family and animals through a flood that was to eradicate this violence from the earth, Genesis 6:17. Noah believed God and built the ark as commanded and because of his faith only Noah, his sons and their wives were ‘saved’ from the destruction! “And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly”, 2 Peter 2:5. The word ‘saved’ is most appropriate for it implies not the act of destruction, but the act of salvation.

The principle of the flood is that: while the earth was destroyed by water, Noah was saved by water. In the New Testament the apostle Peter likens this to baptism: “…when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water.

Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you…” 1 Peter 3: 19-22. The ‘Seed of the Serpent’ (carnal flesh) is destroyed in the water, while Noah rises to a “newness of life”, Romans 6:3-6 

Why did God send Judgment on the earth? Genesis 9 – 11

Despite the new beginning, as Noah and his family came out of the ark, the nature of man stepped out with them and the ‘seed of the serpent’ was soon exhibited in the actions of Ham and the ‘curse’ upon his son Canaan. This is contrasted in Genesis 10 with the genealogy of Shem as the ‘seed of the woman’.

THE CITY AND THE TOWER BABEL

However, as we continue in Genesis 11, we can see a determination to unite and ‘build a city and a tower’ to prevent them from being scattered throughout the earth! This nec society that did not include God the Creator for their goal was to “let us make for ourselves a name”!  God saw their attempts and ‘confused their language’ so they couldn’t communicate and ended up separating into different areas of the world.

Their attempt to build this city is in contrast to God’s purpose of building a city to which all the faithful of the world will come: Isaiah 2:2-4 see also Hebrews 11:16 where we read that God has “has prepared a city for them”.

THE CALL OF ABRAHAM

At the beginning of Genesis 12, we are introduced to Abram who is called by God.  “Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go forth from your country, and from your relatives and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you: Genesis 12:1 “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Hebrews 11:8

The emphasis was to leave his country of Ur, in Chaldea, and to separate from his family, is accentuates the need for division between the two seeds. He is to remove himsef from anything to do with the ‘world’ and turn his attention fully to God. Abram never waivers in his faith in the word of God. We must do the same. Our calling could also mean separation from friends and family. Matthew 10:34-38 & 2 Corinthians 6:16-18  “come out from their midst and be separate… and I will welcome you”.

THE PROMISES TO ABRAHAM

Let’s look in more detail at Genesis 12:1-3 where God makes the following promises to Abraham for his obedience to the command given in v1. (Abram’s name was later changed to Abraham by God and we will use this throughout unless it is a quote.)

29. God would make from him “a great nation”. Once Abraham had children, his seed grew quickly. The ‘Jews’ are direct natural descendants and their existence in the earth is a testimony of God’s immutable word, and of his intention to fulfill his promise. Romans 11:28-29. More on the descendants to come.
30. God would “make thy name great”. Abraham was to personally benefit from this promise, Genesis 17:5,6 & Luke 13:28.
31. “I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse”. The preservation of Israel is evidence of the blessings and curses of the other nations. It is often seen as well in the punishment of their enemies. Jeremiah 30:11, Ezekiel 36:22-26.
32. “In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” This constitutes the gospel: Galatians 3:8. There is a two-fold blessing:
    i) Abraham is promised that through a descendant, (Jesus Christ) reconciliation would be made and the nations would enjoy the beneficence of a divine ruler.
    ii)           This also involves justification. Sin results in death. The blessing is that sin would be removed and the blessing of forgiveness of sins applied. “blessed is the man whose sin the lord will not take into account” Roman 4:8. Also vv18-25.
33. “The LORD said to Abraham…all the land which you see, I will give it to you and to your descendants forever” 13:14-18. Here a specific territory is outlined in the promise. ‘This land’, the land of Canaan, was promised to Abraham and later was confirmed with an oath, “By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD”, Genesis 22:15-18. However, Abraham never possessed this land during his lifetime, (Acts 7:5). Therefore, in order to fulfill this promise, he must be resurrected (raised from the dead), and receive a change in nature, so as to possess it ‘forever’. See Hebews 11:13, 39-40.

THE SEED OF ABRAHAM: Very quickly, we are seeing the theme of the ‘seed’ or descendants being developed. Genesis 3:15 referred to the ‘seed’ and now Abraham is presented with a promise of this ‘seed’. Our first emphasis is probably on the naturalized children of Abraham. However, the scriptures reveal there is a deeper application relating to the ‘nations’ as well. In fact, the emphasis should be on those who ‘have the faith of Abraham’, and not just his physical descendants. “…it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,” Romans 4:16. Through faith and baptism into Christ, anyone can become the seed of Abraham, Galatians 3:26-29, thereby becoming heirs of the promise made to him. This is the only true hope, its importance can be seen from the following references: “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.” Titus 1:2. Also, before we were in Christ, we had no hope, and were without God (atheos)! Ephesians 2:10-13.  Also see: Romans. 5:2 & 8:22-25.

The continuing record of Genesis reveals that the same promise are made to Abraham’s son, Isaac: Genesis 26:3-5; and again to Isaac’s son, Jacob: Genesis 28:12-14; 35: 10-12. These three are often referred to as the ‘fathers’, hence, we note that God often styles himself “the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob”, Exodus 3:6, Luke 20: 37.

THE HISTORY OF JACOB’S TWELVE SONS:

At the age of 100, Abraham and Sarah gave birth to their ‘son of promise’ through whom God would continue the seed of the woman: “And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him”, Genesis 17:19. Three generations were included in the promise. The promises of God were made only to the ‘faithful sons’, Isaac and his son Jacob.

The remainder of the Genesis record follows the descendants of Abraham through 3 generations. It is significant that the angel of the LORD changed Jacob’s name to ‘Israel’ which means: ‘A prince with God,’ Genesis 32:24-28

Beginning in Genesis 25:20 we read how the twins Jacob and Esau were two totally different men. Esau was a ‘man of the field’ (a hunter) and Jacob was a ‘plain man’ (ie a shepherd) We read how “Israel” becomes father to 12 sons who eventually become the ‘twelve tribes of Israel’. This is a wonderful section of the Bible and is worth reading to gain background to the history and lessons to live by.

Of particular benefit is the story about Joseph, Genesis 37 – 50. We can trace the history of Jacob’s family and appreciate how they came to be in Egypt. We do well to have a ‘broad strokes’ overview of this period of history for there are many significant types and lessons that can be appreciated as we move further through the Bible.

JOSEPH AS A TYPE/FORSHADOW OF  CHRIST:

Here is a brief summary of some of the key facts that must be understood, especially as we can review these lessons about Joseph as a type of Christ. This should help us appreciate the consistency of the Bible truth and see how the Old and New Testaments are inextricably bound together.

1. Joseph’s brothers envy him because Jacob favors him, and they conspire together to sell him as a slave to a company of merchants making their way to Egypt. Cp Matthew 27:18
2. The trials faced in Potiphar’s house. Cp Matthew 4:1
3. Committed to prison though he had done nothing wrong: John 19:6
4. He restores (raises to life) the butler and condemns the sin of the baker. John 11:43
5. His elevation to the right hand of Pharaoh. Hebrews 12:2
6. Able to interpret dreams. John 2:25 & John 3:34
7. The seven years famine and the visit of his brethren. John 14:3
8. Their second visit; he makes himself known to them, then invites Jacob and his family into Egypt. 2 Thessalonians 1:7 &10
9. Joseph’s life was providentially directed for the purpose of preserving Israel’s posterity in the earth. Genesis 45:7-8 cp 2 Timothy 1:10

Genesis, the book of beginnings, closes with a reference to the bones of Joseph being placed in “a coffin in Egypt”. This is remarkable in the light of how Egypt is viewed today as a land of death and tombs!

MOSES AND THE EXODUS

Of greater significance is that when we begin in Exodus, we see that the seed of Abraham is now termed as “the people of the children of Israel”. They have grown from 70 persons who ended up in Egypt to a ‘people’. They have become the nation of Israel, Exodus 1:8. They are blessed in the land of Goshen in Egypt, and prosper and multiply quickly under friendly leaders who knew how Joseph had saved them from famine. But, a new Pharaoh arose who “knew not Joseph” who views their rapid growth as a threat to the safety of Egypt in time of war, v10,11. First they are made slaves, but when that doesn’t stop their growth Pharaoh then orders the male babies to be cast into the river. Genesis 2 describes how Moses’ faithful parents hid and preserved him.  He is raised in Pharaoh’s household, but the age of 40, Moses attempts to help his people, but instead kills an Egyptian then flees from Egypt and arrives in Midian, where he meets and marries Zipporah and together have two children.

While Moses is shepherding, “the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed”, Exodus 3:1,2. The bush dramatizes the preservation of the nation of Israel, who Moses is called upon to deliver from bondage, or slavery, in Egypt. Malachi 3:6; Isaiah 43:1,2

THE REVELATION OF THE NAME OF GOD: Ex 3:14-16

Moses is reluctant to answer the call by the angel. Then Moses asks the angel: ‘what is His name?’ (v13) Until now, God had been known as the ‘God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob’. The angel reveals His name: “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations. ”. Exodus 3:15.

LORD = Yhwh and often pronounced as ‘Jehovah’, but more accurately pronounced as ‘Yahweh’ in English. ‘God’ = Hebrew: ‘Elohim’. Yahweh gives the meaning “He who will be, and Elohim: a group of mighty ones. The overall meaning of “LORD God” is best expressed as: ‘He who will be manifested in a multitude of mighty ones’. This agrees with God’s purpose to ‘fill the earth with the glory of the LORD’ as expressed in Numbers 14:21! Further revealing of the name follows in Exodus 6:1-8 in which the name is intertwined with the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt because ‘I am Yahweh’ (the LORD) v8. The Hebrew ‘Yahweh’ is always translated as LORD and GOD (all caps) by the translators to identify the memorial name.

This concept of ‘God being revealed in others’ permeates the Bible. The angel in the burning bush is a ‘manifestion’ of God. IE the angel bore the name and spoke in the name of the LORD! Moses was to be a ‘god’ or ‘elohim’ to Pharaoh when he brought the message of the LORD to him, Exodus 7:1 and 5:1, and of course, Jesus who ‘came in his Father’s name’, John 5:43. There are several other manifestations by angels, men, a pillar of fire and of smoke, as well as lightning, winds, etc. Psalm 148:8.

When the LORD reveals his ‘glory in Exodus 34:6,7, the ‘glory’ of his name is found in the seven characteristics listed in this passage. This ‘glory of his name’ is then later revealed in his son, Jesus Christ. Cp “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth”. John 1:14.

God’s purpose in creating man in his image and likeness, was to see himself in us. He is looking to call out a people for his name, Acts 15:14. This means that our given purpose in daily living is to demonstrate God’s character in what we do! 1 Peter 2:9. In this way we can be joined to God and His sonnJesus Christ. John 17:11.

MOSES RETURNS TO EGYPT:

“Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Let My people go” Exodus 5:1. This call by Moses to let the people of the LORD go from Egypt is a direct challenge to the Egyptian leader to obey the voice of the LORD. When Pharaoh refuses, 10 plagues are introduced by Moses. These plagues are to demonstrate the contrast between Yahweh, and the many god’s of Egypt. God uses the ‘hardness of Pharaoh’s heart or ‘obstinance’ to reveal the power of the LORD to Israel, as well as to the world. Exodus 9:15,16. Israel also endures the first 3 plagues, but are then “separated”. Exodus 8:22-23. This whole experience is “that you may know that I, the LORD, am in the midst of the land”.

THE LAST PLAGUE: THE PASSOVER:

While the last ‘plague’ applies to the Egyptians, it is the means of salvation to the children of Israel. There are many Divine principles and lessons found here. The Passover is a complete, living parable of redemption! Exodus 12 supplies the instructions regarding the Passover.

1) Israel were enslaved in the “house of bondage” Exodus 13:14, as we are to sin: Romans 7:24.

2) God provides a Lamb as deliverer” Exodus 12:3; John 1:29.
It was to be a ‘male and without blemish’ -cp 1 Peter 1:18
It was to be roast with fire – ie. persecution – 1 Peter 2:22-25
Every family to eat all of Lamb – full participation with Christ: Luke 22:15.

3) Unleavened bread = untainted: Sincerity & truth: 1 Corinthians 5:7

4) Bitter herbs -bitterness of bondage.

5) Blood only on the door posts and lintels -All who enter (the door)are covered by sacrifice: I John 1:7. No blood on the doorstep to “tread under foot” Hebrews 10:29.

6) Shoes on – Staff in Hand – Loins girded: prepared and in readiness to leave when called upon. They were to ACT ON PRINCIPLE: Ephesians 6:14-15.

7) Angel of Death passes over:  salvation from Death. 1Corinthians 15:54 (once we are in the house, we are in Christ. He is our Passover lamb and the means of our deliverance.)

8) Death of the Egyptian firstborn and any who knew what God required but chose not to respond.

 

THE RED SEA – BAPTISM

Upon leaving Egypt, Pharaoh pursues the children of Israel who are led by God to the shores of the Red Sea where they are to ‘stand still and see the glory of the LORD!’ Exodus 14:13. They are forced to see that their deliverance was by the hand of God and not something that they had done themselves. Upon the command of Moses, the sea opens and as they pass through the sea on dry land, but with the water on the right and the left and the cloud above them, they are symbolically and completely covered by water, Exodus 14:29. This is a national baptism: 1 Corinthians 10:1,2.

The principles of baptism are seen in:

1. a) the Egyptians dead on the sea shore: the old man crucified &
2. b) Israel delivered to the opposite shore: “newness of life” Romans 6:5

Israel begins their journey through the wilderness to ‘the promised land’. However, they are led to Sinai as was assured to Moses (Exodus 3:12). This indirect route would be to test their belief in God. It is a period of ‘probation’ to prepare them for the Kingdom of God, Deuteronomy 8:1-3. We too must endure a period of testing, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22.

GIVING OF THE LAW – CONDITIONAL COVENANT AT MT. SINAI

Once they arrive at Mount Sinai, they remain for a period of time. It is at this time that they are given the Law of God through Moses, which is to be referred to as ‘the law’. This was now a new phase of God’s divine purpose:

• The law was given to demonstrate their unique relationship with God and to separate them from the other nations, Deuteronomy 7:6.
• The law showed when they were not giving glory to God, Galatians 3:21
• The law was to teach about the ‘Messiah’ or Christ, Galatians 3:24.

THE KINGDOM OF GOD ON EARTH:

It is at Sinai where God provides the formal establishment of Israel as the Kingdom of God: Exodus 19:6

Every Kingdom has 4 elements:

1. A king – Yahweh
2. A People – Israel.
3. A Law – given at Sinai
4. A place: Land = Canaan.

 

THE FAILURE IN THE WILDERNESS: Once they had received the law of God through Moses and built a tabernacle (a designated meeting place between God and the People (Exodus 25:8) they journey toward the land of promise. Throughout their journey there were several incidents where their lack of faith was revealed. When they finally did arrive at the border of the land, they feared to go in against the people of the land even though God had assured them he would go in before them. The result was to return to the wilderness and wander for the next 38 years until all the adults perished in the wilderness. They failed in the wilderness due to their lack of faith, Hebrews 3:19. We are to learn from their mistakes and respond with faith and be prepared to ‘enter the rest’ that God has prepared for his children. Hebrews 4:2

 

As the time of their wilderness wandering drew to a close, Joshua was appointed by God to lead the new generation into the promised land. Moses was not allowed to enter due to failure in keeping the word of God at the rock of Meribah, Numbers 20:11. (Joshua = Hebrew and means Yah is salvation. Note: the New Testament Greek equivalent is “Jesus”. ”Yah will save”.) Jesus will lead God’s people into the Kingdom of God on earth as our leader: cp Hebrews 4:8. & Hebrews 12:2, Jesus will complete the work of salvation.

THE BOOK OF JOSHUA gives the account of the Land being conquered and then the allotments within the land for the children of Israel as per God’s promise. Numbers 26:53.

THE PERIOD OF THE JUDGES: shares the time following Joshua that the people failed to serve the LORD and fell victim to the kings and rulers surrounding them. There are 6 times that the cycle of their ‘sin, suffering, seeking, and salvation when they again turned to the LORD their God. Samuel was the last judge.

THE PEOPLE DESIRE A KING: -While Samuel was their leader, the people wanted a ‘king’ in order to be like the ‘other nations’. This had been predicted by Moses: Deuteronomy 17:14. Their request meant they were rejecting the LORD as their King: 1 Samuel 8:5,7.

The LORD presented a man that appealed to the people: tall and good looking, (1 Samuel 9:2) but Samuel had warned them about what a King would be like among them, 1 Samual 8:9-18. Despite the warnings, they were given a king: 1 Samuel 10:24. In response to their request, they were appointed Saul who as it turns out WAS a king just like the other nations, yet their satisfaction with his physical appearance and stature blinded them to the very poor spiritual guidance, and many were relegated to his service. 1 Samuel 12:13.

SAUL’S FAILURE: Saul’s role as king was filled with apprehension. When the people wanted to bring him forward and see him, he was ‘hiding among the stuff’. He had a relatively good beginning, but quickly his basic weakness was to follow the dictates of his own reason, without spiritual awareness. He was also weak in standing for the principles of God in the face of the people’s opinion. These weaknesses are revealed through two incidents:

14. a) He was to wait for Samuel to come and offer sacrifice before he engaged in war with the Philistines. He stepped in and offered the sacrifices himself. 1 Samuel 13:8-14.
15. b) He failed to completely obey God’s instructions regarding the judgement on the Amalekites when he spared the sheep that were to be destroyed. He also spared king Agag alive, etc. He was reminded that “To obey is better than sacrifice” 1 Samuel 15:21-23

THE ANOINTING OF DAVID: Once it was apparent that Saul was not a suitable king, the LORD promised the kingship to another – described as “a man after God’s own heart” Acts 13:22. David was chosen according to Divine ideals, for: “the Lord looks on the heart” 1 Samuel 16:7.

DAVID’S TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS: Despite his anointing to be King over the nation, it is many years before David becomes King. He is often hunted by Saul who is unwilling to give up the throne. Finally, he became King in Hebron and remained there for 7 years before becoming King over all Israel and reigned from Jerusalem for 33 years, for a total of 40 years.

THE PROMISES TO DAVID:

Once on the throne, David proved that he was a ‘Godly’ and spiritual leader among the people. His great faith and belief combined with obedience to God brought him favor of the LORD. As a result, the LORD made promises to Davd regarding his ‘seed’ or descendants. This is the 3^rd of the great promises of the Bible. This is highlighted in
2 Sam 7:12-16:

1. The promise was to be fulfilled after David dies. 2 Samuel 7:12 Cp Acts 2:29
2. He would have a son to come and set up David’s throne.
3. This son of David is also to be the son of God.
4. David’s throne and kingdom are to be established forever.
5. Israel is to benefit by his rule of this Kingdom: 2 Samuel 7:10,24.,

Reference that show the promise is yet unfulfilled. Jeremiah 33: 17; Amos 9:11,12; Acts 2:29,30. lsaiah 9:6 Jesus Christ is the promised Seed: see Matthew 1:1. Also, confirmation that Jesus is David’s son to whom the promise refers, Acts 13:22,23 & Luke 1:30-37

 

SOLOMON’S REIGN: Solomon is then chosen to take over the throne of David in his stead. His reign brought peace and prosperity to the kingdom is in some ways is a foreshadow of the reign of David’s promised son; he sits on the throne of the LORD over Israel. 1 Chronicles 28: 5

SOLOMON’S FAILURE: While Solomon initially trusted in the LORD he became distracted and turned to amassing gold, horses, and women and wives who turned his heart from the truth of God. Cp 1 Kings 11:1-4. A warning against marriage outside the faith. Also, Nehemiah 13:26.

THE KINGDOM DIVIDED: As a consequence of Solomon’s failure, the kingdom is divided: Rehoboam is Solomon’s son and continues to rule over 2 southern tribes in Judah. While an outsider who is not a descendant from David or Solomon, Jeroboam, is given 10 tribes by God and he rules in the north (Israel), 1 Kings 11:30-36

Israel: The northern kingdom (Israel) has a consistent record of idolatry and apostacy – with a record of no faithful kings at all. Subsequently, Israel was taken captive by Assyria in approximately BCE 722.  The events of this are recorded in 2 Kings 17.

Judah: Jesus Christ’s tribe. The southern kingdom of Judah has several faithful kings, but mostly we read of a general decline in their faith with the LORD. Some did follow David’s example: IE  Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah and Josiah. About 120 years after the conquest of Israel, Judah also is taken captive, this time by the Babylonians in approximately BCE 585. This is recorded in 2 Chron 36 during the rule of Zedekiah, Judah’s last king. Now there are none of David’s descendants on the throne, the Kingdom is to be overthrown “until he comes whose right it is”, Ezekiel 21: 25-27. The throne awaits the greater son of David, the Lord Jesus Christ. John 18: 37

THE CAPTIVITY, THE PROPHETS AND THE MESSIANIC PROPHECIES

The overriding message of this section is found in Amos 3:7,

“Surely the Lord GOD does nothing unless He reveals His secret counsel to His servants the prophets.”

This states the reason for the prophetic messages given: to reveal the word of the LORD to His people. This accomplished two things: first, they could prepare for what is coming, especially as it relates to them, and second, they would have fair warning to respond to the message. As an example, verses 1&2 present the principle upon which God’s judgments will be applied, primarily to the Jews, who are exclusive to the LORD, and then, to the nations around them. With the warning given, this bestowed responsibility, for which disobedience conferred punishment. In this passage, because they profaned His name!

This is not just a ‘one time’ event, but is a regular tool used by God to guide his people to obedience! Another example of punishment for their faithlessness is provided when the Jews are warned through Jeremiah: “…thus says the LORD of hosts, ‘Because you have not obeyed My words… ‘This whole land will be a desolation and a horror, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years”, Jeremiah 25:8,11,12. Jeremiah was still the prophet during the 6 deportations of the Jews from the land by the Babylonians. Again in Jeremiah 23:1-8, the leaders who are supposed to guide the people are condemned. However, when the prophecies are pieced together, despite their failure as a nation, they would never be totally forgotten by God as noted in v5,6,8. In fact they would “dwell on their own soil”. To expand on this, Jeremiah 33:7-9, God would: “cleanse them… and pardon all their iniquities”. Read also, in verses 14-26, of the reaffirming of the hope in the coming Messiah!

There are four major prophets in the Old Testament: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. These four men were sent as messengers to teach Israel the ways of righteousness and warn them of the pending judgments of God! Isaiah was contemporary with the minor prophet, Micah whose message was a warning to the northern tribes of Israel. About 120 years later, Jeremiah, Daniel and Ezekiel were contemporary with one another. While Jeremiah remained in Israel during the deportations and warned them time and again to ‘return to the LORD’, Daniel and Ezekiel were among the first captives who were taken to Babylon. Daniels message was primarily to those in Babylon, including Nebuchadnezzar the king. Ezekiel primarily reminded the Jews in Babylon of why they were in captivity, but also provided messages of deliverance and visions of a future temple.

Many of the prophetic messages were predictions of the coming Messiah’! CP the stone that destroyed the image: Daniel 2:44,45. To the ‘stone’ which the builders rejected: Luke 20:17. The Messiah is referenced in nearly every ‘book’ of the Old Testament, however we will only provide a brief list of links/references: IE ^“I will raise up for them a Prophet like you (Moses) from among their brethren, and will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.” Deuteronomy 18:18               READ MORE EXAMPLES

Also from Genesis:

• The seed of the woman—Genesis 3:15; Galatians 3:19; 4:4;
• The coverings for Adam & Eve – Genesis 3;
• Noah’s ark—Genesis 6–10; 1 Peter 3:18–22; Galatians 3:27
• A priest like Melchizedek—Genesis 14; Hebrews 7–10;
• Isaac, the ‘seed’ of promise—Genesis 17; Galatians 4:21–31 (Isaac foreshadows the Christ in his ‘miraculous’ birth, his willingness to die, in his offering like a lamb, Genesis 22:7–8; John 1:29; his “resurrection” [Hebrews 11:19], and his taking of a bride. Of course, Jesus actually died and was risen to life. In Isaac, these events were only symbolic.)
  • Joseph in his life was a parable or foreshadow of the life of Christ—Genesis 37–50
  • he was scorned and sold for money by His brothers;
  • he was a beloved son of his Father; ended up in prison,
  • but then exalted to sit at the right hand of Pharaoh.
  • Joseph’s brothers did not recognize him the first time, but was revealed on their second visit. Israel shall look on him who they pierced!

Christ Foreshadowed In Exodus:

• The Passover lamb of God: Genesis 12.1-28; Christ our Passover 1Corinthians 5:7 The lamb slain from the foundation of the world: Revelations 13:8 KJV
• The Manna / Bread from Heaven 1-36; cp John 6:31-35
• The source from which comes living water (Exodus 17.1-7 cp John 4:7-15)

The symbol for sin is a thorn; see Gen 3:18. When we see Christ crucified, we find the Roman soldiers made a crown of thorns and placed it upon Christ’s head. Christ was made sin for us (Gal 3:13), He bore our sins on His head.

Isaiah predicted the virgin birth of Jesus Isaiah 7:14
There would be a child born who would be called the mighty God Isaiah 9:6-7
The Messiah would be preceded by a messenger Isaiah 40:1-5,9
He would perform miracles Isaiah 45:1
Jesus was spat upon and beaten Isaiah 50:6
The Messiah would be rejected Isaiah 53:1-3
He would die for our sins Isaiah 53:4-6
He would be silent before his accusers Isaiah 53:7
God’s servant would be buried in a rich man’s tomb Isaiah 53:9
And, he would be numbered with the transgressors Isaiah 53:12

SECTION 2: THE MANIFESTATION OF JESUS CHRIST – THE SEED PROMISED.

The object of our studies from this point are to demonstrate that Jesus is the ‘Christ’, the anointed ‘seed’ of associated with the promises made in Eden, and to Abraham and David. As we open the New Testament, note the extent to which the writers refer to the Bible beginnings. This confirms that the Bible is to be understood as a whole and not to be pulled apart to suit doctrinal leanings.

THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST:

Jesus Christ, IS the promised “Seed” (son) and is central to all of these promises. He fulfills each of them wonderfully! Let’s have a look:

1. Edenic Promise: This promise refers to a ‘seed’ to come which will have the victory over sin and death. Jesus is the seed of the woman (Galatians 4:4) who is to destroy the power of sin, (Hebrews 2:14) Even though he is a son of God, he is also a son of man and thereby tempted in every way like we are, yet he overcame his human nature with its lusts to conquer sin in his body. Matthew 4:1-11. Also: “since we have a great high priest … was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:14-16
2. Abrahamic Promise: He is the “son of Abraham, Matthew 1:1. More specifically: he is the ‘seed’ promised, Galatians 3:16, who, through his sacrifice made the fulfillment of these promises possible for: the land, the blessing and the resurrection. Romans 15:8. It is through him that all Abraham’s faithful descendants and adopted children shall receive their inheritance: Galatians 3:26-29
3. Davidic Promise: He is, at the same time, the “Son of David” Matthew 1:1; Romans 1:3. He is the promised King who will sit and reign on David’s throne over the kingdom of God when he returns.

The New Testament opens with the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:1 with the words: “The book of the ‘GENESIS’ of Jesus Christ…” Genesis is translated as ‘generation’ in v1 and ‘birth’ in v18. It is very clear that this is Jesus’ beginning! He did not exist before his birth. The Bible emphasizes that Jesus was born of Mary, a ‘virgin’ who had no physical relations with any man, Matthew 1:25. This is an important clue given by Isaiah to indicate a sign to watch for. Also, historical teaching of ‘the church’ has elevated Mary to an unscriptural role and place. It is wrong to consider that Mary was the ‘mother of God’. Mary was a chaste virgin who was favored by God to bear his son. It was only after God, by His power, the Holy Spirit ‘overshadowed’ her so that she conceived and bore a son and named him Jesus, just as the angel of God had directed.

Jesus: Greek: ‘Yah shall save’: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

Christ: Is the Greek word for Hebrew Messiah, which simply means ‘one anointed’.

Therefore it becomes the declaration by the Apostles that “Jesus is the Christ” or the Anointed Savior.

JESUS’ BAPTISM: Why was Jesus baptized, if he had no sin? “To fulfill all righteousness” is the answer that Jesus gave (Matthew 3:15). What did he mean by this? The principle of passing through the water to a new life was established already in the Old Testament with the children of Israel crossing the Red Sea. Also, long before Jesus died, the principle of Baptism was established to ‘wash away sins’. Even though Jesus had no sin, his baptism was a public declaration that he understood he had a sinful nature which had to be put to death, and that he was committing himself to God. Further, in his role as a ‘priest’ he first had to be ‘cleansed’ before he could begin his ministry, (cp Exodus 40:12,13). Jesus “crucified the flesh with its passions and desires”, first, through his baptism, then, in his life and subsequent death! His example is provided for us to follow. Uniquely, his baptism also pointed forward to his own crucifixion. Jesus lived his life without sin. He was the ‘only begotten’ or born son of God. His ministry was to heal the people spiritually and confirm to all that God has always had a plan for salvation and that he was the one who would accomplish it.

As we read through the Gospel records, each writer gives a different perspective of the life of Jesus Christ. Yet, each record adds to the account. The record concerning his crucifixion is raw and full of emotion. This man whose efforts to ‘love the Lord with all his heart and love his neighbor as himself’ was brutalized and put to death. Why did God allow this to happen to his son? Jesus himself declares, “Thy will be done” Matthew 26:42. God from the fall of man in the garden in Eden, required it.

THE SACRIFICE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST:

It is important to remember when considering the sacrifice of Jesus, the Old Testament prophecies concerning and pointing forward to this event. When, for example, we looked at Genesis 3:15, we mentioned the fact that there was an enmity from that time on and that it is carried on through Cain and Abel, but more importantly how it was and is present in every person. This battel between the flesh and the spirit was spoken of by Paul in Romans:15-25. The scriptures present many times this enmity that does war within our own bodies. However, the victory spoken of in Genesis has not been realized in our own lives yet. It has been accomplished I the life of Jesus Christ and this is why we need to deal with this subject now.

Hebrews 2:14 points out very emphatically the fact that Jesus was of the same nature as we are! The important point to take from this is that Jesus destroyed that which has the power of death… he destroyed sin within himself. If we link this thought to Romans 6:6-14, these verses sum up the overall victory that Christ had on the cross. What did he accomplish? Two things: 1) He overcame the sinful nature within himself by dying without ever succumbing to those tendencies, and 2) In being sinless, he became the ‘means’ for us to have the opportunity to overcome and at least have the chance of redemption by his grace. Let’s consider these two aspects a little more closely.

If we consider once more James 1:13-15 we review the process of temptation which leads to sin which results in death. In Jesus this process never had the opportunity to develop. He was un-condemned! Cp John 8:46; &10:32,23. God’s proclamation was that “the ‘soul that sins it shall die!”, Ezekiel 18:4. However, we are talking about Jesus, the man who did not sin. Based on the law of God…”if he walks in My statutes and My ordinances so as to deal faithfully—he is righteous and will surely live,” declares the Lord GOD”, Ezekiel 18:9. This is the reason that “God raised him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. God does keep His word!

This leads us to the second point: sinless Jesus became the ‘propitiation’ or the means of our salvation, Romans 3:23-26 & 1John 2:2. The whole plan of God from Genesis to Revelation is centered around the promised Messiah. Paul explains: “that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself.” This is telling us that Jesus was the key to the outworking of God’s plan to restore man to God’s favor.

Jesus fulfilled the role of Genesis 3:15. This was not a substitutionary sacrifice! Jesus did not do this instead of us. His action represented sin being destroyed! He was not force to do this, but yielded willingly, because he loved his Father. It was necessary that he be a willing sacrifice to secure the release of those bound by sin. Through baptism into Jesus Christ, a believer is no longer a “stranger to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world, but now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” Ephesians 2:12,13. There is no other way! All who come to God must come through Jesus Christ: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

We must be transformed from flesh to spirit, as was Jesus! Baptism is how everyone in Christ is required to ‘mortify the deeds of the flesh’ and develop the ‘fruit of the spirit’ Galatians 5:22-24. Also, Galatians 6:14.

Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17), and once we accept the gospel and repent, we then need to be baptized into the name of Jesus Christ. In so doing, a believer having ‘put on Christ’ will begin to walk as a ‘new man’ and become heirs with him of the promises made to Abraham. (Galatians 3:29)

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the son of God was brutal. As we read of the event in all 4 gospels, we cannot help being touched with the sorrow of an injustice done. Many of his enemies / accusers came to witness the end of this wonderful man! Even in his burial, the prophet words speak, when his supporters provided a never before used tomb for burial. The accusers were worried and went to Pilate to ask that he seal the tomb and set a guard (Matthew 27:65). Thus, Jesus was entombed and remained in the grave for three days and nights, another sign given by the prophet, quoted in Matthew 12:40. But this was not the end of Jesus! After the 3 days had passed on the first day of the week, Jesus was resurrected to life. This was not a ‘spirit’, but the physical body of Jesus was resurrection to life. The disciples were able to see and touch him. Luke 24:39

Jesus then continued with the apostles for the next 40 days then he ascended to heaven from the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:10,11). The angels that stood by reminded them that Jesus would return and touch his feet on the Mount from which he ascended. Where is He now and what is He doing? (Acts. 3:19-21; Acts 7:56) All believers now wait for his return to the earth to fulfill the promises of God.

It should be obvious from our studies that there is no reward in the heaven where God dwells! The whole Christian hope is based upon the fact that Jesus Christ will return to the earth! We are given assurance of this in Matthew 16:27; John 14:3; Revelations 22:12,20. His return will not be to ‘die again’ for the sins of the people. He did that once for all. Rather, when he comes again it will be with ‘judgement’ Acts 17:31. With Jesus being the central ‘seed’ of Abraham and David, it fits that Jesus will then sit upon the throne of David, over the land that was promised to Abraham.

The scriptures are also descriptive of what Jesus will do when he returns to the earth. One of the most outstanding truths is the ‘resurrection and judgment that we have just referred to and is confirmed yet again in 1 Corinthians 15:3,4 & 12-20. Christ is the ‘firstfruits’ and living testimony that God will raise the dead. “for the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord”. 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17. Those still alive at Christ’s coming will be gathered by the angels to stand before the Judge: John 4:

Not everyone shall hear the trumpet sound! There are those who will not rise from death: Psalm 49:12-14 & Daniel 12:2 The dividing line is when a person has understanding, they become ‘responsibility’. Only the responsible, namely, those who hear and know the word of God, whether or not they choose to obey or not.will be resurrected. Those not knowing the truth of God will “perish without the law” Romans 2:12. See also John 5:29: “and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment”.

What is the basis of acceptance at the judgment seat? Baptism, faith, works and obedience on our part, and by grace from the Judge.

What will be the work of those given eternal life? The will be equal unto the angels, Luke 20:36, They will live and reign with Christ on earth during the millenium (1000 years) Revelation 5:10 & Revelation 20:6. Their role will be to bring the nations under the rule of Christ as revealed in Psalm 149:4-9. At the end of the 1000 years, the kingdom will be given to God who will be all in all 1 Corinthians 15:23-28.

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:

WHERE IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD? The throne of David will be set up on earth in Jerusalem with Jesus Christ as ruler, and his rule will be over the land promised to Abraham and his faithful children. “Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven!” (the Lord’s prayer)

WHAT WILL THE KINGDOM BE LIKE? During this period, the Kingdom of God on earth shall include a mortal population of Jews and Gentile nations at least during the 1000-year period. The saints, (those believers who are resurrected to life and endowed with eternal life) will assist Christ in ruling over the nations. Cp Zechariah 14:14-17 & Psalm 149:7-9

WILL THERE BE SIN? Yes! Because there will continue a mortal population, sin will continue in the earth until the 1000 years of Christ’s rule are completed, “For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.
1 Corinthians 15:25. Revelation 20:5,6.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END OF THE 1000 YEAR PERIOD OF CHRIST’S RULE? What does God’s word tell us? It is recorded in Revelation 20:7-10 & 14,15 and suggests that, despite the righteous rule of Christ there will be opposition which will come to a head at the end of the Millenium. Those who reject him will rise in an attempt to deceive and rebel among the nations but will be destroyed by Christ and the saints. At the end of the 1000 year period, sin is to be eliminated, with death and the grave (hell) which are the consequences of sin, being cast into the lake of fire. Finally: the earth will be irradicated of sin and death and will continue no more! Revelation 20:14, 15. Only then will the earth be filled with the glory of the LORD. This is the picture presented in Revelation chapters 20 and 21.

 

SECTION 3: THE APOSTLES FELLOWSHIP: THE BELIEVERS RESPONSIBILITY

The believer must continue in Apostolic practices: Acts 2:42:

1. Apostles Doctrine: purity of doctrine first: James 3:17
2. Fellowship: Based on “Light” 1 Iohn. 1:7 and deepens with maturity: Ephesians 4:12-13.

Why is our fellowship restricted? It is based on a “common” faith, or “communion”. We are members of the one Body, associated in Christ and there can be no communion of light with darkness: 1 Corinthians10:16, Ephesians 4:16-18, 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, Deuteronomy 7:2-6, Ephesians 5:11.

3. Breaking of Bread: Attendance at the Memorial Meeting is a “law of the household”. It is essential: Hebrews 10:2~29, 1 Corinthians 11:1-2. There are five essential attributes of the breaking of bread:
4. a) Thanksgiving to God: Jesus was recognized on the road to Emmaus through the act of giving thanks.
5. b) It is a memorial: Jesus command: “Do this in remembrance of me” 1 Corinthians 11:25.
6. c) It is Christ’s command: “drink… in remembrance of me” Luke 22:19.
7. d) It is the food of life: “bread from heaven” John 6:53-58; spiritual food is as essential for the health and life of the “Body” as natural food.
8. e) Participation in the sacrifice of Christ 2 Corinthians 5:14-19
9. f) It is an opportunity of rededication of us in sacrificial service: Romans 12:1. A living sacrifice.
10. Prayer: Is essential for personal guidance and Luke 18:1, 1 Thess.5: 17.
    5. Study and Read the Scriptures: ‘Faith comes by hearing the word of God’ Romans 10:17. The disciple must ‘feed’ his faith regularly and at every opportunity. Following the Daily Reading Planner will help you continue to grow in knowledge, faith and confidence in your walk. Also, it is important to attend the weekly Bible Study sessions, and there are many good booklets and literature to help develop the spiritual mind.

Each disciple has a responsibility also to share the gospel and witness to his new-found faith in his daily activities. This can be helped by attendance at the weekly lectures Matthew 5: 14-16. Our light must shine!

 

RELATIONS WITH THE STATE: We must obey the laws of the land as citizens, and in fact are called upon to pray for those in power. We are to seek for peaceful conditions in which to practice our worship: 1Timothy 2:1-4; and be in subjection to ruling authorities, Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter2:12-15. However, the laws of the land may conflict with the law of God. It is our duty to represent and serve the principles of God, cp Acts 4:19.

In this regard the faithful disciple cannot participate in:

1. POLITICS: We can have no part in worldly politics. Worldly governments are not based upon Divine principles. In fact, God determines who should be in power! IE: “the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men, Daniel 4:17. Knowing this prevents us from being involved in voting lest we work against the purpose of God We have no King but Christ, no government other than that which he presides over: Isaiah 9: 6-7. We are in effect strangers and pilgrims on the earth because the world follows flesh while the believers follow Christ, 1 Peter 2:11 and our citizenship is in heaven Philippians 3:20.
2. MILITARY SERVICE: this too is run by godless motives and involves allegiance or obedience to worldly governments, which would contravene God’s laws: IE do not kill, Exodus 20:14; Love your enemy, and do good to those who hate you Matthew 5:44, and to resist not evil Matthew 5:39. To engage in military service would put us at odds with the commandments of Christ and force us into a position where we may be working against the purpose of God, and possibly against Christs disciples in other countries. The world governments and systems are to be destroyed by Christ: Daniel 2:44.

However, we are not pacifists: i.e.: we do not deprecate war as such, for such will be necessary to establish Righteousness in the earth: Revelations11:15, 19:11 which point to a time in which Christ’s servants will fight to establish righteousness.

3. COURT ACTION: Christs servants should not initiate court proceedings to recover debts or to establish our legal rights Matthew 5:40-42. Appearance in court of law should only be to answer charges arising from failure to keep the Law when such would violate our Conscience, or in defense of our character or as a witness to others falsely accused. Our conscience should remove us from serving on a jury in order to avoid conflicting principles between the disciple and the worlds legal foundations.
4. PROTESTS: Actions which constitute political agendas that challenge the governments and employers are against the principles of the Bible: “For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong” 1 Peter 3:14, 17; 4:19, Ephesians 6:5 Serve as unto Christ. We also have the example of Jesus who when he was reviled, reviled not again, and was “led as a sheep to the slaughter” Acts 8:32. Also, even though he prayed for deliverance from the crucifixion, he was willing to fulfill the purpose of God in him: “O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.”

SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD: The principle of separateness constantly stressed in scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-4. We must “abstain” from all appearance of evil,
1 Thessalonians 5:22. Rather we should devote our time to things profitable Philippians 4:8; It is best to avoid getting involved with those outside the Truth with regard to Social\Clubs, sports teams, committees, etc. The world allures through the ‘deceitfulness of sin’: IE “love not the world, nor the things in the world”: 1 John 2:15, l6. The world promotes itself via:

1. a) TV programming:-often evil in compromising principles, always time-consuming.
2. b) Movies and the Arts & Theatres.
3. c) Organized sports: whether played or patronized.
4. d) Do not allow excess of legitimate pleasure to lead to the avoidance of our spiritual responsibilities. The Bible refers to this as “the cares of this life”.
5. e) “Covetousness is idolatry” Colossians 3:5. We are to provide for ourselves and our families 1 Timothy 5:8, but also to avoid the “love of money” 1 Timothy 6:9-10, “owe no man anything” Romans 13:8.

Briefly review the Commandments of Christ in the Statement of Faith

BEHAVIOR IN THE ECCLESIA:

Paul counseled circumspect behavior in the “house of God’ 1 Timothy 3:15 and to be careful “to give offence to none” unnecessarily: 1 Corinthians 10:32.

This will mean:

40. Acceptance of ecclesial rules as necessary for all things to be done” decently and in order” 1 Corinthians 14: 40. Also, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” Hebrews 10:25. It is important to attend the meeting for the benefit of oneself as well as to be able to encourage each other.
41. We may have different opinions, but we should agree to abide by the opinion of the ecclesial majority in things non-essential for salvation and that involve areas for freedom of conscience. Esteem each other with love.
42. To take responsibility and perform cheerfully whatever is requested of us. 2 Peter 4:2; 1 Peter 5:1-6.
43. We are a lay community: demonstrate your interest in ecclesial affairs –the work of the ”body of Christ” through your participation and example and by your attendance at the events and business meetings of the Ecclesia.

Are you prepared to give your life in the service of the Lord Jesus Christ? Baptism is the means by which we can participate in the life, sacrifice and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no other name given under heaven by which we must be saved. May your heart be able to receive God’s calling to the gospel concerning Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God.

BIBLE PRINCIPLES NOT YET COVERED:

GOD: We have considered in the context of the course many features and characteristics about God. The Bible is His revelation to us by which all can come to know Him. His very name Yahweh indicates His purpose of deliverance in the meaning: ‘He who will be manifested in a multitude of mighty ones’. He will deliver the faithful descendants of Abraham whether Jew or those who become heirs with Abraham having “put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27).

There are three key traits of God’s being that we should understand from the Scriptures: God is

Omnipotent: Having all and unlimited power and unlimited authority!

Omniscient: All knowing!

Omnipresent: Present everywhere!

These three adjectives are descriptive of the unlimited power, presence and knowledge  of God. It is difficult for human minds to understand God in these aspects is beyond our full comprehension. The creation of the heavens and the earth, the animals and man (from the dust of the ground), testify to the power that is God! The Scriptures tell us that he knows the number of hairs on our head, when a sparrow falls to the ground and events in advance of their appearance. There is no place we can go to hide from him as Jonah tried to do.

Yet in all this, He has revealed who He is in this book, the Bible. He requires that we be holy for He is holy as His word reveals: God is Light, God is Love, God is true, God is faithful, God is a consuming fire, and He is not ashamed to be called our God or our Father! The only way we can get to know the love of God is to read his word. The Bible is the means He chose to reveal Himself. He has revealed His attributes of love in Exodus 34:6,7. There is only one God and Father: Deuteronomy 6: 4.

 

GOD & JESUS: It is imperative that the believer understand that Jesus Christ is not God! Even Jesus confirms that he does not rise to the level to be equal with God and never pursued that position as revealed in Philippians 2:5-11. He is the Son of God. However, he has been ‘highly exalted’ and given all the authority of God and even bears the ‘name of his Father’. Jesus own claim is that while he and his Father are one, “Jesus said unto him, why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God!” Matthew 19:17. And again: “my Father is greater than I” John 14:28.

Paul records in the letter to the Corinthians that Jesus too will be subject to his Father as stated: “And when all things shall be subdued unto him (Jesus), then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.” 1 Corinthians 15:28.

There is one God and one Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Corinthians  8:6; Jesus is the mediator between man and God, 1 Timothy 2:5. In all things, Jesus is at one with the Father, in purpose, mind and virtue, John 10:30. And now Jesus can die no more for he had died to sin. Romans 6:9 & Hebrews 1:3. The fact that Jesus lives and was resurrected is the proof given to all men that God can and will fulfill His promises. Acts 17:31.

 

THE SPIRIT OF GOD: There is no separating God and his power. “God is a spirit” … John 4:24. In his book, “Christendom Astray” Robert Roberts says: “The Father and the Spirit are one. Yet there is a distinction between the Father and the spirit as to the form in which they are presented to our apprehension. Of the former (God) as we have seen, it is testified that he dwells “in heaven” in unapproachable light” (1Timothy 6:16) and is therefore, located; while of the later, it is declared that it is everywhere alike.”

This describes God in conjunction with His spirit power. The spirit is further described in John 3:8 by comparing it to the wind which blows and we cannot see it, but we can see the effect of the wind. So is the spirit! When the ‘spirit’ is in man, he has been ‘moved’ by the power of God to conform to Godly principles.

THE HOLY SPIRIT AND HOLY SPIRIT GIFTS

The “Holy” Spirit is God’s power sanctified or ‘set apart’ for the outworking of a particular purpose: Acts 13:2-4, 16:6; The writers of the inspired word were guided by the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:19-20 & 2 Timothy 3:16. This ‘power’ was given to men to perform miracles, Acts 10:38. It was also the means by which Mary was able to conceive the Lord Jesus Christ, Luke1:35. Also, “The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.” Job 33:4

ANGELS: are messengers or agents of God who do His will Hebrews 1:14 and are referred to as ‘ministering spirits’ who are sent to minister to those who fear God, and who are heirs of salvation.  Psalm 34:7. See also Psalms 103:20 & 104:4,5

DEVIL: Unfortunately, the concept of the ‘devil’ has taken on fabled proportions in our modern world. The Greek word ‘diabolos’ simply means false accuser or slanderer, (ie diabolic) and is found only in the New Testament. We know that when we use the word ‘devil’ we are referring to wicked behavior. There is NO Bible evidence that supports a  wicked being who has power that is equal and opposite to God! The word is merely a scriptural personification of ‘sin’. The scriptures inform us that: “…from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, etc…” Mark 7:21 These are the works ‘of the flesh.’ When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness as recorded in Matthew 4 & Luke 4, we must remember that he was ‘tempted in all points as we are’ Hebrews 4:15. Was the devil here a wicked being? Or were these visions of what could be done? However this is viewed, there is no ‘being’ capable of offering the ’kingdoms of the world’ other than God. Most probably the temptations were the ‘thoughts of his own mind’ as suggested by James 1:14. Jesus now considered the ‘power of God’ that was now vested in him. While Jesus may have had the thought to use the spirit to ‘eat, to be protected or even take the power to himself, he never allowed those considerations any merit in contrast to James 1:15. He was tempted, but  overcame through his familiarity with the word of God as quoted at each test that came to him. Every person must take responsibility for their actions and when they fail, not blame other than themselves. Remember: it is “The wages of sin is death”, not the work of the devil being.

SATAN: This word is ‘transliterated’ or taken right out of the Hebrew language and it is the same word in the Greek as it is in our language. The meaning is: ‘an adversary’. The angel of the LORD ‘stood in the way’ or was an adversary of Balaam’s donkey in Numbers 22:22,. God is an adversary to King David in 1 Chron 21:1 cp 2 Samuel 24:1. Peter is a ‘satan’ to Jesus in Matthew 16:33 (just shortly after Peter confess that Jesus was the ‘Christ’.

Unfortunate again are those who misconstrue scripture to make a point: Isaiah 14:12 in reference to “how art thou fallen O Lucifer” and equate this to an angel fallen from heaven. This passage is clearly referring to the pomp of the King of Babylon (v4). Ezekiel 28:13 also is used because it reads: “Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God”. V2 clearly puts the focus upon the city of Tyre which exalted it’s wealth over the things of God. One other passage that is misunderstood is: Revelation 12:7-9 links the references to ‘that old serpent, the devil and satan who are cast out to the earth! Once that happens, “Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.” This is not talking about war in heaven at the beginning of creation, but the end of the era as salvation is presented to the ‘saints’ in the Kingdom of God on earth. This is consistent with all the rest of the Bible message.

HELL:  Hell in the Old Testament is simply a reference to “the grave” Hebrew ‘sheol’. In the New Testament Hell in Greek is the word “hades”. Once again, popular theology would aggrandize the concept of an ‘evil one’ ruling in a place of eternal burning for the torture of the wicked! When Jesus referred to hell fire in the New Testament, he used the word ‘Gehenna’. It is a reference to the Gehenna fire which refers to the continuously burning of garbage and dead animals in the valley of Ge Hinnom south of Jerusalem. The reference by Jesus to this place gave visualization to the end result of godless living. If we compare this  to 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 when Jesus shall “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel…”, we can see how the end is to come for the godless in reality. To be clear: there is no eternally burning place of torment officiated by the devil and his demons, but is typically reference to the utter annihilation of the godless. Ecclesiastes has given us clear depiction of the state of the dead in Ecclesiastes 3:19,20 & 9:5,6. “The dead know not anything”!

 

Other doctrines not yet covered can now be dealt with by going systematically through the Statement of Faith under the heading of “Doctrines to be rejected” explaining to the candidate the reason for rejection of those doctrines and impressing them with the Truth they deny.

Now, at this point, if we have even a basic knowledge of the Old Testament, we are confronted with two thoughts: one, that we realize that it is imperative that we use the whole Bible to fully appreciate the Word of God, and two, it seems that there are several inconsistencies with what is typically and commonly taught about the Bible.

The following are a series of sometimes contested doctrines that either are not supported in the context of the Bible, or are wrested and presented in a way that detracts from the truth outlined in the God’s word. Please make careful consideration of the passages listed. We also remind you to consider every passage in the light of God’s overall purpose as outlined in Numbers 14:21

“As truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD”.