1 In the
beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was
God. 2 He existed in the beginning with God. 3 God
created everything through Him, and nothing was created except through Him. 4
The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light
to everyone. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness
can never extinguish it. John 1:1-5, New Living Translation 2nd
Edition
I.
Overview
The
Gospel of John is the clearest statement of Jesus’ identity. John wrote his
Gospel to reveal Jesus as the long-awaited and promised Messiah (Christ)[1]
predicted by the Old Testament prophets, the only unique begotten Son of
God who came into the world as human, and the King of Israel (John
20:30-31; see also Matthew 16:16; John 1:14, 41, 49; John 6:14, 69; John 11:27;
John 12:13; John 18:37; John 20:30-31; Luke 2:10-11; Acts 10:43; 1 John 2:22-23).
Even more, John calls Jesus the Chosen One of God (John 1:34; see also Isaiah
42:1). Significantly, John’s Gospel record one of the most important
identification of Jesus – Jesus is both Lord and God (John 20:28; see
also Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:10-11; John 1:1, 18; John 13:13; Acts 10:36; Romans
10:9, 12; Philippians 2:11; Colossians 2:6; 1 John 5:20). John’s Gospel
proclaim that by BELIEVING and OBEYING in Jesus as the Messiah (Christ) and the
unique Son of God, we would find an abundant life, salvation (safety),
forgiveness (grace), spiritual power, and healing in Jesus’ Name both
NOW and FOR ALL ETERNITY (see also John 3:15-18; John 10:9-10, 24; John
11:25-27; Acts 3:6, 11; Acts 10:43; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 John 3:23; 1 John
5:1, 11, 13).
The
Gospel of John (often called the Fourth Gospel) teaches that Jesus the Christ
is the only salvation and stairway to the God of heaven (e.g., see John 1:51; John
3:13; John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5). Salvation is found in no one else, for there
is no other name under heaven given to humankind by which we must be saved
(Acts 4:12; see also Matthew 1:21; Romans 11:14). Even more, the Apostle Paul
and many other early disciples of Jesus devoted their lives exclusively to
preaching and testifying to the world that Jesus was the long-awaited
promised Messiah (Christ) that brings salvation as predicted by the Old
Testament – the Law and the Prophets (Acts 18:5; see also Luke 24:27, 44-47; Acts
9:19-22; Romans 3:21-23). Sadly, Satan (the evil one) and his evil disciples
deny that Jesus is the Messiah (Christ) (e.g., see 1 John 2:18-19, 22; 1 John
4:2-3; 2 John 1:7). John and many other disciples of Jesus testified and taught
to EVERYONE that they must turn to God in REPENTANCE,
turn away from turn darkness, and have faith and obedience in our
Lord Jesus Christ with our whole heart (John 14:21; see also e.g.,
Acts 2:38-39; Acts 20:21; Acts 24:24; Acts 26:15-18; Colossians 2:5).
II.
Background
Many
scholars have given various dates that the Gospel of John was written. Some
scholars date John’s Gospel as written in the middle of the 2nd century
approximately AD 135 or as early as AD 68. However, most biblical scholars date
the writing of John’s Gospel between AD 85 and AD 90, after the destruction of
Jerusalem in AD 70.[2]
The
author of John’s Gospel is identified in the book only as “the disciple
whom Jesus loved” (see John 13:23-25; John 21:7, 20, 24). This disciple was
a personal eyewitness of Jesus’ miraculous deeds and glory in
first-century Palestine (e.g., see John 2:11; John 15:27; John 19:35; John
20:30-31; John 21:24-25; 1 John 1:1-3). Moreover, this disciple of Jesus was
also a Palestinian Jew for he wrote and interpreted Jewish customs, words, and
rituals for his readers (e.g., see John 1:38, 41-42; John 5:2; John 7:37-39; John
9:7; John 18:28; John 19:13, 17; John 20:16) and of the land of Palestine (e.g.,
see John 1:44, 46; John 5:1-2). Importantly, this disciple witnessed Jesus’
life, actions, and works as he personally saw and touched Jesus’ hands (e.g.,
see John 2:6, 11, 23; John 13:26; John 21:8, 11; 1 John 1:1-3). Even more, this
disciple was part of Jesus’ “inner circle” (e.g., see Matthew 17:1; Matthew
26:37; Mark 5:37; Mark 13:3; Luke 8:51; John 13:23-24; John 20:2-9).
In
addition, this disciple emphasized to the Jews that Jesus fulfilled the Old
Testament prophecies. Jesus is the Passover Lamb of God previously revealed in
Exodus (John 1:29, 36; see also Exodus 12:3; Isaiah 53:7; Acts 8:32; 1 Peter 1:19-20; Revelation
5:6), and He is the stairway to heaven (John 1:51; John 3:13; see also Genesis 28:12).
Yet more, this disciple noted that Jesus is the New Temple of God (see John
2:19-21), and He gives a new life and a rebirth for those who believe and look
to Him in faith (see John 3:3-8, 14-17). Likewise, Jesus is the bread or manna
of God that came down from heaven who gives nourishing life (see John 6:35). Most
important, Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah (Christ, the Holy One of God)
that has come into the world (John 6:68-69; John 11:27; see also Matthew
1:1:17; Matthew 16:16; Mark 8:29-30; Mark 14:61-62; Luke 2:11; Luke 9:20).
Also,
some scholars debate whether the “John” of this Gospel was the apostle John, or
a different John called John the Elder. Many scholars believe the same
John wrote the Gospel and the three Epistles (Letters) because of the
consistent pattern, style, and language of the New Testament Gospel and the
three Epistles (Letters). However, some scholars argue that another John called
the Elder or Presbyter authored the Gospel and the three Epistles (Letters)
(see 2 John 1; 3 John 1). Many biblical scholars argue that every evidence of
the Gospel of John reveal that John the Elder was John the apostle.
John
the apostle was the son of Zebedee and Salome, and he was the younger brother
of James (e.g., see Matthew 4:21; Matthew 10:2; Mark 1:19-20; Luke 5:10). In
Hebrew, John is referred to as “Joannes” or “Johanan.” John was a Galilean fisherman
along with his father Zebedee and brother James (e.g., see Matthew 4:18-21; Mark
1:16-20). Also, John and his brother James were given the name Boanerges, which
means “Sons of thunder” (see Mark 3:17). John was an unschooled and
ordinary men, but he courageously led the early Jerusalem church after
Jesus’ death and resurrection (e.g., see Acts 3:1; Acts 8:14; Galatians 2:9).
Later, John went to Ephesus and for an unknown reason he was exiled to the
island of Patmos (see Revelation 1:9).
As
mentioned earlier, many scholars argue that John’s Gospel is the most
theological of all the New Testament Gospels. The Gospel of John thoroughly
discusses the nature and Person of Jesus and the importance of belief in
Him. John presents Jesus as the unique and only begotten Son of God, who is “God”
and the long-awaited Messiah (Christ) predicted by the Old Testament prophets (see
John 1:1, 14, 18, 34, 41; John 4:25-26; John 20:30-31). Even more, John
describes Jesus as the perfect and sinless Passover “Lamb of God” that has come
to take away the sins of the world (see John 1:29, 36). Most important, Jesus
is the “King of Israel” (see John 1:49; John 12:13), the “Savior of the
world” (e.g., see John 1:29; Luke 2:11; John 4:42; Acts 5:31; 1 John 4:14)
and “Lord and... God” (see John 20:28) that preexisted before time (see
John 1:1-5). Jesus is the Great “I AM” – Yahweh, who has come from His
Father in heaven and is “God with us” (John 6:35; John 8:12, 24, 28, 58; John
9:5; John 10:7, 9, 11, 14; John 11:25; John 13:19; John 14:6, 9-12; John 15:1,
5; see Exodus 3:14-15; Matthew 1:23; Matthew 28:20).
The
Gospel of John recorded eight miracles or “signs” as evidence of Jesus’ deity
and divinity as the long-awaited Messiah and God in human flesh. Six of these
eight miracles or signs are unique to John’s Gospel and not found in the other
three Gospels, often called the Synoptic Gospels.[3] These
signs or miracles including the following:
(1) turning water to wine (see John 2:1-11), (2) healing and cure of the
official’s son (see John 4:43-54), (3) healing the lame paralytic man at the
pool of Bethesda (see John 5:1-15), (4) feeding the 5,000 with just a few
loaves and fish (see John 6:1-14), (5) walking on the water (see John 6:15-21),
(6) restoring sight to the blind man (see John 9:1-41), (7) raising Lazarus
from the dead (see John 11:1-44), Jesus’ the Resurrection from complete death, and
(8) giving the disciples an overwhelming catch of fish (see John 21:1-14).
Additionally,
John’s Gospel does not contain Jesus’ genealogy nor records Jesus’ birth,
childhood, His wilderness temptations, His Transfiguration, nor the appointment
of His disciples. Moreover, the Gospel of John does not give any account of
Jesus’ parables, ascension to heaven, nor the Great Commission. However, John’s
Gospel includes other important themes including the Holy Spirit (see John
14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7-14), Satan and the world (see John 8:44; John
12:31; John 17:15), the Word (see John 1:1-14), the Olivet discourse (see John
14:1-John 17:25); and the new birth (see John 3:1-12). Most important, John’s
Gospel has one major theme that runs throughout John's Gospel: Jesus Christ is
the Messiah and Son of God, and belief in Him leads to life now and all
eternity (John 20:30-31; see also e.g., John 5:17-18; John 8:29; John 10:30, 38;
John 14:10-11, 20; John 17:21-23; 1 John 5:20).[4]
III.
Prologue
of John’s Gospel
John’s
Gospel opens in the very beginning before time began and reveals that the Word
of God already existed (John 1:1-2; see also Genesis 1:1 and 1 John 1:1).
The Word of God is Jesus the Christ (e.g., see John 8:58; Revelation 19:13). In
the Greek Bible translation, the “Word” is translated as “Logos.” Logos means “word,
thought, concept, and the expressions thereof.” John’s use of the word “Logos”
had special meaning for both Jewish and Greek (Gentile) readers of his Gospel
message. In Greek philosophy, the “word” or “logos” was a key term, often
referring to the power of reason and logic that undergirds all creation. For
Jewish readers, the “word” had great meaning for God spoke His word to create
the world and to transform His people (e.g., see Genesis 1:1-3). Yet, John’s meaning
passed beyond the Greek and Jewish ideas of Logos. Jesus as the Word of God
or Logos means Jesus is all God wanted to say to all humankind! The Word (Logos)
is a title for Jesus as the communication and Revealer of the
true and living LORD God of heaven and earth – Jesus’s Father (see also
John 1:14, 18). According
to Hebrews 1:1-3, Jesus Christ is God’s last Word to humankind, for He is the highpoint
of heavenly revelation.
Jesus
has always been in existence! According to the Holy Scriptures, Jesus
the Word is One with His Father, the living LORD God of
heaven and earth, and Jesus holds the world all together with His Father by the
Holy Spirit of God (John 1:1; see also Deuteronomy 6:4-6; John 5:18; John 10:30,
38; John 12:44-45; John 14:11, 20; John 17:11, 21-23; Colossians 1:17; 1 John
1:1). In the beginning the living God created the heavens and the earth
(John 1:1; see also Genesis 1:1-3; Acts 14:15). The Holy Scriptures are clear: All
creation is assigned to the God the Father (e.g., see Acts 4:24) and God the
Son, Jesus (e.g., see John 1:1-3) and the Holy Spirit of God (e.g., see Genesis
1:2; Genesis 2:7; Psalm 104:30). Jesus is the living Word of God and the
eternal Son of God who was with His Father and the Holy Spirit creating the
world (e.g., see John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:2).
The
Greek Bible translation of verse 1 reads the Word (Logos) was with God, and God
was the Word (John 1:1; see also 1 John 5:20). That is what is meant by the
term “the pre-existent Christ.” Jesus existed in the beginning with the true
and living LORD God of heaven and earth (John 1:2; see also Genesis 1:1-3; Revelation
1:4-5, 8, 17). Jesus existed in the beginning because He is the eternal God. In
other words, before Abraham existed, Jesus was living and One with the Great
“I AM” – the true and living LORD God of heaven and earth (John 1:2, 18;
see also Exodus 3:14-15; Exodus 6:2-3; John 8:58; John 14:9-10; John 17:21-23;
Colossians 1:15). As stated above, Jesus is both Lord and God (John
5:18; John 14:9; John 20:28; see also Isaiah 9:6). Jesus is the true
God and eternal life (e.g., see 1 John 5:20).
The
true and living LORD God of heaven and earth created and made all
things on heaven and earth through His Son, Jesus, and without Jesus
nothing could be made nor created (John 1:3, 10; see also Isaiah 55:11; Colossians
1:16-17). In other words, Jesus the Word created everything, and nothing exists
that Jesus did not make (e.g., see Psalm 33:6). This means that Jesus is not a
created being because He is the eternal and preexistent God. Jesus was in the
beginning with God (John 1:2; see also Genesis 1:1). Even more, Jesus is the Ruler
and beginning of God’s creation (e.g., see Revelation 3:14). Through Jesus, God
the Father made and created the universe (e.g., see Hebrews 1:2).
In
Jesus was life, and His life gave light
to all humankind – both men and women (John 1:4;
see also Genesis 1:3; John 11:25-26; 1 John 5:11). Jesus gives abundant life
now and for all eternity through faithfulness and obedience to Him (e.g., see
John 10:10; John 17:3). This is the testimony, that God gives us life now and eternal
life, and this life is through faithfulness and obedience to His
Son, Jesus (John 1:4; see also John 17:3; 1 John 4:9; 1 John 5:11). Even more,
we are saved from God’s wrath and judgement through faith in His Son, Jesus
(e.g., see John 5:24; John 6:47). Whoever has the God’s Son Jesus has life;
whoever does not have Jesus does not have life (e.g., see John 3:15-16, 18, 36;
1 John 5:12, 20).
Like
God the Father, Jesus is life, and Jesus is light (e.g.,
see; Psalm 18:28; John 9:5; John 14:6; 1 Timothy 6:16). Both God the Father and
Jesus have and give life and light to the world as One (e.g., see
Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Psalm 36:9; Psalm 104:2; John 5:26; John 10:30; John 17:2-3,
11; 1 Timothy 6:13-16; 1 John 1:1, 7). Jesus is the great and glorious Daylight
in the beginning of creation, and He shines like His Father – the living LORD
God (Genesis 1:3-5; see also Psalm 104:2; Habakkuk 3:3-4; Matthew 17:2; John
1:5; John 8:12; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6; Revelation 22:5). Jesus has NO darkness
that lives within Him as He is good and separated from darkness of the
Night (e.g., see Genesis 1:3-5; 1 John 1:5-7). Darkness and the Night are all
associated with the Evil One – Satan and Satan’s evil minions (e.g., see Matthew
6:22-23; Luke 23:53; John 3:19-21; Ephesians 6:12). Importantly, Jesus is NOT
the sun because the living LORD God created the sun on the fourth day (Genesis
1:14-19; see also Deuteronomy 4:19). The Holy Scriptures are clear: God forbids
the worship of all the forces of heaven — the sun, moon, and stars as these are
just created things and NOT the Creator (e.g., see Deuteronomy 4:19;
Deuteronomy 17:3; 2 Kings 17:16; Isaiah 40:26; Romans 1:24-25). Significantly, Jesus’
great light shined through the darkness, and the darkness could NEVER
conquer, quench, nor accept Jesus’ light (John 1:5; see also John 3:19-20; John
8:12).
God
the Father sent Jesus into the world as light, and all who BELIEVES
and OBEYS Jesus and God the Father also receive that great
Light and Life of Jesus and be safe (e.g., see John
8:12; John 12:35-36, 44-47). Sadly, blind sinners do not welcome the Light of
Jesus. The coming of the true Light of Jesus brought conflict as the powers of evil
and darkness opposed Jesus’ true light (John 1:4-5, 9; see also Jeremiah 5:31;
John 7:7; Ephesians 5:13). Satan and his evil alliance strive to keep people
in the darkness, because darkness means death and hell, while light
means life and heaven. Therefore, Jesus calls EVERYONE to walk and live in the
Light so the darkness of Satan will not overtake you (e.g., see John 12:35-36).
Jesus came into the world as Light, so that whoever believes in Him may not
remain in darkness but become safe (John 1:4-5, 9, see also John 3:19; John
12:46). For God the Father sent His Son Jesus into the world to save the
world through FAITH in Him
(John 1:29; John 3:17; John 12:47; see also Isaiah 53:11; Matthew 1:21; Luke
2:11; Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15). However, anyone who rejects Jesus will be
condemned by God’s wrath (e.g., see John 12:48). Long before Jesus’ coming,
Moses wrote about Jesus the Messiah in the Old Testament as the only One who brings
the Light to all people and takes away our sins (e.g., see Genesis
3:15; Deuteronomy 18:15; Luke 24:27, 44; Actos 10:43; Acts 26:22-23). EVERYONE
that looks to Jesus in faith will LIVE and BE SAFE from harm and death
(John 3:14-15; see also Numbers 21:8-9).
God
sent a man whose name was John, who would later become known as “John the
Baptist” (John 1:6-8, 20, 23, 33; see also Matthew 3:1-17; John 3:28). John
baptized in the Jordan River, and he preached a message of REPENTANCE
(turning from sins and turning to God) to find salvation (safety) and
forgiveness of sins through the Messiah (Christ) (e.g., see Matthew 3:5-11; Mark
1:4; Luke 1:17, 76-77; John 1:26, 28, 31, 33; John 10:40-42; Acts 13:24).
Notably, John was the voice predicted by the Old
Testaments prophets to prepare the people’s hearts to receive Jesus the Messiah,
who is God’s Chosen One (John 1:23, 34, 49; see also Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1; Matthew
3:1-3; Mark 1:1-4; Luke 1:76; Luke 3:2-6).
Moreover,
John had the special privilege of revealing the truth of Jesus to Israel (e.g.,
see John 1:7, 29-34; John 5:33; John 10:41). John announced to the land of
Palestine that Jesus is the Passover Lamb of God, who takes away the sin
of the world (John 1:29, 36; see also Exodus 12:3; Matthew 20:28). God sent John
as a testimony that he might tell and testify as a witness about the Light of
Jesus so that EVERYONE may BELIEVE and OBEY
Jesus the Messiah (John 1:7, 12, 15, 19, 32; see also John 3:26; John 5:33;
Acts 19:4). In other words, God sent John to proclaim to EVERYONE
about the true Light and Life found only in Jesus (see John 1:6-7). John was a
lamp that burned and gave light, and he testified about the true Light and
Life of Jesus (John 5:35; see also Isaiah 49:6; Daniel 12:3; Matthew
5:14-16).
John
confessed to the world that he was not the Light but that he came from
God to point out and identify the true Light of the world, Jesus the Messiah (see
John 1:8, 20). The true and great Light of Jesus that shines on ALL
HUMANKIND – blacks, whites, Latinos, Muslins, Hindus, Jews,
Buddhist, poor, rich, middle income, etc. – was coming into the world (John 1:9;
see also Isaiah 9:2; Matthew 4:15-17). The Light of Jesus enlightened
and empowered everyone who believed in Him, and He brought salvation,
healing, and life (John 1:9; see also Malachi 4:2). Jesus is the great
Light predicted by the Old Testament prophets that came from heaven with
healing rays, righteousness, and peace that shined brighter than
the sun (e.g., see Isaiah 9:1-2; Isaiah 42:6-7; Isaiah 49:6; Isaiah 53:5; Malachi
4:2; Matthew 4:14-16; Luke 1:78-79; Luke 2:32; Matthew 17:1-2; Acts 26:22-23;
Revelation 1:16).
Jesus
came into the world as the Light, so that no one who believes in Him would
stay in darkness but become children of the Light (e.g., see John 8:12; John
12:35-36, 46; Ephesians 5:8). Jesus gives His true light and eternal
life to everyone who comes and BELIEVES in Him (e.g., see
John 1:4; John 3:15-16, 36; John 6:40, 47-48; John 20:31; 1 John 5:12-13). EVERY
PERSON entering and accepting Jesus Christ (Messiah) as the true Life
and Light from heaven is brought into the Life and Light and away from darkness
(John 1:4-5, 9, 12-13; see also John 8:12; 1 John 2:8). Jesus breathes and
gives His new life and light onto everyone who accepts, obeys, and believes Him
(e.g., see John 3:3-8, 15-16, 36; John 5:24; John 7:37-39; John 20:22). Truly, Jesus
is the Light and Life of the world (e.g., see John 1:4-5, John
8:12; John 9:5; John 11:25-26; John 12:46; John 14:6).
Jesus
the Christ (Messiah) came from heaven into the very world He made and created
(John 1:3, 10; see also John 3:31; Romans 11:36). However, the world did not notice,
recognize, nor know Jesus when He came into the world (John 1:10; see also John
15:21; John 16:3; 1 John 3:1). In fact, Jesus came to His own homeland of
Palestine amongst His own people the Jews, and the Jewish people of Palestine rejected
and despised Him and did not accept Him as their Messiah (John 1:11; see
also Isaiah 53:3; Matthew 21:38-39; Luke 19:14; John 3:31-32; John 5:43; Romans
9:4).[5] The
nation of Israel was blind to their own Savior and Messiah – Jesus! However, to
everyone who received Jesus, OBEYED Him, and believed
in His Name, Jesus gave them life, power and right
to become eternal children (sons) of God (John 1:7, 12; see also Luke 8:21; John
3:15; Ephesians 1:5; 1 John 3:23-24; 1 John 5:11-13). All those who accepted
and believed in Jesus were reborn — not a physical rebirth resulting from human
flesh nor human passion — but a new life and birth that comes from God alone –
spiritual rebirth from heaven (John 1:13; see also John 3:3-8, 15, 36; 2
Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 5:1, 5, 10). For through faith in Christ Jesus, we
are all sons and daughters of God (e.g., see Galatians 3:26; Galatians
4:5-7).
John’s
Gospel teaches that the living LORD God and His Son Jesus want to
permanently live and dwell inside our hearts and mind through the Holy Spirit
of God so we can become one with God. How can anyone become one
with the living LORD God of heaven and earth? First, John calls EVERYONE
to love and trust Jesus and obey Jesus’s commands as Jesus is the only
way to God (John 14:1, 6, 15; John 15:9-10, 12, 14, 17; see also Acts 4:12;
Acts 10:43). As we trust and obey Jesus, Jesus asks His Father,
the living LORD God, to send the Holy Spirit of God to live inside believers to
lead believers in all truth and make believers one with
God (John 7:38-39; John 14:15-17, 19, 21, 23, 26; John 15:10, 26; John 16:7,
13; see also 1 John 2:3-5; 1 John 4:13; 1 John 5:20). With the oneness with
God, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there
male and female, for we are all one in Christ Jesus and we also Abraham’s
seed, and heirs to God’s promise (e.g., see Galatians 3:28-29).
Through
faith and obedience to Him, Jesus promises believers they are one
with Him and His Father through the Holy Spirit of God and they are kept safe
(e.g., see John 10:9-10; John 17:2-3, 11-12, 15, 21-23; Galatians 4:5-7). Even
more, Jesus promises to fill believers with God’s glory and love so believers
can be one with God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (John 17:22, 24, 26;
see also Luke 9:26; John 14:20; 1 Peter 5:1, 4).[6] If
anyone accepts and confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, then God lives in
them and they in God through the Holy Spirit and they will be saved from
destruction (e.g., see Romans 8:14-17; Romans 10:9; 1 John 4:15). Jesus
promises to give believers heavenly peace of heart and mind because He is
BIGGER than any trial and sorrow (e.g., see John 16:33).
Jesus
is the Vine from heaven that connects all people to His Father, the
living LORD God of heaven and earth (see John 15:1-5, 9; John 16:27-28, 30). In
other words, Jesus is the stairway or bridge to the true and living LORD God of
heaven – His Father (e.g., see John 1:51; John 3:13; John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5).
Without Jesus, no one can be connected to the living LORD God of heaven and
earth and His fruitful grace (see John 15:4-7, 16; Colossians 1:19-20).
Initially,
the living LORD God selected the people of Israel as His chosen vine, son, and special
treasure (e.g., see Exodus 4:22; Exodus 19:5-6; Deuteronomy 4:20; Deuteronomy
32:9; Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 2:3; Jeremiah 10:16). The Jews of Israel and the
land of Palestine were to be the living LORD God’s chosen vine to save
and connect the world to Him (e.g., see Deuteronomy 7:6; Psalm 80:8-11; Isaiah
5:1-7; Jeremiah 2:21; John 4:22). The living LORD God called Israel to be His
kingdom of priests to evangelize and take His message and covenant blessings to
the nations of the nations of the world (e.g., see Exodus 19:1-23:20;
Deuteronomy 4:5-8; Jeremiah 4:1-2). The Jews of Israel have been entrusted with
the very words of God (e.g., see Psalm 147:19-20; Isaiah 2:3; Acts 7:38; Romans
3:1-2).
However,
Israel rebelled and rejected the living LORD and His commands and corrupted His
land – Palestine (e.g., see Jeremiah 2:7-8, 11, 13, 17, 19, 30-32, 36-37). Then,
Israel and his sister Judah refused to repent and turn wholeheartedly to the
living LORD God (e.g., see Jeremiah 3:6-10; Jeremiah 4:17). The living LORD God
begged Israel and Judah to repent and wholeheartedly return to Him as He is
merciful and a kind God (e.g., see Jeremiah 3:12-19; Jeremiah 4:4, 14). Instead,
Israel and Judah rejected the living LORD God and His commands and filled God’s
land with lies, deceit, betrayal, adultery, idolatry, rebellion, murder, greed,
and they neglected the poor and needed (e.g., see Jeremiah 5:1-4, 7-8, 11-12, 18-19,
20-30; Jeremiah 6:13). The living LORD God (Yahweh) repeatedly sent His
messengers to proclaim to the people that He was the ONLY true God and
everlasting King of heaven and earth, and He alone is to be worshipped and obeyed
(e.g., see Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Jeremiah 10:10; Jeremiah 7:25; Matthew 6:33;
Matthew 22:37). Therefore, the living LORD God allowed His wrath and disease
to fall upon Israel and his Judah (Jeremiah 2:14-17; see also 2 Kings 17:7-23;
2 Kings 25:1-22).
Then,
the Gospel of John announced Good News to all the world! Jesus the Word of God came
into the world and became a human, and Jesus lived and dwelt amongst us on
earth in human likeness (John 1:14; see also John 1:1; 1
John 1:1-2; 1 John 4:2, 14; Philippians 2:7). In the Greek Bible
translation of verse 14, the Word or Logos became flesh, and He “tabernacle”
amongst humans.[7]
In other words, Jesus was “God with us” or “Immanuel,” and He lived amongst
humans on earth (e.g., see Matthew 1:23). One of the primary themes of
John’s Gospel is that the living LORD God of heaven has once again visited
earth through the Lord Jesus Christ (see John 1:14). Jesus came to
earth as the Savior of the world (e.g., see Luke 2:11; John 3:17;
John 4:42; Acts 5:31; Acts 13:23; 1 John 4:14).
Jesus
becoming human flesh is called the “Incarnation.” Many biblical
scholars refer to Jesus as the “God-Man” (see also Philippians
2:6-8). Jesus became human through the miraculous virgin birth of His mother
Mary by the Spirit of His heavenly Father (e.g., see Matthew 1:18-25; Luke
1:26-38). Jesus shared the very likeness of humans – fully human in every way
but He was God (e.g., see John 1:1-2; Hebrews 2:14, 17-18). The Word
becoming flesh means the God of heaven visited earth! Jesus was not a phantom
or ghost when He lived on earth. Jesus was a real Person who could be seen,
touched, and heard (e.g., see Luke 1:1-4). John and the other disciples each
had a personal eyewitness experience with the human Jesus (e.g., see 1 John
1:1-3). He proved to Thomas and the other disciples that He still had a real
body even after His resurrection from complete death (see John 20:24-29).
Moreover, Jesus experienced the same human weaknesses and ailments we humans
also experienced. In his Gospel, John points out that Jesus was tired (see John
4:6); thirsty (see John 4:7; John 19:28); groaned and wept (see John 11:33-35);
and even died and bled like humans (see John 19:30, 34). However, when Jesus
became human flesh, but He NEVER sinned and remained sinless without any deceit
or dishonesty (e.g., see Isaiah 53:9; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews
7:26; 1 Peter 2:22).
The
living LORD God of heaven sent His only begotten Son Jesus into the
world from heaven to SAVE the world through FAITH in His Son
Jesus (e.g., see Matthew 3:17; Matthew 16:16; John 1:29; John 3:16-17; John
5:36, 38; John 6:29, 41, 51, 57-58; John 7:29; John 8:41-42; John 11:42; Romans
8:3). Everyone who calls upon the Name of the LORD with a REPENTANT heart shall
be saved (e.g., see Joel 2:32; Acts 2:21; Acts 16:31; Romans 10:13; 2 Timothy
2:22).
The
God of heaven – also known as the LORD of Hosts or GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies – had
visited earth many times in the Old Testament with His glorious Presence
(e.g., see Genesis 11:5, 7; Genesis 16:7-14; Genesis 18:21; Genesis 28:12;
Genesis 32:22-32; Exodus 6:2-3; Joshua 5:13-15; Judges 6:11-14; Job 38:1; Psalm
18:9, 12; Ezekiel 1:28). The living LORD’s most significant visit to earth
occurred in the ancient Israelite’s great exodus from Egyptian slavery in the
Old Testament book of Exodus. In the book of Exodus, the God of heaven came
down to earth with His glorious Presence to deliver and redeem His son
Israel from Egyptian bondage and lead them into His Promised Land – Palestine (e.g.,
see Exodus 3:2, 4, 8, 14-17; Exodus 4:22-23; Exodus 12:12; Exodus 19:9, 11, 18,
20; Exodus 33:2; Exodus 34:5-7; Exodus 40:34-38; Psalm 144:5; Acts 7:33-34).
The
glory cloud of LORD God followed Israel in the wilderness with His light to
guide and speak with Israel (e.g., see Exodus 13:21-22; Exodus 14:19-20, 24; Exodus
16:10; Exodus 19:9, 16-20; Numbers 9:15-16; Numbers 10:34; Deuteronomy 4:12; Nehemiah
9:12, 14; Psalm 105:39; 1 Corinthians 10:1). Also, the living LORD God (Yahweh)
came down in His glory cloud and spoke with Moses and revealed to Moses His Name,
which is His glorious presence, goodness, and mercies (e.g., see Exodus
24:15-18; Exodus 33:9-11, 13-14; 18-23; Exodus 34:5-7; Numbers 11:17, 25;
Numbers 12:5-8; Deuteronomy 34:10-12).[8] The
very Name and essence of the living LORD is compassion, mercy,
patience, grace, unending love, and faithfulness, but the LORD is also just and
fair to everyone (e.g., see Exodus 34:5-7, Numbers 14:18; 2 Chronicles
30:9; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalm 86:15; Psalm 103:8; Jeremiah 9:24; Joel 2:13; Jonah
4:2; James 5:11). The living LORD God revealed His glory to Moses (e.g., see Exodus
33:18). Even more, the glory cloud with the Presence of God came into the
Tabernacle in the wilderness and Solomon’s Temple (e.g., Exodus 40:34-38; 1
Kings 8:10-11; 2
Chronicles 5:13-14; 2 Chronicles 7:2-3).[9] Further,
the LORD’s glory appeared over the atonement cover of the Ark of the Covenant
(see Leviticus 16:2). Even today, the living LORD God continues to watch over
and protect His creations on earth as He looks down from heaven (e.g., see
Exodus 3:9).
Likewise,
the Prophet Isaiah saw the God’s beautiful glory (see Isaiah 6:1-5) as well as
the Prophet Ezekiel saw God’s glory by the Kebar River (see Ezekiel 1:3-4,
25-28). Also, the Prophet Haggai predicted God’s glory would fill the Second
Temple built by Zerubbabel (see Haggai 2:7-9).[10] Even
more, the Prophet Ezekiel witnessed God’s glory departing Israel and Judah
because of His people’s disobedience, rebellion, and sins (see Ezekiel 10:4, 18-19;
Ezekiel 11:22-23). Importantly, the prophet Ezekiel predicted the LORD’s glory would RETURN through the east gate of Jerusalem from the
Mount of Olives when He comes back to earth (see Ezekiel 43:1-5). Amazingly, the
LORD’s glory returned to the Mount of Olives with King Jesus’s Triumphal Entry
into Jerusalem, which began the Passion Week (e.g., see Zechariah 9:9; Matthew
21:1, 4-5; John 12:15; Mark 11:1, 9-10; Luke 19:29, 37-38; John 21:12-16). Also,
Jesus ascended into heaven with the glory cloud at Mount Olives during His FIRST
ministry on earth (see Acts 1:9-12). Near Mount Olives, an angel promised
the Lord Jesus Christ would return from heaven at His second coming with
a personal and visible return also to the Mount of Olives (Zechariah 14:4; see
also Acts 1:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 1:7; Revelation
19:11-16).
Then,
the Gospel of John proclaimed that Jesus revealed the glory of God as of
the only begotten Son of the Father – the living LORD God of heaven and earth
(John 1:14; see also John 17:24). All the Father’s glory lived in Jesus (e.g.,
see John 16:14-15). The revelation of God’s glory is an important theme in John’s
Gospel as Jesus exposed God’s glory to the world (e.g., see John 11:4, 40; John
12:41; John 17:24). Truly, the whole earth is full of the LORD God’s glory
(e.g., see Psalm 72:19; Isaiah 6:3; Habakkuk 2:14). King David declared that the
heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork
(e.g., see Psalm 8:1; Psalm 19:1). Even more, King David honored and worshiped
the LORD’s glory as the omnipotent LORD controls and reveals Himself in nature
and blesses His people with strength and peace (Psalm 29:1-11; see also Romans
1:19-20).
As
mentioned earlier, Moses and the ancient Israelites saw the living LORD God’s
glory in the wilderness (e.g., see Exodus 16:7, 10; Exodus 24:15-18; Exodus
33:18, 22-23; Exodus 40:34; Deuteronomy 5:24). In the Old Testament, the Prophet
Isaiah saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about Him (e.g., see Isaiah 6:1-5; John
12:41). Even more, the Prophet Isaiah predicted Jesus’ glory coming to earth to
be seen by all people (e.g., see Isaiah 40:3, 5). The Old Testament prophets
Haggai and Zechariah predicted the coming glory of Jesus would fill the Second
Temple completed by Herod in the New Testament (e.g., see Haggai 2:6-9;
Zechariah 9:9-10; Luke 2:32).
When
Jesus walked the earth, Peter and two other apostles, James and John saw
Jesus’ glory as sunlight poured from Jesus’ face and His clothes were
filled with light (e.g., see Matthew 17:1-3; Luke 9:28-36;
1 John 1:1-3). Jesus is the radiance and brightness of God’s glory and the
exact representation of God’s being (John 1:14; John 17:5, 22, 24; see also
e.g., Hebrews 1:3). Even more amazing, the same glory cloud from the Old
Testament appeared to the New Testament apostles and the living LORD God again
spoke from His glory cloud – the Majestic Glory – to confirm Jesus as His Beloved
Son (e.g., see Exodus 24:15-18; Matthew 16:16; Matthew 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke
9:34-35; 2 Peter 1:16-18).
John,
the writer of the Gospel of John, observed and eyewitness Jesus’ glory
along with Peter and James and wrote: “And we beheld His glory, the glory as of
the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14; see also Matthew
17:1-3). As mentioned earlier, the Gospel of John emphasized the glory of Jesus
(e.g., see John 2:11; John 7:39; John 11:4; John
12:23; John 13:31-32). Jesus revealed God’s glory (or doxan) in His person, His
many good works, and His words (e.g., see John 2:11; John 5:36; John 10:25,
32; 38, John 17:5; John 20:30; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6; Acts 10:38). Many people
saw Jesus’ miraculous healing and other good works, and they believed in His Name
(e.g., see John 2:23; John 6:2; John 11:45). The writers of the four New
Testament Gospels give “snapshots” of Jesus’ glory because no complete
biography could ever be written (e.g., see John 21:25). Nevertheless, even
after Jesus had performed many miracles (signs) in their presence, some still rejected
Him and would not believe in Him (e.g., see John 12:37). Yet Jesus’ prayer to
His Father – the living LORD God of heaven and earth – was that EVERYONE would
see the glory that His Father had given Him before the creation of the human world
(e.g., see John 17:5, 24). At His second coming, Jesus promised that He would
return to earth in His apocalyptic glory and in the glory of His Father and of
the holy angels to complete the Kingdom on earth (e.g., see Matthew 16:27; Luke
9:26).
Next,
John teaches that Jesus was filled with grace and truth (John
1:14; see also John 14:6). Jesus was generous inside and out, true from start
to finish with nothing false or deceitful within Him. He was full
of love, faithfulness, forgiveness, grace, and truth (John 1:14; see also John
18:37). When Jesus came from heaven, the living LORD God gave the world life,
grace, safety, and truth through faith in His Son, Jesus
(John 1:17; see also John 3:15-17; John 5:24; Romans 5:21). Then and today, the living LORD God of heaven
gives everyone life — life in all its fullness and abundance — through belief
and obedience to His Son, Jesus (e.g., see John 10:10). Everyone who trusts
and obeys Jesus will be saved and safe and find good pastures because
Jesus holds all His believers in His precious hands (e.g., see John 10:9, 28;
Acts 16:30-31; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:5). All our sins are forgiven, and
we are set free from every sin – a deliverance not available under the Law
of Moses – through our genuine and wholehearted faith and obedience to Jesus as
our Lord (e.g., see Acts 13:38-39; Romans 6:14; Romans 10:9-10). Everyone who believes
and obeys Jesus has life and safety, but whoever rejects Jesus as the Son of
God will not see life but God’s wrath (e.g., see John 3:36; John 15:1-5).
John
the Baptist testified about and announced Jesus’ coming to the Jewish crowds
living in first-century Palestine (John 1:15; see also John 1:7-8, 28). In
first-century Palestine, John the Baptist cried out and proclaimed to the
people saying, “This is the One I told you about: ‘The One who comes after me
is greater than I am, because He was living before me’” (see John 1:15, New
Century Version). John the Baptist knew that Jesus was far GREATER, more
powerful, and outranked him because Jesus existed before creation as the
Word of God (John 1:15; see also Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:7; John 1:2, 27, 30; John
8:58; John 17:5, 24; 1 Peter 1:20). Jesus was the Passover Lamb of God from
heaven, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29, 35; see also Exodus
12:3; Isaiah 53:7; John 3:13, 16-17; 1 Peter 1:19-21; 1 John 3:5; Revelation
5:6, 8-9, 12-13). Even more, the living LORD God of heaven and earth was
pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Jesus the Messiah (e.g., see Deuteronomy
6:4-6; John 10:30; John 14:7-9, 23; John 17:21-23; Philippians 2:6; Colossians
1:19; Colossians 2:9-10).
From
Jesus’ fullness and abundances, believers of Jesus the Messiah have all
received grace upon grace and one gracious blessing after another (John 1:16;
see also John 10:10; Acts 15:11). The Law of God was given through Moses;
however, Jesus brought faithful and obedient believers in Him forgiveness,
peace, protection, wisdom, understanding, and many
other blessings upon blessings (John 1:16-17; see also Luke
24:45; John 16:33; Romans 3:24; Romans 5:1-5; Ephesians 1:7-8, 23; 1 John 5:20).
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ bless believers in the heavenly
realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ (e.g., see Ephesians 1:3). Jesus
has apportioned His grace to believers to bless and help other believers and
build up His Church (e.g., see Ephesians 4:7-16). By His grace,
Jesus has assigned the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and
teachers to train and equip His people for works of service (e.g., see
Ephesians 4:11-12).
With
the coming of Jesus’ grace, is the Law of God given to Moses null and void? The
answer is NO. Jesus never abolished the Law of God given through
Moses (e.g., see Matthew 5:17-20). The ceremonial and some aspects of the Law
were fulfilled through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection and the
destructions of the Jerusalem Temple in AD 70. The moral Law of God remains
eternal. According to Jesus, His Father’s commandments are eternal life (e.g., Matthew
19:16-19! John
12:49-50). Everyone who obeys God’s commands lives in Him, and He in them by
His Holy Spirit (e.g., see Acts 5:32; 1 John 3:24). The Holy Scriptures are
ALWAYS true, and Scripture cannot be broken (John 10:35; see also Psalm
119:89). The Word of our God endures forever (e.g., see Isaiah 40:8; Matthew
24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 16:17). The Law of God is good and remains valid (e.g.,
see Psalm 119:142; Romans 3:31; Romans 7:12; 1 Timothy 1:8).
By
way of background, the Sovereign LORD made a covenant with Israel at Mount
Sinai that was later ratified by Moses and the people of Israel (see Exodus
19:1-Exodus 24:18). The Book of the Covenant is found at Exodus 19:1-Exodus
23:19. The Sovereign LORD promised His Presence as His people obeyed His
covenant (see Exodus 23:20-33). The essence of the covenant was to faithfully
love and obey the Sovereign LORD God and love one another, including foreigners
(e.g., see Leviticus 19:11-18; Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 7:12; Matthew 22:37-40;
Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8). With our obedience to the covenant,
the Sovereign LORD promised His covenant protection, peace, and blessing of His
people (e.g., see Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Deuteronomy 30:1-10; Jeremiah 16:5,
19-21).
As
you read the Old Testament, the ancient Israelites would not obey God’s
covenant given through Moses. Even worse, Israel and Judah refused to REPENT of
their sins and unfaithfulness and refused to RETURN wholeheartedly to the
Sovereign LORD of heaven and earth, who is the God of Israel, and His moral
commands (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 34:21, 24-25, 27-28, 30-32; Jeremiah 3:12,
20-22; Jeremiah 4:3-4, 14, 17; Jeremiah 5:3). Instead, Israel and Judah
disobeyed the Sovereign LORD’s covenant, and they committed wickedness and evil
deeds lies, greed, neglecting the poor, adultery, murder, rebellion, stealing,
lust, idolatry, corruption, jealous, and pride (e.g., see Jeremiah 5:1-4, 7-8,
11-12, 18-22; Jeremiah 6:13, 17, 27-30; Jeremiah 13:25-27; Jeremiah 15:4, 6-7,
13; Jeremiah 16:11-12, 18; Jeremiah 17:1-3). Even more, Israel and Judah
violated the Sovereign LORD’s Sabbath and conducted trade and business on His
Sabbath (e.g., see Jeremiah 17:21-24). These wicked deeds even existed amongst
the leaders, priests, and prophets (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 36:5, 8-9, 12-16; Jeremiah
6:13; Jeremiah 8:10; Jeremiah 23:11; Zephaniah 3:4). Even worse, Israel and
Judah slaughtered children with the worship of other gods (e.g., see Jeremiah
19:4-6, 13). The people ignored the Sovereign LORD’s commandments of
justice, truth, forgiveness, and fairness toward one another (Jeremiah
4:1-2; Jeremiah 21:11-12; Jeremiah 22:1-5; see also Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:6-8;
Matthew 12:7; Matthew 23:23). The Sovereign LORD watches over all His creation,
and He sees everything, even the secret sins, here on earth (e.g., see 2
Chronicles 16:9; Jeremiah 16:17; Jeremiah 32:19). Therefore, the Sovereign LORD
of Heaven’s Armies brought His wrath and disease upon these disobedient people
because of their many evil deeds (e.g., see 2 Chronicles 36:17-20; Jeremiah 6:18-19,
21-26; Jeremiah 7:20-29; Jeremiah 8:11-13, 17; Jeremiah 9:7, 11-12; Jeremiah
19:3). However, the living LORD God promised His mercy if the people would REPENT
and TURN from their evil ways and start treating each other with love, stop
abusing foreigners, orphans, and widows; and stop murdering, lying, committing
sexual sins and idolatry, and harming others with fraud and deceit (e.g., see
Jeremiah 7:5-15, 21-26; Jeremiah 8:4-10; Jeremiah 9:2-8, 13-14; Micah 6:6-8).
The Sovereign LORD is compassionate and merciful to everyone who REPENTS
AND TURN TO HIM in faithfulness and obedience (e.g., see Jeremiah 9:24;
Jeremiah 15:19; Jeremiah 18:11-12, 15; Micah 7:18; 1 John 1:9). Such prophets
as Jeremiah and Elijah urged the people to worship and trust in the Sovereign
LORD and obey Him and His moral commands (e.g., see 1 Kings 18:21, 36-39;
Jeremiah 17:5-10, 12-14).
When
the New Testament opens, Gentiles and Jews argued about obeying the Law of God.
This issue was resolved in Acts 15 at the Jerusalem Council (see Acts 15:19-21,
23-29; Acts
21:25). The early church apostles maintained that everyone must stay away from
worshipping other gods, which is idolatry (e.g., see Acts 15:20; Acts 21:25). The
Sovereign LORD of heaven and earth must be our first worship, love, and
obedience (e.g., see Exodus 20:2-3, 5; Exodus 34:14; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; 2 Kings
17:35; Matthew 6:33; Matthew 22:37). The Sovereign LORD, who is King of heaven
and earth, requires our exclusive faithfulness, obedience, and worship (e.g.,
see Genesis 15:6; 1 John 5:21). Also, the Jerusalem Council agreed that FAITH
in the living LORD God and His Son – the Lord Jesus Christ was the only way to salvation
(e.g., see Genesis 15:6; Habakkuk 2:2-4; John 3:15-17, 36; John 20:30-31; Romans
1:16-17). Moreover, the Jerusalem Council also continued the Old Testament
requirements forbidding fornication and sexual immorality (Acts 15:20; Acts 21:25;
see also 1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Corinthians 10:6-10). Finally, the Jerusalem
Council continued the Old Testament requirement not to eat blood (Acts 15:20; Acts
21:25; see also Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 3:17; Leviticus 7:25-26; Leviticus
17:10-16; Deuteronomy 12:16, 23; Deuteronomy 15:23).
Importantly,
the Holy Scriptures are clear: our salvation and safety come through our FAITH
and OBEDIENCE in the living LORD God of heaven and His Son,
Jesus (e.g., see Matthew 7:21; Matthew 12:50; Luke 6:46). Both the living LORD
God of heaven and His Son Jesus want everyone to turn from falsehood and
darkness and to the Light and truth and find salvation and safety (e.g., see 2
Thessalonians 2:10). Moreover, Jesus taught that the living LORD God’s
blessings and grace come to those who hear the Word of God and obey
God’s commands (e.g., see Psalm 103:17-18; Proverbs 8:32; Luke 6:47-49; Luke
8:21; Luke 11:28; John 14:21-23; John 15:7; James 1:22-25). If you truly love
and believe in Jesus, Jesus taught that you would also obey and keep His
and His Father’s commands – the same commands God gave from His majestic glory
cloud (John 14:15, 21-23; see also Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:1-27; John
15:9-12, 1 John 2:3-5; 1 John 3:22, 24; 1 John 5:3; Revelation 12:17;
Revelation 14:12). The Lord Jesus declared that the living LORD God’s commands
could be summed in two commandments: Love God and love one another (e.g., see
Matthew 22:34-40; John 13:34-35; John 15:12; 2 John 1:5-6).
No
one has ever actually seen God (John 1:18; see also Exodus 33:20; John 6:46;
Colossians 1:15; 1 John 4:12, 20). The Holy Scriptures states that God is
invisible, and no man has ever seen God in His essence as He lives in
unapproachable light as a Spirit (e.g., see Psalm 104:2; John 4:24; 1 Timothy
1:17; 1 Timothy 6:16). As mentioned earlier, the living LORD God has assumed
visible form, which some people have seen had the privilege to witness (e.g.,
see Genesis 32:30; Exodus 24:9-10; Judges 13:22; Isaiah 6:1; Daniel 7:9;
Revelation 4:1-5). Moreover, the Holy Scriptures makes clear the living LORD
God has personally visited human such as a storm (e.g., see Job 38:1); fire (e.g.,
see Deuteronomy 4:12); the fiery glory cloud (e.g., see Exodus 13:21); the burning
bush (see Exodus 3:2-4); and as a human in appearance (e.g., see Genesis
18:1-33). However, the only begotten Son Jesus came from heaven, and He FULLY revealed
the Godhead – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – to the world (John 1:18; see also Colossians
2:9-10). Jesus is One with His Father – the LORD (translated as
“Yahweh”) (e.g., see John 10:30, 38; John 16:32) as Jesus is the image of the
invisible God and the glory of God (e.g., see John 1:14; Colossians 1:15).
During His public ministry, Jesus proclaimed to His disciples that anyone who
has seen Him had seen His Father – the Sovereign LORD of heaven and hearth (John
14:9; see also Isaiah 9:6; John 1:14; John 12:45-46; 2 Corinthians 4:4;
Philippians 2:6; Colossian 1:15; Hebrews 1:3). His Father – the living LORD God
of heaven and earth – lived inside Jesus (John 14:10-11, 20; see also John
10:38; John 17:21; Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9).
Now
that John has provided these beautiful truths in the opening verses of his
Gospel, how are believers to behave and live. Jesus calls all His faithful
believers to produce good fruit and take His good Gospel message throughout the
world (John 15:16, 27; John 17:18; see also Matthew 28:18-20). Our good fruit
and deeds bring God’s glory as our righteous deeds reveal we are Jesus’ disciples
(e.g., see John 15:5, 8; Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 2:12; 1 John 1:5-10). Moreover,
Jesus calls ALL BELIEVERS to shine God’s good light in the world as children of
the Daylight (e.g., see Matthew 5:14-16). The walk of goodness is like the
light of dawn, which shines bright (e.g., see Proverbs 4:18-19).
Therefore,
Jesus calls EVERYONE to OBEY Him and His Father’s teaching and walk
in His Light and turn from the pathway of darkness (e.g., see Luke
8:21; Luke 8:21; John 12:35-36, 46). As we wholeheartedly walk in the Light of
Jesus, God transforms our minds and purifies our hearts by His Holy Spirit and
takes believers from glory to glory (e.g., see Daniel 12:3; Romans 12:1-2; 2
Corinthians 3:18).
IV.
Apostle
Paul’s Teaching
The
Apostle Paul and many other early disciples of Jesus devoted their lives
exclusively to preaching, teaching, and testifying to others to accept and
believe in the Lord Jesus as Christ (Messiah) and the Son of God (Acts 18:5;
see also Acts 9:19-22; 1 John 2:23). During his writing and speaking ministry,
the Apostle Paul encouraged EVERYONE to confess and accept with
their whole hearts and mouths that “Jesus is Lord” to find life now and for all
eternity (e.g., see Acts 13:38-39; Acts 16:31; Romans 1:4; Romans 3:21-26; Romans
10:9-13; 1 Corinthians 1:2).
Even
more, the Apostle Paul provided some important facts about Jesus. The Apostle
Paul calls Jesus the beginning and the firstborn over all creation (e.g., see Colossians
1:15, 18). Like His Heavenly Father – the true and living LORD God of heaven
and earth, Jesus is both the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the
Beginning and the End (e.g., see Isaiah 44:6; Isaiah 48:12; Revelation 1:4-5,
8; 17; Revelation 2:8; Revelation 21:6; Revelation 22:12-13). Moreover, the
Apostle Paul noted that Jesus is the very nature and image God, and the
fullness of God lived in Jesus (e.g., see 2 Corinthians 4:4; Philippians 2:6;
Colossians 1:15, 19-20; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:3). According to the Apostle
Paul, everything came through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and we find
life through Him (e.g., see 1 Corinthians 8:6).
Likewise,
the Apostle Paul encouraged all believers in Jesus to put on the Light of Jesus
and walk in the Daylight of Jesus and flee the works of night and the darkness (e.g.,
see Acts 26:18; Romans 13:11-14; 2 Corinthians 4:6; 2 Corinthians 6:14-16; Ephesians
5:11; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:5). Before our faith in Jesus, we were
full of night and darkness, but now we have Light of Jesus (e.g., see John
8:12; Ephesians 2:2; Ephesian 5:8). The Light of Jesus within our hearts
produces only what is good, right, and true (e.g., see Daniel 12:3; Ephesians
5:9, 14; Philippians 2:14-15). Jesus promised that when He returns to earth
that He will send out His angels and destroy everything that causes sin and all
who do evil (Matthew 13:41-42; e.g., see Ephesians 5:3-7). So PLEASE
REPENT!
References
Apologetics Study
Bible: Understanding Why You Believe (Nashville, TN:
Holman Bible Publishers, 2012).
ESV Study Bible,
English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).
New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).
Ryrie Study Bible
(Chicago, IL: Moody, 1995).
The Living Bible
Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).
Zondervan NIV
Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).
Carson, D.A. The Gospel According
to John (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1991).
Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament
(Victor Books, 1989).
[1]
Messiah is the Hebrew form of the Greek name Christ or Christos, which means
Anointed One (John 1:41; John 4:25-26; see also Matthew 1:16-17). The title Son
of God can serve as a synonym for “Messiah.”
[2]
However, some scholars argue an early date of John’s Gospel note John 5:2,
which indicates the Roman army had not yet destroyed Jerusalem at the writing
of the Gospel.
[3]
The Synoptic Gospels are Matthew, Mark, and Luke. These three Synoptic Gospels
still almost identically the same story of Jesus’s public ministry on earth.
[4]
The theological term of God coming human flesh is the “Incarnation.”
[5]
Jesus the Messiah is a descendent of the people of Israel (e.g., see Genesis
12:1-7; Matthew 1:1-17; Romans 9:4-5; Romans 15:8-9).
[6]
The Holy Spirit is a gift of joy, comfort, and peace from God given to all
faithful and obedient believers of Jesus (John 14:27; John 15:11; John 16:7,
33; see also Acts 5:31; Romans 5:1). Through our humble faith and obedience to
Jesus, believers receive from Jesus’ glorious Father all the fullness of God,
which includes the Spirit of wisdom, power, and revelation (e.g., see Ephesians
1:17-20; Ephesians 3:16-19).
[7]
Interestingly, at Jesus’ second coming, God the Father and His Son Jesus will
permanently live amongst us believers of Jesus (e.g., see Revelation 11:15;
Revelation 21:3).
[8]
Yahweh is a translation of the Hebrew letters YHWH, traditionally translated
the LORD. In some older English translations, YHWH is rendered “Jehovah,” a
form derived from combining the vowel sounds for ʾAdonai with the consonants
for YHWH. The LORD is El, the infinitely strong One, and He is the Sovereign
LORD of heaven and earth. Importantly, the living LORD God demands our
exclusive worship, love, and obedience to Him first (e.g., see Exodus 20:2-3,
5; Exodus 34:14; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; 2 Kings 17:35; Matthew 6:33; Matthew
22:37).
[9]
God’s glory dwelt within the cloud, often called the “glory cloud.”
[10]
This Temple (also called the Second Temple) was fully completed and dedicated
on March 12, 515 BC (see Ezra 6:15-16). the Second Temple was finished
approximately seventy (70) years after the Babylonian destruction of Solomon’s
Temple in Jerusalem in 586 BC. Herod the Great later remodeled and expanded the
Second Temple at the time of the Lord Jesus Christ. This Second Temple stood
for approximately 585 years until the Roman Army under Titus destroyed the
Temple in AD 70, thereby ending the Jewish sacrificial system.
