covenants

The Covenants of the Scriptures

The scriptures basically are about only two covenants, (Gal 4:22) both timely and conditional. Even though they are conditional, they are given unconditionally and kept through God's divine grace and providence. As Paul tells us in 1 Cor 3:9 "Ye are God's building, according to the grace of God which is given unto me." And 1 Cor 15:10 "By the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vein." Both covenants are given to only a few (Deut 7:7 & Luke 12:32) of God’s children (typed in Gideon's Army). Once they are received unconditionally, their benefits can be lost by failing to abide in accordance to their requirements ~ example of the old, Num. 14:22 and an example of the new Heb 6:4 & 10:29. Having concluded that there are only two, we must contend that there is an eternal covenant woven throughout the entirety of the scriptures, although we find no direct wording as, ‘eternal covenant’. We have heard it said that God made a covenant with Adam, yet there is no reference to the commandment or law given in the Garden as a covenant.

The first time "covenant" is recorded in the Holy Writ is Gen 9:16. If my understanding of this, if correct, it was an unconditional everlasting covenant given to all living things, that God would never again destroy his creation by water. That is to say, that the earth would continue as it has until he comes to fold it up, as described in Heb 1:10 ~ "God hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; (in other words, the creation would run it's course and be as in the beginning, without form and void). And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, remembering the everlasting covenant (Gen 9:16) between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth." The fire, as described in scripture, has reference to the judgment of God on his own people, not an end-time judgment of the fallen angels and those men which some conclude are not a part of the family of God.

The first of the two covenants which we will be addressing in this writing is found in Gen 15:18, which to my understanding, is a timely covenant and only includes a portion (Deut 32:9) of his pepole as those found also in Deut 7:7 ~ "LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, unto thy seed have I given this land." This same covenant is restated in Gen 17:7 "I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations (Natural Israelites only) for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an (age) everlasting possession". In verse 19, he assures Abraham that this covenant will continue after he has passed from this life for he states, "With your son Isaac: will I establish my covenant for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him." This covenant was confirmed on Mount Sinai and brought to reality at the crossing of the Jordan River.

There are other covenants recorded such as in Gen 21:27 where Abraham makes a covenant with Abimelech, and in Gen 31:43 where Jacob makes one with Laban.

In Ex 2:24, 430 years later (2083 - 2513) "God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them." Remember this covenant was that He would give them the Land of Canaan. He reaffirms this to Moses in Ex 6:4 ~ "I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan." This Covenant, though only to the descendants of Abraham (died @ 175) through Jacob (15 @ death of Abraham), Ex 19:5, tells us that in order for the recipient to enjoy the blessings contained therein, they had to perform the conditions given in the tables of stone. "If ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine." This tells me that God has more people than those He had promised the land unto. The Israelites could not plead ignorance to their duty in glorifying God while they sojourned here in this time world, as was the case of the Gentile nations (Acts 17:30; Eph 2:12). Ex 24:7 ~ "Moses, took the book of the covenant, and read it to them, after which he took blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, 'Behold the blood of the covenant.' This same covenant is restated in Ex 34:27 "I have made a covenant with Israel, (only Israel, the fewest of all peoples. Deut 7:7) which he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant." In Lev 26, (we find additional details of this covenant)," I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you." He also describes the consequences of breaking this covenant. "I will even appoint over you terror, until ye be humbled, and accept of the punishment of your iniquity." (Ps 110:3) We see here he will perform, what ever it takes (Isa 1:9, 37:29), with a remnant, to bring about obedience: that is, that his name will be praised here in time. After having humbled them, he will then remember his covenant with Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham. "I will remember the land… yet for all that, when he has driven them out of the land and they be in the land of their enemies, I will not utterly cast them away, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them all nor break my covenant with them: for I am the LORD their God." (Isa 65:8) This covenant is typed in Rachel (Gen 29:10, 30) and also Judah (Gen 49:10) God has and will continue to preserve a few in this time world to give him praise. (Rm 9:29) Is this absolution? Not so, no more that it is when you make your children perform the duties you have assigned to them: if you are able to do this with your children, how much more do you think God is able to do with those of his which he desires. Example -- Jonah. When God set his mind for one of his own, they may run, but they can not hide.

Deut 4:13 ~ Moses gives his last instructions to God’s special chosen people, "for I declared unto them his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them upon two tables of stone." Deut 5:2 ~ "The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, (Their fathers Abraham, Isaac, Jacob never possess the land) but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day." Deut 4:23 ~ "Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee. For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God." Deut 7:9 ~ "Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments." Deut 9:9 ~ "I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant." Deut 9:11 ~ "The two tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant." Deut 29:1 ~ "These are the words of the covenant, which the LORD commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the covenant (an extension of the Sinai covenant) which he made with them in Horeb." Deut 29:9 ~ "Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do." Verse 21 ~ "If you do not, then ye will receive according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this book of the law: 27 ~ the anger of the LORD will be kindled against this land, to bring upon it all the curses that are written in this book."

In Num. 25:12, we see the blessings in the priesthood, "Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, I give unto him my covenant of peace: And he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood." (This covenant functions within the Mt Sinai covenant, but look forward to the church ~ Mal 2:4,6). In Deut 10:8, the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the Ark of the Covenant of the LORD, herein typed as the church. In Num. 10:33, we are told how the covenant is to be taken care of in the ark of the covenant of the LORD; also in Deut 31:26 ~ "Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD." It is my understanding that this is giving us a foresight of the priesthood as described in 1 Peter 2:9; the peace of knowing the truth concerning the completed work of Christ, and as the church, offers up spiritual sacrifices.

We find in Joshua 23:16, where Joshua gives them the instructions again ~ "When ye have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you." But yet he tells them in Judges 2:1 "I will never break my covenant with you." Yes, God is faithful to his covenant, although his people continue to violate it and are cast out from his presence; he will continue to bring some of them through the fire of afflictions for his namesake.

In Ps 105:9, we have David restating this same promise to his people Israel…. "Which covenant he made with Abraham and his oath unto Isaac; and confirmed the same unto Jacob for a law and to Israel for an everlasting covenant: Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan." Isa 59:21, "This is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon (not in. This covenant was a fleshly covenant Gal 4:23.) Thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, (2 Pet 1:21) shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever." Gen 49:10 ~ "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver (Husband Jer 31:32) from between his feet, (the place of child bearing, Deut 28:57) until Shiloh (the bride of Christ) come; and unto him (The Bridegroom) shall the gathering of (the bride) the people be." This covenant was with Abraham to Israel, through Judah. This covenant was not broken by God, but fulfilled in Christ, when Shiloh, the bride of Christ came.

Who is the chosen spoken of here in Ps 89:3? "I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant." Ps 111:9 ~ "He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name." The answer to the above question lies in the one who redeemed his people. In Isa 24:5, we are told how his people, who had the truth, as written in tables of stone did despite unto it, therefore: "Because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left." Jer 11:8 ~ "They obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart: therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do; but they did them not." Jer 22:10 ~ "Weep sore for him that goeth away: for he shall return no more, (sin unto death 1 John 5:17) nor see his native country." This was to his covenant people under the covenant in stone and no one else. The Gentiles, being governed by the fruit of the spirit, were not effected by their not obeying this covenant, only his chosen people, the Israelites Eph 2:12.

Jer 31:31 ~ "I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD." Jer 32:40 "I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me." does this sounds kind’a kin to absolutism! No! But the providence of God! Isa 37:29 the same way one would train a horse with a bridle. This is the covenant he has made with those called out from the walks of men, a remnant of his people to walk therein. ~ Ps 110:3 Yes he, so to speak, put a bridle in the mouth of the remnant, those which he calls to the marriage feast, for they will become ‘willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning.’ Paul is a good example of this power of conversion, for though he was told, "why kick against the pricks"; he was made willing when God took hold of him. Could he have fallen away? He prayed that he would not…. But we can see the purpose of God at work in his life, and at God’s own time he brought him forth from the spiritual womb, and called him to the apostleship of the Gentiles. Gal 1:15 Yes, he was indeed one born out of due season. This is accomplished (Zech 9:11) "by the (Passover) blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no (gospel) water." 1 Cor 3:6 ~ "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." Mal 2:4 ~ "My covenant might be with Levi, (priesthood as in 1 Peter 2:9) saith the LORD of hosts. My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name. The law of truth was in his mouth." This is the new covenant (truth) as we are told in 1 John 2:20-27.

Here in Ezek 16, we have a very sad tell of a chosen people who were taken out of a horrid position and given the beauty of his holiness and they despised it. "Thy birth and thy nativity is of the land of Canaan; thy father was an Amorite, (Gen 15:16) and thy mother an Hittite… I will even deal with thee as thou hast done, which hast despised the oath in breaking the covenant. Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting (new) covenant." What will cause such a rebellious people to return? Ezek 20:37 ~ "I will cause you to pass under the rod, (of afflictions) and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant: And I will purge out from among you the rebels." God did just this by sending them into captivity over and over, until finally Shiloh came and he then, as stated in Ezek 37:26 ~ "I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them. My tabernacle (church) also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people." (While in this time world) This covenant of peace is with his bride today and (Dan 9:4) "God is keeping the covenant via his mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments." For he has (Dan 9:27) "confirmed the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease. Then at that day (Hos 2:16), saith the LORD, that thou shalt call me Ishi; (my husband) and shalt call me no more Baali (my Lord). For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name. And in that day will I make a (new) covenant for them."

That day begin on the day of Pentecost and came into its maturity in seventy AD. It will continue until the Lord comes from heaven to claim all of his children. It is the new covenant, which was promised to Abraham concerning the land (The True Church). Many of those given this new covenant become proud, (JH, LB, etc.) just as the Pharisees did, and lose the benefits of it. Hos 12:1 describes them as was Ephraim which "feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies." an therefore like him… (Zech 9:10) God has "cut off the chariot (strength, an they have fallen from grace Gal 4:5) from Ephraim." Heb 8:9 ~ "I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord."

Mal 3:1 ~ "I will send my messenger (John) of the (new) covenant, and he shall prepare the way before me, (Luke 1:72) to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy (unction of The Holy One ~ new) covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham." Yes, (Acts 3:25) the church… "Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindred’s of the earth be blessed." The presence of the church has brought blessings upon every nation in which it has resided in. All the people of the earth are blessed because of the church, just as Laban, Abimelech and Egypt because of those who make up the true worshippers are among them. Acts 7:8 ~ God gave Abraham the covenant of (outward) circumcision under the first (old) covenant, and now under the second (new) covenant he has given (inward) circumcision of the heart and not of the flesh.

Although there are several covenants spoken of in the scriptures, if we sum them up it comes down to only (Gal 4:24) two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar or Ishmael, law worshipers; after the flesh, and Jerusalem, the true church, which is above is free. For the truth shall set you free.

Rom 11:26 ~ "All Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election (under the old covenant), they are beloved for the fathers' (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) sakes." It is my understanding that these verses tell us that all of the natural descendants of Jacob are beloved for the fathers’ (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob’s) sakes. Under the old covenant they were the elect of God. (Isa. 45:17); the wife of Jehovah God (Jer 31:32); The first born of God (Ex 4:22); with the birth right of the (double portion). Blessed not only to be his children, but also blessed with the oracles of God (Rom 9:4).

Gal 3:17 ~ "The covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect." This simply tells us that though they did not keep the covenant, God would not utterly forsake them, but will reserved a remnant (Isa 1:9, 65:8), to bear witness to the truth (Rm 9:29) here in time.

Heb 8:7 ~ "If that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord." It is my understanding that the reason the first is concluded to be faulty is because it was, as stated in Gal 4:22, after the flesh, and those after the flesh (Natural Israelites) could not keep it. Gal 3:23 ~ The dealt faith was shut up to them. The second is not of the flesh; but of faith which is the dealt faith of (Rom 12:3), in the heart, as the new covenant (1 John 3:9), as stated, can not sin or fail.

Heb 8:13 ~ "A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." Heb 9:8 ~ "The Holy Ghost thus signifying that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was yet standing." Christ our husband now tabernacles (Hos 2:16) in the hearts of his chosen bride. This would not come to fulfillment until the iniquity of those under the old was brought to full measure. Jesus would then drink this cup, for his people.

Heb 9:11 "Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, …by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." Under the first, this service was pointing to the atonement, which was accomplished, as God was in Christ reconciling the world of his people to himself (2 Cor 5:19, Gen 22:9). The following verses speak of the ashes of the red heifer, "sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh." (Nu 19:2) He then contrast this services to the "purging of your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" that is from the old covenant service to the new covenant gospel service…. So he now stands as "the mediator of the new (covenant) testament, that by means of his death," (Rom 7:4) and resurrection… he accomplished this, "for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." The eternal inheritance is that which those under the new covenant are a part and percipient of now. It is not talking about something to come at the end of time, but those who are abiding in this eternal life now, have this inheritance. As the first testament which was dedicated with blood, when Moses took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people, this second or new covenant is also sanctified by his own blood, as the Passover blood for the firstborn.

Heb 9:28 ~ "Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear (Jh 21:22) the second time (Mt 16:28, Lk 9:27) without sin unto salvation." Yes, Jesus Christ must to have died, and his blood as the Passover Lamb sprinkled on the new covenant of the hearts of those called to be saints. (Sanctified) Heb 10:9 ~ "I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all (2 Thes 2:13)." Therefore, Heb 10:14 ~ "By one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission (a covering) of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest (brides chamber) by the (Passover) blood of Jesus."

Heb 10:22 ~ "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure gospel water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)." Heb 10:26 ~ "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses. Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the new covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, (to the truth) an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the (Holy Ghost) Spirit (new covenant) of grace?"

Heb 10:31 ~ "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions."
Heb 10:36 ~ "For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. (The covenant of peace) For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by the dealt faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul." This is all in a timely setting, although we can see the eternal principle woven throughout the teaching.

Heb 12:24 ~ "Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the (Passover) blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. (The old law service) And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things, which cannot be shaken (new covenant), may remain. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire."
Heb 13:20 "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the (Passover) blood of the everlasting (timely) covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing." (Phil 2:14)
Allen Cook 6/25/2005

Deut 32:8

Deut 32:9 "For the Lord’s portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of the inheritance."

Up until the time of Abram, God had maintained to truth through the priesthood of the lineage of (Seth Gen 4:26 => Shem 14:18). One should notice how God builds upon previous events such as Gen 1:2 bringing order from chaos, light from darkness. As Seth and his descendants continued in the dim light, which was afforded them by the limited providence of God, (without an established law - Rom 5:13) having only the fruit of the spirit to guide them as a moral code discerning good from evil. By the time of Noah, the wickedness of man was so great in the earth that every thought of man heart was only continually evil. (Gen 6:5) Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Remember that grace is not based upon the actions of Noah, but that of God. Yes, to preserve the truth in the earth, God in his sovereignty established with Noah sufficient physical evidence to do the will of God’s good pleasure. (communicating verbally with him to establish the knowledge that He possessed a higher power than that Noah, which demanded respect.)

The old covenant was give unto only a portion of the children of God, and Jacob became symbolic of those called to be servants, to whom God would give a land, for their inheritance, that is, God in his sovereignty would chose out a small portion of his people to maintain the truth in the earth. (Isa 43:10). This was accomplished through Gods’ sovereign choice of the son of an idol maker, by the name of Abram. First through his providential care and then in direct communication with Abram, establishing his trust in God, wherein he is called the faith of our fathers’. God’s call to Abram, at the age of seventy-five, was in the land of his father (Haran, of Syria – Gen 12:1; Acts 7:4), which began his long journey of some fifty-five years. By this time God would have established in Abraham, by physical evidence, a belief that if he took the life of his own sons’, Isaac now thirty years old, that God would restore it unto him. (Gen 22:8)

Abram’s father Terah die in Haran of Syria at the age of 210 year. Abram was seventy-five years old at this time, and God called unto him saying get thee out of this land and go into Canaan, a land that he would (480 yrs) later give as an inheritance to his seed, Israel. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were sojourners in this land which was not theirs. (Ex 12:41; Heb 11:9; Deut 5:3) At the weaning of Isaac, (Gen 21:8), Ishmael begin to mock Isaac, and this affliction would continue with his seed for four hundred years. (Gen 15:13) They would be in Egypt for four generations, (Gen 15:16) which is recorded in Ex 6:16-20, as the sons of Jacob (Levi, Kohath, Amram, and Aaron). Levi went in, Aaron came out.

At Mount Sinai, God would give a body, portion (Deut 32:9) of his people additional witnesses, that is in addition to the moral law of the fruit of the spirit. Here he would establish a code of law in stone, which would be after the flesh (Gal 4:23) to govern their conduct. This law would not effect any of the Gentiles, although many were God’s children, in possession of the fruit of the spirit. This law would add nothing more to establish the faith than that of Able, for all of his children were already in possession of the fruit of the spirit, but additional evidence would be in the form of visible evidences to guide them in their knowledge of God. In addition to the law in stone he would continue to give them visible signs such as opening the Red Sea, and manna. These additional pieces of evidence: law in stone, and signs would become a way of live with the Israelites. At the time of Jesus, the Jews were still seeking after these signs. (Rom 11:7; Jh 20:30; Acts 2:22; 2 Cor 2:12). Many more scriptures could be sighted, to establish how only a portion of his people could know who Jehovah was (Isa 43:10, Acts 17:23).

During the ministry of Jesus he would continue these signs, along with teaching them out of the law, which the Jews were very familiar with (Acts 26:27; Mt 21:32, Jh 3:10, 14:11). God came in the person of Jesus to his own (Jh 1:11), bringing them the two pecies of evidence they were aquainted with: the word (Old Testement - Lk 4:16), and works (signs - Jh 4:48). Having seen these they rejected the council againt them (Mt 21:32).

After the day of Pentecost a better covenant with more sure (2 Pet 2:19) witnesses would be given to the little flock of Lk 12:32. This witness would come to maturity in seventy AD as the sign gifts came to an end, at which time the two witnesses to the little flock would be the completed. The two witnesses are the engrafted word (James 1:23) or dealt faith (Rm 12:3, 1 Jh 5:4) of the new covenant, and the word which by it the gospel is preached, (1 Peter 1:23). This would give the little flock not only the knowledge of Jehovah, but also what he accomplished in the three hours of darkness for all of his children.

Allen Cook 8/28/07

Adoption

ADOPTION ~ As I understand adoption, it appears to be where a child is bodily removed from under an established set of rules wherein a child is governed, and placed under the authority of another, thereby changing the rules to which the child will be governed. The spiritual aspect of this would be to take a child (bodily) out of the natural (depraved) world of self-gratification in which he was placed at the fall of Adam, and is presently living under, and place him in another world. First by the covenant written in stone, which required self-control under the authority of Jehovah their husband (Jer 31:32) to enjoy the benefits of the adoption, and afterwards by the new covenant under the authority of Jesus their husband (John 17:14). Adam was created and placed under the law of self-control whereby he was to give honor unto his Creator rather than indulge in self-gratification, for he was forbidden to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Even though under the law of God, which required self-control, Adam was given the ability too, to exercise self-gratification. Upon exercising his self-gratification, by taking of the forbidden tree of knowledge, he was removed from the law given to him in the garden, no longer governed by a law (Rom 8:7, 5:13) of self-control, he would therefore only follow after his own selfish desires. That is in the state of total depravity in which the Gentile world lived before Christ (Eph 2:12, Acts 14:16, 17:30). One might say, if this be so, than explain the teaching of Rom 2:14. We know that the scriptures do not contradict themselves, therefore Eph 2:14 must be the condition that existed within the Gentile world before the time of Rom 2:14, for Paul is writing herein after the day of Pentecost, which defines the power found in the new covenant. This is the expression given in Eph 2:11 concerning the circumcision of the heart, which establishes the new covenant in the heart. This new covenant is always stated as ‘after those days’, referring to the day of Pentecost, when the fading away of the old (Heb 8:13) covenant in tables of stone began, to be completed at the destruction of Jerusalem in seventy AD. After the fall of Adam, God has opened the eyes of a few to see their depravity, and given them the spirit to guide their conduct according to the nine elements found therein. These are recorded in chapter eleven of Hebrews.

One might say at this point, are you saying that before the giving of the covenants, (old and new) that all of the race of Adam was without sin? God forbid! The nine elements of the fruit of the spirit (Gal 5:22) establishes in the minds of all of God’s children the ability to discern between good and evil (tree of knowledge), nothing more. The only way a person can know what is good is in experiencing evil. There must be a contrast to understand or distinguish anything as good or evil. Rom 5:13 "until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law." Gen 4:26 "At the birth of Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD." The indication here is that they were as those found in Acts 17:23. In other words, God was not with them as Jehovah, but simply as the Supreme Being. No adoption, for there was no law to guide them other than the so-called moral law established in the minds of the child of God, as the fruit of the spirit, wherein they were able to experience between good and evil. Something that was know, by the law as evil was not known by most of Gods people. For instant adultery as defined by the law did not register on these children of God (Acts 17:23). We are told in Heb 10:3 that the giving of the old law enables those to whom it was given, the knowledge of what sin was. "A remembrance again made of sins." This being so as stated in Heb 9:9, it "could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience." In other words, no human effort to keep the law can relieve the conscience of guilt. This could only be accomplished by the faith found in the new covenant (1 Jh 5:4, and Rom 12:3), wherein one is enabled to see the completed work of atonement wrought out by God in Christ in the three hours of darkness. Wherein His soul, as the substitute offering, was made in the room and stead of all of his children, both those having a law to govern them and those without law. ~ the new covenant gives those in possession thereof the ability to understand "God, the ‘I AM’ was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself" (2 Cor 5:19).

In order to understand adoption we must first start with Rom 9:4 "Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises." With the above concept, the children of Israel were adopted (redeemed) out of the (world) bondage of Egypt and given the law of Jehovah on mount Sinai. This law was given to the fewest, but a special people (Deut 7:6). Paul gives us additional information on these special people in Rom 3:1 "What advantage then hath the Jew? Or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God." These oracles, covenants were given to govern the adopted children. None of the other children of God among the Gentiles were included in this adoption and therefore did not have this advantage. That is the close relationship with Jehovah. This covenant (is defined by Gal 4:23 as being after the flesh), the adherence to it was by the natural mind and not by inner motivations as those now adopted under the new covenant. In other words, those under the first covenant only had external evidences (law in stone and the outward physical evidence of God) to guide them in the way of truth (Isa 43:10). I say truth as opposed to knowing good from evil, for the knowledge received by Adam in eating of the tree of knowledge gives, as well as all of his children, this understanding: that is by contrast. We find in Isa 43:10 "Ye are my witness (Israel) … that I have chosen that ye may know me in truth."

Rom 8:15 "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." The spirit of bondage was the condition found under the old covenant, which genders fear. (Heb 2:15) The fear came as a result of not being able to clear the conscience by keeping the demands of the law. Those under the new covenant now understand the completed work of Christ as their atonement; that is, they understand the basic fundamental doctrines as recorded in Romans 8:28,29, because these principles are written upon their hearts in the form of the new covenant. That is the reason the Apostle John writes in 2:20 of his first epistle, "But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth." This truth shall set you free from fear (John 8:32). It is this understanding by the spirit of adoption (truth) whereby we are able to cry My Father. Rom 8:23 "And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body." It is these bodies, not the spirit, which has been adopted. The adopted bodies are waiting to experience; making known the reality of the redemption of these bodies. The spirit and soul have already experienced redemption as it has already taken place on the cross, so it is these bodies, of the firstfruits, that are groaning within themselves, waiting for these adopted bodies to be delivered (in the resurrection) from this corruption that invades them.

Gal 4:1 "Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world." (John 17:14) "But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father." Paul, here is able to see himself, even as we were under the law, as our tutor until the time appointed of the father. The law is the schoolmaster (tutor) designed to bring us, in understanding, to Christ. It is very true that Christ redeemed the entire family of God, but the context herein is the deliverance form the bondage of the law given on mount Sinai, which is stated in Gal 4:24 "these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage." The fullness of time under consideration herein is like unto ‘the fullness of the Amorites’ of Gen 15:16. That is, God purposed to give the children of Israel the land of Canaan when the iniquity of the Amorites was filled up; likewise the bride of Christ was not given the spiritual land of Canaan until the fullness of the iniquity of the Jews were filled up. We see from this when the iniquity of the Jews were filled up, God then sent his Son, made of a woman, (made subject to the law written on mount Sinai), to redeem his bride from the curse thereof. (Gal 3:10). "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. …Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree." Again hear me out ~ the eternal principle concerning all of God’s children can be taught from these scriptures, but I repeat, is it not a timely lesson being taught herein as it pertains only to the little flock? Those chosen, adopted, circumcised of the heart, regenerated in the context of Matt 19:28, and given the new covenant. It is these adopted sons of God, now married to his Son, that is able to cry, My Father, for they are His daughters-in-law, married to His son, Jesus the man. Has not the soul and spirit already been begotten (in possession of the fruit of spirit) and now via the new covenant these bodies are placed in God’s manifested family by adoption, as the wife of His son Jesus (Jh 1:11)?

Eph 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will." I realize that this scripture as well as the others have been used in the eternal sense, rather than in a timely sense, but look at the context. We understand that those who are included in the new covenant adoption have been blessed much, yes even more that those to whom Paul refers to as having an advantage, being blessed with the oracles of God. When the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ extends his scepter to one of his bride and bids her to sup with him, it is indeed a heavenly place. This event being in the mind and purpose of the Thrice Holy God decreed before the foundation of the world, predestinating those he foreknew in a marriage covenant relationship unto his Son Jesus Christ, being only a portion of his children. The purpose of this adoption as well as those under the first covenant was to establish a kingdom here in time wherein his name should be glorified. How? By worshipping him in spirit and truth. This blessing hath came upon all those to whom he purposed to receive it. (2 Thess 2:13). Why, oh why have such poor mortals of this world been so blessed, yes even one such as I? We must confess, because it was his good pleasure. Oh! What wondrous love is this that he would love and bless one such as we, and from time to time allow us to dine with our blessed Husband. Come and dine is his admonition to those who are called to the wedding feast.

Conclusion: Every man is made up of three elements: first the body, having been contaminated with sin by the fall of Adam, will decay and die; second the soul which is eternal will never decay and third the spirit which is the intellectual part of man, making a duel man; that is, he can have both spiritual intellect, and natural intellect. This is defined in the fifth chapter of Galatians as the fruit of the spirit and the works of the flesh. Paul speaks of this duality of man in the seventh chapter if Romans. See also 1 Cor 2:7 "We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world (2 Thes 2:13) unto our glory. (vs 10) … the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (vs13) … not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth. (14) … the natural man’s (intellect) receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (vs16) … we have the mind of Christ." 1 John 5:4 "whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." The mind of Christ is this faith that we have to expand upon just as a newborn baby. After the new covenant faith is dealt unto those chosen from the beginning, we are to add unto it. 2 Peter 1:3 "According as his divine power (Acts 2) hath given unto us all things (1 Jh 2:20, Rom 8:28) that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises (found in the promise of Gal 3:29, which those in chapter eleven of Heb ‘vs 15’ did not have. ~ Gal 3:23): that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature (1 Jh 3:8), having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." The election found herein is not talking about all of God’s children; but only those which have been added unto the church (Act 2:40). They are also the ones spoken of in Hos 2:19 as the betrothed bride of Jesus the man, and called the bride of Christ as the called (Mt 22:14) out and given the unction of the Holy One. Ps 16:10, Act 2:27. 3:12, 13:35, 1 Jh 2:20 defines Him as the humanity part of God not the eternal part. The chosen of Matthew Twenty-two are those whom God has, so to speak, put bits in their mouths and will turn them about as defined in Isa 37:29, 1:9, and Rom 9:29, which make up the nucleus of the church and will remain until time is no more. Allen cook 10/6/2006

John 2:23 "Jesus was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did." The setting for the account of Nicodemus
John 3:1 "There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him." First we notice that the man was a ruler of the Pharisees wherein the tenth verse further describes him as a master in this religion. In other words, the man had a master’s degree in the law. Therefore he knew the things whereof Jesus was speaking, just as those recorded in Matthew twenty-one, thirty-two. This being so, we can see that he, having came by night, was unwilling at this time to give up his position in the law. No doubt as a lawyer, he also had the knowledge of Psm 61:1 and quoted in Luke 4:18: ‘because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel.’ Vs 3 "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born (1080) again (509), he cannot see the kingdom of God." Notice the word born, which can bear the meaning Nicodemus attempted to use, as being brought forth from the mother womb (Mt 19:12), but then the use of the word again refutes his argument for it indicates that it came not as a natural birth, but from above as we see in James 1:17 (every perfect gift is from above) and 3:17 (the wisdom that is from above is first pure). This Pharisee knows more than what he is letting us know at this time. The birth under consideration can be further defined by 1 Jh 5:4. Romans 12:3, also further defines the born from above given to each of those betrothed, added to the church a gift whereby they have a responsibility therein as the body of Christ, his bride. Rev 1:5 ‘Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood’. This washing is the Passover blood of the man Jesus, shed externally in the first three hours, and not the atonement blood shed internally in the last three hours. It is the blood of the new covenant recorded in Hebrews 10:29 that can be despised by those who deny the truth and therefore become liars. We are told in John 8:44 that as liars they are of their father the devil. Not that they are not children of God, but in as much as they have known the truth and did despite unto it they are then said to be of their father the devil. Judas falls into this definition of being of his father the devil. Vs 4 "Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" Again we find Nicodemus knows his argument is weak, for as stated above he knew the scriptures, therefore he should be able to understand the meaning of the word again as Jesus had presented it to him. He was not willing at this time to confess this because of his position in the pharisaic religion. It is my understanding that the appointed time (Ha 2:3,4), was when Jesus would remind them ‘what was written before’, and it should have given him the understanding of what would to be involved in the new birth. The ‘whatsoever is born’ would not be given until the completion of the cannons and the end of the sign gifts. That is, the work of the Holy Ghost as the administrator of the new covenant unto those called (Mt 22:11-14) to the wedding feast, adding them to the church (Acts 2:40). John 15:26 "when the Comforter is come". Yes, even his own apostles could not understand what was to be accomplished in the atoning work upon the cross (Mk 8:21). In order to understand this, they must wait until the promise given to Abraham, spoken of in Gal 3:19 and Luke 24:49: "I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until (Pentecost) ye be endued with power from on high." We find in Heb 11:39 that up unto this time "These all, having obtained a good report through faith (found in the fruit of the spirit, not the whatsoever), received not the promise." What was the promise? It was the ability given through the administration of the new covenant, (1 Jh 2:20) unto the recipient thereof the basic doctrines of the true church; that is, what was accomplished on the cross. (Jh 5:4) For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth (n) that Jesus is the Son of God?" Not all of God’s children have been given this responsibility, and to suffer with their husband Jesus, as witnesses of the truth. Matt 13:11 ‘It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.’ Who are the ‘hath and hath not’s’? (1 Jh 2:19,20) Vs 19 are the ‘hath not’s’ and vs 20 are the ‘hath’s’. The ‘hath’s’ are the little flock or the remnant that shall not bow to the image of Baal. They are those who are called to suffer with Jesus for bearing witness of the truth.
　
5 "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born (notice here the word again, which is seen above, is not used here) of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." The phrase ‘born of the Spirit’ refers back to verse three, wherein one is delivered from the works of the law, which establishes the true belief in them. It is my understanding that the water and the spirit under consideration here in verse five related to the teachings of 2:7 where the water was changed into wine (purifying pots). This beginning of miracles was the witnesses as defined in 1Jh 5:6,8, and Rev 22:1 as the gospel, resonating with the truth established by law written in the heart from vs 3. When one of God’s called ministers are blessed by fruitful study of the word (water), and empowered by the spirit it is indeed as the water which is turned into wine (living waters) springing forth from inner man. It is these who will come to him in the way of truth, for they are taught by this inner knowledge (6:45 nc), springing up unto everlasting life. This everlasting life is not speaking of something yet to come, but HE is now abiding in those who have been added to the church. Acts 13:46,48, Jh 4:14. Having said this, we realize that not all of those betrothed unto the son of man, who will take up their cross and abide in him (1 Jh 2:25,7). There is a remnant of these that God (so to speak) puts bits in their mouths (Isa 37:29) and turns them about whether so ever he will, less we all had been as Sodom (Isa 1:9, Rom 9:29). As we study the scriptures, sometimes we find it literally comes alive, resonating with the word which is written upon the heart. The chastening rod upon our conscience will draw those so moved by the inner man to abide in the truth. 1 Cor 4:15 ‘Ye have not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.’ Philem 10 ‘I have begotten in my bonds.’
Summary: First those chosen as witnesses are born again (regenerated from above Mt 19:28), having now the living word within: the preacher is then able by the water (written, preached word), ignites the spirit, to bring to deliverance, birth, that which lies within. Remember only those betrothed, added unto the church bride as defined in verse three will be able to relate to verse five. This being not all of his children, only the bride.
Vs 7 "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit." This is simply stating that the work of verse three (born again) whereby the Holy Ghost in the administration of the new covenant, adding those betrothed unto the son of man, is as the wind. Sometimes it comes as a gentle breeze and at other times it comes as a great storm, which guides and direct the recipients thereof in search of the truth that has been written in their hearts.
Vs 9 "Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?" Even though Nicodemus, to my understanding was a child of God, yet inasmuch as the Holy Ghost was not yet given, could not understand what was to come in John 14:26 ‘He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.’ We find this further defined in John 6:44 ‘No man can come to me, except the Father, which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last (gospel) day.’ "It is written in the prophets (Jer 31:31), and they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me." He therefore could not comprehend the lesson, as he was viewing it from the flesh as all of those under the old covenant would reason (Gal 4:23). Jesus further states that Nicodemus could not fully understand the concept of the word ‘again’ (from above), since the witness from within had not yet been given. We find in John 20:22: ‘Receive ye the Holy Ghost,’ that there was a limited knowledge given unto the apostles before the day of Pentecost, yet they fail to understand the completed work which was in some degree understood by the resurrection.
Vs 13 "And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven." This statement seems to be out of place, but it again emphasizes the word ‘again’, as the point of origin of the faith, which was to come unto the ‘whatsoever’ is born of God, again as defined in verse three. In as much as this had not taken place at the time of this lesson then it stand to reason why Nicodemus was at loss to fully understand what Jesus was teaching him. He could see, according to the Old Testament, that Jesus was the Messiah but the new birth was beyond his ability to understand in as much as it had not yet been given. ‘It is written in the prophets (Jer 31:31), and they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.’ (Heb 8:11)
Vs 14 "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life (present tense)." These two verses are the prelude to the lesson that is to follow. The thought is that only those bitten by the serpents had a need or desire to look upon the brazen serpent. Likewise only those who by experience have seen their own depravity (Rom 7:9) will have an understanding or need of a Savour. Therefore it is this world that will be in the following lesson. This world includes only the betrothed bride of the son of man, and not all of the children of God. Having seen it, some will yet die in their sins, because they refuse to submission to this truth.
Vs 16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth (involuntary ~ now) in him should not perish, but have (present tense) everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world (Jh 1:12); but that the world (Jews) through him might be saved. He that believeth (Jh 1:12) on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not (Jh 1:11) is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." This world has been given the power to overcome (1 Jh 5:4) the world of false teachers, and therefore should, (notice it does not say shall, or will) not perish. John 12:47 ‘I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.’ This is the same lesson taught in Eph 6:13 concerning the putting on of the whole armor of God, wherein we are able to persevere in the faith. If you will notice also that he came to save this world, for the very purpose that his name should be glorified in the earth, not to condemn it. If this world, to whom he came to save rejects it (Mt 21:32, Jh 1:11) and turns from Him, are condemned already because they have counted the blood of the new covenant an unholy thing and did despite to the spirit of grace (Heb 6:4, 10:29). Remember this is a timely conditional lesson to those who have been called as witnesses of the truth here in time. Where much is given, much is required.
Vs 19 "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." John 1:8 "He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." Yes he came unto his own world, not to condemn but to give the light of the knowledge of the truth. Many of them rejected the council against themselves (Mt 21:32, Lk 7:30) "He that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God." (John 3:21) John 12:36 "While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light." We find this condition in Acts 13:46 wherein the Jews had judged themselves unworthy of this (light) everlasting or eternal life, and Paul then turns his attention unto the Gentiles. The condemnation herein is the same as founded in Heb 6:4 and 10:29 where having seen the light, rejects it. The witness that Nicodemus had was his works and word as taught in: John 5:36 ‘The same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.’ John 10:25 ‘The works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.’ John 10:32 ‘Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?’ John 10:37 ‘If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. but if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works : that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.’ John 14:11 ‘…else believe me for the very works ' sake.’ John 15:24 ‘If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.’
Vs 22 "After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized." Jesus not leaves Jerusalem after the first Passover (01/22/5957), and goes to the same area near to where, "John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized." Vs 24 "For John was not yet cast into prison." If we do not take into account this statement, as we read in Mt 4:12, Mk 1:14, Lk 4:14 the time element will be misunderstood, because John record places the temptation much later (Jh 1:26,35, & Jh 2:1). The temptation would be after the event recorded up to the time found here in 3:24. It is my understanding that the time of Jesus’ baptism was at the end of F. of T. 7/22/5956 at least 6 mo. earlier.
　
Vs 25 "Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying." Let us pause and take a look at what is really under consideration herein for we have already learned that the water, which was turned into wine, was accomplished in the vessels of purification. We also find 1 Chron 23:27 that the ‘Levites were numbered from twenty years old and above: for the purpose of the service of the house of the LORD, and in the purifying of all holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God.’ While under the old covenant the priest was to use (Heb 9:13) the ashes of an heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh.’ Under the new covenant we find that (vs 14) it is ‘the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Yes as the husband and high priest he (Acts 15:8) which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.’ These selfrighteous Jews not doubt thought that John’s baptism would accomplish the purification found under the old covenant. Peter in 3:21 was also refuting this idea for it is not the cleansing of sinful flesh as the Jews supposed, but an answer of the purged conscience.
Vs 26 "And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him." These Jews are so determined to create something between John and Jesus they came to John with the lofty title of Rabbi and informed him they this Jesus was attempting to draw disciples away from John. Just how ignorant can they get. John simply informed them again after having born witness to then already, that he was only a messenger of Jesus, and he would decrease, being only the best man, or friend and not the bride. A few verses down (4:2) ‘and Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples’ were doing the baptizing.
Vs 29 "He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease." John’s joy was fulfilled in seeing his friend increase in the eyes of the bride, while he was content to simply fade from the picture and give the bride the opportunity to lean upon her husband’s breast.
Vs 31 "He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony." Jesus being from above is above all, even his bride, but we are of the earth (Adam) and corrupt speaking only thing of the earth. The only way even one who is bride can rise above this is to be clothed in her husband’s righteousness.
Vs 33 "He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him." Yes Jesus was full of the spirit, but we as the bride are only dealt a measure of the spirit, faith. "The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things (1 Cor 15:27) into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." This verse further emphasis verse eighteen, wherein one who has received this eternal life, must abide in it or loose it. This gift of eternal life is give that we may give honor and glory unto our husband.
　
Allen Cook 9:22:08 Rev 08/08/2009

John 2:1 "And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: and both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage." The third day seems to play a significant part in Johns’ writings. Hosea tells in that (6:2) ‘in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.’ Day one (Adam unto Abraham, or the patriot age), the second day (Abraham until Jesus, or the Law age), the third day (Jesus until end of time, or the gospel age). Here in this verse we have the setting up of the gospel age, wherein we are to sup with our husband, wherein Hosea tells us that we shall live in his sight. John 21:12 here we find Jesus inviting his disciples to ‘Come and dine, now this was the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, and he ask Peter the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me.’ If indeed we desire to be true followers of Jesus our husband we must (Job 23:12) ‘esteemed the words of his mouth more than our necessary food.’ John also tells us in John 6:39 that he shall ‘raise it up again at the last day’, and again ‘labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you’. Notice: it does not use a personal pronoun here but ‘it’ as referred to in Hosea concerning the 'us', or bride of Jesus.
Vs 3 "And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it." John repeats the phrase ‘not yet come’, three other time (7:6, 7:30, and 8:20) indicating that Jesus has a set time to be offered up as the Passover Lamb. This would take place on the fourteenth day of the first month, 3960 years after Adam was created, or in the evening of the fourteenth year of time (2 Pet 3:8). The Son of God was to be set forth on the tenth day of time (Gen 1:3, Ex 12:3) and offered up on the fourteenth day of time (Ex 12:18 at evening). In Gen 1:1 god created time, and set in place all of the elements, which was to make up this time world. He then set in motion the events that were to take place in time. The first was to create the angelic entities to give him praise, including a third, which would rebel, again his authority. At the time of this rebellion we find that the created earth was without form and void, until God set forth His only Son as the Lamb of God (Gen 1:3), bring order form chaos.
Vs 6 "And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece." These were the earthen vessels made for the purifying, of the things of the temple. Six, being the number of man in his natural Adamic state. They represented the sins (filth 1 Pet 3:21) of the flesh being washed off, in order that the service of God could be performed. They also represent the written word turned into wine when the gospel is preached in the power and demonstration of the spirit (3:5).
Vs 7 "Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, and saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now." The scriptures always states the natural before the spiritual.
Vs 11 "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him." His mission here on earth was to show his own who he was by his works and word Matt 11:21 ‘If the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. (John 10:38) Though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, (12:48) for the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day (gospel day).
Vs 12 "After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days." The other gospels place the temptation of Jesus shortly after his baptism. In Matthew 4:14 the neat statement is that John the Baptist was in prison (Mt 4:12). Here in John we find that the time element to be stated different as here they were in Cana on the third day after his baptism. We also find that ‘The Baptist’ was not yet in prison (3:24) which was after they had attended the first Passover (2:23). The phrase ‘not many day’ tends to indicate an even longer time before his temptation. We must remember as stated in the beginning of his writings he is focused on a different aspect of Jesus life, that that pertains to his bride and not all of the children of God. Mount Ebel, which is most likely the mount wherein the temptation took place is on the west ‘side Jordan, by the way where the sun goeth down, in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh?’ Deut 11:30)
Vs 13 "And the Jews' Passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changes of money sitting: and when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; and said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise." This is the first Passover after his baptism, which is not recorded in the other gospels. The phrase ‘overthrew the tables’ is a different time than that recorded in Mt 21:12, Mk 11:15 & Lk 19:45 because these three gospels only record the forth or last Passover. 2nd 6:4, 3rd 13:1
Vs 17 "And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. 18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that
thou doest these things? Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spake of the temple of his body. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
　
　
　

John 1

It is my opinion that to find the true teaching of the gospel of Jesus according to the apostle John, one must understand his relationship to his Lord. He was one of the firsts to be called into the service of his Lord (vs 35), along with Andrew. He is also called the apostle of love, this does not mean that Jesus did not love the other apostles, but only that John would have a special closeness to his Saviour, wherein he is described as the one who leaned upon his breast (13:23, 21:20). This position demonstrates the position of a wife who has put all her trust and confidence in the strength of her husband. Eph 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it." This same love is expressed in Deut 7:6 "thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth." It is these people, Israel and Judah where we find in Jer 31:32 that he declares, ‘I was an husband unto them.’ And again he further defines the special love as did Jacob unto Rachel (Gen 29:30) for ‘he loved also Rachel more,’ and he made a covenant with Judah in Gen 49:10.

John 1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him (Elohiym) was not any thing made that was made." This simply defines Genesis 1:3-25, showing that Elohiym was not only the Father Jehovah, but He would also to be manifested in the flesh as The Son of God. 2 Cor 5:19 "God (Elohiym) was in Christ, reconciling the world (all of His children) unto himself." Having established the deity of the Word, John then in his first epistle, shows us how he has called his bride, which he defines as the word world "The Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world (of unbeliever) knoweth us (believers) not, because it knew him not. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins (3:1). Also in (1:1) "That which was from the beginning (not before 2 Th 2:13), which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.)" This eternal life (Word) was manifested in the flesh as the Son of God.

Vs 4 "In him was life; and the life was the light of men, and the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not." 2 Cor 4:6 "God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." This light that shining forth out of darkness of the law has manifested its self, in the true believer, as a light in the darkness of the unbelieving world. This unbelieving world was not able to comprehend the truth, having their mind set by the works of the law, therefore it was shut up unto them (Gal 3:23). These two worlds are show and contrasted in the book of Hebrews. We also see both of them in the seventeenth chapter of John. The two worlds are not attempting to define who is a child of God and who is not, but rather contrasting the world of those who have be blessed with the truth, to the world of unbelievers. The unbeliever; if given the opportunity would attempt to destroy the truth in the earth. It is my understanding that there is a world that belongs to the son of man, Jesus (Jh 5:21, Lk 12:32): a world that belonged unto Jehovah (Jh 5:21, Jer 31:32): there is also a world that included all of Elohiym children (2 Cor 5:19). According to Jh 8:44, and 1 Jh 3:10 only liars, one who denies what he know to be the truth, are considered to be children of the devil.

Vs 6 "There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light." The all men to who John the Baptist was sent unto, was those to whom the LORD was preparing to be united in marriage to the son of man, Jesus. In other words, John was the so-called best man, which would introduce the bride unto the bridegroom. We find this further described in Luke 7:28 "I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." How is it that any one is greater than John is the Baptist? It is as the Apostle John, he was not greater than the other apostles, yet his position was that of leaning upon his Husbands breast (Jh 21:20). Yes, John the Baptist was not included in the bride, but what a great privilege, he was honored with as the best man.
　
Vs 9 "That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not." Here again we have two of the worlds spoken of in Hebrews. One being the world which was betrothed unto the son of man, Jesus, and the other being all other, or those opposed unto the truth. The every man herein includes only those betrothed unto Jesus: the Holy Ghost as yhr administer of the new covenant faith, circumcises the heart, adding to the church those betrothed unto the son.

Vs 11 "He came unto his own, and his own received him not." His own was the nation of Israel, and those who did not receive him, are those not defined as the generation of the Lord in Ps 22:30, and Isa 65:8, for only a portion of the nation of Israel were included in the generation of the Lord. Matt 19:28 "Ye which have followed me, in the regeneration."

Vs 12 "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born (begotten), not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John here is speaking in retrospect to the time starting at the day of Pentecost, for until the giving of that power (Lk 24:29), which could not be experienced until the day of Pentecost. Those spoken of as were born (begotten) are those who experienced is that spoken of in 1 Peter 1:5, and are then brought to light as in Gal 4:19 "I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you." Paul further defines this process in Acts 26:18 "To turn them from darkness to light." Yes after one is begotten by the first witness, defined as the regeneration of Matthew 19:28 then the preaching of the gospel as the second witness will deliver, bring to birth the child from the darkness of the law unto the truth. Before this the child of God only ‘hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law’ (Rm 2:20). And again they ‘having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof’ (2 Tm 3:5). This is the case of all the will worshiper. It is these who do not worship him in truth.

Vs 14 "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." It is these who have been so blessed with the truth: having been given the privilege of seeing, and hold the very Son of God, should indeed strive to enter in and behold his glory. It is my understanding that this is when He open the door and bids one to sup with him in his chamber. Oh! So great a glory, that is beyond our ability to describe. Praise his Holy Name.

Vs 15 "John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me." As explained above, as John the apostle is writing this in retrospect. Here he recalls the experience, having been baptized by John the Baptist, and had no doubt been told by him of the glory, which he had been privileged to behold (1:35).

Vs 16 "And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace." It appears that this account was actually that of John the Baptist, but is now being recorded by the apostle John. In the fulness of the bride’s Husband, the firstborn, the first fruits having not only received the grace to know there is a God, but also his bride has the privilege of knowing the very son of man, 'that Jesus is the Christ' (Jh 20:31, 1 John 5:1) as her husband. Grace for grace. Isa 40:2 "She hath received of the LORD's hand double for all her sins."

Vs 17 "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." This verse further defines just who it is that has received grace for grace, for it is tied in with truth.

Vs 18 "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him." John 13:23 "There was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved." John 21:20 "The disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper." The comparison of The Son is herein shown in the same immanent relationship as the bride in her relationship to the son of man, Jesus. The apostle John has this unique way of defining this relationship in all of his writings. John writings are different from the other three gospels for he speaks mostly about this husband/bride relationship, whereas the other gospels are more slanted to the responsibilities of all of the children of God.

Vs 19 "And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias." The apostle John having been one of the first to witness this forerunner of the bridegroom, is now relating his encounter with the bridegroom and his best man. It appears there are two groups of men, the first is described as priests and Levites. Here we have those who should have known the lessons in the Old Testament that speaks of (Mt 11:14) Elias, which was for to come. Mt 17:10 "Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?" Lk 1:17 The scriptures has recorded "he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Yes these priest and Levites should have known, but their mind set was so self centered for them to stop and consider what they knew concerning the truth, which was defined in their own scriptures.

Vs 24 "And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?" As stated above with the priest, these were the keepers of the law and likewise knew the scriptures concerning the teaching of Elias, but having hardened their heart against the truth, rejected their own teachings (Mt 21:32).

Vs 26 "John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; he it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose." The word ‘eido’, used here for know is and expression used to denote a lack of desire to understand. In other words, having had set their mind against any opposition contrary to their own agenda. This is not unlike those spoken of in Hebrews chapter six and ten.

Vs 28 "These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing." This is self-explanatory, which is relating to the place which the event took place. This verse set up a series of events, which would take place in the next three days. First we find the Jews coming to John the Baptist with the attitude of will worship, that is they wanted to escaped eternal punishment, and thought this could be accomplished by their own works. This is seen of John the Baptist in Matthew 3:7, and again with Jesus in Luke 3:7.

Vs 29 "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Here we find the event, which is considered to take place at the beginning. ~ "This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God." The apostle John records the things that took place on this day according to the saying of the Baptist, and defines the position, which the Baptist saw himself being placed in. That is the one who would introduce the bride unto the bridegroom, the best man.

Vs 35 "Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he (The Baptist) saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him (the Baptist) speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour." This is now day one following the baptism of Jesus, or the beginning of the ministry of Jesus. Here we have two of ‘The Baptist’ disciples (John and Andrew) leaving ‘The Baptist’ and following Jesus. If you will notice the writer herein will not speak of himself (humility) but always refers to himself as the other person. The tenth hour would be four o’clock in the afternoon by our time, so it was getting on into the day, but "One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon (peter), and saith unto him, We have found the Messias (The Anointed), which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone." We now have three of the twelve apostle following Jesus. John, Andrew, and Peter, which is now known as Cephas.

Vs 43 "The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? Thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." Day two finds Jesus and the three disciples in Galilee, where they now find Philip, who in turn finds Nathanael, who doubts any good can come out of Nazareth for his knowledge of Isa 9:1. "Nevertheless the dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first he lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun." Philip then gives us the lesson, which we all could do well to adhere unto, ‘come and see’. Jesus then reveals the true mean of the lesson taught in Isaiah 9:2 "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined." Yes Jesus could indeed say, ‘in whom is no guile’, because those who were walking in darkness and in the shadow of death are now enabled to see the great light. We find during his ministry that he (Matt 9:30) opens the eyes of whom he will ~ ‘their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.’ And tell them to not let any others know about it. This is taking place while those who are teachers of the law (Matt 13:15) and having seen it (Mt 21:32), yet their ‘heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.’ It is these same people that he has came to (1:11), some received him while other rejected him. During His ministry he did many mighty works (Mt 13:58), to the point that those that knew the law, knowing who he was yet desired to kill him (Matt 21:38) ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.’ (Matt 21:42) ‘Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation (Eph 2:12) bringing forth the fruits thereof.’

John 2:1 "And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: and both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage." We will take this third day up in the next segment of the gospel of Jesus according to John in chapter two.

3/31/09 Rev 11/01/09