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Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Philippians 1:6 ◄ What Does Philippians 1:6 Mean? ► For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6(NASB) Verse Thoughts Every man and woman born of the Spirit is being conformed into the image of the lovely Lord Jesus. This sanctification process, starts at rebirth, when we are born of the Spirit, through faith in Christ. It is an ongoing process that will be brought to full completion and beautiful perfection in the day that Christ takes us to be with Himself, at the end of this Church dispensation, “for those who God justifies, He also glorifies.” God desires each of His children to be changed from one state of glory to the next. It is God’s will that each of us is transformed into the image and likeness of Christ, for God is perfect, and we are to be perfect as He is perfect. But the work that needs to be carried out in the life of each believer is a work of God, NOT a work of our own flesh. God alone started the work in our life by faith when we were born again. Only God can continue His work of sanctification during our earthly life, and only He can finish the good work He started, when we were declared righteous, by faith – for in no sense can a man make himself perfect – for by works of the flesh will no man living be justified, sanctified, or glorified. The work of salvation belongs to God alone. A work of grace started in our life the moment we were saved. That work of grace is rooted in the divine goodness of the Father Who purposed to send His Son into the world to be the sacrifice for our sin. The work of grace in each of us will be completed when we see Him as He is – at the Rapture of the saints – i.e. the resurrection of the ‘dead-in-Christ’. Paul knew that when God begins a good work in a new-born believer, He will most certainly bring it to completion, which is why he declared, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it in the day of Christ Jesus.” Yes, the justifying work God started at our initial salvation, and will be brought to its final conclusion by Him, when we are glorified – spirit, soul, and body. But what of the years between our justification and our glorification? What of our sanctification? Only God can carry out the work of justification in the life of a believer. Only He can bring His work to its final conclusion when we will receive our glorified bodies, and only HE can continue the ongoing work of sanctification that brings a baby Christian to spiritual maturity. We are not required to do anything to get saved or remain saved.. it is by the grace of God alone that we are saved. We were saved by faith and are to live by faith. It is by grace alone through faith, that we were redeemed from the slave-market of sin, and He alone can work the works of God in our earthy life in the ongoing process of sanctification. He is the Author and Finisher of the good work He started in us, so that we all reach spiritual maturity. We were not in a position to do anything to be justified or glorified in God’s eyes, nor are we in a position to carry out the progressive work of sanctification, which is needed if we are to grow from Christian infancy to spiritual adulthood. So, the question that is often asked – what am I to do to develop spiritually? How am I to grow in grace and become a mature believer? Am I to be some sort of puppet that God is manipulating? Am I to sit and twiddle my thumbs and not be involved in the sanctification of my soul, during my earthly life? I thought I was to carry out good works, which will receive a reward – so where do I fit in? What am I to do? Well, God can ONLY carry out the good works He has prepared for us to do in a life that is submitted to Him. He can only produce spiritual fruit in us, as we abide in Him and walk in spirit and truth. Good works are only carried out through the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is as we submit to His leading, only doing the things that we hear from Him, and remaining in fellowship with the Father through confessing our sin to HIM, that we will grow in grace, as He desires. However, we are not to be passive and inactive in our Christian walk. We are NOT puppets –  not at all! We are to be actively submitted to God. We are to be passively productive. We are to be actively dependent on Him. We are to carry out the work He has prepared for us to do in His strength and for His glory – so that it is not I but Christ living IN me and His Spirit working THROUGH me, every step of the way – until we can say with Paul, “it is not I that live but Christ that lives in me!”  God will certainly perfect the good work He started in each of us – but may we live our lives in full cooperation with Him, as we present our bodies to Him as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Him… so that we achieve spiritual maturity in this life, and in the ages to come, will receive our glorified bodies and rich rewards. Hallelujah! My Prayer Dear Lord, thank You that You began this amazing work of grace in the soul of each believer. You knew each one of us before we were formed in our mother’s womb, and You scheduled each day of our lives. In Your grace and mercy, You will perfect and complete the good work that You began, to our eternal benefit, and to Your eternal praise. In Jesus’ name, AMEN. ◄ Previous: Philippians 1:5 Next: Philippians 1:7 ► Choose a Verse from Philippians 1 123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930 Luke 6:36 2 Thessalonians 1:5 Revelation 3:21 Jeremiah 17:10 Follow us Philippians 1:6 Further Study Philippians 1:6 in the Parallel Bible Philippians 1:6 in the Thematic Bible Philippians 1:6 Cross References Philippians 1:6 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Philippians 1:6 Sermons Philippians 1:6 Prayers Philippians 1:6 Images Philippians 1:6 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Christ in You Hebrews 11:16 1 Corinthians 1:28 Heart To Heart Quench Not The Spirit The Perfections of God Self-Idolatry Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2020] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved

Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Philippians 1:6 ◄ What Does Philippians 1:6 Mean? ► For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6(NASB) Verse Thoughts Every man and woman born of the Spirit is being conformed into the image of the lovely Lord Jesus. This sanctification process, starts at rebirth, when we are born of the Spirit, through faith in Christ. It is an ongoing process that will be brought to full completion and beautiful perfection in the day that Christ takes us to be with Himself, at the end of this Church dispensation, “for those who God justifies, He also glorifies.” God desires each of His children to be changed from one state of glory to the next. It is God’s will that each of us is transformed into the image and likeness of Christ, for God is perfect, and we are to be perfect as He is perfect. But the work that needs to be carried out in the life of each believer is a work of God, NOT a work of our own flesh. God alone started the work in our life by faith when we were born again. Only God can continue His work of sanctification during our earthly life, and only He can finish the good work He started, when we were declared righteous, by faith – for in no sense can a man make himself perfect – for by works of the flesh will no man living be justified, sanctified, or glorified. The work of salvation belongs to God alone. A work of grace started in our life the moment we were saved. That work of grace is rooted in the divine goodness of the Father Who purposed to send His Son into the world to be the sacrifice for our sin. The work of grace in each of us will be completed when we see Him as He is – at the Rapture of the saints – i.e. the resurrection of the ‘dead-in-Christ’. Paul knew that when God begins a good work in a new-born believer, He will most certainly bring it to completion, which is why he declared, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it in the day of Christ Jesus.” Yes, the justifying work God started at our initial salvation, and will be brought to its final conclusion by Him, when we are glorified – spirit, soul, and body. But what of the years between our justification and our glorification? What of our sanctification? Only God can carry out the work of justification in the life of a believer. Only He can bring His work to its final conclusion when we will receive our glorified bodies, and only HE can continue the ongoing work of sanctification that brings a baby Christian to spiritual maturity. We are not required to do anything to get saved or remain saved.. it is by the grace of God alone that we are saved. We were saved by faith and are to live by faith. It is by grace alone through faith, that we were redeemed from the slave-market of sin, and He alone can work the works of God in our earthy life in the ongoing process of sanctification. He is the Author and Finisher of the good work He started in us, so that we all reach spiritual maturity. We were not in a position to do anything to be justified or glorified in God’s eyes, nor are we in a position to carry out the progressive work of sanctification, which is needed if we are to grow from Christian infancy to spiritual adulthood. So, the question that is often asked – what am I to do to develop spiritually? How am I to grow in grace and become a mature believer? Am I to be some sort of puppet that God is manipulating? Am I to sit and twiddle my thumbs and not be involved in the sanctification of my soul, during my earthly life? I thought I was to carry out good works, which will receive a reward – so where do I fit in? What am I to do? Well, God can ONLY carry out the good works He has prepared for us to do in a life that is submitted to Him. He can only produce spiritual fruit in us, as we abide in Him and walk in spirit and truth. Good works are only carried out through the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is as we submit to His leading, only doing the things that we hear from Him, and remaining in fellowship with the Father through confessing our sin to HIM, that we will grow in grace, as He desires. However, we are not to be passive and inactive in our Christian walk. We are NOT puppets –  not at all! We are to be actively submitted to God. We are to be passively productive. We are to be actively dependent on Him. We are to carry out the work He has prepared for us to do in His strength and for His glory – so that it is not I but Christ living IN me and His Spirit working THROUGH me, every step of the way – until we can say with Paul, “it is not I that live but Christ that lives in me!”  God will certainly perfect the good work He started in each of us – but may we live our lives in full cooperation with Him, as we present our bodies to Him as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Him… so that we achieve spiritual maturity in this life, and in the ages to come, will receive our glorified bodies and rich rewards. Hallelujah! My Prayer Dear Lord, thank You that You began this amazing work of grace in the soul of each believer. You knew each one of us before we were formed in our mother’s womb, and You scheduled each day of our lives. In Your grace and mercy, You will perfect and complete the good work that You began, to our eternal benefit, and to Your eternal praise. In Jesus’ name, AMEN. ◄ Previous: Philippians 1:5 Next: Philippians 1:7 ► Choose a Verse from Philippians 1 123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930 Luke 6:36 2 Thessalonians 1:5 Revelation 3:21 Jeremiah 17:10 Follow us Philippians 1:6 Further Study Philippians 1:6 in the Parallel Bible Philippians 1:6 in the Thematic Bible Philippians 1:6 Cross References Philippians 1:6 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Philippians 1:6 Sermons Philippians 1:6 Prayers Philippians 1:6 Images Philippians 1:6 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Christ in You Hebrews 11:16 1 Corinthians 1:28 Heart To Heart Quench Not The Spirit The Perfections of God Self-Idolatry Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2020] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved

What Would the Apostle Paul Say about Wearing Face Masks? Rev. Kyle Norman Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer The Bible says nothing about wearing face masks during a pandemic. Searching the scriptures will uncover no reference to the donning of cloth face-coverings during a time of wide-spread infection.   How are Christians today, then, to tackle the issue of wearing face masks? Given that people have different understandings as to the appropriateness of mask-wearing, how do we go forward? To which scriptures do we turn? Do we turn to the scriptures that detail the freedom of the Christian, or do we turn to passages detailing Christ’s call to love? Just what is the biblical response to wearing face masks? While the Bible offers no outright references to this pandemic-specific issue, the Apostle Paul does offer teaching that may be applicable to this situation. In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul tackles the issue of eating food sacrificed to idols. True, this is not the same as hanging a cloth barrier from your ears, but the dynamics of this first-century issue are quite similar to our issue today. The Corinthian church faced a situation never experienced before. Some offered that their freedom in Christ meant that eating food sacrificed to idols was okay. And, as we see in our current face mask face-off; others objected. Faced with no clear-cut scriptural mandate, Paul offers wise counsel—counsel that may be prudent given our contemporary situation. Paul’s response has four main points: Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Feverpitched 1. Paul Addresses Basic Truths about Our Holiness and God’s Power In 1 Corinthians, Paul begins his discussion on food sacrificed to idols by reminding the Corinthian people of the basic truths surrounding idols. “We know that an idol is nothing…there is no God but one.” (1 Cor. 8:4) Paul situates the issue of idol-sacrificed food firmly within the basic theological understanding of God’s presence, and Christ’s Lordship. He also affirms in 1 Cor. 8:8 that “food does not bring us nearer to God.” The issue of food sacrificed to an idol does not actually affect one’s interactive relationship with the Lord. In a similar fashion, we can affirm basic truths regarding the wearing of face masks. The wearing or non-wearing of face masks does not indicate holiness. Nor does the presence of a face mask comment on God’s power to heal. We can affirm, as a basic truth, the power of God to heal and to protect. We affirm that “there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.” (1 Cor. 8:6) Furthermore, we can even recognize that cloth coverings do not guarantee protection from viruses, and indeed the frequent touching of face masks may increase one’s potential toward infection. Just as Paul sets the issue of sacrificed food within the larger tapestry of God’s place in the world, so too we can begin here. Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Des Green 2. Paul Speaks to the ‘Weakness’ of Other Believers Importantly, by using the term weak in 1 Cor. 8:7, Paul does not demean those who were concerned with food sacrificed to idols—he simply gives voice to the reality of people, within the community of faith, who were concerned over the matter. Paul also recognizes that eating food sacrificed to an idol may actually harm someone’s spiritual life. He writes: “Some people are still so accustomed to idols, that when they eat such food they think of it as having been sacrificed.” (1 Cor. 8:7) For such individuals, to eat food sacrificed to an idol was tantamount to the worship of that idol, and therefore a negation of their worship of Christ as Lord. Paul simply cannot deny that this is the case within the Corinthian community. When speaking of the wearing of face masks today, we simply cannot deny that there are those, even within the church, who become fearful if surrounded by people who are not wearing a mask. We may disagree with this stance, or even believe this fear is unwarranted. That, however, does not deny the fear felt by others. Currently, face masks are becoming more common each passing week, and an increasing number of government officials are advocating for the continual wearing of a mask. Given this, we must recognize that some may be, or become, so accustomed to face masks, that when they see people not wearing one, they feel in danger. Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Khosrork 3. Paul Asks if Your Actions Are a Stumbling Block It is here where Paul’s advice really picks up, and where 1 Corinthians 8 becomes instructive for us. Paul’s advice to the church is not simply to call those with a “weakened conscious” to think rightly about the matter. Rather, Paul asks the Corinthian church, and by extension himself, an important question:  Are your actions a stumbling block for another? While he affirms believers’ freedom to eat food sacrificed to idols, Paul advises the believers in 1 Cor. 8:9 to ensure “that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”  Instead of merely appealing to right knowledge, Paul calls for consideration of another’s experience as a way of showing Christian love. It is this move that Christians are called to make in considering the issue of face masks. The question to consider is: does exercising the right not to wear a mask become a stumbling block to someone? Could someone be unduly harmed by my refusal to wear a mask? Of course, we aren’t talking about physical harm here (as in the transfer of droplets) we are talking about spiritual harm. Could the lack of a face mask prevent someone from receiving the good news of God in Christ? Could one’s experience of the life-giving community of faith be adversely affected by someone not wearing a mask, just as someone in Corinth was adversely affected by the eating of previously idol-sacrificed food? For Paul, the answer to this question has to be “Yes.” Indeed, the entire matter of food sacrificed to idols was brought before Paul precisely because individual Christians were being aversely spiritually affected by the practice. There is simply no other logical conclusion. Given this, Paul concludes that the way forward is not found in merely promoting correct knowledge about the issue. Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Toa55 4. Paul Encourages Right Love over Right Knowledge Paul concludes his discussion by picking up on a statement made in 1 Cor. 8:1: “…knowledge puffs up while loves builds up.” Right knowledge can only get you so far. It puffs up the individual because it is only concerned with the individual. Puffed-up knowledge creates the dynamic of right versus wrong, this way versus that, me versus you. In puffing up the individual, it destroys the community of faith. Love, however, builds up. Love supports. Love encourages. Love concerns itself with how it is received by another. Love is completely and utterly sacrificial. The word Paul uses here is the Greek word agape.  We find this word in all the wonderful scriptural passages about love. You may even have highlighted some of these verses. “For God so agape-ed the world that he gave his one and only son.” (John 3:16) “A new command I give to you, that you should agape one another, as I have agape-ed you.” (John 13:34) “Agape is patient. Agape is kind. It is not self seeking….” (1 Corinthians 13:4) “The fruit of the spirit is agape, joy peace…” (Galatians 5:22) Agape describes the divine, sacrificial love of God most uniquely expressed in the cross of Christ. Our experience and expression of agape is rooted in the presence of Christ in our lives. When ancient peoples said of the Christian community “see how they love each other,” they were commenting on the lived-out expression of Christlike agape The love we are to express as a person of faith is to be of this character. This means it is concerned with the other, and constantly gives to the other. For Paul, the demands of Christlike love are such that he must concern himself with the other person’s life of faith. Thus, in the spirit of love, he declares in 1 Cor. 8:13: “If what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again.” Even though he himself affirmed that idols are nothing, and therefore eating food sacrificed to a non-entity would be nothing to be concerned about, Paul remains filled with the spirit of love. He sees that the only faithful response to this matter is to limit his own freedom for the sake of other. This is the only faithful response to the face mask matter at hand, because this is the response of Jesus.  Paul says elsewhere that our attitudes in life should be the same as Christ Jesus, “who being in the very nature of God…made himself nothing.” (Phil. 2:6-7) In Christ, God Emptied Himself for Our Sake Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to death on a cross, just so we could have the opportunity to experience the most liberating, life-changing, transformative love that God has to offer us. Jesus could have called us to smarten up. He could have appealed to right knowledge, insisting that his blessings were reserved for the like-minded. He didn’t. Jesus exuded love and demonstrated his agape for us in this: while we were yet sinners, Christ gave himself for us. So, let us not make the matter of wearing a face mask about the perfect execution of right knowledge…whether it be theological or virological.  Rather, let us recognize the call to Christlike love. Let us take up the call of the cross, and willfully empty ourselves for the sake of another. Let us emulate Paul as he emulates Christ. And, if a refusal to wear a mask causes a brother or sister to fall into sin, may we consider wearing them as a way to express agape love, instead. Recommended for You: Do We Have Freedom or Responsibility to Wear Face Masks? The Four Types of Love in Scripture and How to Experience Them Today Is the Coronavirus Exposing Our Idols? 10 Ways Christians Can Exemplify Faith and Peace during COVID-19 10 Ways to Reach Out in Love during the Coronavirus Outbreak Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Taizhan Sakimbayev Reverend Kyle Norman is the Rector of the Anglican Parish of Holy Cross in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He has a doctorate in Spiritual Formation and is often asked to write or speak on the nature of Christian community, and the role of Spiritual disciplines in Christian life. His personal blog can be found here. Tweet Save Sponsored Content DO YOU CRY OR LAUGH UNCONTROLLABLY FOLLOWING YOUR STROKE? 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Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day John 15:9 ◄ What Does John 15:9 Mean? ► “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. John 15:9(NASB) Verse Thoughts Despite the simplicity of His statement and the brevity of His instruction, the command Christ gave His disciples, just before His walk to the cross, is one of the most profound pronouncements ever voiced in the history of the human race. “Just as the Father has loved Me,” He told them, “so I have also loved you – abide in My love.” The apparent simplicity of the text, only serves to magnify its transcendent significance. The love about which the Lord Jesus was speaking was not the ordinary love that flows from the heart of a human soul. He was not speaking of a mother’s love for her newborn, a husband’s love for his bride, or the patriot’s love for his country. The reciprocated love of the Father and the Son is unfathomable in human terms, for it has no beginning and will never end. It spans from eternity past into the eternal ages to come. The Father’s love of the Son, and the Son’s corresponding love toward His Father is fathomless and unchangeable. It is an inexhaustible love…. an immutable love that knows no limits and has no boundaries, for it is an unfading love without measure, reaching beyond the extremity of everything. The mutual love of the eternal Father and His beloved Son is inestimable, bottomless, fathomless, unceasing, unflagging, interminable, constant, and pure. As we consider the never-ending love that flows throughout the Godhead, we can recognise that this is not a love that we ourselves could comprehend, for we are fallen creatures who are limited in our understanding and whose paltry love can fluctuate with time and change with the seasons. We are surrounded by the ebb and flow of human emotions, where love can grow cold, relationships can become tired, and ardour can subside as circumstances march on. Yet the deep and incredible love the Father has for His Son is the same deep and incredible love that Jesus has for His people – for YOU and for ME! He made a point of telling His disciples that His love for us is as passionate and full and glorious and unending as the love that flows between Him and His Father, “Just as the Father has loved Me, SO I have also loved you…”  The way that God the Father adores His beloved Son is exactly the say way that Jesus treasures each of US. He loves us with a love that is inestimable, bottomless, fathomless, unceasing, unflagging, interminable, constant, and pure. Surely there is nothing that should excite our hearts more readily than the knowledge that we are loved so deeply by God Himself – in the person of Jesus Christ – the Word made flesh. For love of US, Jesus chose to be born into His own creation, so that He could pay the price for our sin, by being nailed to the cross in our place. This is the sort of love that baffles the human mind for this is the sort of love that fallen humanity is incapable of reproducing. AND YET – Christ finished his brief statement with one, simple instruction for each of us, “abide in My love.”  We are to remain in His incredible love and rest in His unfathomable love. We are to allow the deep, deep love of Christ for us, to penetrate every fibre of our being – and soak into every sinew of our understanding.  Christ knows the only way to live a victorious life is to abide in His love. The only way to overcome the pressures and pain that pursue each one of us is to abide in Him, to remain in Him, to rest in His love. Just as the branch of a vine remains healthy and strong as it remains attached to the great vine that provides its nourishment, so we will remain spiritually healthy and strong as we remain in Christ – the True Vine, and abide in His love. When we abide in Him, we discover His love is stronger than life and more powerful than death. Only as we abide in Him and remain connected to Him, can we draw from His wisdom and strength, His power and grace, His truth and holiness, His peace and His joy. Only as we abide in Christ, can we access all we need for life and godliness. Jesus made a simple statement to His disciples and gave them one brief instruction, that would transform the lives of ALL who trust in Him. If only we would listen to His voice and obey His call! “As the Father has loved Me, so I have also loved you – abide in My love.” If we who are saved by grace through faith in Him would take to heart this simple truth and obey Christ’s simple command to “Abide in my love”, we would discover its transcendent significance and its unfathomable benefit. My Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, it is both thrilling and humbling to know that Christ loves the Church with the same profound passion that the Father loves the Son and the Son loves the Father. Although I have read this statement many times, that just as the Father has loved Christ, He also loves me, it staggers my mind to realise how deeply I am loved by You, and Jesus Christ, Whom You sent to be the propitiation for my sin. I pray that I would learn to abide in His love moment by moment and day by day. Keep me ever looking to Jesus and resting in His love. This I ask in His precious name, AMEN. ◄ Previous: John 15:8 Next: John 15:10 ► Choose a Verse from John 15 123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627 1 John 2:28 Philippians 4:10 1 Corinthians 2:7 Revelation 19:11 Follow us John 15:9 Further Study John 15:9 in the Parallel Bible John 15:9 in the Thematic Bible John 15:9 Cross References John 15:9 Treasury of Scripture Knowing John 15:9 Sermons John 15:9 Prayers John 15:9 Images John 15:9 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals The Essential Newness of the New Creation Lamentations 3:31 1 Corinthians 1:27 Sacrificial Service The Theology Of Rest Principles of Spiritual Growth You Are Accepted – Cease From Your Striving Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2020] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved

Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day John 15:9 ◄ What Does John 15:9 Mean? ► “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. John 15:9(NASB) Verse Thoughts Despite the simplicity of His statement and the brevity of His instruction, the command Christ gave His disciples, just before His walk to the cross, is one of the most profound pronouncements ever voiced in the history of the human race. “Just as the Father has loved Me,” He told them, “so I have also loved you – abide in My love.” The apparent simplicity of the text, only serves to magnify its transcendent significance. The love about which the Lord Jesus was speaking was not the ordinary love that flows from the heart of a human soul. He was not speaking of a mother’s love for her newborn, a husband’s love for his bride, or the patriot’s love for his country. The reciprocated love of the Father and the Son is unfathomable in human terms, for it has no beginning and will never end. It spans from eternity past into the eternal ages to come. The Father’s love of the Son, and the Son’s corresponding love toward His Father is fathomless and unchangeable. It is an inexhaustible love…. an immutable love that knows no limits and has no boundaries, for it is an unfading love without measure, reaching beyond the extremity of everything. The mutual love of the eternal Father and His beloved Son is inestimable, bottomless, fathomless, unceasing, unflagging, interminable, constant, and pure. As we consider the never-ending love that flows throughout the Godhead, we can recognise that this is not a love that we ourselves could comprehend, for we are fallen creatures who are limited in our understanding and whose paltry love can fluctuate with time and change with the seasons. We are surrounded by the ebb and flow of human emotions, where love can grow cold, relationships can become tired, and ardour can subside as circumstances march on. Yet the deep and incredible love the Father has for His Son is the same deep and incredible love that Jesus has for His people – for YOU and for ME! He made a point of telling His disciples that His love for us is as passionate and full and glorious and unending as the love that flows between Him and His Father, “Just as the Father has loved Me, SO I have also loved you…”  The way that God the Father adores His beloved Son is exactly the say way that Jesus treasures each of US. He loves us with a love that is inestimable, bottomless, fathomless, unceasing, unflagging, interminable, constant, and pure. Surely there is nothing that should excite our hearts more readily than the knowledge that we are loved so deeply by God Himself – in the person of Jesus Christ – the Word made flesh. For love of US, Jesus chose to be born into His own creation, so that He could pay the price for our sin, by being nailed to the cross in our place. This is the sort of love that baffles the human mind for this is the sort of love that fallen humanity is incapable of reproducing. AND YET – Christ finished his brief statement with one, simple instruction for each of us, “abide in My love.”  We are to remain in His incredible love and rest in His unfathomable love. We are to allow the deep, deep love of Christ for us, to penetrate every fibre of our being – and soak into every sinew of our understanding.  Christ knows the only way to live a victorious life is to abide in His love. The only way to overcome the pressures and pain that pursue each one of us is to abide in Him, to remain in Him, to rest in His love. Just as the branch of a vine remains healthy and strong as it remains attached to the great vine that provides its nourishment, so we will remain spiritually healthy and strong as we remain in Christ – the True Vine, and abide in His love. When we abide in Him, we discover His love is stronger than life and more powerful than death. Only as we abide in Him and remain connected to Him, can we draw from His wisdom and strength, His power and grace, His truth and holiness, His peace and His joy. Only as we abide in Christ, can we access all we need for life and godliness. Jesus made a simple statement to His disciples and gave them one brief instruction, that would transform the lives of ALL who trust in Him. If only we would listen to His voice and obey His call! “As the Father has loved Me, so I have also loved you – abide in My love.” If we who are saved by grace through faith in Him would take to heart this simple truth and obey Christ’s simple command to “Abide in my love”, we would discover its transcendent significance and its unfathomable benefit. My Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, it is both thrilling and humbling to know that Christ loves the Church with the same profound passion that the Father loves the Son and the Son loves the Father. Although I have read this statement many times, that just as the Father has loved Christ, He also loves me, it staggers my mind to realise how deeply I am loved by You, and Jesus Christ, Whom You sent to be the propitiation for my sin. I pray that I would learn to abide in His love moment by moment and day by day. Keep me ever looking to Jesus and resting in His love. This I ask in His precious name, AMEN. ◄ Previous: John 15:8 Next: John 15:10 ► Choose a Verse from John 15 123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627 1 John 2:28 Philippians 4:10 1 Corinthians 2:7 Revelation 19:11 Follow us John 15:9 Further Study John 15:9 in the Parallel Bible John 15:9 in the Thematic Bible John 15:9 Cross References John 15:9 Treasury of Scripture Knowing John 15:9 Sermons John 15:9 Prayers John 15:9 Images John 15:9 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals The Essential Newness of the New Creation Lamentations 3:31 1 Corinthians 1:27 Sacrificial Service The Theology Of Rest Principles of Spiritual Growth You Are Accepted – Cease From Your Striving Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2020] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved

Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Philippians 1:3 ◄ What Does Philippians 1:3 Mean? ► I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, Philippians 1:3(NASB) Verse Thoughts Paul was a man who loved his Saviour. He was filled with joy when others came to a saving faith in Christ and he rejoiced when sinners were transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God’s dear Son. This letter to the Philippians was one of six epistles that Paul penned while imprisoned in jail, but his joy in the Lord could not be diminished by his many incarcerations, and this servant of God would not allow self-pity to mar his joy. Every time these dear believers in Philippi came into his mind, Paul offered up intercessions and prayers of thanksgiving and praise for their great salvation. “I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you,” he wrote, “and from the first day until now, I continuously make prayer requests for all of you… with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel.” Paul was confident that the good work that God had started in the life of each believer would be brought to fruition in the ‘Day of Jesus Christ’ – that time when He returns in the clouds, to take us to be with Himself.  Paul understood that without Christ he was nothing – but that he could do all things through Christ, Who strengthened him, for His grace is sufficient and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. And Paul rejoiced with great joy when he remembered the Christians who had received the glorious gospel of grace, believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, and started their lifelong journey towards spiritual maturity and Christian understanding. How he rejoiced to know that these believers in Philippi were growing in grace and gaining a mature knowledge of Jesus. It must have been a great joy for the Philippian Christians to receive and read this encouraging epistle from Paul. It must have been encouraging to know that despite being imprisoned in Rome for the sake of the gospel of Christ, he cared so deeply for each one of them… that he prayed faithfully for them and was deeply and genuinely concerned about their ongoing, spiritual welfare. Paul was the vessel God chose to take the good news of the gospel of grace to the Gentiles. And what a wonderful example he is, of a man whose love for the Lord Jesus was demonstrated through his caring concern for those who had been brought to a saving-faith in Christ. How wonderful it would be if we would all cultivate the same love for the saints and compassion for the Body of Christ that we see in Paul. Should we not all seek to keep one another in joyful remembrance and regularly lift up the body of Christ in prayer and supplication – with thanksgiving? Memories of Christian brothers and sisters should be bathed in love and grace, forgiveness and faith, care and compassion, joy and thanksgiving. Supplication should always be accompanied by joyful thanks and grateful praise. The joy of the Lord is indeed our strength, and joy in the Lord should flood our beings when we remember all that He has done for us all and the good work that He has started in each of His blood-bought children. In a depressed world that is increasingly focussed on ‘self’, how important to rejoice in the Lord always, to remember that our blessings come to us continuously from God, to be increasingly thankful for the brothers and sisters He has placed in our path and to lift up one another in prayer and praise with grateful thanks and gracious hearts. No matter what trials and tribulations may pepper our pathway, may we develop the same mindset that Paul demonstrated, in his letter to the Philippians. May we use every opportunity to gossip the Gospel, to encourage one another with hymns and prayers and spiritual conversation.. and may we always be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in our heart. Sponsored by Verizon Wireless Save with our best deals. Get a great deal on a new phones. On the network more people rely on. Shop online. SEE MORE My Prayer Thank You, Father, for Your Church, which is the body of Christ and the family of God into which I have been born-again. As I lift up the pressing needs and requests of my brothers and sisters in Christ, may my prayers be bathed in love and grace, forgiveness and faith, care and concern. And may I always remember to beautify my prayers with joyful thanks and grateful praise, in Christ’s name I pray, AMEN. ◄ Previous: Philippians 1:1 Next: Philippians 1:5 ► Choose a Verse from Philippians 1 123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930 1 Timothy 4:4 Revelation 17:14 Hebrews 2:11 John 1:13 Follow us Philippians 1:3 Further Study Philippians 1:3 in the Parallel Bible Philippians 1:3 in the Thematic Bible Philippians 1:3 Cross References Philippians 1:3 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Philippians 1:3 Sermons Philippians 1:3 Prayers Philippians 1:3 Images Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Divine Order in Christ Hebrews 2:14 Job 38:19 Church Plight This Experience Must Come ALL In ALL In Christ Our Blessed Father Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2020] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved

Toggle navigation Search Browse The Bible Toggle Dropdown Search The Bible Find it! Who Wrote Genesis? Bible / Bible Study / Topical Studies / Who Wrote Genesis? Hope Bolinger | Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer Monday, August 10, 2020 Share Tweet Save Most of the authorship of Scripture goes uncontested. We can, with a high percentage of certainty say that John wrote the Gospel of John and that Joshua wrote the Book of Joshua. But what about the first book of the Bible? Who wrote Genesis? The majority of biblical scholars have attributed the authorship of Genesis to Moses, but this has not gone without contest, especially from documentary hypothesis theorists.  Genesis, or otherwise known as Bereshith, means “in the beginning.” In other words, this book talks about the beginning of the world, the beginning of God’s nation of Israel, and the beginning of the story of salvation for all mankind. In this article, we’ll dive into who documented the beginning events of the world, the age of the Book of Genesis, and whether we can trust this book or not.  Who Wrote Genesis? As stated before, most scholars attribute the authorship of Genesis – and the other first four books of the Old Testament known as the Pentateuch – to Moses. But how do we know this? How do we know that Moses, and not a series of authors as proposed in the JEDP theory linked above, wrote this book? First, as this Answers in Genesis article explains, we have documentary witnesses. This means we have verses in the Bible that attribute the authorship to him such as Numbers 33:1-2.  Second, as mentioned in the Answers in Genesis article, not only does the Pentateuch confirm Moses’ authorship, but the rest of the Bible, including the New Testament does as well. This means thousands of years of Jewish tradition would have upheld this position. For a group that revered Scriptures so much and paid meticulous attention to the text when copying it, if Moses had not written the books, the Jewish people likely would not have held to such a strong tradition by saying he did. Furthermore, we have testimony from Jesus himself that Moses wrote these books.  But this does bring forth the question: how would Moses know all of these things? How would he know about the events of Genesis and other events that happened hundreds (even thousands) of years before his time? First, we cannot discount supernatural revelation. Scripture was divinely inspired. Second, we also have evidence throughout Scripture, writes Don Stewart, of tradition being passed down – from specific prayers of Abraham to the bones of Joseph. Their culture worked quite differently than ours. They remembered details better, had a stronger oral tradition, had longer attention spans. Not to mention the events of Genesis ended about 300 years before Moses came into existence. Because of the strong oral tradition and duty of the Jewish people to preserve their roots, not much could have changed in the accounts throughout that time.  What Happens in Genesis? It’s, of course, difficult to summarize all the events that happen in Genesis. After all, the book takes up 50 whole chapters in the Bible, so we’ll briefly summarize some of the major events that take place in the book. Genesis follows humanity through creation and humanity’s descent into sin (Genesis 3). From there, we have the well-known story of the Great Flood, and the birth of the Israelite nation through Abraham.  We follow Abraham’s generations through Joseph and how Israel ended up in Egypt due to a massive famine. From there, and after hundreds of years of slavery, we pick up the story in Exodus.  Photo credit: Flickr/faungg’s photos How Old Is Genesis? This question means the date of the manuscript, not of when the events inside the book took place. After all, we don’t want to dive into the New Earth vs. Old Earth debate. Of course, this question in itself can raise a number of disputes because people have not reached an agreement as to when Moses lived on earth. But most scholars place the compilation of the book somewhere between 1445 BC or 1290 BC. Again, this entirely depends on which Pharaoh was in place when the ten plagues swept Egypt, and scholars have not solidly placed the contender for the throne.  In either case, we know the book is about 3,000 plus years old.  Is Genesis Trustworthy? Of all the documents in the Bible, should we hold Genesis as the most suspect? After all, depending on when Genesis 1 occurred, even by conservative estimates, this would mean that Moses wrote down the events thousands of years after they occurred.  Surely translation errors must have seeped in. And if they did not, that would have taken a great deal of divine intervention. So how can we trust Genesis? We can answer this question in a number of ways. First, we can analyze extra-biblical texts such as the works of the historian Josephus. Many of his writings confirm the events in Genesis, writes Dr. Lisle for the Biblical Science Institute. Considering he wrote these books thousands of years after the events, this bolsters the support for the veracity of Genesis.  Second, as mentioned in the Biblical Science Institute article, we can also find archaeological evidence that confirms the events that happen in the Pentateuch, such as the walls of Jericho.  There also appears to be evidence (Genesis 5:1) that Moses had used other documents to compile his book, such as the genealogies. This indicates that Scripture may not have been passed down solely via oral tradition. The Israelites were proud of their history and made sure to spend meticulous efforts on getting every detail right.  In fact, we have several accounts listed in Genesis. This was essentially a divine research project and history book.  Is Genesis Literal or Mythological? Because we have more support for a written tradition of Genesis, does this mean we take everything in the book at face-value? Do we have any mythological areas to combat, especially in Genesis 1-11? To answer this question, we need to go to 2 Timothy 3:16. The verse states that all Scripture is God-breathed, and this includes earlier sections of Genesis. So did God create the world in a literal six days or a symbolic six days? What about the cases where Genesis appears to be borrowing from Ancient world mythology?  We could devote entire books to these questions, but after perusing this article from Apologetics.com, which I highly suggest reading, I would love to once again mention that Jesus did assert the authority found in Genesis. Along with other documentation mentioned in the book, such as the account of Terah, the account of Noah, etc. we also have other Scripture supporting these events as true and literal.  Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Nastco Favorite Verses in Genesis  Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”  Genesis 1:27 “So God created human beings in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:31 “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning – the sixth day.” Genesis 12:3 “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” What’s the Verdict? Many modern scholars like to attack the authorship of Genesis. They may point out the faultiness of oral tradition or try to assert that multiple authors compiled the manuscript over centuries, borrowing from mythology of other religions. But because we have extra-biblical support for the authorship of Genesis and because various authors throughout the Bible do attribute the Pentateuch to Moses, we can assume Moses wrote Genesis. Genesis has sparked a great deal of debate among scientists and scholars, ranging from the literal vs. figurative days of creation to the genealogical lines.  Nevertheless, we can know that the book is God-breathed, and like many concepts in Scripture, although we may not fully understand all of it, we know enough about the book to see how it fits into God’s greater plan for humanity and salvation.  Photo credit: ©Sparrowstock Hope Bolinger is a literary agent at C.Y.L.E. and a graduate of Taylor University’s professional writing program. More than 600 of her works have been featured in various publications ranging from Writer’s Digest to Keys for Kids. She has worked for various publishing companies, magazines, newspapers, and literary agencies and has edited the work of authors such as Jerry B. Jenkins and Michelle Medlock Adams. Her column “Hope’s Hacks,” tips and tricks to avoid writer’s block, reaches 6,000+ readers weekly and is featured monthly on Cyle Young’s blog. 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Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Hebrews 11:10 ◄ What Does Hebrews 11:10 Mean? ► for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Hebrews 11:10(NASB) Verse Thoughts What we see with our physical eyes and experience through our five senses is generally sufficient evidence to make a statement of fact, about the material world in which we live… while faith is the absolute assurance that the God-breathed Scriptures are factually accurate, and provide us with tangible proof of the spiritual sphere and irrefutable evidence about the invisible realm. Faith is the intangible organ of our being, that provides evidence of the invisible domain. It gives testimony of the spiritual sphere. It provides verification of things that are undetectable in the physical world and indiscernible in the scientist’s laboratory. But faith is very real, and spiritually discerned – giving evidence of things not seen, and proving a reality that is more palpable than the physical world we currently inhabit. Both Old and New Testaments are brimming with men and women of faith, and Hebrews 11 provides a picture-gallery of personalities who believed God’s Word, and their faith is reckoned as righteousness. Many are the unsung heroes and heroines of the past, present, and future, who believed God and whose faith is reckoned as righteousness. Some are identified by name and Abraham, the father of faith, is mentioned a number of times within this chapter. Abraham stepped out in faith when he set out from Ur of the Chaldees to a place that God promised to show him. His faith was further tested, and he faltered at times along the way… as we read in the book of Genesis. But in the book of Hebrews, the Holy Spirit only mentioned his faithfulness and obedience. He mentions the times he trusted God… such as offering up Isaac as a sacrifice to the Lord. And He passed over his many indiscretions in this chapter of ‘faith’.. for the Lord has told us that He remembers our sins no more, and has buried them the sea of His gracious forgetfulness. Abraham stepped out in faith and lived as a ‘sojourner’ in a foreign land. He never owned any of the promised property – other than a tiny burial plot, where he and Sarah were laid to rest. There are those who could argue that God failed to give His servant the Land of Canaan, that was promised to Abraham and his seed, forever. But the final chapter of the story has yet to be lived out, “for Abraham was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”  Abraham’s faith has yet to be played out in a future reality. Yes, Abraham did indeed step out in faith.. not only as it related to the physical world, but to the spiritual realm as well. Abraham trusted God to fulfil ALL the precious promises He made, to him and to all mankind. He believed that Seed of the woman would crush the serpent’s head. He believed God’s promise to Noah and the everlasting covenant He made with every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth. He remembered the promise that his own offspring would become as numerous as the grains of sand on the seashore and the stars that are in the heavens. He recalled that through his SEED – Christ Jesus our Lord, all the families of the earth would be blessed. He remembered that the almighty God had pledged to be his Provider and that the Lord would provide Himself – as the Lamb of God, Who would take away the sin of the world. Abraham demonstrated a belief that the promises of God have an eternal perspective as, like us, he looks forward to the New Jerusalem – to the new heaven and the new earth and the eternal ages to come when the kingdom has been restored to the Father and the Man, Christ Jesus, rules and reigns in righteousness and peace. My Prayer Heavenly Father, how wonderful to know that Your promises will all be fulfilled and that a day is coming when our faith will be turned into sight as future prophecies and promises will be fulfilled at Your appointed time and in Your specified way. Thank You for the example of men and women of faith like Abraham and Sarah, and for the knowledge that nothing that You have planned and purposed will be left unfinished. Thank You that my sins have been forgiven and will be remembered no more and together with Abraham and all the saints, I look forward to the city to come – whose Builder and Maker is God. AMEN. ◄ Previous: Hebrews 11:8 Next: Hebrews 11:19 ► Choose a Verse from Hebrews 11 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940 2 Peter 2:4 2 Thessalonians 1:7 1 Corinthians 1:23 Romans 2:12 Follow us Hebrews 11:10 Further Study Hebrews 11:10 in the Parallel Bible Hebrews 11:10 in the Thematic Bible Hebrews 11:10 Cross References Hebrews 11:10 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Hebrews 11:10 Sermons Hebrews 11:10 Prayers Hebrews 11:10 Images Hebrews 11:10 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals The Heavenly Mount John 17:15 Proverbs 29:25 Beloved Enemy The Sacrament Of The Saint God’s Secret Hand – Study in Prayer (15) Be Brave and Strong Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2020] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved

Toggle navigation Search Browse The Bible Toggle Dropdown Search The Bible Find it! Why Is Jesus Called the “Second Adam”? Bible / Bible Study / Topical Studies / Why Is Jesus Called the “Second Adam”? Alyssa Roat | Contributing Writer Saturday, August 8, 2020 Share Tweet Save The Bible is full of meaningful names for Jesus, from the Good Shepherd (John 10:11) to the Bread of Life (John 6:35). Each is packed with metaphor, theology, and history. Some names may seem straightforward and comforting, like the Good Shepherd or King of Kings. Others may be a bit more unfamiliar — Jesus as the “second” or “last” Adam, for example. Why would the Bible draw a parallel between the man who doomed the world to sin and the one who saved it? Jesus as the second Adam gives us a look into the breathtaking redemptive storyline of God’s plan, rich with more symbolism, mirroring, and plot twists than the most masterful of human literature. What Passages Call Jesus the Second Adam? The passage in question comes from 1 Corinthians 15:45-49: “So it is written: ‘The first man Adam became a living being;’ the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven. As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man.” Other passages also allude to this idea. 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 states, “For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” Romans 5:12-19 also speaks of Jesus as the second Adam: “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned … But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.” Comparing Adam and Jesus The Introduction of Adam Adam is introduced in Genesis 1, at the very beginning of the Bible, and is further introduced in Genesis 2-3. On the sixth day of creation, “God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). Genesis 2:7 further explains this process: “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” This man, Adam, was created directly by God, the first and only man to come to life without a human father—at least, until Jesus. He was put in charge of the earth and given dominion over it, to care for it (Genesis 1:26, 28). At that point, he was without sin. Adam’s Fall Unfortunately, Adam’s sinless state did not last. God gave Adam one command: “you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:17), which Adam promptly disobeyed. God’s command had come with a warning. “You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die” (Genesis 2:17). In Adam’s disobedience, he doomed not only himself, but the entire human race. The cycle of sin and decay was etched into the DNA of mankind. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/digitalimagination The Introduction of Jesus God didn’t give up on humanity after Adam’s fall. Over thousands of years, He made promises to Abraham, raised up Joseph, led the Israelites out of Egypt, established a nation of His own people, and sent prophets to speak on His behalf. But none of it was enough. Over and over again, the people returned to sin. And no amount of blood from animal sacrifice could even begin to cover it. Adam’s curse was unavoidable, an intrinsic part of humanity. It would take a perfect man, a perfect sacrifice, something far greater than all of us, to overcome this curse. Enter Jesus. Jesus’ Triumph For the first time since Adam, a man appeared on Earth who had no human father. As the Son of God, Jesus was perfect and sinless, and unlike Adam, He remained that way. Jesus overcame temptation. Not only that, He overcame death. By the sacrifice of the perfect Lamb, Jesus overcame sin once and for all.  Parallels Between Adam and Jesus Adam was the first man, created directly by God, the symbolic head of humanity. Jesus is the first God-man, the direct Son of God, the Head of the Church. Both Adam and Jesus entered the world sinless. However, where Adam failed, Jesus triumphed. Let us return to 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, “For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” Adam sinned once, and thus doomed humanity. Jesus died once, and thus covered over a multitude of sins (Romans 5:18-19).  Adam represents our earthly nature. “The first man was of the dust of the earth… As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth” (1 Corinthians 15:47-48). Just as our earthly body dies, so we perish through the sin nature that comes through Adam. Meanwhile, Jesus imparts to us His spiritual nature. “The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven. As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man” (1 Corinthians 15:47-49). Adam was the figurehead of broken humanity; Jesus is now the Head of the redeemed Church. There are other fascinating parallels scattered as tidbits in the Gospels as well. In John, when Pilate says of Jesus, “behold the man” (John 19:5 KJV), some have pointed to this as an ironic echo of God’s words in Genesis 3:22. In John 20:15, Mary mistakes the risen Jesus for the gardener—that which was supposed to be Adam’s occupation. And just as death came to all through disobedience concerning a tree (Genesis 2:17), life came to all through obedience on a tree (the cross).  The Last Adam 1 Corinthians 15:45 calls Jesus “the last Adam.” As Adam was once the head of humanity, our representative, Jesus is now our representative before God. Another will not be needed, for in Christ, the work of redemption and reconciliation is complete. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Pamela D McAdams Alyssa Roat studied writing, theology, and the Bible at Taylor University. She is a literary agent at C.Y.L.E., the publicity manager at Mountain Brook Ink, and a freelance editor with Sherpa Editing Services. Her passions for Biblical study and creativity collide in her writing. Her debut novel Wraithwood releases Nov. 7, 2020. She has had 150+ bylines in publications ranging from The Christian Communicator to Keys for Kids. Find out more about her here and on social media @alyssawrote. Promoted Stories Ads by Revcontent How Dogs Cry For Help: 3 Warning Signs Your Dog Is Crying For Help Dr. Marty If You Own An Android You Should Check This Today SecuritySavers.org Seniors On Medicare Are In For A Treat This August SmileInsurance Georgia Homeowners Are Getting A Big Pay Day In August National Home Insurance Seniors (With No Life Insurance) May Get Up To $250,000 If They Only Ask National Family What is Multiple Myeloma? 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Verse of the Day ▼ Devotions ▼ Search Home Verse Of The Day Matthew 13:12 ◄ What Does Matthew 13:12 Mean? ► “For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. Matthew 13:12(NASB) –– ADVERTISEMENT –– Verse Thoughts There came a trigger-point in Christ’s ministry when He knew that Israel would reject His mission, ministry, and Messiahship. It seems to be at the point where the Pharisees committed the unpardonable sin of unbelief – by accusing Christ of performing His mighty miracles in the name of Beelzebub, rather than through the power of the Holy Spirit. It seems that when men call evil… good, and regard good as evil, they have hardened their hearts to the truth of the gospel, that Christ died for our sin, was buried, and rose again on the third day, according to the Scripture. From this point forward, Jesus spoke to His followers in parables, so that those who believe in Him will have understanding, while the truth will be withheld from those whose hearts are hardened… so that their sin of unbelief will not be compounded. Unbelief is the one sin that God cannot forgive – “for those who do not believe are condemned already”, because they refuse to listen to the Holy Spirit’s convicting work. However, veiling knowledge of the truth to unbelievers, through parabolic teachings, demonstrates the incredible grace of God – so that mans’ sin will not be exacerbated, through their spiritual understanding. But how blessed are our eyes who have seen the truth and how favoured are our ears which have heard the glorious gospel of Christ! The same warming sun that softens the wax will harden the clay. The same Word that brings life, is the One Who brings death; the same truth that brings repentance, joy, and eternal life to a believer, produces a deeper hardening of the heart to an unbeliever, together with despair, hopelessness, and eternal death. Not even the prophets of old, who desired to understand their own prophetic words, or the holy angels above, were privileged to understand the mysteries of the kingdom, which Christ reveals to Church-age believers. However, it was at this turning point in His ministry, that the Lord told the parable of the sower and explained to His faithful disciples why He was speaking in parables, “for whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have… even what he has shall be taken away from him.” The wonderful truths that Christ was sharing with his faithful followers, was that those who were open to spiritual truths, concerning salvation would receive abundantly. They would mature spiritually and gain an even greater understanding of biblical truth, while those who reject the same spiritual reality, would end up in a worse spiritual condition, because even the superficial knowledge they may have gleaned, through gospel truths, will be taken from them – and they would remain spiritual paupers, and face eternal separation from God. The one who has much will receive more, and those with little will lose whatever they already have… is a general principle of life and living. However, the shocking consequences of opposition to the Spirit’s convicting work in the spiritual realm… where the persistent unbeliever is in danger of having their hearts hardened, is a grave warning to all, of the horrific consequences of rejecting the gospel of God. The stereotypical ‘JESUS’ of modern-day thinking, is far removed from the Man that marched to the cross, overturned the tables of the money-changers in the Temple of God, called the Jewish leaders, ‘a brood of vipers’ and vehemently condemned them of hypocrisy. While Jesus still is the God of love and grace and will eventually return to Jerusalem as Prince of Peace and King of kings, He is also the God of justice and righteousness. While JESUS is the ever-faithful and gracious God who forgives sinners and clothes those who believe in Him in His robe of righteousness, He is the God Who cannot abide sin, and has determined that the soul that sins – through unbelief, will die. While the truth in John Chapter 3 is a comfort to all who believe, it is a serious warning to those who harden their heart to the truth of the gospel –  “For God loved the world so much that He gave His One and Only Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” “God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God. This, then, is the judgment:- The Light has come into the world, and people love darkness rather than the Light because their deeds are evil.”   My Prayer Heavenly Father, what a gracious and wise God You are to permit man to choose life or death, heaven or hell, forgiveness or condemnation, as a matter of free-will. Thank You for the light of the gospel of grace and for opening my eyes to the truth. Have mercy on those who of their own volition, choose the path to death, destruction, and condemnation. Continue to open my eyes to the truth and help me to choose the good and eschew the evil.. and reveal to rebellious men the horrific consequences of rejecting the gospel of Christ. This I pray in Jesus’ name, AMEN. ◄ Previous: Matthew 13:9 Next: Matthew 13:14 ► Choose a Verse from Matthew 13 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031323334353637383940414243444546474849505152535455565758 Ezekiel 12:11 2 Thessalonians 1:7 2 Thessalonians 1:4 Romans 5:19 Follow us Matthew 13:12 Further Study Matthew 13:12 in the Parallel Bible Matthew 13:12 in the Thematic Bible Matthew 13:12 Cross References Matthew 13:12 Treasury of Scripture Knowing Matthew 13:12 Sermons Matthew 13:12 Prayers Matthew 13:12 Images Matthew 13:12 Devotionals Choose Chapter Subscribe to the Verse of the day Today’s Devotionals Christ The Power Of God Proverbs 4:18 Romans 10:13 Prayer Preparation Prayer In The Father’s Honour Pray Without Ceasing – Study in Prayer (13) Behold The Lamb of God Doctrinal Statement / Privacy Policy / Use of Pictures / Donate / Contact Us © Copyright [2011 – 2020] Knowing-Jesus.com – All Rights Reserved