John 3:3 “Jesus ...said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

When we talk to people regarding religious belief, the common question being asked is, “Are you born again?” Invariably we hear the answer in the affirmative. Yet it means several things to different people:

• Members of the largest sect say, “When we were baptized by the priest,” as taught to us.
• Many claim, “When we received Lord Jesus Christ as Lord and savior of our life,” as expounded by our pastor.
• Still others say, “When we joined this (a certain) sect,” as emphasized by our ministers.

Our Lord said except a man is “born again” he cannot see (John 3:3) and enter (John 3:5) the kingdom of God . Definitely “born again” is the passport to eternal life with the Creator. How important is to be “born again,” that failing to be so, would put off any person seeing and entering the kingdom of God !

Tracing its importance

In the book of Genesis, in the beginning we read Creator God was alone. He created man “in His own image” in order to have eternal companions. This is typified by Adam being alone needing a help meet .Perhaps many people have not even thought how man, a physical being, could be in the image of the Spirit God. Jesus Christ revealed this “mystery” to His Apostles:

• Joh 14:5 “Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life...”

• Joh 14:7 “If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then , Shew us the Father ? 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me?”

• 1 Tim 3:16 KJV “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit...”

Very clearly stated by Jesus Christ, man was created in His image who in turn is the image of the invisible God.

Col 1:15 “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.”

Jesus is called the Lamb of God, a “sheep.” It follows at creation that man was also in the same image of a “sheep.” That is where we find the expression, “The Shepherd and His flock of sheep.” However, the sin of Adam and Eve separated man from the Tree of Life that symbolizes the presence of God in man.

Gen 3:24 “So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.”

Thereafter, man’s “sheep image” was changed into a spiritual “goat.” But God’s plan of having eternal companions in His image had to be carried out. God fulfilled this with His testament of salvation. Thus, we find these two distinct “images of man” after the plan of God of having eternal companions is accomplished.

Mat 25:32 “And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats. 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”

“Born again” therefore is the “miracle” of transformation from a “spiritual goat to a “spiritual sheep.” Yet different people have different perceptions of this all important passport to the kingdom of God . Who can tell us the truth but Jesus Christ for He is the TRUTH? How many people believe this?

Mar 4:34 “But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.”

• Did Jesus speak except in parables?
• Were Peter, John, James, Paul, and other apostles authorized to expound on the parables?
• If the original apostles where not authorized to expound on the word of God, can professing apostles of Christ today claim this authority?

Divine revelation vs. human perception

How many people have come to think of the distinction between “divine revelation” and “human perception?” The best illustration distinguishing the two was when our Lord Jesus was with His Disciples:

Joh 2:13 “...Jesus went up to Jerusalem, 14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 15 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; 16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. 17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.”

On seeing what Jesus did to the “merchants,” the Jews challenged Him:

Joh 2:18 “…What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?“

The two categories of people

It is here that we find two classes of people listening to our Lord:

Joh 2:19 “Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

FIRST -- The Jews under the religious leadership of the Scribes and Pharisees, to be reminded of “goat image” who cannot understand the “language of the Lamb.”

SECOND – Jesus’ Apostles and Disciples already transformed into “sheep” were waiting for the Shepherd to explain what He meant by “temple.”

“Human perception” is demonstrated by the Jews when they said:

Joh 2:20 “Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?”

This led them not only to ridicule, but also indict our Lord for their misconception. Jesus in His trial before the High Priest, two witnesses came to testify against Him regarding this misconception:

Mat 26:60 “…At the last came two false witnesses, 61 And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God , and to build it in three days. 62 And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? 63 But Jesus held his peace…”

“Divine revelation” is seen in Christ’s Apostles and Disciples when they just kept quiet and waited for His explanation that turned out to be a “demonstration.”

Joh 2:21 “But he spake of the temple of his body. 22 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.”

The current topic will reveal the two classes of people listening to our Lord. Nicodemus, a renowned teacher of the word of God went to Jesus one night, perhaps to hide his covert interest in the wisdom of our Lord.

Joh 3:2 “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.”

Jesus told him:

Joh 3:3 “...Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God .”

Now everybody reading the Holy Bible knows that Nicodemus used his “human perception” when he said:

Joh 3:4 “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?”

Many people are surprised, if not amused, how Nicodemus was so ignorant to think of literally going back to his mother’s womb in order to be “born again.” Nicodemus in that state of mind, still a “spiritual goat,” could not have qualified an “able minister of the New Testament” on the basis of the following:

2 Cor 3:6 “Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.”

Rom 7:6 “But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter . ”

People then who followed Nicodemus’ preaching of attaining eternal life, for not understanding the “language of the Lamb,” must have fallen into the “ditch.”

Luk 6:39 “And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?”

On the other hand, Christ’s Apostles simply depended on the exposition of His words that are expressed in parables. Jesus Christ kept on saying, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” Can we not see the same thing today where preachers use human perception instead of waiting for divine revelation on the word?

Typical example for “Literal and spiritual” -- The man born blind

Let us take the case of the man born blind. Who would not think that this miracle refers to the literal opening of the eyes that the man could see the things around him thereafter? But our Lord has something to say that it is too painful to preachers of the word that they prefer to ignore it.

Joh 9:1 “And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth ...4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Joh 9:8 “The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? 10 Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? 11 He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus ...”

Joh 9:16 “ Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.”

Joh 9:18 “But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight. 19 And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see? 20 His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind. 23 Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.”

Joh 9:24 “Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man (Jesus) is a sinner . 25 He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no , I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. 26 Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? 27 He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?”

Joh 9:28 “Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. 29 We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow (Jesus, truth), we know not from whence he is.”

Joh 9:35 “Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? 36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? 37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. 38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.”

Joh 9:39 “And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. 40 And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? ”

Joh 9:41 “Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.”

The message of the miracle is clear that it does not refer to the “letter but to the spirit of the word.” Otherwise, our Lord would not have said, “they which see might be made blind.” Nowhere in the Bible can we read Jesus having made some people literally blind. The Pharisees who were NOT literally blind did not recognize Jesus, and that proves their non-recognition of the Father also whom they professed to worship. They were therefore hurt with our Lord’s sharp rebuke, “You do not know the God you are worshipping.” (Can we not see the same thing today, since the word of God never pass away?)

Joh 8:19 “...Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father : if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.”

Today, many people claim to know Jesus Christ. Can they assert knowing the Father also? Why do we hear them say, “The infinite Father cannot be clearly identified with the finite mind of man?” Is this not the great message of this “man born blind and now he could see” and “they which see might be made blind.?”

Are we not now reminded of Nicodemus, a renowned preacher of Israel taking the word of God to the “letter” only? Many people perhaps ridicule and laugh at him, but can they see themselves in his shoes after this demonstration of, “the letter killeth but the spirit giveth life?”

2 Cor 3:6 ‘Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.”

Accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and savior should follow accepting His words also:

Joh 6:63 “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”

The “letter of the word” benefits the body that ends in the cemetery. The “spirit of the word” benefits the soul of which God is obsessed to have it with Him in eternal life.

Are not many people today, taking the “letter” of the word happy with “miracles,” like opening the eyes of the blind, the lame walking, diseases being cured, believing these are made possible by the powerful name of “Jesus Christ?” However, our Lord refuses to acknowledge this “wonderful works and casting out devils in His name” because it is not based on mutual recognition by saying, “I never knew you.”

Mat 7:22 “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you....”

Are not these “miracles” referring to the “letter” of the word on the power of healing being “seen?” Our Lord’s warning:

Mat 24:23 “Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ , or there; believe it not. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before.”

Many people see these as miracles, but in the eyes of our Lord they are “wonders” only!

Miracles vs Wonders

Exo 7:8 And the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, 9 When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent. 10 And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the LORD had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.

Exo 7:11 “Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt , they also did in like manner with their enchantments.”

Exo 7:12 “For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.”

Miracles are superior to wonders, the fact that the serpent from the rod of Aaron swallowed up the serpents from the rods of the wise men of Pharaoh.

God “harvests” SOULS and therefore He values them more than the BODY. Jesus warns on people claiming to know Him, but openly saying, “Father God is a mystery incapable of clear identification.” Now the message of the following is getting clearer:

Mar 16:15 “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel ...17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues.”

Can we see the similarity of human perception with Nicodemus’ spiritual blindness exposed for taking only the “letter” of the word. This is the distinction between a spiritual “sheep and goat?”

To KNOW comes before LOVE

How many people “have seen” that knowing God is a prerequisite to loving Him? Jesus told this to a humble Scribe. Look if this is a command to many people.

Mar 12:29 “And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is , Hear, O Israel ; The Lord our God is one Lord.”

“Hear” to our Lord connotes the meaning of to listen intently. But how many people heed His appeal? Therefore what we hear from preachers are just the following:

Mar 12:30 “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.”

Mar 12:31 “And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”

Further, take note of the emphasis of love of “neighbor,” which to many people means “fellowmen.” Jesus made a distinction between “neighbor and fellowmen” in the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

An analogy to a Tree of Life

The visible parts of a tree are the trunk, branches, leaves, and fruits. Fruits are the edible parts of which people’s attention is focus on. Tracing this valued part, the fruits could not have developed without the leaves, branches, and trunk. The roots, from which all these parts originated, are hidden under the ground and therefore completely ignored. The roots are never given much importance. The sequential order therefore which cannot be reversed is:

• First, the roots.
• Second, the trunk, branches, and leaves.
• Third, the fruits

How many people noticed the sequential order in LOVE as our Lord indicated in Mark 12:29-31?

• First, know “The Lord our God is one Lord,” and in order to know Him let us “Hear!” or listen to Him intently what He says about Himself.
• Second, love Him
• Third, love thy “neighbor”

Just as the fruits originated from the leaves, branches, trunk, and all these came from the roots, so is the first in the sequence on love, that of KNOWING “The Lord our God is one Lord.” The roots are ignored because they are buried under the ground, so is the first in the sequence for love “buried under the spiritual ground” that symbolizes man. Justification for this negligence, more of ignorance, is “love for brothers,” mistaken for fellowmen, whose importance is stated in the following. Citing this is a vain effort of reversing the sequence.

1 John 4:20 “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”

The analogy, “earthly as it is has its heavenly equivalent.” Many religious sects concentrate on preaching “love of fellowmen” in order to attain eternal life. This is the basis of the Ecumenical Movement promoting Christian unity among sects no matter how diverse their fundamental doctrines are.

Just as the roots are buried under the ground, so is the identity of “The Lord our God is one Lord” buried under human perceptions. “Emmanuel, that means God with us” representing Jesus Christ is laid to rest under different human points of view:

I. “JESUS IS ONLY A MAN AND NOT GOD” (Arian Doctrine)

This is the conclusion of the adherents of this doctrine after reading the following by taking the “letter” of the word:

Num 23:19 “ God is not a man , that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent...”

1 Tim 2:5 “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;”

Joh 20:17 “Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God .”

Mat 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

Plus many more verses in support of this belief.

• Who would not really think that Jesus is only a man when it is specifically stated “God is not a man,” and Jesus Himself told Magdalene He has God?

Comment : Why did Jesus accept worship (many verses) when He Himself said that only God deserves this supreme adulation?

Mat 4:10 “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”

Jesus accepted worship (many verses). And what is meant by this?

1 John 5:20 “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.”

II. “JESUS IS ONLY A MINOR OR MIGHTY GOD FOR THERE IS AN ALMIGHTY OR SUPREME GOD” (Jehovah Doctrine)

This is the conclusion of the adherents of this doctrine after reading the following taking the “letter” of the word:

Isa 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given... and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God...”

Joh 14:28 “... If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.”

Joh 5:19 “... Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do...”

Plus many more verses in support of this doctrine.

• Who would not think that Jesus is only a minor God for He Himself admitted that the Father God is greater than He? And coming from His lips, He can do nothing of Himself without the power coming from the Father?

Comment: If admittedly there a mighty God and an Almighty God, how could this be reconciled with the truth that there is only one God as it is written in:

1 Cor 8:4 “...and that there is none other God but one.”

III. “JESUS CHRIST IS ALSO THE FATHER, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT ONLY A FORCE OF GOD” (Heraclian Doctrine)

This is the conclusion of the adherents of this doctrine after reading the following taking the “letter” of the word:

Joh 10:30 “I and my Father are one.”

Joh 16:7 “...It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart , I will send him unto you.”

Plus many more verses in support of this doctrine.

• Very clearly stated by Jesus Himself that He and the Father are one. Therefore, Jesus must be the Father in the flesh. And the Comforter or the Holy Spirit, only His surrogate force, sent by Him now is guiding and strengthening the chosen.

Comment : The question regarding the promise of our Lord Jesus remains unanswered as it is written. The Holy Spirit is the Comforter.

John 14:18 "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”

Mat 28:20 "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

IV. “THE NAME OF THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT IS JESUS CHRIST” (Sabellian or Oneness Doctrine)

This is the conclusion of the adherents of this doctrine after reading the following taking the “letter” of the word:

Mat 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Plus many more verses in support of this doctrine.

• It is written the name of the Son is Jesus Christ. Who can question the truth that the name of the Father and the Holy Spirit is also Jesus Christ when Peter executed the command by baptizing the believers with that “name?” Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not names.

Conclusion : The common name runs short of pinpointing “The Lord our God is one Lord” since the interrelationship of the three nullifies this belief. Why does this doctrine still preach the Second Coming of Christ? The Holy Spirit is the Comforter.

John 14:18 "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Mat 28:20 "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

V. “JESUS CHRIST IS BOTH GOD AND MAN AND IS THE SECOND PERSON OF THE HOLY TRINITY.” (Trinitarian Doctrine)

This is the conclusion of the adherents of this doctrine after reading the following by taking the “letter” of the word:

Mat 3:16 “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: 17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

1 John 5:7 KJV “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”

Joh 14:26 “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

Plus many more verses in support of this doctrine.

• Very clearly seen was Jesus coming out of the water at His baptism. The Holy Spirit in the form of dove descending and lighting upon Jesus, and the voice of the Father from above was heard. What more, there is a testimony in heaven about the Father, the Word (for Jesus), and the Holy Ghost. Conclusion therefore is, these cannot be just one person, but separate and distinct.

Comment : For professing God is a mystery under this doctrine, where is the promised benefit from the New Testament stated in:

Jer 31:31-34 “...for my chosen shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD...”

And what is meant by the following?

1 John 5:20 “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.”

Human wisdom caused all these confusion. The prerequisite of identifying “The Lord our God is one Lord” as a prerequisite to loving Him is “hidden” by human wisdom, as “the ground covers the roots, which is the source of all parts of the tree.” Christianity has never seen unity on the identity of Jesus Christ as warned by the Apostles, a prophecy whose fulfillment is recorded since the second century AD.

2 Cor 11:4 “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.”

Man at Creation

In the beginning God created man in His own image.

Gen 1:27 “So God created man in his own image , in the image of God created he him...”

But God is a Spirit (John 4:24 ). Clearly He is referring to Jesus Christ, a physical being:

Heb 1:3 “Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person...”

Col 1:14 “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God...”

This is the “spiritual image” of Jesus Christ, called the Lamb of God, and the Shepherd of flock of sheep.

Mat 12:18 “Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment...”

Joh 1:29 “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

If Jesus Christ is a “lamb” or sheep, so was man upon creation also having the “sheep image” with his three (3) components of: BODY, SPIRIT of God, and SOUL or spirit of man.

“Born again” by divine revelation is seen on a much deeper perspective than man understands. It is not just a “change of life from worldliness and sin to a life of righteousness and piety,” but more distinctively from “goat to sheep” image, which is expressed in the following.

1 Cor 2:14 “But the natural man 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.”

1 Cor 2:15 “ But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”

Thus, the need to trace man’s spiritual history in diagrams.

Figure 1 -- Diagram Upon Creation

Transformation of the “image of man”

God’s command to Adam and Eve:

Gen 2:16 “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”

The three (3) kinds of trees on the ground:

Gen 2:9 “And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.”

As earlier stated, “ground” symbolizes man. Therefore the three (3) kinds of trees are actually the three (3) components of man!

• Tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food – symbolizes the BODY (made of the senses, instinct and other faculties).

• Tree of life – symbolizes the SPIRIT of God (spiritual discernment, divine wisdom, spiritual strength).

• Tree of knowledge of good and evil – symbolizes the SOUL or human spirit (intellect, feeling/emotion, free will, personality)

The Fall of Man

Eve, a woman, represents mankind.

Gen 3:1 “Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?”

Gen 3:2 “And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden , God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.”

The woman (Eve) clearly understood that God was referring to the fruits of the Tree of knowledge of good and evil that symbolizes the SOUL! It is in the “midst of the garden” like the SPIRIT of God indicating these are invisible unlike the BODY. Clearly the “fruits of the forbidden tree” are the “intellect, feeling or emotion.” In effect, God said, “to eat these fruits” would mean certain death. God could not have referred to the death of the body for Adam and Eve did not die physically on the day they ate the “forbidden fruits.” God is referring to “spiritual death” that He revealed later.

Gen 3:4 “And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise , she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat...”

Truly so according to the Devil, “to use (eat) the intellect and feeling” would make one “open the eyes to good and evil” according to man’s standard. This makes man “like God” deciding what is “good and evil.” As a result, two standards are now available:

• God’s Standard of good and evil
• Man’s Standard of good and evil

After “eating the fruits of the Tree of knowledge of good and evil,” thereafter man followed his standard of good and evil. This made God drive man from the Garden of Eden disengaging him from the Tree of Life.

Gen 3:23 “Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden...24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life .”

The Tree of Life indicates the presence of the SPIRIT of God and everything related to Him.

Prov 11:30 “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life....”

Rev 2:7 “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”

This is the diagram after the Fall where the SPIRIT of God was taken out of man, now consisting only of BODY and SOUL. Without the SPIRIT of God, man is limited to the use of the intellect, feeling, and instinct. Human competence in spiritual matters is what God condemns:

Isa 29:14 “Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish , and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. ”

Rom 1:22 “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.”

1 Cor 1:19 “...I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?”

Figure 2 -- Diagram After the Fall

From thereon, “spiritual discernment and divine wisdom” no longer was available to man, turning him into a Natural Man, a spiritual “goat” who cannot understand the “language of the Shepherd, a Lamb.”

1 Cor 2:14 “But the natural man 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.”

And it is here where God says:

Rom 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

Rom 3:10 “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”

Isa 64:6 “But we are all as an unclean thing , and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags...”

Of course the Natural Man will reject this for he is thinking of “righteousness” according to Man’s Standard, the dictate of the intellect and feeling; or thinking of non-spiritual matters in social, political, economic, scientific and other human endeavors.

Salvation offered to all

Salvation is to gain access to the Tree of Life again. This is the miracle of restoration to “sheep image.” Not known to many people this is the real meaning of “born again.” That is why it is stated being of a “new creature.”

2 Cor 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

With God’s omniscience (all-knowing), everything that would happen to His creation is already known to Him. Thus:

Rev 13:8 “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him (Satan), whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”

From the creation of Lucifer, the brightest of all angels and because of pride turned himself to Satan; to the creation of man, his Fall; and finally, God’s testament of salvation to fulfill His plan of having eternal companions.

Key to salvation and “born again”

“Born again” is a “miracle” that God performs with this condition:

Mat 18:3 “ And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

Very clearly our Lord was not speaking literally since Peter, Andrew, James, John, Paul and other Disciples were not literally “converted to little children.” This, to our Lord is spiritual and not emotional humility. Anyone can show emotional humility but this does not mean submitting to the TRUTH in the word that is sharp as 2-edged sword that forces man to relinquish human reasoning:

Heb 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Example, can professing apostles of Christ accept this truth?

2 Cor 3:6 “Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.”

Joh 6:63 “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”

2 Cor 4:18 “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal .”

An example of the “letter” of the word is the simple literal opening of the eyes of the man born blind. The Pharisees who were not literally blind “did not see” our Lord Jesus so as to recognize the Father also:

Joh 8:19 “...Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.”

Our Lord rebuked them in:

Joh 8:54 “...it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: 55 Yet ye have not known him...”

How easy for many people claiming to know Jesus Christ, but at the same time professing the Father is a mystery incapable of clear identification. This is the proof of not recognizing Jesus “by divine revelation.”

Mat 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Mat 16:17 “And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”

Jesus’ concept of “born again”

God’s concept of “born again” is very different from the diverse concepts of man. Jesus told Nicodemus:

Joh 3:5 “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit , he cannot enter into the kingdom of God .”

Since God is speaking in parables, a word may have several meanings. Examples:

For water:

• Indicating man himself:

Psa 22:14 “ I am poured out like water and all my...”

• Indicating the written words of God:

Eph 5:26 “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.”

• Indicating many people:

Rev 17:15 And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. (Indicating many people)

• Plus several more.

For Spirit:

• Indicating the Spirit of God

Gen 1:2 “And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.”

• Indicating the Holy Ghost

Joh 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given ; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Let us remember that our Lord Jesus did not speak except in parables, and He alone, not Peter, John, Paul, or any of His Disciples were authorized to expound on His words. Examples:

Luk 18:34 “And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.”

Mat 15:15 “Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable. 16 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?”

Mat 16:11 “How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?”

How much more professing apostles of Christ today, where we hear leaders of different sects have their respective interpretation of the word of God that led to the division of Christianity. How many people can accept this truth?

Mar 4:34 “But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.”

Therefore, by divine revelation, “born again” that transforms man’s image from “goat to sheep” requires the following:

• To be “born of the WORD of God (Eph. 5:26 ), and
• To be “born of the SPIRIT of God or Holy Ghost.”

To be “born of the Word”

This is to believe in physical Jesus since He represents the “written word.” Physical Jesus is Emmanuel that means “God with us,” so is the “written word” representing God Himself. Physical Jesus is the Word. Just as Jesus is visible, so is the “letter” of the word discernible:

Joh 1:14 “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us...”

Rev 19:13 “And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.”

However, seeing and hearing physical Jesus speak is not enough to identity Him. Otherwise it should not have required the “kiss of Judas” to hold and arrest Him:

Mat 26:48 “Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.”

Therefore to be “born of water” means to accept everything in the “written word” of God -- the Holy Bible.

To be “born of the Spirit”

This refers to having access to the Tree of Life that was separated upon the Fall. The real “born again” person now becomes a Spiritual Man consisting of:

• PHYSICAL LIFE composed of the BODY and the SOUL
• SPIRITUAL LIFE composed of the SPIRIT of God and the SOUL

The Natural Man is composed of PHYSICAL LIFE only. Without the SPIRIT of God, there is no way to have “spiritual discernment” but only “emotional insight.” The presence of the SPIRIT of God in the Spiritual Man is where we read:

1Cor. 3:16 “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God , and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”

1Cor 6:19 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.”

"To glorify God in your body and in you spirit” is what is also repeated in:

1 Thes 5:23 “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Clearly this refers only to the Spiritual Man who has now two kinds of life, PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL, which the Natural Man does not have the latter.

1 Cor 2:15 “But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”

1 Cor 2:14 “But the natural man 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.”

Clearly, the Natural Man is limited only to the “letter” of the word, for without the Spirit of God, he has no access to the “spirit of the word” that gives life. Thus:

2 Cor 3:6 “Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.”

The Physical and Spiritual Jesus

In like manner, looking at and hearing from physical Jesus is not enough to identify Him, as is the “letter” of the word standing alone does not yet give the intended message.

Clear identification of the spiritual Jesus requires the “revelation of the Father.” Jesus aptly put this in the following:

Joh 5:31 “If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. 32 There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.”

Joh 8:17 “It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. 18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.”

Similarly, the “letter” of the word that represents physical Jesus is not yet the intended message. It further requires the “revelation of the Holy Spirit” to get the real meaning, as in identifying Jesus who is the TRUTH. The Word (Jesus) and the Spirit (representing the Father) are the “two witnesses” to the TRUTH:

“Born again” therefore means to be “born of the TRUTH.” Since Jesus Christ is the TRUTH, a Lamb; so is the Natural Man becoming a Spiritual Man, now a “new creature” in the image of a “sheep.”

2 Co 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ , he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

If before the Natural Man has only his physical life consisting of BODY and SOUL (also called the spirit of man), now he acquires spiritual life composed of the SPIRIT of God and his SOUL.

From hereon, n o longer does a “newly born again” person depend on people for explanation of the word, as God said, “lean not unto own understanding.” He/she fully depends on the Shepherd, JESUS CHRIST, the Truth (the Word plus the revelation of the Holy Spirit on the Word):

1 Cor 2:12 “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”

1 Cor 2:13 “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual .”

Who can accept the following but the “sheep” in following the Shepherd?

James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

1 John 2:27 “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth...”

Figure 3 -- “Born again” in diagram

The transformation of man into a “sheep” is shown in the following diagram, now regaining the SPIRIT of God symbolized by the Tree of Life.

The Spiritual Man gained access to The Tree of Life! The Spirit of God is given back to man! The Inheritance promised in the Testament of Salvation is received! Man is “born again” and now restored to the original image of a “lamb or sheep.” He is now a “spiritual baby.” Look at the position of the components. The spiritual baby is still dominated by the Soul. Thus, emotionalism and spiritual stumbling are not uncommon at this stage of spiritual growth. However, the attributes of the Spirit are already discernible:

• Spiritual discernment, or the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood,

• Divine knowledge, or the comprehension of the spiritual word of God, and its application or divine wisdom,

• Spiritual strength, or the power to resist things not of the truth, and

• Thus, the ability to walk the “spiritual way.”

Walking in the Spirit

After being truly “born again,” the “righteousness of the law” is endowed to the real believer, no longer of the “oldness of letter” but of the “newness of the spirit” in the word:

Rom 8:4 “That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Rom 7:6 “But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.”

As spiritual baby, man is fed with “spiritual milk” growing in stature spiritually.

1 Peter 2:2 “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.”

The Spirit gradually gains control over the Soul and the Body. This simply means that human reasoning on spiritual matters and emotionalism, and worldliness slowly give way to the dictate and control of the Spirit. The Spirit leads the Spiritual Man to the standard of righteousness of God, abandoning the “soulish and earthly” Standard of Man. The attributes of the Soul and Body are what are referred to as the “old man” in the following:

Ephesians 4:22 “That ye put off concerning the former conversation of the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.”

Paul puts the gradual subordination of the Soul and Body to the Spirit in:

1 Corinthians 15:31 “... I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. ”

Figure 4 -- Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth is shown in the following diagram

Take note of the improved position of the components. “It is in death that there is life.” As Jesus died on the cross and then resurrected to life again, so is the “oldness of the letter” must die to give way to the “newness of the spirit” of the word. This follows also for the Spiritual Man’s “soulishness’ demise” that he could have real spiritual life while still in his physical body. He must grow spiritually by “dying everyday!”

Figure 5 -- Spiritual Perfection

Spiritual Perfection is attained as shown by Jesus Christ as model. The Spirit of God (Father) is in complete “control” over the Soul (soulishness) and the Body (flesh or worldliness). It is at this stage of “spiritual walk” that God will take His chosen to the Second Heaven.. This is shown in the following diagram:

Physical death of the chosen who have overcome meet Abraham and all the saints in Paradise . Paul wrote about the three heavens in:

2 Corinthians 12:2 “I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.”

This is God’s fulfullment of His plan having eternal companions. He “harvests” souls and not bodies of men, spiritual “sheep” and not “goats.” The “sheep” knows the Shepherd and hears His voice:

Joh 10:4 “...he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.”

PART II -- Shepherd and Flock of Sheep relationship

There is now a close relationship between the Shepherd and the flock found throughout man’s spiritual history. Adam and Eve, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, the prophets and the chosen in the Old Testament talked to God and He responded to them. . Peter, John, James, Paul and other Apostles and Disciples talked to our Lord and He likewise responded to all of them. This truth has never passed away, and God’s chosen today and in the future will do the same. Demonstration:

Knowing that God speaks through His written words, we ask, “Lord how do you relate to us through your words in the Holy Bible?”

Isa 28:10 KJV “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.”

Clearly, we don’t have to read the whole or several verses after God answers our question with the “line/s”, that guides us to the different books of the Holy Bible. And since God is speaking in parables, as Jesus Christ was prophesied to do the same, let alone God through His word answer questions pertaining to Him and His words.

Worthy to note is to KNOW our Father if we are to pray the “Apostles Prayer” as taught by our Lord. Otherwise, He would retort, “Why do you call Me Father? Who are you?”

Matthew 6:9-13

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.... For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”

1. Our first question: Lord, how many God/s are there?

1 Cor 8:4 “...and that there is none other God but one.

Lord, we read there is “another god” or “another Jesus” aside from you. Who is he? (Satan counterfeiting Jesus and who looks like Him)

2 Cor 4:4 “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”

2 Cor 11:14 “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness...”

2. Lord, who is this “one God?”

1 Cor 8:6 “But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things…”

3. Father God, how did Simon Peter recognize JESUS, and who is He?

Mat 16:1”He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God . 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”

4. Father God, why does it need your revelation just to declare, “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God?” He asks: “What do you mean by CHRIST?” We say: “Messiah, Redeemer, or Savior, the Anointed One..” As if Father God further asks: “Would you believe that I, Father God (Isa. 64:8), revealed the following to Isaiah?”

Isa 43:11 “I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.”

5. We ask, “Father God how could you be the only savior when it is written JESUS CHRIST is our savior who died on the cross?” (Many verses)

[It is here Jesus told Simon Peter that it needs the “revelation of the Father” to recognize Him, and His identification “should never come from flesh and blood.”]

6. Father God, please enlighten us to this “mystery” surrounding your identity and that of our Lord Jesus Christ. Will you please give us an overview of your plan for salvation? We heard it is very simple, but there are some “dark points” that need to be clarified.

7. As if Father God asks : “Would you believe that this covenant or testament I made with Abraham and his seeds is my plan for salvation, the fact that I made them my chosen people?”

Gen 17:7 “And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after theein their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.”

8. Father God, we believe that is your plan for salvation. But how could we be included in your covenant when we belong to other nationalities, not having even a drop of blood of Abraham?

Gal 3:28 “ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free… for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

9. As if Father God asks: “Do you belong to Christ?” We reply, “Lord, we hear people believing in the Holy Bible all claiming to belong to Christ.” But Jesus Christ retorts:

Mat 22:14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Mat 7:13 “ Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

10. It is written people who saw and heard Jesus Christ had different recognition of Him:

Mat 16:13 “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.”

We realize that people professing to belong to Jesus Christ have different recognition of Him also like the people at Caesarea Philippi:

• Some say, “Jesus is only a man and not God,” and the derivative, “Jesus is only a minor or Mighty God for there is a supreme or Almighty God.”

• Others say, “Jesus Christ is the name of the Father and the Holy Spirit,” and the derivative, “Jesus is also the Father and the Holy Spirit is only a force of God.”

• Many say, “Jesus is both God and man, and He is the 2 nd person of the Holy Trinity.”

11. Thus, the need to realize clear recognition of Jesus should come “by the revelation of the Father” and not just from “flesh and blood.” How many people professing to know Jesus can claim the following?

Joh 8:19 “…Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.”

12. Now it appears in the eyes of God that it is not really easy to belong to Christ. Only a few and not many, in truth, belong to Him. After God revealed in Gal. 3:28-29 that only those BELONGING TO CHRIST are the “seeds of Abraham and heirs according to the promise,” now the more we would like TO KNOW who Jesus really is.

13. Father God, how do you fulfill your covenant or testament with Abraham and his seeds? Father God speaking:

Heb 9:16 “For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.”

The two roles of Jesus Christ

14. Father God, how could you fulfill your testament with death when you are a SPIRIT? As if Father God responding: “Would you believe if I say nothing is impossible with me?” Our reply of courise is, Lord nothing is impossible with you, and we believe. (The only one true God manifested Himself in the flesh!)

1 Tim 3:16 KJV “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit…”

15. Father God, are you referring now to our Lord Jesus Christ? (Could there be any other than He?)

Phil 2:6 “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

16. As if Father God asks, “Would you believe me if I tell you?”

Isa 43:11 “I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.”

Father God continuing, “ And this truth is revealed to Luke regarding the identity of Jesus?”

Luke 1:46 “And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

Luke 2:11 “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

And now Jesus claiming:

John 10:30 “I and my Father are one.”

17. Father God, are you our Lord Jesus Christ in the flesh?

1 John 3:16 KJV “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us…”

As if Father anticipates our question whether He could possibly die. And if so, where was God upon His death? Perhaps it is clear to everybody that it is only the BODY that suffered death on the cross; just as the physical death of a person, only his/her body dies. The Spirit of God (if chosen) and the Soul remain alive. Now this truth about the Father and the Son is made clearer in the following:

1 John 5:20 “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.”

18. Father God, we cannot fully understand that you are our Lord Jesus Christ. As if He says, “Do you know that in my human manifestation I have performed two roles?

• Role as FATHER, “That is how Simon Peter recognized me, saying, “Thou art the Christ” that means Messiah, Savior, or Redeemer.” With this role:

• “I accepted worship.” (many verses)
• “I accepted the title “Rabbi” or Teacher, Lord, and Master.”
• “My body died on the cross to fulfill my testament, when I said, “It is finished.”

• Role as SON, “That is how Simon Peter recognized me, saying, “The Son of the living God,” that means the “Anoined One.” With this role:

• “I fully humbled myself to the Father to show the Way (John 14:6), as model (Rom. 8:29), by example (1 Pet 2:21).” Who among my chosen can take this role? Abraham? Jacob? Moses? Peter? Paul? Virgin Mary?"
• I said, “On my own, I can do nothing (John 5:19).”
• “I did not accept I am good.”
• “I don’t even know the end of the world.”
• “I told Magdalene I have God like her.”
• “On the cross, I shouted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” ( Matt . 27:46)

Lord God, do you mean JESUS CHRIST is “our Father” in His role as Shepherd, the Messiah and Redeemer; and at the same time, “The Anointed One,” as our eldest brethren as model to show us the Way? As if God is saying, “Let me answer all your questions regarding my identity.”

18. Lord Jesus, what if we doubt or do not believe that you are the Father in the flesh?

John 8:24 KJV “ I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he , ye shall die in your sins.”

19. Father God, do you confirm that our Lord Jesus is referring to YOU in John 8:24? Further, have you revealed your name already in the Old Testament?

Isa 52:6 “Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I.”

The beneficiaries and inheritance in the Testament

20. Father God, we know that in a testament the maker or testator is giving an inheritance. What is the inheritance you are giving to the beneficiaries?

Eze 44:28 “And it shall be unto them for an inheritance: I am their inheritance…”

Psa 16:5 “ The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and …”

21. Father God, who are the beneficiaries to your promised inheritance?

Eze 44:15 “…the priests the Levites, the sons of Zadok, that kept the charge of my sanctuary…”

22. Father God, how do we receive the inheritance like the priests?

1 Pet 2:9 But ye are… a royal priesthood… a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”

23. Lord Jesus, would you confirm what Peter wrote about us that your chosen are the priests?

Rev 1:6 “And hath made us… priests unto God… to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

24. Father God, if you promised yourself as inheritance to the chosen, how would they receive you when you are a frightening God?

Exo 20:18 “And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. 19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”

25. As if Father God asks the chosen, “When I make a plan, do I not see to it that it could be done? Look! I promised myself as your inheritance. Whom did my chosen receive after I died in my human manifestation?”

John 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Act 2:1 “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost…”

[Our possible reply: Father God, now we realize that you took the characteristics of a dove for you to be acceptable to the beneficiaries.]

26. Father God, we have many questions regarding your relationship with your Son Jesus Christ. In our perception you sent Him because He has been saying this many times.

John 5:37 “And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me.” John 8:18 “I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.” John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Plus many more verses that, to use the senses and intellect, it is impossible for the Son Jesus be the Father God also. It is here that we appreciate being “converted into a little child, a babe.”

27. As if Father God says, have you not read that I am speaking in parables?

Eze 20:49 “Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! they say of me, Doth he not speak parables?”

29. Lord God, why do you speak in parables making your words too difficult for many people to understand? As if God is saying, “I want you to completely depend on me. Am I not your Shepherd?”

Mar 4:11 “And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: 12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.”

Col 1:26 “ Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints.”

[Lord, now we understand that you want to separate the “poor in the spirit” representing your Apostles and Disciples (the meek or the humble); from the “rich in spirit” which you saw in the Scribes, Pharisees, and the priests (the proud and self-righteous).]

The two roles of the Holy Ghost

30. Lord Jesus, with many verses, you promised your Second Coming. You even showed yourself ascending to heaven, and the two angels telling your Disciples to see you descending in like manner:

Act 1:9 “And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”

31. Lord Jesus, is this not your confirmation for your Second Coming?

Rev 1:7 “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen .”

However, you said:

Joh 14:18 “ I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”

Mat 28:20 “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world . Amen.

32. Our Lord Jesus confirms the two angels statement, “ He cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him.” Does the ‘letter’ of my words give the intended message without the revelation of the Holy Spirit? Remember I am speaking in parables.”

“Does not ‘clouds’ consist of ‘water’ that symbolizes the ‘letter’ of my words, and also the Holy Ghost, the two witnesses to the TRUTH?

Eph 5:26 “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.”

Joh 7:37 “...Jesus stood...saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given ; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

“My Second Coming is whenever my chosen receive me (Truth) and people discerning (see) ‘ pierce’ (kill or subdue the truth) and “ all kindreds of the earth shall wail” (howl or scream for revulsion).” Unknown to many people, this is “BORN AGAIN!” Can we not see the reaction of people whenever TRUTH is expressed? Are they not agitated or distraught as the Scribes and Pharisee were hearing the words of our Lord?

33. As if our Lord is saying, “Because you only take the “letter” of my words, hence you cannot see the ‘living message’ that is true all the time. Consequently, the words in the Old Testament are not just incidents in the past, nor events in the book of Revelation refer only to the future.” How could you claim I am the Truth and professing, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”?

34. As if our Lord Jesus is saying, “Have you not read I would speak in parables and dark sayings of old” (Psa 78.2)? If you cannot renounce your human perception on my words, you will be making me a liar.” Have you not read the following?

2 Cor 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is , there is liberty.

35. As if our Lord Jesus is saying, “Did not Paul, formerly Saul of Tarsus, who used to persecute me for not recognizing me, wrote that I, JESUS CHRIST, is the only LORD?

1 Cor 8:6 “But to us there is but ... one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.”

36. As if our Lord is saying, “Did I not reveal to John my apostle that the Spirit is the Holy Ghost?

Joh 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given ; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

As if our Lord Jesus is saying, “If I am the Lord, and the Spirit is the Holy Ghost, have I been remiss with my promise of “coming back and not leaving my Disciples comfortless till the end of the world?”

37. As if our Lord is saying, “I revealed to Paul who wrote, ‘Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.’ Of course I am not referring to political or social, but rather freedom from human perceptions of my words, that results with your human precepts and religious traditions.”

Psa 119:45 “And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.”

Gal 5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

“Otherwise, I should not have tagged the ‘Tree of knowledge of good and evil’ as the forbidden tree.”

Gen 2:17 “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”

38. As if our Lord is saying, “Why do you insist on “eating the fruits of the Tree of knowledge that also comes the dictate of your senses and heart? I told my disciples, ‘ I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you,’ I came already at Pentecost to comfort and remind them of the things I said till the end of the world.”

Joh 14:26 ‘But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

39. Our Lord continuing, “Using your human perception, don’t you see me as three entities or persons here as when I was baptized?” No wonder you never recognize me as “One Lord and one God.” Now if you insist on trusting your human intelligence, you will be exposed as liars! You profess to know me, as the “child born in Bethlehem , grew in Nazareth , perform many miracles, persecuted, died on the cross, and rose again from the dead, and now waiting for my Second Coming.” Does all these protestation stand to this?

Joh 8:19 “...Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.”

Our Lord continuing, “Why do you openly declare the infinite Father God cannot be clearly identified with your finite mind if you really recognized me as Simon Peter did?”

40. As if Father God is saying, “Did I not say when Peter recognized Jesus; it was my revelation to him? Can human capability with the use of the senses comprehend all these great mysteries about Me? No wonder I make a distinction between these two classes of people.”

The Natural Man:

Isa 5:21 "Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!"

1 Cor 2:14 “But the natural man 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 .” (Not intellectually, not of the senses, not emotionally discerned.)

1 CORINTHIANS 8:2 "And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to knowThe Spiritual Man or real “born again”: 1 Cor 2:15 “But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”

41. Therefore God says, “Just as I performed TWO ROLES when I manifested myself in the flesh as:

• Father, and
• Son

So also I perform TWO ROLES in my manifestation as Holy Spirit as:

• Father promising to be the inheritance in my testament, and
• In my human manifestation with my commitment not leaving the chosen comfortless, now known as the Comforter, promising to be with my disciples till the end of the world.”

42. As if Father God continue speaking, “Therefore my chosen people no longer are waiting for my Second Coming in my human manifestation for I am the Holy Spirit as I did to my Apostles and Disciples at Pentecost. This is being duplicated to the “poor in spirit” when they humble themselves like “little children” ( Matt . 18:3).

Rom 8:9 “ But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

43. “The overcomers among my chosen are just waiting for my Second Appearance, when I will take them with me in eternity.”

Heb 9:28 “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time ...”

1 Joh 3:2 “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”

44. Father God, if you are Jesus Christ in the flesh, what is this that we are reading regarding your positions?

Act 7:56 “And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.”

Mar 16:19 “So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.”

As if God retorts, “Don’t you know that I speak in parables (Ezek. 20:49 ) as Jesus was prophesied to speak dark sayings of old (Psa. 78:2)? My ‘right hand’ refers to the totality of my power.

Exo 15:6 “Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.”

Luk 22:69 “Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.”

45. Lord God, we glorify you through your words for now the following is made very clear to us:

Col 2:9 “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”

Isa 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor (or Comforter), The mighty God, The everlasting Father…”

46. Father God, we read that you gave the following as your name in the Old Testament.

Exo 6:3 “And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.”

Psa 83:18 “That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.”

47. As if Father God is saying, “Have you read that I have not yet revealed my name in the Old Testament”?

Isa 52:6 “Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I.”

48. Father God, then who gave the name “JEHOVAH” to you? (Note: It is not God but men that originated the following names.)

“Jehovah”

In the Jewish Encyclopedia, Vol. 7, p. 88 is this: "The reading Jehovah is a comparatively recent invention. Jehovah is generally held to have been the invention of Pope Leo the 10th's Confessor, Peter Galatin (De Arcanis Catholic Veritates 1518, Folio XLIII), who was followed in the use of this hybrid form by Fagius Drusius. Van de Driesche, who lived between 1550 and 1616, was the first to ascribe to Peter Galatin the use of Jehovah, and this view has been taken since his day."

“Yahweh ”

The Samaritan pronunciation Jabe approaches the real sound of the Divine name. The other early writers transmit only abbreviations or corruptions of the sacred name. Inserting the vowels of Jabe into the original Hebrew consonant text, we obtain the form Jahveh (Yahweh), which has been generally accepted by modern scholars as the true pronunciation of the Divine name. It is not merely closely connected with the pronunciation of the ancient synagogue by means of the Samaritan tradition, but it also allows the legitimate derivation of all the abbreviations of the sacred name in the Old Testament.

(Note: The King James Version of the Holy Bible, published in 1611, thus adopted the name Jehovah.)

49. Our God, if you are the Father, Jesus Christ your Son, and the Holy Spirit, then what is your NAME? As if Jesus Christ is asking, “Have you heard my command in the following?”

Mat 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in thename of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

50. As if Jesus Christ is saying, “You compare how Simon Peter executed my command with ‘professing apostles of mine’ who do not even know me.”

a. Simon Peter:

Act 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

b. Professing apostles of mine:

Stating the name of the imaginary convert, saying, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” “Look! Because these professing apostles do not really know me, they only repeat and do not execute my command.”

c. The impostors:

“Be extra careful with professing apostles declaring to have recognized me as Simon Peter did, saying, I am the Father and the Holy Spirit. They preach “a Jesus” that looks like me.”

Rev 13:11 “And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.”

“Because their recognition of me is not by divine revelation, therefore they cannot speak my ‘spiritual language.’ As impostors, they explain my words with human understanding like the others.”

51. Lord, how do we distinguish your voice from the “voice of the dragon? As if Jesus says, “You should remember that Satan also cites verses in the Bible. Look when he tempted me in the desert.”

Mat 4:6 “...If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.”

“Satan quoted this from the following ”

Psa 91:11 “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. 12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”

52. As if Jesus Christ is saying, “In my FASTING, the ‘voice’ of the Dragon is revealed!”

Mat 4:1 “Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.”

As if Jesus continuing, “Look if many people who do not know me simply take the “letter” of the word as Satan saw my empty stomach. They try to imitate me by foregoing to take their meals or not eating for several days. They do not realize that this is precisely what Satan, also known as the Dragon, saw in me. Satan told me to turn the stones into bread for me to satisfy my physical hunger.”

Mat 4:3 “And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.”

[To God, the “letter” or the LITERAL word does not yet present the truth. That is why it is written in 2 Cor. 3:6 “the letter killeth.” It is the “spirit of the word” that gives life and this refers to the SPIRITUAL MEANING as explained by our Lord by “demonstration.” In His fasting, Jesus emphasized hunger for the word, more than hunger for literal bread.]

Mat 4:4 “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”

God confirmed this in the following:

Jer 15:16 “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart…”

How many people realized the following in relation to hunger?

Amo 8:11 “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: 12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.”

53. How many people recognize the voice of the Lamb? Do we really hear the “spiritual message of the word” today? God further expounds the meaning of fasting in the following:

Isa 58:6 “ Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free (John 8:32 ), and that ye break every yoke? 7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor ( Matt . 5:3) that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him (Isa. 61:10)…”

54. The spiritual message of FASTING is to hunger for the TRUTH in the word. This is where we pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” God is liberal enough to supply our “spiritual food” and expects us:

a. To share it to “the oppressed or in bondage to go free.”

Joh 8:32 “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

b. To share our “spiritual bread” to the hungry:

Mat 25:35 “For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat.”

c. Pity the “poor in spirit” who are not yet in the household of God:

Mat 5:3 “ Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Eph 2:19 “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.”

d. To clothe the “naked” with the garment of salvation:

Isa 61:10 “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation…”

55. How clear is the distinct “language” of the Lamb that the chosen will not follow a “stranger.” Jesus Christ spoke to His Disciples:

John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 4 … he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.”

56. As if our Lord is saying, “My last words to you is to follow the first step to salvation, where you have to be ‘born again’ and become a ‘new creature’ from ‘spiritual goat to sheep.” Then we can understand each other. Remember, I am the LAMB of God.”

Mat 18:3 “ And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

Isa 28:9 KJV “Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts .”

Mat 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

2 Tim 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

“Don’t depend on people for divine knowledge and wisdom. Trust me and lean not unto your own understanding. Then you will be able to obey ‘The first of all the commandments.”

Mar 12:29 “And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is , Hear, O Israel ; The Lord our God is one Lord.”

Psa 144:15 “... yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.”

57. Let us all think about this!

1 Cor 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

a. Lord, we believe you are the Holy Spirit:

Gen 1:2 “And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.”

b. Lord, we believe you are the Father God:

Neh 9:6 Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all…

Isa 44:24 Thus saith the LORD… I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself …”

c. Lord, we believe you are our Lord Jesus Christ:

Col 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God…16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth…”

Joh 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 3 All things were made by him...”

1 John 5:20 “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.”

61. Indeed, how blessed are the truly “born again!”

Col 1:26 “Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints.”

In the end, JESUS CHRIST the Bridegroom meets His Bride, the chosen that our Lord told His Disciples, and later revealed to John in the island of Patmos :

Joh 3:29 “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.”

Rev 21:2 “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”

- END -

Footnotes...

Gen 1:27 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”

Gen 2:18 “And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”

Joh 1:29 “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

Read the articles:

The Spiritual Sin of Eve (http://www.purechristianity.org/sinofeve.htm)

The Physical Sin of Eve ( http://www.purechristianity.org/tracing_the_original_sin.htm)

Read the articles in the Internet: “LET US MAKE MAN IN OUR IMAGE”

http://www.purechristianity.org/index.php?module=articles&func=display&ptid=1&aid=32

Jesus Christ of the original Apostles [ www.purechristianity.org/jesusof.htm ]

Psa 69:8 “I am become a stranger unto my brethren, and an alien unto my mother's children. 9 For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.”

Mar 4:34 “But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.”

The Pharisees preferred to be Moses’ disciples instead of Jesus Christ. Unknown to them Moses’ words came from God and the nature of these were revealed to Paul:

Rom 7:14 “For we know that the law (word) is spiritual...”

This is one reason why hatred for Jesus of the religious leaders kindled causing His death on the cross. Jesus is the Truth!

The author of this article finds himself like this man who was born blind and now he could “see” Jesus.

2 Cor 4:18 “...we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal .”

2 Cor 11:4 “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him .”

Mar 12:28 “And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?”

The Parable of the Good Samaritan (http://www.purechristianity.org/parable_of_the_good_samaritan.htm)

The Tree of Life may refer to everything about God

Gen 3:19 “...till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”

Gen 18:27 “...Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes.”

1 Tim 2:5 “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus...”

Gen 3:19 “...for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”

Gen 18:27 “And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes.”

1 Tim 5:6 “But she (female and male) that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.”

1 Tim 2:15 “Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they (female and male) continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.”

Mat 16:13 “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.”

Mat 16:16 “And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.”

Prov 3:5 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”

1 Co 2:15 “But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.”

FIRST-SECOND-THIRD HEAVEN

http://www.purechristianity.org/index.php?module=articles&func=display&ptid=1&aid=42

Revelation 3:5 “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.”

Eze 20:49 “Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! they say of me, Doth he not speak parables?”

Psa 78:2 “I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old.”

2 Cor 11:4 “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached...or another gospel, which ye have not accepted...”

Mat 23:8 “But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”

Joh 19:30 “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished : and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

Heb 9:16 “For where a testament is , there must also of necessity be the

death of the testator.”

Rom 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

Luk 18:18 “And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.”

Mat 24:36 “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”

Joh 20:17 “Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God , and your God.”

Isa 44:24 “Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things ; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself.”

Rom 8:29 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son , that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

Isa 28:9 KJV only “Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.”

Mat 11:25 “At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.”

Jer 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things , and desperately wicked: who can know it?”