Discuss John 1 Page 84

On verse 16, It breaks my heart when I hear people repeat like “broken records”, texts or ideas from the Bible without making the slightest effort to understand what the author is saying. The myopic approach to certain issues of the Holy Writ is dangerous and can lead to destruction. Now, I realize that most of them are sincere and they mean well; however they are still mislead. Here is the case in point: In the letter (all six chapters = one letter) to the churches in Galatia, Apostle Paul is dealing with the controversial issue of circumcision. Methodically, he is explaining to the new believers why they don’t need to be circumcised in order to be saved. In verse 16 he declares: “KNOWING THAT A MAN IS NOT JUSTIFIED BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW, BUT BY THE FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST, EVEN WE HAVE BELIEVED IN JESUS CHRIST, THAT WE MIGHT BE JUSTIFIED BY THE FAITH OF CHRIST, AND NOT BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW: FOR BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW SHALL NO FLESH BE JUSTIFIED.” This is a true and very important statement: Salvation is God’s gift to anyone who accepts it. It is free and based on Christ’s sacrifice and merits only. So, what does that statement mean? First, it means that no matter how strict or faithful toward keeping any law, IT WILL NOT get you into the Kingdom of God. Secondly, within the context of Paul’s letter, it means that circumcision (in the flesh), which was part of the “Ceremonial Law” (fulfilled by Christ, and no longer required to be observed), is not a prerequisite to be saved, nor to become part of “the chosen people” or spiritual Israel. Galatians 3, states: “26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: 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.” Thirdly, and just as important, that statement does not give us a free pass to sin, just because Christ died, and we are under GRACE. In other words: We have no right to trample the Moral Law or “the Ten Commandments” under our feet, under the pretext that we don’t want to be “under the curse of the Law”. Most Christians have no problem admitting that keeping at least nine of the Ten, it is OK… So they say: “not stealing from me it’s desirable, you should keep that commandment; and no, I wouldn’t want you to fool-around with my wife: that seventh commandment it’s very important!” Or, “Do you want to kill me? Oh no, that’s breaking the sixth one: don’t even think of that!” And so on, with commandment number 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. So far you are safe: if you keep just those nine you are not under “the curse of the Law”! But the moment you mention the fourth commandment they cry: “LEGALISM”, down with that Jewish Sabbath! You are under the curse… So they take away the only commandment that says “Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy” and tell everyone to “Forget it!” or they say: “Oh no, we keep Sunday (the Day of the Sun) instead!” So, why do we need to keep the Ten Commandments? No, we don’t keep them in order to be saved, but rather, because we are saved. We do it out of respect for God, not to score “salvation points”. And every time we break one of them, we repent and ask God’s forgiveness, and, as Jesus bids us, we “go and sin no more”. But even if we do, as often as it happens, we go again through the same exercise: repent and ask God’s forgiveness “until seventy times seven” if needed ( Matthew 18:22), and “…He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” 1 John 1:9, until we are victorious over that sin. THIS IS GRACE: No condemnation (as the Law requires) but unmerited forgiveness! The Law is not abolished, but it facilitates GRACE. And so, we grow and mature as followers of Christ. But, if there is no Law, then there is no need for forgiveness, no need for repentance, no need for grace, and ultimately no need of Christ… Suppose now, just suppose that Apostle Paul is teaching here that we don’t need to keep The Commandments, any of them: Would you listen to him or to Jesus?! Here is what Jesus, our Savior is asking you and me: “IF YE LOVE ME, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS”, John 14:15. But no, Apostle Paul would not dare to contradict his Savior and Master… as he had in the past. Not convinced yet? Here is another message from Jesus: “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called THE LEAST in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called GREAT in the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 5:19. Yes, they’ll be called “the least” but they won’t be found within. Choose eternal life today: and be called GREAT in the kingdom of heaven!

According John 1:1-3, Jesus was never an angel. He had been with God the father even before the heavens and earth were created. Moreover none of the angels can say: "I and my Father are one." John 10:30, Hebrews 1:5, 13.

@Bob,
That kind of relationship is still against nature, it is just women’s homosexuality. It is part of vile affections spoken of in Romans 1:26-27.
Because natural sexuality is woman’s body that goes with man’s which it is prepared to receive. It is lubricated and has natural antiseptic and detergent abilities to that end, and can result in procreation.
All the rest is just sinful fabrication or excess that is sustained by sadist and self-mutilation spirits. No one can feel confortable in such practices without deception from spiritual conspiracy.
Thank God deliverance is available in Christ Jesus. The blood of Jesus Christ is there to cleanse us from any iniquity, 1 John 1:4-10, Isaiah 1:18-19. And not only can our sins be forgiven, but also and mainly, God is able to set us free from such possessions if we are meek and humble to His will. No matter how far we’ve gone in such practices, Psalms 146:8 says “The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous:”. Being blind or bowed here not only applies to physical aspects of life, but also and mainly to the spiritual ones; levels of sin when right becomes bad and bad good. Because the mind becomes blind, unable to perceive the truth, or bowed, just abnormal. God is able to set us free from such.
But we first need to get born again of the spirit of God, then God can do the job in us in Christ Jesus, as the word says in Romans 8:11, “But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
The spirit of God dwelling is us is intended to do any pending work in our body and mind, if we can just keep “stirring it up” in our daily life, 2 Timothy 1:6.
God bless you.

II Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourself, whether ye be in the faith, prove yourself:
- Do you enjoy spiritual fellowship with God, with Christ, and fellow believers (1 John 1:3, 4). Neglect not assembly.
- What is your attitude toward the world and its values ( 1 John 2:15). Love not the world.
- Are you obedient to the commandments of the scriptures ( 1 John 2:3-5).
- We know him because we keep his commandments.
- Do you have the ability to discern between spiritual truth and error ( 1 John 4:1-6).
- Do you live sinless now since you have professed faith in Christ ( 1 John 3:5, 6).
- Do you fall to temptation (1 John 1:5-10).
- Do you believe the basic doctrines of the faith ( 1 John 5:1). God so love the world. Have you experienced persecution for your Christian faith ( John 15:18-20). They hated Jesus.
- Do you love other believers ( 1 John 3:14). He that loves not knows not God.
- Do you have the inner witness of the Holy Spirit ( 1 John 4:13). Our spirit bears record with his spirit.
- Have you experienced answered prayers ( 1 John 3:22).
- Do you love Jesus and look forward to His coming ( 1 John 3:2, 3).

Light always Shines through Darkness.

@Erika,
I can see how the Word of God can be a little confusing sometimes. That's why we must study. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are one. John 1:1: "In the beginning was the Word, (meaning Jesus), and the Word was with God (Jesus was with God in the beginning), and the Word was God (meaning Jesus is God). How do we know that the Word we are referencing is Jesus; one might ask. Let's look at John 1:14, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. We can say that Jesus is the fleshly part of God. There's so much to this, so you will have to read and grasp the full meaning of His word. Also Jesus is at the Father's right hand in heaven. Sorry I can't expound more because I too must study. I hope this helps.

The problem was not the Word, as the Word is the truth. The Word clearly teaches us, that My people perish due to lack of knowledge. How do we receive knowledge if we are not lead by Spirit. We can interpret words to an understanding that will suit us and never come to the Truth.

God and Jesus Christ are working hand to hand according to the book John chap 1:1-5, nothing was done by Jesus Christ without the presence of God, two of them are ONE

In order to get the proper meaning, one must consider two things:
1. The Greek words used in the text, as this passage was written in Greek, and
2. How this scripture corresponds to others, rather than making it stand on its own.
Due to the translation of the Greek word used, many Bible scholars choose to translate the latter part as "a God", or as "divine". This would support the rest of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments which refer to Jesus as having been created by God, serving as his only begotten son, and "the firstborn of all creation." – Colossians 1:13-16. Jesus himself stated that "the Father is greater than I am." – John 4:28. The scriptures as a whole support Jesus being the only-begotten son of God, sent here to make God’s name and Kingdom known, demonstrate the benefits of that Kingdom for humankind, and to provide a "ransom in exchange for many".- Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45.

I believe every sin can be forgiven, except blasphemy of the Holy Spirit which is the power of God of that saves us. In Mathew 12:31, Jesus says every sin and blasphemy can be forgiven, except blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 10:29 says that people have trampled the son of God (by rejecting the Son of God and blood that was offered through the power of the Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead). Many Jewish Christian (who were grounded in Christ) of the first century, thought about returning to the Jewish faith. Some of Jesus teachings didn’t line up with the teaching of the rabbis. They questioned if Jesus was really was the Messiah. These Jewish converts were being persecuted. They did not want give up old Jewish traditions and forms of worship. And they thought that keeping the law would save them. They continued to sin by offering sacrifices in the Law of Moses instead of believing the sacrifice that Christ made at cross. The scriptures cannot say that we commit sins. We are saved because he died for all our sins, past, present, and future. Romans 3:23, for everyone has sinned and is fallen short of the Glory of God. 1 John 1:9 says if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins. Johns 3:16 says God so loved the world that gave his begotten son that whoever believes will not perish. So the sin that the writer is dealing with in this passage is unbelief in the power of God to save you. The sin of unbelief of Jesus Christ redemptive work on the cross is the sin that cannot be forgiven (unbelief of the power of the Holy Spirit). These Jewish converts witnessed many miracles of God and still did not believe in Jesus.

There seems to be a bit of misconception, even within well tutored and perhaps thorough bred Christians about the knowledge of good and evil as the Bible states it in the book of Genesis, the beginning of the Bible. And really that shouldn't be the case. The truth is, in that commencement chapter and some few chapters after it, it was the sin that Adam and Eve committed that made them loose the garden that God gave them. As a matter of fact, prior to what is known as the fall in the garden of Eden, God did prepare everything for them, and there was a river from Eden to water that garden and it became, four rivers that watered it according to the Holy Scripture, Genesis: 1, 2, 3. However, despite that fall, a way was made available and prophecy about Jesus Christ was given. And therefore when somebody, no matter where that person is from, genuinely and truthfully gives his or her life to the resurrected Jesus Christ, that person automatically and spiritually becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus. “For as many that received Him He gave them the power to become sons of God, even those who believe in His name”, John 1:12. And from them, all the things that Jesus Christ has with regard to the covenant, belong to him, as such individual committedly putting his or her dependency on the LORD. In other words, he or she, thus becomes joint heir with Jesus Christ of Nazareth; the man between man and God. However, such a new specie must start his/her Christian life, with the milk of the Word and also ensure that he or she conducts himself or herself daily, in line with the Word of God. And that is why daily spiritual exercise comes into it, ( John 3:16; Matthew 6;33). And if, according to the Word of God, I’m the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ, then this implies I’m also the goodness of God, through Jesus Christ of Nazareth. That is where justification by faith becomes something that every believer, should and must know about and also put into daily practice. In other words, if I can speak, for instance, my life to justification, then sanctification, and purification through the Holy Spirit ministration become possible vis a vis justification, and that is through the weaponry of the God kind of faith, Romans 1:16,17. In real fact, it is far more than what the physical eyes can see. Also it is far, and far more than stickers that you put on cars or vehicles or on the front of your door. And that is because; these are issues that have the backing of the immortal and the invisible, and they are only for the discerned, Deuteronomy 29:29. Also, it should be mentioned that, the Wisdom of God, with specific reference to the Word of the Holy Writ is not, and never compatible with unrighteousness, neither does it have semblance with ungodliness. Therefore, as believers and saints, we must not get into being, as it were, devil's consciousness, otherwise instead of concentrating on the aspect of obedience, there would be the tendency that the devil is the one that we would put blame upon, as the cause of some of the problems that a Christian is going through. And yet, that may not be the case. And that is where and personal examination becomes necessary. Hence, the import of honouring and practising things that we've learnt from God's Word, that are being taught, and that the Holy Spirit is dispensing and bringing into our individual lives. In fact it is very important that we understand that Jesus Christ has already conquered the world, therefore we are not only saved, but delivered, blessed, sanctified and purified. And with that understanding, it becomes necessary that we know and recognise that we are not only Christians, but also soldiers, as it were, in the Army of the LORD, with the righteousness of Jesus Christ and His goodness at work, in and upon our lives. And that is, to the honour and glory of our resurrected Saviour. Blessed be the name of the LORD; for Him alone is worthy of glory and honour.

I feel that John chapter 1 not only lets us know that God has been, is and always will be, but Jesus is letting us know especially ministers that it is not about the individual but about the one who sent the individual, which is God. The revelations on how to live comes from God, not man; and when we speak, we should speak his word and not our own.

We automatically do not want to believe that these things are not true like the powers of darkness are not larger than life. We seem to forget that Leviathan is in Job 41 described as a huge sea monster as well as in other parts of the Bible. In Genesis 6 the angels mated with women and had giants and not all of them died. Those kids according to the Book of Enoch and the Neanderthal bones that have been found show that those kids were not normal. The Bible speaks of dragons over 16 times. Whether that was dinosaurs or something else we may never know. Apocrypha means hidden. These were hidden to be shown to a generation that would believe and when all these things would come back. Just DO NOT FALL TO THE GNOSTIC FOOLISHNESS! They were not put in the Bible because the knowledge of these books, though a good read, cannot save ones soul. Not because they are not true. I would be careful on what I say whether it is fake or not about these books. The old Rabbis that studied them believe they were real. If they are the true Word of God then they are Him Hebrews 10:7; John 1:1, 14 and we would be blaspheming if we said they were false Mark 3:28, 29. The Gnostic Books like Adam and Eve, Book of Judas, Mary Magdalene etc... the Rabbis did not believe were inspired by God. All scripture in the King James Version of the Holy Bible (along with the Book of Enoch) is inspired by God (2 Timothy3:16) who cannot lie Titus 1:2. God Bless in Jesus Name.

I think that God wanted us to see that he has been here, so he brought John here to teach us in letting us know about his word. Because what John said was true, and came from God. In that God and Jesus are the same. God is spirit and he sent Jesus down to walk in man’s body.

Jesus was the spoken word of God according to John's revelation. That simply tells us that Jesus has been in existence (verse 30) from the creation of the World. In the beginning was Jesus (word), and Jesus (word) was with God (His father) and Jesus (word) was God. Jesus is God's own very nature manifested in the human flesh (verse 14) that lived and lives amongst us today.

I believe it for exactly what it says. Jesus is the TRUE AND LIVING GOD. There is only one church he, Jesus is coming after and that is the true church of Christ. It’s time to admit who he is and let’s get some people saved to increase this kingdom. To see our families saved let’s stop tearing him apart and get the power back in our church.

If God and Jesus both always existed and are co-equal, then it would make no sense for the Bible to confusingly speak of God and Jesus in terms of a relationship between a father and his son. For what would we think of about ANY father and his son? If it weren't for the father, the son would not exist. Jesus is not God; he is exactly as the Bible describes him - the Son “OF” God. The word "son" principally is regarded in the Bible as "offspring" and in Genesis we read that Adam was produced by God. Interestingly, Adam and Jesus even shared the same description: "son of God", ( Luke 3:38). While the Father is always found in the Bible to be called "God", the phrase "God the Son" is never found. Further, if the Son really was God, then why would he call the Father "the only true God"? ( John 17:1-3). Jesus is God's "only-begotten" son; the only being directly created by God, ( John 1:18). Revelation 3:14 says that Jesus is "the Beginning of the creation of God", NASB. Colossians 1:15 says that Jesus is "the FIRSTBORN of all creation". Micah 5:2 says that Jesus' “ORIGIN” is from of old, from “ancient days” – RSV (cf. JB, NEB, REB, NAB, NIV, AT, Mo, NRSV, NJB, Byington, and Young's). Origin: "a coming into existence" - Webster's New World Dictionary, 1973. Therefore, because of the Bible's explanations of this, the designations "Father" and "Son" when attributed to God and Jesus make sense.

To understand God (the Invisible) one has to look at His creation (the visible). If you are a student of genetics then the meaning of the Word becoming flesh becomes clearer. In genetics, a new DNA strand is created with the other as a template. Genetically speaking, Jesus (the Word in the beginning) was the template (code) from God through whom He (God) created everything. So in a sense Jesus is like God but he is nothing without God. He came from God and went back to God to 'complete' the Strand from which he was separated (seating at the right hand side of God).

What is the difference between “in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” and “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God's”. The second would correspond with Proverbs 8, and denotes two separate and distinct entities. Whether Jesus' beginning was from everlasting does not matter. What matters is that he has a beginning in God terms. Let us create man in our own image does not mean trinity. It simply goes to prove the point that God will not do a new thing without first revealing it to His prophets, angels (remember there was no issue of fallen angels then!). God has asked - who is my equal and to whom can you compare me? John 10:30 is often quoted out of context. One has to read the whole chapter to understand what Jesus meant. Simply put God gave Him the authority to exercise that power on His behalf.

@Insight 777,
1. Man’s insight is no insight when it comes to God's holy word ( Matthew 22:29);
2. Jesus is the son of man and this title is used by the Jews only;
3. The scriptures make reference to Jesus as the son of man about 80 times;
4. This reference by the Jews connects Jesus to his human nature and lineage to King David;
5. Son of God is mostly a New Testament church age title connecting Jesus to his divine nature as God manifested in the flesh ( John 1:14);
6. Sons of God in Old Testament is in reference to the devil and his fallen angels (Job:1:6; 2:1; Genesis 6:2);
7. The sons of God in the New Testament refers to born again believers in Jesus Christ ( John 1:12; Romans 8:14);
8. Do not confuse son of God with sons of God, they are 2 different groups of beings;
9. Please, remember that the bible always interprets itself and honestly and using scriptures to make your point will validate your point ( 2 Timothy 3:16).

@ grant's comment on verse 18- 1. no one has seen god at anytime is referring to jehovah god the father, which is a spirit( john 4:24) and they that worship him must worship him in truth and in spirit. 2. jesus christ is the flesh part of the trinity that can be seen( john 1:14).

@ paul's comment about the apostle john- 1. the book of john portrays jesus as the son of god( john 1:34)or god manifested in the flesh( john 1:1,14). 2. john was one of the 3 inner circle with christ during his earthly ministry along with james and peter( mark 14:33) 3. john is special to born again christians because he is in typology a picture of the new testament church. 4. this is why john is found with his head on the bosom of the saviour and referred to by jesus always as the beloved( john 21:20-25). 5. other than the pauline epistles john gives the best scriptures on new testament salvation and eternal security of the believer.

@ balaji's comment on verse 39- 1. the best reference to your question of where was jesus staying is found in john 1:28. 2. bethabara which is bethany, which means city of dates.

@Joy,
1. If you are an Old Testament Jew maybe repentance and forgiveness starts at Jerusalem in the name of Jesus.
2. But for a New Testament born again believer repentance and forgiveness begins from a person’s heart ( Romans 10:10) and we confess our sins to Jehovah God in the name of our saviour Jesus Christ (I John 1:9).
3. We would like people to actually quote the bible (King James Version 1611) to prove their beliefs!

@Roger,
1. The invisible God was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory ( John 1:14);
2. Born again Christians in the church age will spend eternity in the New Jerusalem after the millennial reign of Christ and white throne judgment ( Revelation 21:2, 3, 10);
3. Salvation comes by believing on the lord Jesus Christ as your personal savior ( Romans 10:9-13);
4. There are many cults that believe in God, Jehovah as their saviour, but the bible does not support believing in God, as source of salvation. We as believers must always remember to make this distinction that Jesus that died on the cross of Calvary for our sins. It becomes confusing to the unbelievers and those that are ignorant of the scriptures;
5. It is now in these days of the spirit of the anti-Christ that we must make distinctions and give heed to matters that pertain to the absolute truth of God's holy word.

Actually it is not clearly told, where he stayed. Where did he stay? Anybody please give me the answer with very clear reference, not a vague one.

Jesus Christ is God, and is the only God. Unless one has an understanding of the Scripture they will continue to misinterpret the Word of God. It was necessary for Jesus to open the understanding of the disciples before He ascended back into heaven after His resurrection. So it is today a true revelation of God will put to rest a lot of confusion regarding the Godhead and the none Biblical doctrine of the trinity.

The name Eve means beginning, we all come from a woman. Therefore Eve represents all the nations of the world here. Adam Being Formed of the dust of the earth represents the first Christ. John 1:13-14: Which was born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the word was made flesh. This is not about Eve's sin it's about the world's sin, nor is it about one woman's sin but the world's sin because we all come from her. But it only comes when Moses brought the Law, sin doesn't start here. Romans 7:9: For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.

The Word was God, no doubt about it! Consider this in Isaiah 9:6, who is referred to as the everlasting Father? Find out yourself with the Holy's Spirit guidance, also if the New Testament is correct, then does it make Jehovah a liar? Read Isaiah 43:10-11. Jehovah is clearly saying that "before me was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I even I, am the Lord and beside me there is no saviour"... My question is this, why then did he make (a God) as they say in John 1:1? Did he change his mind? Did he forget that the Word was a God (as they claim), Or was the Word God all along??? You decide. "How long halt ye between two opinions"? To God be the Glory.

I think that John was very special to Jesus and so, he was kept till the last time when Jesus appeared to him at the Isle of Patmos. Jesus entrusted his Mother to John. John was everywhere Jesus was, he was the most loyal of all the Disciples. That is why Jesus revealed to him alone the Kingdom of Heaven (Book of Revelation), because he knew that he was the most loyal follower of Christ who will pass on the word to the generations to come, in words which will be as loyal as his love for Jesus. John’s Gospel stands out of the other three. John’s Gospel is all about the word and the Holy Spirit, like Milk and Honey to our soul.