CHRONOLOGICAL 4
GOSPELS
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#7 CHRONOLOGICAL 4 GOSPEL COMMENTARY BIBLE
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WHAT IS A CHRONOLOGICAL 4 GOSPEL BIBLE?
The Chronological 4 Gospels are the accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, with a few verses from Acts and 1 st Corinthians, combined in a chronological form. This enables a person to read and study all four as a unit. One can read Matthew’s account of an event, and then read the same event in the other gospels. There are certain events that are only presented in one or two gospels, but others are presented in all 4. Now a student of the Bible can read and study how and when all the events occurred in relation to each other. Thus, a person’s knowledge and understanding of God’s Word should increase as the Holy Spirit gives the understanding.
Part 9
| Jn 1:15. Page 117 Jn 1:16. Page 118 Jn 1:17. Page 119 Page 120 Jn 1:18. Page 121 Mt 3:1. Page 122 Lk 3:3 (pt 1), Mt 3:2. Page 123 Mk 1:4 (pt 1). Lk 3:3 (pt 2),ref Mk 1:4 (pt 2). Page 124 Page 125 Page 126 Page 127 Mt 3:3 (pt 1) Mk 1:2 (pt 1), ref Lk 3:4 (pt 1). Lk 3:4 (pt 2). Mk 1:2 (pt 2), ref Lk 3:4 (pt 3). Page 128 Mt 3:3 (pt 2), ref Lk 3:4 (pt 4). Mk 1:2 (pt 3). Mt 3:3 (pt 3). Lk 3:5. Lk 3:6. Page 129 Page 130 Page 131 Mt 3:4 (pt 1), ref Mk 1:6 (pt 1). Mt 3:4 (pt 2). Mt 3:4 (pt 3), ref Mk 1:6 (pt 2). |
JOHN
BARE WITNESS (or testifies) OF HIM, AND CRIED (out), SAYING, THIS WAS
HE OF WHOM I (WAS TALKING ABOUT) (when I said), HE THAT (COMES) AFTER
ME IS PREFERRED BEFORE ME (or has surpassed me, or has a higher rank
than I-NASB): FOR HE (EXISTED) BEFORE ME. AND OF HIS FULLNESS HAVE ALL WE RECEIVED, (yes) AND GRACE FOR (or upon) GRACE (or one blessing after another-NIV). FOR THE LAW WAS GIVEN (THROUGH) MOSES, BUT GRACE AND TRUTH CAME BY JESUS CHRIST (or the Messiah). NO MAN (HAS) SEEN GOD AT ANY TIME; (but) THE (One and) ONLY (or unique) BEGOTTEN SON (Who is identical with God-JNT), WHICH IS IN THE BOSOM OF THE FATHER (or is at the Father’s side-NIV), HE (HAS) DECLARED (or explained) HIM. JOHN BAPTIST—PREPARE YE
(Now) (DURING) THOSE DAYS CAME JOHN THE BAPTIST (or the Immerser
arrived-JNT) PREACHING IN THE WILDERNESS (or desert) OF (JUDEA),THE WAY 29½ TO 30 YEARS AND HE (WENT) INTO ALL THE (REGION) (AROUND) (the) JORDAN, AND (PROCLAIMING THE MESSAGE), REPENT YE (or turn from your sins to God-JNT): FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS (NEAR). (So) JOHN (the Immerser) DID BAPTIZE IN THE WILDERNESS (or desert), PREACHING THE BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE FOR THE (FORGIVENESS) OF SINS (or proclaiming an immersion involving turning to God from sin in order to be forgiven-JNT); FOR THIS IS (THE MAN) THAT WAS SPOKEN OF BY THE PROPHET (ISAIAH), AS IT IS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE WORDS OF (ISAIAH THE PROPHET), SAYING, BEHOLD, I (will) SEND MY MESSENGER (AHEAD OF YOU), WHICH SHALL PREPARE (YOUR) WAY BEFORE (YOU). THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING (or calling) IN THE WILDERNESS (or desert), PREPARE YE (or make ready) THE WAY (FOR) THE LORD (or Adonai), MAKE (STRAIGHT PATHS FOR HIM!-JNT). (ref Jn 1:23) EVERY VALLEY (or ravine) SHALL BE FILLED (in), AND EVERY MOUNTAIN AND HILL SHALL BE BROUGHT LOW (or leveled off); AND THE CROOKED (or winding roads) SHALL BE MADE STRAIGHT, AND THE ROUGH WAYS (or roads) SHALL BE MADE SMOOTH; AND ALL (MANKIND) SHALL SEE THE SALVATION (or deliverance) OF GOD. Commentary Bible continues on pg. 131 AND THE SAME JOHN (WORE CLOTHES) OF CAMEL'S HAIR, AND A (LEATHER BELT) ABOUT HIS (WAIST); AND HIS (FOOD) WAS LOCUSTS AND WILD HONEY. |
Jn
1:15.
JOHN BARE WITNESS (or testifies) OF HIM, (which is Jesus). Jn 1:8 tells us that John was sent to testify concerning the light which is Jesus. In this verse John does what he was sent to do. It may be said that John the Baptist continually gave a testimony regarding Jesus. He came before Jesus to announce His soon coming. His calling was also to go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways-ref Lk 1:76. This was the calling of John the Baptist as it was written in Lk 1:16,17-AND MANY OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL SHALL HE (BRING BACK) TO THE LORD THEIR GOD. AND HE SHALL GO (out) (as a forerunner) BEFORE HIM (or ahead of) (the Lord) IN THE SPIRIT AND POWER OF ELIJAH, TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS (back) TO THE CHILDREN, AND THE DISOBEDIENT TO THE WISDOM (or attitude) OF THE (RIGHTEOUS); TO MAKE READY A PEOPLE PREPARED FOR THE LORD. The verse continues— AND CRIED (out), SAYING. This is a fulfillment of Isa 40:3-The voice of him that CRIETH in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. The verse continues— THIS WAS HE which is referring to Jesus— OF WHOM I (WAS TALKING ABOUT) (when I said), HE THAT (COMES) AFTER ME. Jesus was born about 6 months after John and His ministry also began about 6 months after John’s ministry. Thus Jesus came after John the Baptist. The verse continues— IS PREFERRED BEFORE ME (or has surpassed me, or has a higher rank than I-NASB). John said in Jn 1:27-HE IT IS, WHO COMING AFTER ME IS PREFERRED BEFORE ME, WHOSE SHOE'S LATCHET I AM NOT WORTHY TO UNLOOSE. In Acts 13:25-BEHOLD, THERE COMETH ONE AFTER ME, WHOSE SHOES OF HIS FEET I AM NOT WORTHY TO LOOSE. The verse continues— FOR HE (EXISTED) BEFORE ME. (reference Jn 1:30). John is referring to Jesus being the Christ (or Messiah). Even though Jesus was born after John the Baptist, yet He is from everlasting to everlasting. Jesus not only existed before John, He existed before all things-ref Col 1:17. He created all things-ref Col 1:16. The goings forth of Jesus have been from of old, from everlasting-ref Mic 5:2. John was called the prophet of the Highest in Lk 1:76— Jn 1:16. AND OF HIS FULLNESS. One might ask, “What is His fullness? It includes what is covered in verse 14—plus Who He is, what He is, what He has, and what He gives. He is God. He is the Word and was made flesh. He is the only begotten of the Father. Note verses on fullness-Jn 1:16; Ro 15:29; Eph 1:23, 3:19, 4:13; Col 1:19, 2:9-10. FULLNESS OF CHRIST
His fullness includes His glory. He gives His
glory. He is full of grace and truth. His fullness includes
himself. Jesus gave Himself a ransom-ref 1 Tim 2:6. Ro
8:32-HE (which is God the Father) THAT SPARED NOT HIS OWN SON, BUT
DELIVERED HIM UP FOR US ALL, HOW SHALL HE NOT WITH HIM ALSO FREELY GIVE US ALL THINGS? Thus, His fullness includes all things.His fullness includes gifts, benefits and salvation. It is written, Ps 68:18,19-THOU HAST ASCENDED ON HIGH, THOU HAST LED CAPTIVITY CAPTIVE: THOU HAST RECEIVED GIFTS FOR MEN; YEA, FOR THE REBELLIOUS ALSO, THAT THE LORD GOD MIGHT DWELL AMONG THEM. BLESSED BE THE LORD, WHO DAILY LOADETH US WITH BENEFITS, EVEN THE GOD OF OUR SALVATION. Eph 4:7,8-BUT UNTO EVERY ONE OF US IS GIVEN GRACE ACCORDING TO THE MEASURE OF THE GIFT OF CHRIST. WHEREFORE HE SAITH, WHEN HE ASCENDED UP ON HIGH, HE LED CAPTIVITY CAPTIVE, AND GAVE GIFTS UNTO MEN. His fullness includes position. It is further written-Eph 4:11-16-AND HE GAVE SOME, APOSTLES; AND SOME, PROPHETS; AND SOME, EVANGELISTS; AND SOME, PASTORS AND TEACHERS; FOR THE PERFECTING OF THE SAINTS, FOR THE WORK OF THE MINISTRY, FOR THE EDIFYING OF THE BODY OF CHRIST: TILL WE ALL COME IN THE UNITY OF THE FAITH, AND OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF GOD, UNTO A PERFECT MAN, UNTO THE MEASURE OF THE STATURE OF THE FULNESS OF CHRIST: THAT WE HENCEFORTH BE NO MORE CHILDREN, TOSSED TO AND FRO, AND CARRIED ABOUT WITH EVERY WIND OF DOCTRINE, BY THE SLEIGHT OF MEN, AND CUNNING CRAFTINESS, WHEREBY THEY LIE IN WAIT TO DECEIVE; BUT SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE, MAY GROW UP INTO HIM IN ALL THINGS, WHICH IS THE HEAD, EVEN CHRIST: FROM WHOM THE WHOLE BODY FITLY JOINED TOGETHER AND COMPACTED BY THAT WHICH EVERY JOINT SUPPLIETH, ACCORDING TO THE EFFECTUAL WORKING IN THE MEASURE OF EVERY PART, MAKETH INCREASE OF THE BODY UNTO THE EDIFYING OF ITSELF IN LOVE-also ref Ro 1:5. Thus His fullness also includes growing up into Him and love and more. Paul writes Eph 3:7,8-WHEREOF I WAS MADE A MINISTER, ACCORDING TO THE GIFT OF THE GRACE OF GOD…THAT I SHOULD PREACH AMONG THE GENTILES THE UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF CHRIST. Again His fullness includes giving the gift of a position. He received gifts in Ps 68 and gave gifts in Eph 4. He gives salvation, grace, benefits, position, talents, all things. Grace is given to accomplish His purpose-ref Eph 3:8, 2:10. We are called to grow in Him in all things. How great are the unsearchable riches of Christ. Perhaps His fullness can be summed up in this verse-Col 2:9,10-FOR IN HIM DWELLETH ALL THE FULNESS OF THE GODHEAD BODILY. AND YE ARE COMPLETE IN HIM, WHICH IS THE HEAD OF ALL PRINCIPALITY AND POWER: The verse continues— HAVE ALL WE RECEIVED. True believers receive of Christ’s fullness, His glory, the riches of His grace in kindness-ref Eph 2:7, and truth. The we includes John the Baptist and all true born-again children of God as outlined in verse 13. True believers learn obedience by the things which they suffer-ref Heb 5:8. They learn to be content no matter what state they are in, how to be abased, and to abound, to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. They learn they can do all things through Christ which strengthens them-ref Phil 4:11-13. The verse continues— (yes) AND GRACE FOR (or upon) GRACE (or one blessing after another-NIV), an abundance of grace. From salvation to our needs which includes food and raiment—all we truly need is Jesus and is in Jesus. He is God. He is the head of the body-ref Col 1:18. His grace is sufficient for us all-ref 2 Cor 12:9. Regretfully the carnal Christian and the world of today cannot understand this. God in His love and mercy, takes an unsaved, uncircumcised, thorn bearing person, and begins to opens up their understanding of the Gospel. He saves them. They are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ-ref Col 2:11. He then takes the new born-again Christian, (a baby Christian), one that knows little of God’s ways, one that knows little of right and wrong in the eyes of a Holy God, but one that needs and craves the milk of the Word, one that does not even know how to walk, and begins to work in the inner man to mold, shape, renew, conform, and transform their thinking, even the spirit of their mind into the image of Christ. Those that humble themselves as a little child (ref Mt 18:3, Ja 5:6) and fear God (ref Acts 13:26), learn to overcome all things through trust in Jesus. They learn obedience to God. They learn to walk, talk, and think like Jesus and to be rooted and grounded in love even when being corrected when they are wrong. It is needful for a person to spend time everyday in reading, and studying God’s Word. Excuses can take a person to the lake of fire. Trust and obedience to Christ takes a person to heaven. It may be said that AND GRACE FOR (or upon) GRACE is the grace of God that is given to us (the effectual working of His power-ref Eph 3:7) conforming us to His grace. This verse might summarize some of the above-2 Cor 3:18-BUT WE ALL, WITH OPEN FACE BEHOLDING AS IN A GLASS THE GLORY OF THE LORD, ARE CHANGED INTO THE SAME IMAGE FROM GLORY TO GLORY, EVEN AS BY THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD. They learn to know the love of Christ, which passes knowledge. However, in a Laodicean, lukewarm church, less than few will ever grow up to comprehend holiness, and the meat of the Word-perfection. Jn 1:17. FOR THE LAW. In Hebrew the word LAW is translated TORAH. It can mean teaching. Following are a few Scriptures on this subject. LAW. SCRIPTURES REGARDING THE LAW
It is written in Ro 3:20-THEREFORE BY THE DEEDS OF THE LAW THERE SHALL NO FLESH BE JUSTIFIED IN HIS SIGHT: FOR BY THE LAW IS THE KNOWLEDGE OF SIN.In Gal 3:24-WHEREFORE THE LAW WAS OUR SCHOOLMASTER TO BRING US UNTO CHRIST, THAT WE MIGHT BE JUSTIFIED BY FAITH. Gal 3:23-BUT BEFORE FAITH CAME, WE WERE KEPT UNDER THE LAW, SHUT UP UNTO THE FAITH WHICH SHOULD AFTERWARDS BE REVEALED. Gal 3:25,26-BUT AFTER THAT FAITH IS COME, WE ARE NO LONGER UNDER A SCHOOLMASTER. FOR YE ARE ALL THE CHILDREN OF GOD BY FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS. Ro 8:1-THERE IS THEREFORE NOW NO CONDEMNATION TO THEM WHICH ARE IN CHRIST JESUS, WHO WALK NOT AFTER THE FLESH, BUT AFTER THE SPIRIT. Ro 8:14-FOR AS MANY AS ARE LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD, THEY ARE THE SONS OF GOD. Gal 5:18-BUT IF YE BE LED OF THE SPIRIT, YE ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW. Ro 8:13-FOR IF YE LIVE AFTER THE FLESH, YE SHALL DIE: BUT IF YE THROUGH THE SPIRIT DO MORTIFY THE DEEDS OF THE BODY, YE SHALL LIVE. Ro 8:3-7-FOR WHAT THE LAW COULD NOT DO, IN THAT IT WAS WEAK THROUGH THE FLESH, GOD SENDING HIS OWN SON IN THE LIKENESS OF SINFUL FLESH, AND FOR SIN, CONDEMNED SIN IN THE FLESH: THAT THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE LAW MIGHT BE FULFILLED IN US, WHO WALK NOT AFTER THE FLESH, BUT AFTER THE SPIRIT. FOR THEY THAT ARE AFTER THE FLESH DO MIND THE THINGS OF THE FLESH; BUT THEY THAT ARE AFTER THE SPIRIT THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT. FOR TO BE CARNALLY MINDED IS DEATH; BUT TO BE SPIRITUALLY MINDED IS LIFE AND PEACE. BECAUSE THE CARNAL MIND IS ENMITY AGAINST GOD: FOR IT IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE LAW OF GOD, NEITHER INDEED CAN BE. Regarding the law, it is written in the Old Testament to Israel in Deut 4:1-8 NIV-HEAR NOW, O ISRAEL, THE DECREES AND LAWS I AM ABOUT TO TEACH YOU. FOLLOW THEM SO THAT YOU MAY LIVE AND MAY GO IN AND TAKE POSSESSION OF THE LAND THAT THE LORD, THE GOD OF YOUR FATHERS, IS GIVING YOU. 2-DO NOT ADD TO WHAT I COMMAND YOU AND DO NOT SUBTRACT FROM IT, BUT KEEP THE COMMANDS OF THE LORD YOUR GOD THAT I GIVE YOU. 3-YOU SAW WITH YOUR OWN EYES WHAT THE LORD DID AT BAAL PEOR. THE LORD YOUR GOD DESTROYED FROM AMONG YOU EVERYONE WHO FOLLOWED THE BAAL OF PEOR, 4-BUT ALL OF YOU WHO HELD FAST TO THE LORD YOUR GOD ARE STILL ALIVE TODAY. 5-SEE, I HAVE TAUGHT YOU DECREES AND LAWS AS THE LORD MY GOD COMMANDED ME, SO THAT YOU MAY FOLLOW THEM IN THE LAND YOU ARE ENTERING TO TAKE POSSESSION OF IT. 6-OBSERVE THEM CAREFULLY, FOR THIS WILL SHOW YOUR WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING TO THE NATIONS, WHO WILL HEAR ABOUT ALL THESE DECREES AND SAY, "SURELY THIS GREAT NATION IS A WISE AND UNDERSTANDING PEOPLE.* 7-WHAT OTHER NATION IS SO GREAT AS TO HAVE THEIR GODS NEAR THEM THE WAY THE LORD OUR GOD IS NEAR US WHENEVER WE PRAY TO HIM? 8-AND WHAT OTHER NATION IS SO GREAT AS TO HAVE SUCH RIGHTEOUS DECREES AND LAWS AS THIS BODY OF LAWS I AM SETTING BEFORE YOU TODAY? Nearly everything in regards to the personal, spiritual, and moral aspects of Israel’s life was covered in the law (which included various commands, decrees, ordinances, precepts, statutes, and more. It was completely fair and just to all. It not only laid down rules, but also included the penalties if they were not kept. Israel ultimately did not keep the law. However regarding Jesus, it is written-Gal 4:4,5-BUT WHEN THE FULNESS OF THE TIME WAS COME, GOD SENT FORTH HIS SON, MADE OF A WOMAN, MADE UNDER THE LAW, TO REDEEM THEM THAT WERE UNDER THE LAW, THAT WE MIGHT RECEIVE THE ADOPTION OF SONS. Jesus kept all the law. He then paid the penalty of not keeping the law (the law of sin and death) for all that will trust in Him. The verse continues— WAS GIVEN (THROUGH) MOSES. The Law was given by God to Moses for Israel. The verse continues— BUT GRACE. The Bible tells us that Jesus is full of grace— AND TRUTH. Jesus is truth. GRACE AND TRUTH— CAME BY JESUS CHRIST (or the Messiah). A distinction is now made between the law and grace. A contrast is revealed between the law given through Moses and grace coming by Jesus Christ. This is more fully explained in Galatians. It is written: Gal 3:19-WHEREFORE THEN SERVETH THE LAW? IT WAS ADDED BECAUSE OF TRANSGRESSIONS, TILL THE SEED SHOULD COME (which is Jesus) TO WHOM THE PROMISE WAS MADE; AND IT WAS ORDAINED BY ANGELS IN THE HAND OF A MEDIATOR. 20-NOW A MEDIATOR IS NOT A MEDIATOR OF ONE, BUT GOD IS ONE. 21-IS THE LAW THEN AGAINST THE PROMISES OF GOD? GOD FORBID: FOR IF THERE HAD BEEN A LAW GIVEN WHICH COULD HAVE GIVEN LIFE, VERILY RIGHTEOUSNESS SHOULD HAVE BEEN BY THE LAW. 22-BUT THE SCRIPTURE HATH CONCLUDED ALL UNDER SIN, THAT THE PROMISE BY FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST MIGHT BE GIVEN TO THEM THAT BELIEVE. 23-BUT BEFORE FAITH CAME, WE WERE KEPT UNDER THE LAW, SHUT UP UNTO THE FAITH WHICH SHOULD AFTERWARDS BE REVEALED (which is faith in Jesus Christ). 24-WHEREFORE THE LAW WAS OUR SCHOOLMASTER TO BRING US UNTO CHRIST, THAT WE MIGHT BE JUSTIFIED BY FAITH. 25-BUT AFTER THAT FAITH (or Jesus Christ) IS COME, WE ARE NO LONGER UNDER A SCHOOLMASTER. (which is the law) 26-FOR YE ARE ALL THE CHILDREN OF GOD BY FAITH (or trust) IN CHRIST JESUS.27-FOR AS MANY OF YOU AS HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST HAVE PUT ON CHRIST. The law revealed what sin was. Through the law was the knowledge of sin. It was our schoolmaster pointing, directing, or bringing us to Christ. It is through Jesus Christ that grace and truth came. It is only through Jesus Christ that we can be saved. It is only through faith or trust in Jesus Christ that we can be released from being under a schoolmaster (or the law). The law requires righteousness which a person cannot accomplish. Trust in Jesus Christ gives a person the righteousness he needs to enter the kingdom of heaven. Jn 1:18. NO MAN (HAS) SEEN GOD. Some may translate the verse this way: “No person has ever comprehended or experienced God at any time in all His fullness and splendor. God is Spirit. He is invisible to worldly eyes. He cannot be seen by man. However, the born again children of God can know Him, and can hear and understand His voice (which includes the Bible), and they follow Him-ref Jn 10:27. Moses, as well as God’s children live by faith and trusted. They endure AS SEEING HIM WHO IS INVISIBLE-Heb 11:27. The verse continues— AT ANY TIME. At any time, man in his carnal or earthly body cannot see God as explained above. However, He has appeared to man in a bodily form, in visions, and in other ways ref Gen 18; 32:30; Ex 24:10-12, 17; 33:11, 19, 20, 23; Jos 5:13-15; Isa 6; Ezek 1:26-28; Dan 7:9,10,13; Acts 7:56; Rev 4:2,3; Rev 5:16,7; 19:11-13,16. Ex 33:18-23-AND HE (Moses) SAID, I BESEECH THEE, SHEW ME THY GLORY. AND HE SAID, I WILL MAKE ALL MY GOODNESS PASS BEFORE THEE, AND I WILL PROCLAIM THE NAME OF THE LORD BEFORE THEE; AND WILL BE GRACIOUS TO WHOM I WILL BE GRACIOUS, AND WILL SHEW MERCY ON WHOM I WILL SHEW MERCY. AND HE SAID, THOU CANST NOT SEE MY FACE: FOR THERE SHALL NO MAN SEE ME, AND LIVE. AND THE LORD SAID, BEHOLD, THERE IS A PLACE BY ME, AND THOU SHALT STAND UPON A ROCK: AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS, WHILE MY GLORY PASSETH BY, THAT I WILL PUT THEE IN A CLIFT OF THE ROCK, AND WILL COVER THEE WITH MY HAND WHILE I PASS BY: AND I WILL TAKE AWAY MINE HAND, AND THOU SHALT SEE MY BACK PARTS: BUT MY FACE SHALL NOT BE SEEN. The day is coming when Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God shall return to this earth. He shall reign and rule from Jerusalem during the Millennium. It is written Job 19:25-26-FOR I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVETH, AND THAT HE SHALL STAND AT THE LATTER DAY UPON THE EARTH: AND THOUGH AFTER MY SKIN WORMS DESTROY THIS BODY, YET IN MY FLESH SHALL I SEE GOD: It is also written in Mt 5:8-BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART: FOR THEY SHALL SEE GOD. The verse continues— (but) (or except) THE (One and) ONLY (or unique) BEGOTTEN SON which is Jesus. The verse continues— (Who is identical with God-JNT), WHICH IS IN THE BOSOM. Webster’s Dictionary translates the word bosom as—the human breast; the breast regarded as the source of feelings; the interior, that is the midst (the bosom of one’s family); the part of a garment that covers the breast-close, intimate such as a bosom friend. The verse continues— OF THE FATHER (or is at the Father’s side-NIV). These words show the close, loving intimacy between the only begotten Son and the Father. In other words as close as it could be—perfect harmony and closeness. The verse continues— HE (HAS) DECLARED (or explained) HIM. The nature of God, His character, love, mercy, longsuffering, holiness, judgments, even the way He is, was made known through Jesus Christ. Jesus when He came showed and declared exactly what the Father is like. That closeness is illustrated in the following verses— Jn 6:46-NOT THAT ANY MAN HATH SEEN THE FATHER, SAVE HE (Jesus) WHICH IS OF GOD, HE (Jesus) HATH SEEN THE FATHER.Jn 14:8-11-PHILIP SAITH UNTO HIM, LORD, SHEW US THE FATHER, AND IT SUFFICETH US. 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? BELIEVEST THOU NOT THAT I AM IN THE FATHER, AND THE FATHER IN ME? THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK UNTO YOU I SPEAK NOT OF MYSELF: BUT THE FATHER THAT DWELLETH IN ME, HE DOETH THE WORKS. BELIEVE ME THAT I AM IN THE FATHER, AND THE FATHER IN ME: OR ELSE BELIEVE ME FOR THE VERY WORKS' SAKE. TRINITY: ONE GOD MANIFESTED IN THREE PERSONS
The close, loving intimacy between the only begotten Son
and the Father is (in other words) as close as it could
be—perfect harmony, closeness and union. He spoke those
things which His Father gave Him to speak-ref Jn 14:10, and was
obedient in all things. This is the kind of a loving, obedient
relationship Jesus wants us to have with Him. Regretfully few
people will follow Him, and spend the time that is needed in
God’s Word to learn of Jesus. Few will love, obey and trust
God as they ought in all matters and no matter what befalls them.
Few truly know, understand, and obey God as their loving Father even
though some may pray the words, Mt 6:9-OUR FATHER WHICH ART IN
HEAVEN. God is referred to as OUR FATHER
many times in the New Testament. Here is a list of some: 2
Thes 2:16; Ro 1:7; Col 1:3; 2 Col 1:2; Eph 1:2; Col 1:2; 1 Thes 1:1,3;
1 Thes 3:11,13; 1 Tim 1:2 and Phil 3. Jesus is One with His Father. God, the Father; God, the Son; and God, the Holy Spirit are one. It is His will that we be one with Him, as it is written Jn 10:30-I AND MY FATHER ARE ONE. 1 Jn 5:7-FOR THERE ARE THREE THAT BEAR RECORD IN HEAVEN, THE FATHER, THE WORD (which is Jesus) AND THE HOLY GHOST: AND THESE THREE ARE ONE. Jn 17:22-23-AND THE GLORY WHICH THOU GAVEST ME I HAVE GIVEN THEM; THAT THEY MAY BE ONE, EVEN AS WE ARE ONE: I IN THEM, AND THOU IN ME, THAT THEY MAY BE MADE PERFECT IN ONE; AND THAT THE WORLD MAY KNOW THAT THOU HAST SENT ME, AND HAST LOVED THEM, AS THOU HAST LOVED ME. God, the Father, as the Father over His family, the family of those committed to Him by Faith in Jesus Christ, He accepts the responsibility and obligation to meet the needs of all His children. In doing so His family, that is His children that seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness-ref Mt 6:3; Lk 12:22-32, they are released from the anxiety of what they shall eat and wear, even obtaining needed material things. Thus they can focus themselves on Jesus and doing those works which He has called them to do. The idea that God in heaven was the Father of Jesus Christ and that one could have a close, loving, intimate relationship with God was a shock to the Jews-ref Jn 5:18-47. The Trinity is referred to many times in the Old Testament as well as the New Testament. Some of these are covered in this commentary. ***********************************************************
Up to this point in the chronological study, most of the
information that has been presented on each subject, has been presented
in only one of the 4 Gospels at a time. Regarding the next few verses, and others further on, much of the identical information is presented in 2 or more of the 4 Gospels. In comparing and combining each account or each verse, a much fuller understanding can come forth for the serious student of the Bible. All born again Christians ought to be serious students of God’s Word. All born again Christians ought to have a heart that is hungry to learn more of Jesus. Note Chronological Gospel #5 to see how this was all put together. Mt 3:1. (Now) (DURING) THOSE DAYS. John (the Baptist) was born approximately 6 months before Jesus. It appears his ministry began about 6 months prior to the ministry of Jesus. (Information regarding the birth of John the Baptist begins at Lk 1:13). He was from the priestly family of Levi-ref Lk 1:5. Since we know that Jesus’ ministry began when he was about 30, we can surmise that John Baptist’s ministry began when he was also about 30. The verse continues CAME JOHN. His given name was John, not John (the Baptist). The verse continues— THE BAPTIST (or the Immerser arrived-JNT). John could be called John the Baptizer. This is the earliest point in the Scriptures that John is called (the Baptist). Until he started baptizing, it appears he was only called John. Jn 1:6 tells us that John was SENT FROM GOD. He came— PREACHING. Preaching and teaching is how God chose to deliver the Good News. The verse continues— IN THE WILDERNESS (or desert) OF (JUDEA). The area that John appears to have been in is the southern part of the Jordan river near where it goes into the dead sea. To the west is a barren, hilly, desert region. In a straight line, Jerusalem would have been about 20 miles west of there. The lower Jordan is where Elijah spent the last days of his ministry-ref 2 Ki 1-13. Jericho is mentioned in verse 4 and 15. Lk 3:2 shows us that the WORD OF GOD CAME UNTO JOHN…IN THE WILDERNESS. John’s ministry began in the wilderness which is the same place the Word of God came to him. The first thing it appears he did was to preach Jesus-ref Jn 1:15. There is no reason to believe through Scripture that John had any connection to any of the excavated Essene communities or any other sect as some have suggested. His appearance is a fulfillment of Isa 40:3 and others as should be illustrated further in the text. He came in the spirit of Elijah-ref Mt 11:14, 17:10-13. Lk 3:3 (pt 1). AND HE, which is John the Baptist— (WENT) INTO ALL THE (REGION) (AROUND) (the) JORDAN. After the Word of God came to John he moved around the Jordan river area as he taught. He did not stay in one place all of the time. The lower Jordan river stretches from the southern part of the sea of Galilee to the northern part of the dead sea. The verses continue— Mt 3:2. AND (PROCLAIMING THE MESSAGE). John came preaching, as it is written, 1 Cor 1:21- FOR AFTER THAT IN THE WISDOM OF GOD THE WORLD BY WISDOM KNEW NOT GOD, IT PLEASED GOD BY THE FOOLISHNESS OF PREACHING TO SAVE THEM THAT BELIEVE. John proclaimed— REPENT YE: (or turn from your sins to God-JNT). John the Baptist began his ministry about 6 months before Jesus. The first message that Matthew’s Gospel shows that John the Baptist taught was repent. This is what the people and religious leaders alike needed. REPENTANCE
One might say that repentance is to correct the error of
one’s thinking. Repentance is to have a second thought that
corrects the first though which is wrong. Rethink
yourselves. Reconsider your ways. Change your minds.
Consider you are going in a wrong direction. Think again and
think what is right in the eyes of a holy God regarding your thoughts,
and the attitude you have, and the things which you do. Rethink
again regarding sin and holiness. The change in your thinking (repentance) will produce a change in your attitude and what you do and do not do. It will cause you do be more careful in what you do and say so it is in line with God’s Word. Repentance will produce a new life for those that are truly sorry for their sins and wrong thinking if they are willing to let God change them. It will cause a person to stop doing evil and begin doing right. When the word repentance reaches the heart, the heart itself is judged. Most hearts will cast down the word repentance as applying to oneself. Only a few hearts will receive it. Only a few hearts will rethink itself and repent. The heart inherently does not want to believe it has been wrong all this time for it is desperately wicked. The heart wants to point the finger at other people and circumstances, not to itself. The sores (or sin) each of us have must be searched out and found before they can be cured. That bears repeating. The sores (or sin) each of us have must be searched out and found before they can be cured. Repentance begins a lifelong process of self examination, but most give up. Most fall by the wayside, and go back to their old ungodly ways and attitudes. Their old thinking reflect the thinking and attitudes which are after the ways of the world. Repentance brings a pardon for one’s sins. It softens one’s heart. I said it softens one’s heart to correctly receive and understand the Word of God. A Christ like, childlike attitude begins to come forth. A lack of repentance hardens one’s heart to correction. A lack of repentance or falling away from repentance brings the second death which is eternal. Repentance is what people need today. How regretful it is today that in many churches the word repent is seldom or never heard. There are many churches that are called Christian but only a few have Christ inside. Most have Christ outside knocking on the door, but they won’t open the door and let Him in-ref Rev 3:20. There are many blind leaders of the blind which many people love. There are only a few leaders that can see, which many people detest. REPENTANCE (More on repentance)
Regretfully, this message is seldom heard in most churches
in this generation. It is seldom heard in the Roman Catholic,
Episcopalian, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, and most other
churches even though it is written in Lk 13:3-I TELL YOU, NAY: BUT,
EXCEPT YE REPENT, YE SHALL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH. Repentance comes
as a result of God’s mercy. It comes as a result of
conviction from God regarding sin. It comes because God has
prepared the person’s heart to hear and receive as a little
child. A person from the heart has a change of mind, a change of
attitude toward God, toward sin, toward self, and toward God’s
Word. Repentance says from the heart that God is right and I am
wrong. Godly sorrow often results. A fear of God and of
going to hell may result. This change of attitude results in
repentance and asking for God’s mercy. A person that will
not admit they are a sinner, and have not come short of the glory of
God, has no hope. The fruits of repentance leads a person to change by the power of God from the ways of this world to the ways of God as outlined in the Bible. The fruits of repentance involves self will being repented of and God’s will in one’s life taking over. The fruits of repentance becomes evident as a person’s direction in life changes. As a result of repentance, and faith in Jesus Christ as ones only hope of salvation, then a person obeys God’s command. They get baptized by immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. A conversion takes place. A person is born-again. To be blunt—any and all people throughout the world that have not Biblically repented, and in addition received Jesus Christ as their only hope of salvation, are on their way to hell. Proclaiming to have faith in Christ, without repentance is not true Biblical faith. Do you have ears to hear God’s Word and the billions already in hell that are weeping and gnashing their teeth? John the Baptist proclaimed, repent— FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS (NEAR). Some might say the Kingdom from heaven is near. The reason John gave that people were to repent was because the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (or kingdom of the heavens) WAS NEAR OR AT HAND. In other words it may say that he was saying the Messiah is at hand. In Dan 2:44 it refers to the God of heaven setting up a kingdom. As we know now, this will take place when Jesus returns at the time of Armageddon. The message of the coming kingdom is covered in the Old Testament and was expected, however the message that repentance was necessary because of the coming kingdom was unexpected. While many did repent, many also would not. Many thought that just because they were descended from Abraham, they would be all right in the eyes of God. Most had little idea just how far from God’s law they had fallen. As this commentary is being written, the rapture of God’s children is near. The message of repentance should be shouted out, yet no such message is ringing out as it should be. Many people have never even heard the term “rapture”. This lack of knowledge, or lukewarmness, or confusion on this subject is one of the many signs of the times that reveals that the rapture or ( caught up) or (translation) is near. Mk 1:4 (pt 1). (So) JOHN (the Immerser) DID BAPTIZE IN THE WILDERNESS (or desert). The Word of God came to John, he preached, and baptized. All this took place in the wilderness in all the region around the Jordan. Chronologically, this may be the first mention of baptism in the New Testament. John’s ministry was mainly preaching and baptizing. John may have baptized in the wilderness, as spiritual Israel was a wilderness. It was all but dead to the correct teachings of God. The verses continue— Lk 3:3 (pt 2), ref Mk 1:4 (pt 2). PREACHING THE BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE. Baptism is the result of a person repenting. It may be put this way—in order to be baptized repentance was required. If a person truly biblically repents, then they should certainly seek to be baptized by full immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. (Note-just because a person does get baptized, does not mean he has truly repented, nor does it mean that he is saved). John baptizing people occurred prior to the death and resurrection of Christ. It was a baptism that was done as a result of a person’s repentance. People that were baptized by John’s baptism were looking forth to the coming of the Messiah or after the appearance of Jesus—they believed that He was now come. People that believed on Christ at this time did not yet receive the Holy Ghost as it is written-Jn 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.) The baptism that was done after Christ rose from the dead is also a baptism that is a result of repentance-ref Acts 2:28. It is to be administered to those that believe on Christ-ref Mk 16:16. However, a person cannot be baptized into Christ if they do not believe on Christ. It is also being baptized into His death and resurrection-ref Ro 6:3-5. One might say that when we are buried with Him by baptism, we are to die to self and then as it is written-EVEN SO WE ALSO SHOULD WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE-Ro 6:4. As should be mentioned several times in this commentary-infant baptism, sprinkling baptism, and any baptism done prior to a person repenting and believing on Christ with all their heart is no baptism at all. The message of repentance is so vastly important, that it is first mentioned by Mark in chapter 1, verse 4. John was preaching the baptism of repentance— FOR THE (FORGIVENESS) OF SINS (or proclaiming an immersion involving turning to God from sin in order to be forgiven-JNT). The message portrayed in this verse is seldom proclaimed in churches today. The JNT conveys the idea that baptism in an indication that a person is turning to God from sin. Counterfeit Infant and sprinkling baptism has replaced God’s way in many misled churches. Forgiveness from the dictionary means: to excuse for a fault of offense. To stop feeling anger or resentment against. To absolve from payment. Biblically it means the sin debt (which all have for all have sinned) that results in the second death is canceled because of Christ’s sacrifice. The result of being forgiven is it is as if it never happened. It is erased and forgotten by God through the blood of Christ as he paid the sin debt for all that would repent and trust in Him. REPENTANCE
Repentance can be said to mean: a change of mind and a complete turn about from the heart—For more on “repentance” see Mt 3:6; 3:8; 3:11 (pt 2); Lk 3:18; Jn 3:18. which results in: the change and turn around of a person’s attitude, emotions, direction, thoughts, behavior, fruits, ways, and works away from sin , selfishness, and wordiness— to: the ways of God and His Word. God creates within the person a new heart which results in a new life and new thinking. The old is put off, and the new is put on. Those that once disagreed with the Bible, now know that it is all true. The unholy becomes holy. The prideful becomes humble, meek, and childlike. The dishonest becomes honest. The unkind becomes kind. The unforgiving becomes forgiving. The unjust becomes just. The accuser stops accusing. The complainer stops complaining. The sinner becomes freed from sin. The self centered becomes Christ centered. By the grace of God those that were hell bound become heavenly bound. Their sins are pardoned. Repentance is a change of mind of dependence on ones own efforts and self to depending and trusting totally on God-ref Mt 18:3. God is our Father and as a little child depends complete upon his father, in like manner a child of God depends totally upon his heavenly Father. When our heavenly Father tells us how, when, where, and what to do, He is always right. He will meet all our needs (not necessarily our desires). There should be no argument (rebellion and stubbornness). When we come to God we become a child of God, not an adult of God. We need to admit our immaturity, and inability to live apart from our heavenly Father. Few people will ever humble themselves in this manner. Before repentance a person produced fruits (attitude and works) according to the ways of this world and self. As a result of repentance from the heart a person’s fruits (attitude and works) begin to mirror the ways of God by the power of the Holy Spirit. Hardness is replaced with softness with childlikeness to correction from God and His Word. Liers stop lying, thieves stop stealing, drunkards stop drinking, smokers stop smoking, drug addicts stop drugs, people involved in sex outside of marriage stop, and homosexuals stop. Pride and conceit is replaced with humbleness and meekness. Hate and ungodly anger is turned to love. Repentance is not turning over a new leaf and making a new year’s resolution. It is an inner change that takes place through the power of God in a person’s heart. Initially a person repents to come to God. However, after this, repentance is a daily thing. There are many that repent one day under some emotional circumstance, but the very next day they go back to their ungodly ways. That is not true repentance. We may say that we begin with repentance but continue stedfast through faith. Faith only comes from hearing or dwelling in and understanding the Word of God. Faith grows as we hear, read, study and obey God’s Word. As we are faithful in this, understanding also grows. Little Word and obedience—little faith. Lots of God’s Word and obedience—great faith. Repentance admits the following: it has no hope of salvation or claim upon God without repentance and trust in Jesus Christ. Repentance may be defined in this manner. It is a total sacrifice and surrender of oneself to obey and submit to the Word of God in all situations. Anything short of this is sin. Dependence on ones own efforts apart from God is sin. It means deny self, and take up your cross daily and follow Jesus-ref Lk 9:23. You come broken, humbled, in a helpless, hopeless, unworthy state, renouncing everything, and turn to Jesus as your only hope of salvation. You come acknowledging that He is God Almighty and you are not worthy to tie His shoe laces. It means as Job said in Job 42:6-I ABHOR (or hate or despise) MYSELF, AND REPENT IN DUST AND ASHES. This is not the kind of repentance that is being taught in most churches today, because most people do not want to come to Jesus by the way of the cross and the way of truth. Preaching such as WHOSOEVER HE BE OF YOU THAT FORSAKETH NOT ALL THAT HE HATH, HE CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE is rarely heard or understood any more-Lk 14:33. John the Baptist said-Jn 3:30-HE MUST INCREASE, BUT I MUST DECREASE. This applies to all that repent. REPENTANCE MEANS STOP, TURN, AND CHANGE
Webster’s New World Dictionary
tells us the word "repent" means the following: “To feel
such regret over (an action, intention), as to change one's mind,
etc.” This is further confirmed in the Bible as we read in
2 Cor 7:10-FOR GODLY SORROW WORKETH REPENTANCE TO SALVATION. The
next part of the verse states, NOT TO BE REPENTED OF. In other
words, you turn away from all willful sin, and you do not go
back. The next part of the verse gives us a warning: BUT THE
SORROW OF THE WORLD WORKETH DEATH. A person’s attitude
about sin changes. Before salvation, a person enjoyed sin.
They were not concerned about disobeying God. They followed their
own moral or immoral convictions. Their own desires were more
important to them than obeying God. They were the center of their
own so called universe. But now, they begin to hate every sinful
or evil way. It is written, YE THAT LOVE THE LORD, HATE EVIL-Ps
97:10. THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS TO HATE EVIL-Pv 8:13.Thus repentance (to repent), means we admit we are a sinner and we feel terrible about our sins. We are sorry about our sins. We deeply regret our what we have done, and are willing to turn from all sin. We change direction. We are willing to change our mind about our sins. Our life style changes. We are willing to forsake all our sins, and give them up. To put it straight forward, we are willing to “stop all willful sin.” We do a complete turn. This is repentance, which is an absolute condition for salvation. Psalm 119:59,60 gives us another definition of repentance. It is written, I HAVE CONSIDERED MY WAYS AND HAVE TURNED MY STEPS TO YOUR STATUTES. I WILL HASTEN AND NOT DELAY TO OBEY YOUR COMMANDS-NIV. Some people have stopped doing a particular sin not because of true repentance or Godly sorrow about their sin, but because of certain circumstances. One of many possible examples is a person might stop drinking or smoking for health reasons. Another example, is a person might stop having sex outside of marriage because of the fear of getting AIDS. This is not repentance. “Turning over a new leaf," as some people may say, is not true repentance. Once a person truly repents, their parents, relatives, employers, husband or wife, friends, and others may persecute them. Other things may happen. Incredible temptations may occur. It is written regarding ungodliness: 1 Pe 4:4, 12-14-WHEREIN THEY (the unsaved) THINK IT STRANGE THAT YE RUN NOT WITH THEM TO THE SAME EXCESS OF RIOT, SPEAKING EVIL OF YOU: BELOVED, THINK IT NOT STRANGE CONCERNING THE FIERY TRIAL WHICH IS TO TRY YOU, AS THOUGH SOME STRANGE THING HAPPENED UNTO YOU: BUT REJOICE, INASMUCH AS YE ARE PARTAKERS OF CHRIST'S SUFFERINGS; THAT, WHEN HIS GLORY SHALL BE REVEALED, YE MAY BE GLAD ALSO WITH EXCEEDING JOY. IF YE BE REPROACHED FOR THE NAME OF CHRIST, HAPPY ARE YE; FOR THE SPIRIT OF GLORY AND OF GOD RESTETH UPON YOU: ON THEIR PART HE IS EVIL SPOKEN OF, BUT ON YOUR PART HE IS GLORIFIED. We are to repent no matter what the cost, and not go back into willful sin. We stand by faith-ref 2 Cor 1:24 REPENTANCE MEANS TO PUT OFF THE OLD AND PUT ON THE NEW
Repentance means that we put off the old man, the old
ways, the past; and we put on the new man, the new ways, the
future. It is written, PURGE OUT THEREFORE (or get rid of) THE OLD LEAVEN (or sin), THAT YE MAY BE A NEW LUMP (or a new creation in Christ)-1 Cor 5:7. THEREFORE IF ANY MAN BE IN CHRIST, HE IS A NEW CREATURE: OLD THINGS ARE PASSED AWAY; BEHOLD, ALL THINGS ARE BECOME NEW-2 Cor 5:17. We also PUT OFF CONCERNING THE FORMER CONVERSATION THE OLD MAN (or the old ways), WHICH IS CORRUPT ACCORDING TO THE DECEITFUL LUSTS; AND BE RENEWED IN THE SPIRIT OF YOUR MIND; AND THAT YE PUT ON THE NEW MAN, WHICH AFTER GOD IS CREATED IN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND TRUE HOLINESS-Eph 4:22-24. LIE NOT ONE TO ANOTHER, SEEING THAT YE HAVE PUT OFF THE OLD MAN WITH HIS DEEDS (our old sinful ways are put off, they are repented of); AND HAVE PUT ON THE NEW MAN, WHICH IS RENEWED IN KNOWLEDGE AFTER THE IMAGE OF HIM THAT CREATED HIM-Col 3:9,10. We can only be renewed in knowledge through God's Word. We cannot be renewed in the wisdom that man gives. NO MAN PUTTETH A PIECE OF NEW CLOTH UNTO AN OLD GARMENT, FOR THAT WHICH IS PUT IN TO FILL IT UP TAKETH FROM THE GARMENT, AND THE RENT IS MADE WORSE-Mt 9:16. This happens because THE PIECE THAT WAS TAKEN OUT OF THE NEW AGREETH NOT WITH THE OLD-Lk 5:36. NEITHER DO MEN PUT NEW WINE INTO OLD BOTTLES: ELSE THE BOTTLES BREAK, AND THE WINE RUNNETH OUT, AND THE BOTTLES PERISH: BUT THEY PUT NEW WINE INTO NEW BOTTLES, AND BOTH ARE PRESERVED-Mt 9:17. The Holy Spirit is not to be put into an unrepentant sinner else the bottles break, and the wine (or Holy Spirit) runneth out, and the bottles or person perishes. But rather, the Holy Spirit is put into new bottles (a repentant person that has put away sin, that has put off sin, that has put off the old ways, that has put off the old man) and both are preserved. REPENTANCE ALSO MEANS TO "START" AND "OBEY"
Not only do we stop doing those things which are wrong,
but we "start" doing those things which are right, and "obey" God's
Word. For the person that can read—the number one thing he
begins doing is reading and studying the Bible. It is written, AS
NEWBORN BABES, DESIRE (or craves or are starving for) THE SINCERE MILK
OF THE WORD, THAT YE MAY GROW THEREBY: IF SO BE YE HAVE TASTED THAT THE
LORD IS GRACIOUS-1 Pe 2:2,3. First a baby must be born.
Then it needs to be fed good milk to grow. First a person must be
born again. Then, it is only through God's Word that we can learn
what is right and wrong in God's eyes. It is only by God's pure
Word that we can grow in faith, because faith comes only by the Word of
God (the Bible). Worldly stories such as is heard in most
churches does not help a person to grow. A person that can read and claims they are saved, but only reads a few chapters a week, would appear to be misled. It would appear true repentance has not taken place. It would seem that they are not serious about their salvation, and obeying God's Word. It appears the desire for God’s Word that is in a newborn Christian is not present in them-ref 1 Pe 2:2. They may have stopped willful sin, but have not begun to FOLLOW JESUS. For Jesus would lead them to begin reading and studying HIS Word heavily so they can grow. Just as a new plant in a garden needs water, so the new born-again Christian needs God's Word. If you gave a new plant in a garden only a few drops of water a week, it would soon wilt and then die. If you give a new born-again Christian only one, or two chapters a week, they may soon die, or perhaps they never were born-again to start with. It is written, LEARN OF ME-Mt 11:29. We are to hear God's Word, study God's Word, meditate in God's Word, and read God's Word. If a person claims they are born-again, yet God's Word does not take first place in their life, then it is a good indicator that the person is not truly born-again, but only thinks they are. They are deceived. To follow Jesus is, number one-to learn HIS Word and obey it. It is written, Mt 4:19-FOLLOW ME. Mt 8:22-FOLLOW ME. Mt 9:9-FOLLOW ME. Mt 16:24-IF ANY MAN WILL COME AFTER ME, LET HIM DENY HIMSELF, AND TAKE UP HIS CROSS, AND FOLLOW ME. Mt 19:21-COME AND FOLLOW ME. Many more times these words appear in the Bible, also. The message is loud and clear. A person, even a preacher, a denominational head, even someone that goes forth to evangelize, BUT does not meditate, study, read, hear, learn, and obey God's Word is not truly following Jesus. As alluded to already, a person that can read, but reads very little of the Bible and makes excuses certainly does not appear to be FOLLOWING JESUS. They are not serious about God's Word, which is Jesus. Repentance may never have taken place. A fruit of repentance is doing what God's Word says. A person that does not LABOUR in God's Word, or that does not dwell in God's Word, cannot grow in faith, in knowledge, in wisdom, and in understanding. The evidence of repentance is good fruit (attitude and works). It is written, WHEREFORE BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM-Mt 7:20. * The willful, intentional practice of sin stops. It does not slow down. It does not get reduced. As said, the willful, intentional practice of sin—it stops. As some of this was indicated previously, it needs to be said again. * Lying stops. * Deceitfulness stops. * Stealing stops. Restitution begins to take place. * Hatred ceases. * Forgiveness for all who have wronged us takes place. * Sex, outside of a marriage recognized by God, stops. * Fornication stops. * If a person is not married according to God's Word, then a separation takes place until the marriage is accomplished in accordance to God's Word. Believers dating unbelievers is to stop. The person should also be baptized by full immersion afterwards. * Selfishness stops. * Smoking and alcohol stops. * Ancestor worship, and worshipping angels, and demons, and "so-called" saints and idols of every kind including nature, stops. Worship is reserved for the Jesus of the Bible. He is JESUS CHRIST IS COME IN THE FLESH-2 Jn 7.* Praying to the dead, or to, or through "so-called" saints, or Mary stops. Prayer beads stop. * Astrology stops. * A person begins to fear God as the Bible says. * Studying and obeying the Bible begins. * Doing God's will begins. * Following and obeying God begins from the heart. (See Mt 3:8 for more commentary on repentance.) The worthiness of Christ cannot be attained until the unworthiness of self is understood-ref Rev 5:9; Lk 15:21; Lk 7:6; Heb 11:38; Ro 1:32; Acts 13:25. The verses continue— Mt 3:3 (pt 1). FOR THIS IS (THE MAN). The man being prophesied about is John the Baptist. THAT WAS SPOKEN OF BY THE PROPHET (ISAIAH), SAYING. Isaiah wrote the following passage about 712 B.C. The verses continue— Mk 1:2 (pt 1), ref Lk 3:4 (pt 1). AS IT IS WRITTEN IN. These are words that are repeated many times in the New Testament. They usually refer to passages that appear in the Old Testament as we know it today. The verses continue— IN Lk 3:4 (pt 2). THE BOOK OF THE WORDS OF Mk 1:2 (pt 2), ref Lk 3:4 (pt 3). (ISAIAH THE PROPHET). Mark’s Gospel uses the words, AS IT IS WRITTEN IN THE PROPHETS—indicating more than one. Two prophets spoke some of the words: Isaiah and Malachi (note further on). John puts his stamp of approval on the prophets as being from God. In a manner of speaking, they put their stamp of approval on John the Baptist as he fulfilled the prophecy. For those Jews that believed the Old Testament prophets, using their prophecies was a power tool. The verses continue— Mt 3:3 (pt 2) ref Lk 3:4 (pt 4). SAYING, Mk 1:2 (pt 3). (a) BEHOLD, I (will) SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU), Now that the passage has been fulfilled, we know that it was saying that God would send John the Baptist ahead of His only begotten Son which is Jesus Christ. The verse continues— (b) WHICH SHALL PREPARE (YOUR) WAY BEFORE (YOU). John the Baptist would prepare the way before Jesus Christ. As a soldier might go before his company, or workmen might go before a vehicle to make sure the roads were clear, or advertising might proceed the circus coming to town, so John Baptist went before the Lord to prepare and announce to the people the coming of the Messiah. Jesus Christ confirmed that it was John the Baptism which fulfilled this prophecy in Mt 11:9. The verses continue— Mt 3:3 (pt 3). (c) THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING (or calling). The words crying or calling reflects the love and concern God has for people. It reflects what John felt in his heart. John said in Jn 1:23, I AM THE VOICE. God was speaking His words through John. He is crying or calling out to the people. It is not the unemotional, calm, dead preaching which permeates most churches today. The verse continues— IN THE WILDERNESS (or desert), (d) PREPARE YE (or make ready) THE WAY (FOR) THE LORD (or Adonai). John was referring to preparing for the coming of the Messiah. We may say that John was announcing the coming of the Messiah and telling people to prepare their hearts and make themselves ready. By John the Baptist using this passage from Malachi, it proves the one that was coming was the long awaited Messiah, and John was the one that Malachi prophesied would announce to the people to prepare. Some of the words that John spoke were spoken by two prophets—note the italics. Mal 3:1-BEHOLD, I WILL SEND MY MESSENGER, AND HE SHALL PREPARE THE WAY BEFORE ME: AND THE LORD, WHOM YE SEEK, SHALL SUDDENLY COME TO HIS TEMPLE, EVEN THE MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT, WHOM YE DELIGHT IN: BEHOLD, HE SHALL COME, SAITH THE LORD OF HOSTS. Verse two (not quoted here) covers His second coming which John did not quote. There is also a similarity to Ex 23:20. John changed the words from Malachi THE WAY BEFORE ME to YOUR WAY BEFORE YOU. The verse continues— (e) MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT (or STRAIGHT PATHS FOR HIM!). Some of the other words that John spoke are in Isa 40:3-THE VOICE OF HIM THAT CRIETH IN THE WILDERNESS, PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE STRAIGHT IN THE DESERT A HIGHWAY FOR OUR GOD. John omitted the words IN THE DESERT and changed the words A HIGHWAY FOR OUR LORD to PATHS FOR HIM. Both passages as spoken in the Old Testament reflect the first coming of Christ as well as His return. Note this verse announcing the first coming of the Lord appears in all 4 Gospels-ref Mt 3:3; Mk 1:3; Lk 3:4; and Jn 1:23. John then went on and quoted passages from Isa 40:4 and 5. They appear only in Luke’s Gospel. It is actually announcing the second coming of the Lord. The two verses from Luke’s Gospel (Lk 3:5,6) covers what things will be like after the Battle of Armageddon as well as the deliverance of the Lord. Lk 3:5. (f) EVERY VALLEY (or ravine) SHALL BE FILLED (in). This shall happen during the Battle of Armageddon as the greatest earthquake in the history of the world occurs. The verses continue— (g) AND EVERY MOUNTAIN AND HILL SHALL BE BROUGHT LOW (or leveled off). This shall happen during the Battle of Armageddon also. The verses continue— (h) AND THE CROOKED (or winding roads) SHALL BE MADE STRAIGHT. This shall happen during the Battle of Armageddon also. The verses continue— (i) AND THE ROUGH WAYS (or roads) SHALL BE MADE SMOOTH (ref Isa 40:4). This shall happen during the Battle of Armageddon also. F, g, h, and i should happen as the great earthquake strikes the entire earth. As Armageddon draws to a close, the earth shall be a vastly different place, both physically and spiritually. Sin shall be removed from the earth in one day-ref Zech 3:9. (a) to (i)—eight things are mentioned. While f, g, h, and i refer to His second coming, they can also refer to our hearts being prepared by God for repentance. Indeed, there should be no pride among men in that day but men’s hearts failing them for fear. A person that repents is brought and made low. Those that do not repent shall be brought even lower-to hell. Lk 3:6. AND ALL (MANKIND) SHALL SEE THE SALVATION (or deliverance) OF GOD. At the time of Armageddon, immediately after the tribulation of those days, Jesus shall return in power and great glory. All shall see the deliverance of God (ref Isa 40:5). It is written in 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. BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON AND ITS RESULTS
The greatest earthquake in the history of the world and
the Battle of Armageddon immediately after the tribulation will cause
the earth to be shaken so much, that the mountains shall be much lower,
the valleys shall be filled in and the rough places shall be smoothed
out.The tongue of the Egyptian sea shall be destroyed. First, the mountains are moved. They are shaken. The mountains melt like wax. Then, mountains of the world disappear. Where there were mountains, there should be plateaus and rolling hills. The mountains, as they are, will no longer be found. There will continue to be hills. Upon every high mountain and hill there will be rivers and streams of water. The tall buildings of the world fall. The cities of the world are destroyed. Where there were islands in the oceans, there will be nothing. The foundations of the world will be discovered. The earth melts. The earth shall suffer desolations. The earth shall be utterly broken down. The earth shall be clean dissolved or split asunder. The earth shall be emptied and spoiled. The earth shall be removed or sway like a hut in the wind. The earth shall be moved exceedingly or completely shaken. It shall go back and forth like a drunkard. The earth shall remove or be shaken out of her place. The earth shall be turned upside down or made a waste. Every valley shall be filled. Every mountain and hill shall be brought low. The crooked shall be made straight. The rough ways shall be made smooth. The earth will become desolate. The landscape of Israel will be greatly changed; its borders will extend far beyond their current boundaries. Currently, the tallest mountain in Israel is Mount Hermon, which is slightly less than 10,000 feet. However, it shall be made low, along with all the other mountains in Israel. The tallest mountain in Israel will be Mount Zion, the mountain of the Lord. There will also be rivers and streams upon every high mountain. Where there were mountains, there should be plateaus. There will be rivers and streams upon all the hills and high places. Israel’s cities will be destroyed. Structures can be expected to crumble to the ground; no tall buildings will be left at all. The crooked places in Israel will be made straight. The rough places will become smooth or plain. The valleys will be lifted up and have fountains. The wilderness in Israel will become like Eden. Waters shall break out. The dry and thirsty lands will have springs and pools of water. Pastures shall spring forth. There will be joy, gladness, thanksgiving, and a melody in the wilderness or desert.Where there are now thorns, the fir tree will grow. Where there are now briers, there will be the myrtle tree.The high trees will be made low, and the low trees will be made high. The rivers of Judah will flow with water. Israel will be greatly changed. * THE TOWERS FALL-Isa 30:25 * Israel’s STRONGHOLDS will be thrown down-Mic 5:11 * Israel’s cities, God says, SO WILL I DESTROY-Mic 5:14 * THE CROOKED SHALL BE MADE STRAIGHT-Isa 40:4 * THE CROOKED SHALL BE MADE STRAIGHT-Lk 3:5 * THE ROUGH PLACES (shall be made) PLAIN-Isa 40:4 * THE ROUGH WAYS SHALL BE MADE SMOOTH-Lk 3:5 * EVERY VALLEY SHALL BE EXALTED-Isa 40:4 * EVERY VALLEY SHALL BE FILLED-Lk 3:5 * EVERY MOUNTAIN…SHALL BE MADE LOW-Isa 40:4 * EVERY MOUNTAIN AND HILL SHALL BE BROUGHT LOW-Lk 3:5 * FOR THE MOUNTAINS SHALL DEPART-Isa 54:10 * THE MOUNTAINS WERE NOT FOUND-Rev 16:20 * AND THERE SHALL BE UPON EVERY HIGH MOUNTAIN RIVERS AND STREAMS OF WATERS-Isa 30:25
* EVERY…HILL SHALL BE MADE LOW-Isa 40:4 * THE HILLS BE REMOVED-Isa 54:10 * UPON EVERY HIGH HILL, RIVERS AND STREAMS OF WATERS-Isa 30:25 * I WILL OPEN RIVERS IN HIGH PLACES-Isa 41:18 * I WILL OPEN…FOUNTAINS IN THE MIDST OF THE VALLEYS-Isa 41:18 * I WILL MAKE THE WILDERNESS A POOL OF WATER-Isa 41:18 * FOR IN THE WILDERNESS SHALL WATERS BREAK OUT-Isa 35:6 * I GIVE WATERS IN THE WILDERNESS-Isa 43:20 * ZION…HE WILL MAKE HER WILDERNESS LIKE EDEN-Isa 51:3 * I WILL EVEN MAKE A WAY IN THE WILDERNESS-Isa 43:19 * There will be STREAMS IN THE DESERT-Isa 35:6 * I WILL…MAKE…RIVERS IN THE DESERT-Isa 43:19 * I GIVE…RIVERS IN THE DESERT-Isa 43:20 * ZION…HER DESERT LIKE THE GARDEN OF THE LORD-Isa 51:3 * I WILL MAKE…THE DRY LAND SPRINGS OF WATER-Isa 41:18 * AND THE PARCHED GROUND SHALL BECOME A POOL-Isa 35:7 * THE THIRSTY LAND SPRINGS OF WATER-Isa 35:7 * THE RIVERS OF JUDAH SHALL FLOW-Joel 3:18 * INSTEAD OF THE THORN SHALL COME UP THE FIR TREE-Isa 55:13 * INSTEAD OF THE BRIER SHALL COME UP THE MYRTLE TREE-Isa 55:13 * I THE LORD HAVE BROUGHT DOWN THE HIGH TREE, HAVE EXALTED THE LOW TREE-Ezek 17:24 * IN THE HABITATION OF DRAGONS, WHERE EACH LAY, SHALL BE GRASS WITH REEDS AND RUSHES-Isa 35:7 * ALL THE LAND SHALL BE TURNED AS A PLAIN FROM GEBA TO RIMMON SOUTH OF JERUSALEM-Zech 14:10 * The land SHALL BE LIFTED UP…FROM BENJAMIN'S GATE UNTO THE PLACE OF THE FIRST GATE, UNTO THE CORNER GATE, AND FROM THE TOWER OF HANANEEL UNTO THE KING'S WINEPRESSES-Zech 14:10 * AND MEN SHALL DWELL IN IT, AND THERE SHALL BE NO MORE UTTER DESTRUCTION; BUT JERUSALEM SHALL BE SAFELY INHABITED-Zech 14:11 Mt 3:4 (pt 1), ref Mk 1:6 (pt 1). AND Mt 3:4 (pt 2). THE SAME Mt 3:4 (pt 3), ref Mk 1:6 (pt 2). JOHN (WORE CLOTHES) OF CAMEL'S HAIR, AND A GIRDLE (or LEATHER BELT) ABOUT HIS (WAIST). Elijah is mentioned in 2 Ki 1:8 as being GIRT WITH A GIRDLE OF LEATHER ABOUT HIS LOINS. The Scriptures tell us that Elijah will come before the great and dreadful day of the Lord which is Armageddon. Wearing a rough garment was symbolic of being a prophet-ref Zech 13:4. The verses continue— AND HIS (FOOD) WAS LOCUSTS AND WILD HONEY. Would any that are reading or hearing this obey God and eat locusts and wild honey and live as John the Baptist did? There appears to have been no pride, but only humility in John, yet he was sent to announce the coming of God-the Messiah. His life was an example of denying self as it is written in Lk 9:23-AND HE SAID TO THEM ALL, IF ANY MAN WILL COME AFTER ME, LET HIM DENY HIMSELF, AND TAKE UP HIS CROSS DAILY, AND FOLLOW ME, ref Mt 16:24; Mk 8:34. He conformed to the ways of God. It is reported that locusts and wild honey was a common diet in the region that John was in. It was a diet for the poorest of people. Locusts are mentioned in Lev 11:22 as foods that could be eaten that were clean. John had no worldly aspirations. He was not seeking for worldly fun, conveniences, possessions, or relationships. His priority was to do the work which God had sent him to do out of a pure heart. His food, clothing and manner of life sent a clear message to a covetous, pleasure seeking people. There are few today that preach as John did. Those few that do are ridiculed. Many of the major denominations try to discredit them. Many radio and television stations and networks, even Christian ones will not carry their preaching. John came as a humble servant. He did not dress in nice clothing. He ate things as the poorest people might eat, yet the religious leaders and rulers heard him, but ridiculed him. John the Baptist, the one anointed to prepare the way of God on this earth, did not come with great pomp, but came as a humble servant. In the eyes of God he was great but in the eyes of man he was something to be mocked, ridiculed, and then killed. Today’s churches often seek to lift and exalt people. John came to humble them. The lower we become the more prepared we will be when Jesus returns. CLICK HERE TO GO TO PART 10 |