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TWO ADAMS
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Introduction
This book came as the Word of God was revealed to me. It started back in about 1981, while listening to a teaching on the book
of Genesis. During the teaching, the instructor was asked, "is there a difference between born again and saved"? The instructor replied,
"I believe there is." At that moment, within me, there was an impression upon my spirit. This was only an impression, as though it was a
voice, yet it was not a voice. Within my spirit the words came to me, "There certainly is a difference."
As I continued to search the Scriptures, and seek the truth from the Word of God, much has been revealed to me concerning Adam
and Jesus. It took years of receiving information from the Scriptures, by a witness in my spirit and checking the Scriptures to see that
everything agrees from Genesis through Revelation. It did not all come at once, but as the Scripture says, "But the word of the LORD
was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they
might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken" (Isa. 28:13).
There was a great need in my life for the breaking away from the traditions and teachings of men, that had held me until I was about
forty-five years old. Following my acceptance of Jesus Christ as LORD and Savior, there was much work that needed to be done in my
understanding of the Scriptures. The Holy Spirit needed to make many changes in the way I thought, and the things I believed. This is a
process that everyone who desires to know the truth must submit to. It is called "renewing of the mind" (Rom. 12:2). It is a work of God
in the lives of those who truly are seeking the truth. It comes by praying, studying, and seeking the truth from the Word of God, not the
teachings of men.
God is faithful, and will reveal the truth to all who will seek Him with a pure heart, desiring to make the changes necessary to walk
in the light of the Word of God. It always amazed me that a man by the name of Enoch could walk with God; even before the flood and
God received him (Gen. 5:21-24). Through much study and prayer I found the way to walk with God is to come into agreement with God
according to His Word (Amos 3:3).
If you have a true desire in your heart to know God, and to walk with Him, I believe it will benefit you much to know the TWO
ADAMS, Adam and Jesus Christ. My prayer is that the Spirit of God will teach you, and reveal the truth to you concerning the Scriptures;
that you can walk with God in agreement with His Word.
Forward
There are certain Scriptures concerning Adam and Jesus that should be of importance to those who study their Bibles. In 1st
Corinthians 15:45 it says, "And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening
spirit." This gives us some information concerning Adam and Jesus. It tells us there are two Adams. The first one was made a living soul,
the second One was a life-giving Spirit. The next verse makes it clear, "Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which
is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual" (1 Cor, 15:46). These verses alone should create in us a desire to know the difference
between Adam and Jesus. There should be a desire to know the Truth, that is revealed in the Bible. Once we know the truth concerning
the TWO ADAMS, we can go on to receive greater revelation from the Bible.
Two other books are in the process at this time. Each one taking many years of prayer and study to receive the revelation from the Scriptures. Following this book, "TWO ADAMS," is the revelation of Jesus Christ, called "THE 2ND ADAM." Some Scriptures concerning Jesus that should be of importance to those who love the LORD are:
The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand (John 3:35).
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made (John 1:3).
He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not (John 1:10).
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him (Col. 1:16).
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 (John 3:16).
Who is this 2nd Adam that God the Father put all things into His hand? He created all things through Him, by Him and for Him. Then
sent Him into the world that the world might be saved by Him? We need to know Him personally, totally, and completely for who He is?
The third book "THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST" is spoken of in Romans 1:16, which says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of
Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." The Gospel
of Christ is the good news of the anointing that brings salvation to all who believe.
The gospel of Christ begins in Matthew 1:1, which says, "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son
of Abraham." The key to this is in verse 17, which says, "So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations;
and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto
Christ are fourteen generations." What is unknown to many is that there are only thirteen generations from the carrying away into Babylon
to Jesus. Jesus is the thirteenth generation, and Christ is the fourteenth generation. For Jesus to become the fourteenth generation, He first
had to be the king of the thirteenth generation. Then for the kingship to pass from the thirteenth generation to the fourteenth generation
Jesus had to die. Then the kingship is passed onto the next generation, which is Christ, the Anointed One.
The body of Christ today is under the headship of the King of the Kingdom of God, which is Jesus Christ. His kingdom shall have
no end. As Christ, He is the head of the body, and we are members of His body.
Therefore, Jesus, the 2nd Adam has been exalted to King of the kingdom of God, and head of the body of Christ. His Name is above
every name, and every knee shall bow to His name (Phil. 2:5-11). It is by and through the anointing of the Holy Spirit that all things are
brought into subjection unto Jesus Christ. Therefore, we need to understand "THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST" the good news of the Anointed.
Contents
Introduction 2
Forward 4
TWO ADAMS, WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE? 8
A NEW SPIRITUAL BODY 20
BORN FROM ABOVE 28
TWO LIVES, TWO DEATHS, TWO RESURRECTION 33
SIN SEPARATES US FROM GOD 42
BORN AGAIN OR SAVED 59
THE CROSS OF CALVARY 70
THE ANOINTING 94
SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING 108
ENTERING THE KINGDOM OF GOD 127
THE IMAGE AND LIKENESS OF GOD 159
BEARING THE IMAGE OF THE HEAVENLY 171
UNDERSTANDING OUR ADVERSARY 174
SATAN, THE GOD OF THIS WORLD 183
SATAN'S DEVICES 186
DOMINION 191
DOMINION OLD COVENANT OR NEW COVENANT 213
OUR DOMINION 218
LOOKING BACK IN TIME 237
OVERCOMING THE WORKS OF THE FLESH 248
OVERCOMING DOUBT 250
OVERCOMING UNBELIEF 253
TWO ADAMS
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
Speaking of the first Adam, Genesis 1:26-27 says,
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:...
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
Then in Genesis 2:7 it says, "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath
of life; and man became a living soul."
Speaking of the second Adam, John 1:1-2 says,
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
Then John 1:14 says, "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."
Jesus said in John 6:38, "I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me." In a prayer
to the Father, Jesus prayed, "O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world
was" (John 17:5).
In Luke 1:30,31 it says,
...the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for...
thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.
In Luke 1:35 the angel said, "...The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore
also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."
Speaking of the first Adam, in Luke 3:38 it says, "...Adam, which was the son of God." Notice the words "the son" are in italics,
which means they were not in the original text. Man added these words to the Scriptures according to man's understanding. God did not
say "Adam was the Son of God." Remember what the LORD said about adding to the Word of God (Deu. 4:2, 12:32, Prov. 30:6, Rev.
22:19)? It is not good to change the Word of God, nor teach that which others changed. Remember what happened to the serpent in Genesis
3:14 for changing the Word of God? We should go according to the Word of God, not the words of men.
In the Scriptures we see two Adam's; one was created, the other came down from the Father in heaven. Yet the first Adam was first
formed from the dust of the ground (Gen. 2:7) by Jesus, the second Adam (Col. 1:16), Who was with the Father before the world was
created (Prov. 8:4-31).
In 1st Corinthians 15:45 it says, "And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made
a quickening spirit." This tells us there is a definite difference between the first Adam and the second Adam.
John 3:31 says. "He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that
cometh from heaven is above all." Jesus, thou He is called the second Adam, come down from above; therefore He is greater than Adam.
In 1st Corinthians 15:47 it says, "The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven." Adam was
formed of the dust of the earth, whereas Jesus is the LORD from Heaven.
It is very plain to see in these Scriptures that the first Adam was of the earth and Jesus was from heaven. The first Adam was created
according to Genesis 1:27, whereas Jesus was not created, but with the Father from the beginning (John 1:14). The first Adam was a living
soul. The second Adam was a life-giving Spirit. Speaking of Jesus, John 1:4 tells us that "In him was life (Zoe); and the life (Zoe) was
the light of men."
There isn't any place in the Bible that says the first Adam had (Zoe) life. Adam was not with the Father in the beginning. Adam was
not begotten of the Father; he was created. It says in Genesis 2:7 that "...man became a living soul." The word "soul" is "nephesh" in the
Hebrew; "psuche" in the Greek. This is not the same word as "spirit." In the Hebrew, the word "spirit" is ruwach. In the Greek, the word
"spirit" is pneuma. Therefore, we have the first Adam becoming a living soul, and Jesus, being a life giving Spirit.
When we hear teachings such as Adam was spiritual, just as Jesus was spiritual we need to be careful of what we believe. We are
accountable for what we teach. "Those who have taught what they heard other men teach and have not received it from My Spirit, if
they will repent, My grace will cover them!"
What is the difference between a living soul and a life giving Spirit? The word "soul," psuche in the Greek, psyche in English, means
"the mind which governs the total organism and its interactions with the environment." When the LORD breathed into the nostrils of Adam
the breath of life, man became a living soul. A living soul is a part of the natural man "psuchikos" in the Greek, "psychic" in the English,
meaning "the mind controlled natural person, having to do with the mind, which is apparently sensitive to both physical forces and forces
beyond the physical world."
A life giving Spirit is a Spirit that is able to give the very life of God to those who are living souls. Those who are born of the flesh
do not have, nor did they ever have this life of God in them (John 3:6-7). This life of God enables a person to enter into heaven, where the
throne of God is. This life of God is "One Spirit with the LORD." When someone receives this life, they have eternal life.
Jesus had both, soul life and Spirit life. Jesus said,
...I am come that they might have life (Zoe), and that they might have it more abundantly.
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life (psuche) for the sheep (John 10:10,11).
Jesus came that we might have life (Zoe, spiritual life). Jesus gave His life (psuche, soul life) for all who will believe in Him. Soul life is the
life of the flesh. Leviticus 17:11 says, "For the life of the flesh is in the blood..." Jesus had blood, and the life of the flesh is in the blood.
Even after Jesus rose from the dead, He still had flesh and bones. He said to His disciples in Luke 24:39, "Behold my hands and my feet,
that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have."
Therefore, we know that Jesus had "blood, flesh, and bones." He gave His blood for our sins. When He died on the cross, the life
of the flesh left His body. The same life that the first Adam had, Jesus also had. Yet His blood (where the life of the flesh is contained), did
not come from Adam.
Jesus had a living soul (psuche) and a physical body; being born of a woman (Mary). Jesus came into this world in the likeness of
man, Spirit, soul, and body, yet without sin (not born of the blood of man, but of the Holy Spirit).
Jesus gave all that the first Adam had, (before Adam sinned in the garden of Eden) as an atonement for our sins, sickness, and
diseases. Jesus was a man. A righteous sinless Man paid the price for the unrighteous sinners.
The difference between the first and second Adam is mentioned in 1st Corinthians 15:46. It says, "Howbeit that was not first which
is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual." In today's English we would say, "Adam was not
spiritual, whereas Jesus was Spiritual." It is very important that we do not change the Word of God and teach others to believe that Adam
was spiritual.
The word "natural" in the Greek is "psuchikos." This word is used only six times in the New Testament. The word "psuchikos"
comes from the Greek word "psuche," yet meaning "not spiritual, but a higher degree of knowledge than that of animals." We find this same
word (psuchikos) used in 1st Corinthians 2:14, where it says "But the natural (psuchikos) 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."
Being that the first Adam was natural and not spiritual (as Jesus was spiritual), we find that Adam did not have spiritual discernment.
To have spiritual discernment, things must be spiritually discerned by the help of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:10). There is evidence of Adam's
lack of spiritual discernment in Genesis 3:22. It says, "And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good
and evil..." Here it is the LORD that said, man became as one of God, knowing good and evil. Adam did not know good and evil before
he ate of the tree. Adam received the knowledge of good and evil when he ate of the fruit.
Therefore, following the day that Adam ate of that tree, mankind has the knowledge of good and evil. But still does not know the
things of the Spirit (for they are spiritually discerned). We will see more evidence of this when we look at what Jesus said to Nicodemus
in John 3:3.
Did Adam have a spirit? Job 32:8 says, "But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them
understanding." This clearly tells us that man did have a spirit.
Was man's spirit dead to God? According to Job 32:8, God could communicate with man through man's spirit. If Elihu's spirit was
dead to God it seems it would not have been able to receive the inspiration of God. What about 2nd Timothy 13:16, which says, "All
scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
Evidently, all the old testament prophets received from God the same way Elihu spoke of, by the spirit of man receiving the inspiration of
the Almighty! Therefore, men received the gift of prophecy in the Old Testament the same as man does in the New Testament, from man's
spirit, by the inspiration of God. This certainly indicates that the spirit of man in the Old Testament was able to hear from God.
When Jesus took three of His disciples with Him to pray in the garden of Gethsemane, He said to His disciples in Matthew 26:41,
"...the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." If the disciples spirit (before Jesus died and rose again), was willing to pray, it
doesn't seem as though it was dead to God. Evidently, their spirit was not opposed to praying for Jesus. Yet, according to 1st Corinthians
15:46, Adam's spirit was not the same as Jesus' Spirit.
What was the problem with Adam and his descendants? First of all, there was nothing wrong with Adam in the day that the LORD
created him. Genesis 1:31 tells us "God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good." Everything that God created
was very good. Man was exactly what God created him to be, no evil in him (until he ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil).
From that day forth, sin and death entered into Adam and all his descendants. Romans 5:12 says, "Wherefore, as by one man sin
entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." In 1st Corinthians 15:22 it
says, "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." If all have sinned, and death has passed upon all men, what
does that mean to you and I?
It says, "all men." Does that mean, only those who have sinned, or even those who have not sinned? Romans 5:14 says,
"Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's
transgression..." Somehow, we must believe the Scriptures, which says, even those who have not sinned in the same manner as Adam.
Now for the $64,000 question! Even if you did not sin, would you be able to enter into eternal life without being born again? The
Scripture very clearly says NO! Jesus said, "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again" (John 3:7).
From our birth into this world we were dead in trespasses and sins. There is only one answer to the problem of sin and death. That
is, to become alive and live in Christ Jesus. There is no other way to overcome sin and death. The only way that sin can be completely
removed from your life is by the blood of Jesus Christ. No matter how good you are, or how perfectly you have kept yourself from sin, you
still have sin and death in your natural body. Paul said in Romans 7:23, "But I see another law in my members, warring against the law
of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members." The apostle Paul still had sin in his life. Yet,
he continued to preach the gospel and did the work of an apostle.
In 1st John 1:8 it says, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." You were born with
sin and death in your members. Your natural body is still mortal. Mortal means "dying; having death within; must eventually die." Your soul
is still corruptible. Corruptible means "that which can be corrupted."
In 1st Corinthians 15:52 it says, "In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and
the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." You will never be without sin and death until that last day, at the last
sound of the trumpet. Until that day, you still have sin and death in your members.
There isn't any way you can make yourself perfect so that you can enter into eternal life in heaven. The only way you can overcome
sin is "by the blood of Jesus Christ." In 1st John 1:7 it says, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one
with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." We need daily cleansing from all sin. This daily cleansing
is done by "walking in the light of God's Word." Psalm 119:105 says, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
At the same time, while walking in the light of God's Word, 1st John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to
forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." It is through the confession of our sins that we are cleansed from all
unrighteousness. Sin is unrighteousness. By repentance and confession (Luke 24:47), we are cleansed from all unrighteousness. Yet, that
does not say we have no sin. In 1st John 1:10, it goes right on saying, "If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his
word is not in us." Therefore, you cannot enter into eternal life because you feel, or believe you have not sinned. The only way to receive
eternal life is to become born again of the Spirit (John 3:5-7).
What did Jesus tell Nicodemus in John 3:3? Let us see what it says, "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto
thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom (reign) of God." Nicodemus was a natural man, born of a woman. It
says in 1st Corinthians 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."
John 3:4-7 goes on to say,
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?
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 (reign) of God.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Jesus did not say, "born again of the water." Nicodemus was already born of the water; "that which is born of the flesh is flesh." There
was no need for him to go back into his mother's womb. Yet, Nicodemus did not have "the life of God in him." He was not born of the
Spirit.
No person when they are born into this world has the life of God in them (except Jesus). Jesus said, "For as the Father hath life
in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself" (John 5:26). Jesus is not a descendant of Adam (after the blood line of
Adam). Jesus was born of "the Word of God and the Spirit of God." The angel said to Mary, "...The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee,
and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the
Son of God" (Luke 1:35). He is a second "Adam" (man). "And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last
Adam was made a quickening spirit" (1 Cor. 15:45). He came down from God the Father.
Jesus did not come of His own. His Father sent Him. "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me" (John 6:38). Jesus was God with the Father in the beginning.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God (John 1:1,2).
Jesus became a man in the flesh. "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" (John 1:14). There is no spiritual truth outside of Jesus, "Jesus saith unto him,
I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6). The Word of God spoken by Jesus
is TRUTH, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17).
Therefore, Jesus is the second Adam (man) to enter this world. Jesus was not created as Adam was. He was "the Son of God" from
the beginning. Jesus was not born of man, but of God (the Holy Spirit) and woman (Mary). Leviticus 17:11 says, "For the life of the flesh
is in the blood..." Jesus' blood did not come from Adam, or Adam's descendants. Only His flesh came from woman (Mary). Just as it was
prophesied in Genesis 3:15, saying, "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall
bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel."
God knew what He was doing from the beginning of the world. For the prophecy of Genesis 3:15 began to become fulfilled when
Jesus was born of Mary. The angel said to Mary, "...The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall
overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God" (Luke 1:35). Mary's
pregnancy came about by the Holy Spirit, not man. Jesus brought the life of God into this world, to give to those who will receive Him as
LORD. In John 10:10b, Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life (Zoe), and that they might have it more abundantly."
There is no other way to receive the life of God than through Jesus Christ. He is the giver of all eternal life. This life is not a life of
flesh and blood, but a spiritual life. It is the very life of God itself. "For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son
to have life in himself" (John 5:26).
In 1st Corinthians 15:50 it says, "Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom (reign) of God;
neither doth corruption inherit incorruption." From the day that Adam ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, sin and death
entered into mankind. "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men,
for that all have sinned" (Rom. 5:12). "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Cor. 15:22).
Flesh and blood, sin and death, cannot inherit the kingdom (reign) of God! But, a new created spirit (man, born of the Spirit) can,
for "...he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit" (1 Cor. 6:17).
Paul wrote 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 word "quicken" means "make alive." For this body of flesh to inherit the kingdom (reign) of God it must first put on incorruption, and become immortal. This change from corruption to incorruption and mortal to immortal will not happen until we are all changed, at the last trump of the trumpet. "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed" (1 Cor. 15:51,52). Until that day, we must abide in Christ, and be fruitful in the kingdom of God. Jesus said,
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire,
and they are burned (John 15:4-6).
A NEW SPIRITUAL BODY
What about now, before we are all changed? How do we enter into the kingdom of God? How could Nicodemus enter into the
kingdom of God? Look at 1st Corinthians 15:44, which says, "It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural
body, and there is a spiritual body."
Our first birth gives us a natural body. But when we are raised, we are raised with a spiritual body. Don't be confused by this verse of Scripture, for all things have bodies. In 1st Corinthians 15:38-41 it says,
But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.
All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.
There are also celestial bodies (heavenly), and bodies terrestrial (earthly): but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory
of the terrestrial is another.
The word celestial means "that which pertains to the sky or heavens." It includes the sun, moon, stars, as well as a god, angels, or
heavenly beings. The word Terrestrial means "earthly." Celestial bodies of living creatures are spiritual bodies (unseen by the natural eye);
whereas terrestrial bodies are flesh, (earthly bodies) and are seen with the natural eye. Animals have flesh bodies, birds have flesh bodies,
people have flesh bodies; these are all terrestrial bodies. Angels have spiritual bodies, spirits have spiritual bodies, so do human beings have
spiritual bodies; all these are celestial bodies. Angels, spirits, and human bodies that are celestial are not seen with the natural eye, but they
do exist. Human beings may be the only creatures that have both, celestial and terrestrial bodies.
In 1st Corinthians 15:44 it says "there is a spiritual body." There is, means "at this present time." Man has a spiritual body. Man
always had a spiritual body. Before we are born of the Spirit we also had a spiritual body.
Have you ever heard of "astral projection?" People in the occult have experienced their spiritual body separated from their flesh body, distances apart from each other. Have you ever heard of "out of the body experiences?" There are many who have had these experiences. Paul said in 2nd Corinthians 12:2,3,
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.
And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth.)
If we study the subject of the Apostle Paul starting back in 2nd Corinthians 10:1 all the way through 12:13 you will find that Paul
was speaking against glorifying himself. Yet in 12:1-7, he may have done the same thing as the Apostle John in John 20:1-5 where John
called himself "the other disciple." We know it was John that ran with Peter to the sepulchre after Mary told them that the stone was rolled
away and Jesus was not in the sepulchre (John 20:3).
In 2nd Corinthians 12:2,3, Paul said "I knew a man," by this, Paul could have been trying not to exalt himself, for a messenger of
Satan was trying to get him to exalt himself (2 Cor. 12:7). Paul mentioned in 2nd Corinthians 11:23, that he was "in deaths oft," meaning
more than once. One of these "often deaths" could have been fourteen years before his writing the 12th Chapter of 2nd Corinthians. We
know Paul was stoned and left for dead at Lystra {47AD} (Acts 14:19,20). This was about 11 years before writing 2nd Corinthians {58AD}.
Paul mentioned the stoning (2 Cor. 11:25) after mentioning the deaths (2 Cor. 11:23) (meaning, the time he is referring to could have been
before the stoning at Lystra).
Paul certainly believed in "out of the body experiences." In 1st Corinthians 5:3, it says, "For I verily, as absent in body, but
present in spirit,..." Whether Paul was there in the spirit or not we do not know, but he does say it is possible to be there in the spirit,
without being there in the natural body. In Revelation 1:10, the apostle John wrote, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day..." No one
can prove that John was not taken up into heaven in his spiritual body and shown all these things. He could have been out of his natural
body, we do not know.
Jesus said in John 14:12, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and
greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." Jesus has now ascended to the Father in His physical body (Acts
1:9). Since that time, many of His followers have experienced leaving their physical bodies here on earth and ascending into the third heaven.
There they have seen the glory of heaven, where those in Christ shall spend eternity. They have seen and talked with Jesus, Who instructed
them of things they needed to accomplish on earth before returning to heaven to be with Him forever. They have also seen many of the Old
Testament saints, such as Abraham, David, Elijah, etc.
The LORD is the head of the body of Christ, and He still instructs His saints. This can include bringing them into heaven to see and
experience the glory to come. By this they are better witnesses of Him and His glory, and can edify and build up the church here on earth
through their testimony. This could be one of the greater works Jesus mentioned in John 14:12, for there is no recording of anyone doing
this before Jesus death and resurrection, not even Jesus Himself.
Many today, claim to have died and went to heaven in their spiritual body, and have seen many wonderful things. The major
difference between Christians going to heaven in their spiritual body, and those of the occult having an "out of the body experience (astral
projection)" is that the experience Christians have is not "of their own doing." That is, they do not decide themselves when they will go to
heaven and return. That decision is only in the hands of the LORD. The Christians spiritual body does not belong to them, it is joined "one
spirit with the Lord." The LORD is in control as to what happens to their spiritual body, where it goes and what it does.
The LORD also uses this "out of the natural body, in the spiritual body," experience along with the gift of "the word of knowledge"
(1 Cor. 12:8). Sometimes, Christians operating in the gift of the word of knowledge have experienced themselves in another place, watching
and seeing what is there and what is taking place at that time. As an example, they can see themselves in the house of the person they are
ministering to while they are ministering to the individual in their natural body. When this is happening, you will hear them saying such things
as, "I am in your house now, I can see things in your house," or "I am walking through your house now from room to room." This is used
to confirm that the person is receiving knowledge "supernaturally," not according to natural knowledge of man, but by the knowledge of
God. This is not unusual for a person to experience this when they are operating in the gift of a word of knowledge.
Man always had a spiritual body; therefore the Scripture says, "there is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body!" Our
natural body of flesh is mortal and corruptible; it must be changed. But what about our new spiritual body? It is born of the Spirit, (the Holy
Spirit of God). Jesus said, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit" (John 3:6). Therefore,
being born of the Spirit, we have a new spiritual body. At the time of our new birth, the old spiritual body is passed away. In 2nd Corinthians
5:17 it says, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become
new."
Look at what Peter said about our new birth in 1st Peter 1:23, "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible,
by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." This new spiritual body we receive with the new birth is born of incorruptible
seed, the Word of God. If this spiritual body (born of the Word and the Spirit) is incorruptible and the body of flesh is corruptible, there
must be two bodies.
In Romans 7:22 it says, "For I delight in the law of God after the inward man." This tells us there is an inward man. In 2nd
Corinthians 4:16 it says, "For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day
by day." This speaks of an outward man and an inward man. Ephesians 3:16 says, "That he would grant you, according to the riches
of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man." Here it speaks of the inner man. Ephesians 4:22 says, "That
ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts." The old man is the
natural (psuchikos), mind controlled man. Ephesians 4:24 says, "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in
righteousness and true holiness." The new man is the spiritual man, in the likeness of the second Adam (the LORD from heaven).
Colossians 3:9 says, "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds." Paul is speaking of Christians
who have already been translated from the flesh body to the spiritual body. The spiritual body normally is inside of our flesh body, therefore
it is called an inward man and compared to the outward man.
Each of these Scriptures speak of a man. It does not say there is an inward spirit and an outward spirit. The Scripture calls our new
creature a "man." All of these references are speaking of two bodies existing at the same time, at this present time. In each case they are
called a "man." A separate spiritual body, which is normally inside of our physical body of flesh and bones. Therefore we have a natural body
made of flesh and bones, and a spiritual body made of spirit (which we do not normally see).
Yet, we must not overlook the Scriptures which state that we still have a body, a soul, and a spirit. All three make up man, being triune similar to God. God is three in one (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) man is three in one (body, soul, and spirit). Paul said in Romans 7:14-17,
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Then we see something else in Romans 8:9, which Paul also said, "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." Paul is saying, he is to blame for what happens in his flesh (his outward body). Therefore, he is still to blame for sin that is at work in his outward body; while he is in the spiritual body. Look at Romans 7:22,23, which says,
For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin
which is in my members.
Paul never said the outward man did not belong to him, but he did say there was sin in his members. In Romans 7:24,25 Paul then states,
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
How do we deal with sin in the outward man? Romans 8:12,13 says, sin is put to death "through the Spirit" by the power of the Spirit
of God within us.
Praise God! Of ourselves we can do nothing, but through Christ we have the victory. We have victory over sin and death (through
Christ), who died for us, and took upon himself our sins and iniquities that we could have His righteousness.
We are a three part being, spirit, soul, and body... Today, those in Christ are free from sin and death in the new spiritual man, but
still need to overcome the sin and death in the natural body and soul. In Christ we can overcome, by the blood of the Lamb and the Word
of our testimony (Rev. 12:11).
Once all things are put under the feet of the body of Christ,
...we shall be changed,
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed (1 Cor. 15:51-52).
...Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? (1 Cor. 15:54,55).
Our victory is not in our ability, but in Christ. He paid the price. He set us free. Therefore, "in Christ" we have the victory!
BORN FROM ABOVE
Through our LORD Jesus Christ, we receive a new spirit (a new spiritual body). He is also the door (John 10:9), to the kingdom
of God, by which we enter in. When we receive Jesus Christ as LORD, He comes into us, and we into Him, and we become born again,
"one spirit with the Lord" (1 Cor. 6:17), and we enter into the family of God. Therefore, when we are born again we are a "new creature,"
created "in Christ Jesus" (2 Cor. 5:17). We are then true "children of God," and God is our true "Father!" In John 17:16 Jesus said, "They
are not of the world, even as I am not of the world."
The word "world" is from the Greek word "kosmos," meaning "the whole earth, with all it's inhabitants, including the complete
universe." If Jesus said His disciples were not of this world, where were they from? And, why did Jesus say, "They are not of the world,"
meaning people, His disciples? We know that Jesus was talking about the apostles John, James, Peter, and all the others. These were people,
born into this world, having earthly parents, some of which are mentioned in the Scriptures. How could it be that they were not of this
world? Their parents were, according to the Scriptures.
If they, meaning Peter, James, and John along with millions of others (you and I included), were not of this world, who are they?
Where did they come from? According to the words of Jesus, they are new creatures, "born again of the Spirit," born from heaven above.
Therefore, the "they" Jesus was speaking of is the new "born again, spiritual man," not the man of the flesh. The man of the flesh
is of this world. "The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven" (1 Cor. 15:47). Our natural body
is from the first Adam, whereas our new spiritual body is joined to the LORD (the second Adam). Yes, we still have the old man of the flesh,
but we are a new creature, born from heaven above.
What was Adam's position in the beginning? Adam was created by the LORD (Gen. 1:27, 2:7), in God's likeness and image. Only in the likeness and image of God, not one with God, not one spirit with the LORD! Psalm 8:4,5 says,
What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
Even though this verse of Scripture is speaking of the position of mankind in general; for God did give man (male and female) dominion over the works of His hands, it is also prophetically speaking of Jesus. Hebrews 2:6-9 says,
But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:
Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour;
that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
Adam was created and formed of the earth by the LORD about six-thousand years ago. The Scripture says the Son of God (Jesus,
Who was with the Father) came down from the Father? He became the Son of man, even lower than the angels, and tasted death for every
man.
Man was given dominion over all things on this earth. Man was God's representative over the works of God on earth. Man was like
God, in His likeness and image. Yet, man was not one with God. The tree of life was in the garden of Eden for Adam and Eve to eat of.
Genesis 3:22 says, "And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put
forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever." Eating of the tree of life would have enabled Adam to live
forever. Genesis 3:24 says, "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."
Adam and Eve were both driven out of the garden of Eden. They were both kept from eating of the tree of life following their eating
of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
Adam lived with sin and death in him for 930 years, then he died. Adam had a living soul. It continued to live, and will always
continue to live "in heaven or in hell." Jesus said in Matthew 10:28, "...fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the
soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."
Will Adam be in heaven? Only if he received Jesus Christ as LORD when the gospel was preached to him during the three days of Jesus' death and victory over sin, death, and the devil. In 1st Peter 3:18-20 it says,
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
In 1st Peter 4:6 it says, "For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according
to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit." God is faithful to His Word, for God and His Word are one (John 1:1).
There is only one way to enter into eternal life (Zoe), and that is in Christ Jesus. This new birth is our "ticket" to enter into heaven. Without
the new birth "born of the Spirit" no man can enter into heaven.
Jesus always was and is "...the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6). There never was any other way to receive eternal life
than in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Jesus is the second Adam. There had to be a second Adam for man to receive a second birth into the family of God. There are two
reasons for this. The first reason is, the first Adam was earthly of this earth; not heavenly from heaven. He was not created to live in heaven,
but to dwell upon this earth. Acts 17:26 says, "And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth,
and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation."
The second reason is, "only those who are in the second Adam shall be made alive." In 1st Corinthians 15:22 it says, "For as in
Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."
Even if Adam had not sinned, he still could not enter into heaven, unless he had eaten of the tree of life, through which he could have
lived forever (Gen. 3:22). I believe that Jesus was represented by the Tree of Life, just as Satan was represented by the tree of knowledge
of good and evil.
There is no religion, or religious means by which you can receive eternal life. No one is born again through water baptism. This
eternal life is in Jesus Christ, and only by Him, and through Him, can we be saved. Water baptism is for the remission of sins (Matt. 3:11,
Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3).
If you were told that, because you lived a good life, and have not sinned, God will receive you when you die; you have been told
a lie. You cannot go to heaven just because you have not sinned.
The only way you can enter into eternal life in heaven is to be born again. YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN! Unless you are born
again of the Spirit, you cannot enter into the kingdom (reign) of God (John 3:5).
The first, and most important thing you can do in this life is receive Jesus Christ into your life and become born again of the Spirit!
TWO LIVES, TWO DEATHS
TWO RESURRECTIONS
The Scripture reveals that there are two lives, two deaths, and two resurrections. In 1st Corinthians 15:44 it says, "It is sown a
natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body." In verses 46 and 47 it explains that
the natural body is controlled by a living soul. The word "living" in the Greek is "zao," a verb which describes the following Greek word
"psuche," which is a noun (a person, place, or thing). In this case the noun "psuche" is a living soul. This living soul is a part of the natural
man, with a physical body which began in Genesis 2:7, where it says, "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and
breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." The living soul lives in the physical body. If the living soul
leaves the physical body, the body dies and returns to dust as it says in Genesis 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" In Ecclesiastes 12:7 it says, "Then shall the dust return to the
earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it"
Our New spiritual body comes from the LORD, the second Adam. In 1st Corinthians 15:45 it tells us that the LORD was made a
quickening spirit. The word "quickening" is from the Greek word "zoopoieo," a verb, which describes the word "spirit." Verbs are action
words, the meaning of the Greek word "zoopoieo," is "alive, life giving, make alive, give life." Verse 46 explains that the natural body was
first. Adam was first formed of the dust of the ground, then the breath of the LORD caused Adam to become a living soul. Adam was not
a living spirit, Jesus was the first living Spirit to enter mankind.
In 1st Corinthians 15:47 it explains that our new spiritual body came from the second Adam, the LORD from heaven. To find out what kind of life this is we must look at John 1:1-4, which says,
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
The word "life" in the Greek is "zoe," meaning "the life of God; the God kind of life." God is a Spirit (John 4:24), the life of God is spiritual life, not physical life, but comparative, or similar to soul life. Spirits have a mind, reasoning, intellect, etc. the same as living souls, those born after the likeness of Adam. Yet, it is different in so much as it comes from God not from man. The Scripture does not say that Adam had "zoe," although many teach that he did. The Scripture does say Adam was not spiritual, although we know he did have a spirit and God could give him understanding through his spirit. Job 32:8 says, "But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding." These two lives, soul "psuche" and spirit "zoe" are both spoken of by Jesus in John 10:10-11. Jesus said,
...I am come that they might have life (zoe), and that they might have it more abundantly.
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life (psuche) for the sheep.
Jesus had both, "zoe," spiritual life, and "psuche" soul life. He came to give us "zoe" spiritual life, and He gave His "psuche" soul life for
us.
Man was created a living soul. Jesus, born of a woman into this world, was a human being. He had a living soul. He gave His human
life, his living soul, his body and blood, human intellect, reasoning, understanding, etc. for all mankind on the cross of Calvary. Everything
that the first Adam was, Jesus gave on the cross of Calvary for all mankind. The price Jesus paid, was the life and flesh of man; totally and
complete on the cross of Calvary. He paid the price for all mankind; that all mankind could have "zoe" the life of God, everlasting life, eternal
life. The price was paid in full for all who will believe on the only begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ.
The spiritual life that Jesus gives us includes a new spiritual body, like unto the natural life that Adam had, a living soul in a physical
body. "...There is a natural body and there is a spiritual body" (1 Cor. 15:44).
As there are two lives and there are also two deaths mentioned in the Scriptures. Genesis 2:17 says, "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." Some Bibles read, "...in dying thou shalt die," A process of death would begin which would lead to a second death, total separation from God in hell. The first death is death of the physical body where the body turns to dust. The second death is damnation in hell. In Revelation 20:4-6 it says,
And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be
priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Then Revelation 20:12-15 says,
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
The second death is that which will come to those whose name is not written in the Lamb's Book of Life at the time of the second
resurrection.
The first death is also mentioned in 1st Corinthians 15:51, saying, "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed." It is also mentioned in 1st Thessalonians 4:13-17, which says,
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and
so shall we ever be with the Lord.
The words "sleep and asleep" in the Greek are "koimao," meaning "to decease; deceased; dead." Those who have "died in Christ,"
have left their bodies on this earth and have gone to be with the LORD in heaven. They have experienced the first death. Their natural bodies
are dead and in the grave, yet they still live in their spiritual bodies which they received of the LORD when they were born again "of the
Spirit." When they became a "new creature in Christ" (2 Cor. 5:17), they were born again of the Spirit, and received a new spiritual body.
They become a complete man, which has a new heart (Ezek. 36:26), and the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16). When this new creature with "a
new spiritual body" leaves the natural body to be forever with the LORD, it is called the first death. Upon these "who are with the LORD"
the second death shall have no power over them.
The second death is that which those whose name is not written in the Lamb's Book of Life will experience upon Judgement day.
Their first death is when their soul leaves their bodies and their bodies are placed in a grave. That is the first death for them, the second is
when they are cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:14).
As the Scripture tells us, not all shall experience the first death and not all shall experience the second death. Those who are alive
in Christ and remain at the coming of the LORD shall not experience "the first death or the second death." Those who have gone to be with
the LORD before those who remain shall not experience the second death.
To understand these two lives, the natural life and the spiritual life we must understand the difference between what is mortal and what is immortal; what is corruptible and what is incorruptible. In 1st Corinthians 15:52-54 it says,
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
The word "mortal" means "having death; containing death; dying; dead." The word "incorruptible" means "has no corruption; cannot be
corrupted." The word "corruptible" means "is already corrupted; can be corrupted."
Yet, we must understand about our new spiritual body, our born again, new creature in Christ. In 1st Peter 1:23 it says, "Being born
again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." When a person is born
again, they are not born of corruptible seed but of incorruptible seed, which is the Word of God. Being born of Jesus Christ, the LORD from
heaven. This seed was incorruptible at the time of our new birth, our new creation in Christ. Whereas the natural body, the flesh body was
mortal, it contained death at the time we were born into this world of the first Adam (Rom. 5:12).
Therefore, the natural body of flesh and bones; which is mortal, must be changed, it must put on immortality. This will take place
when those who are already dead in Christ, out of their natural bodies of flesh and bones, return with the LORD to meet those who still
remain. They will all be changed and receive a new incorruptible, immortal body of flesh and bones (like the body of Jesus after His
resurrection), and forever be with the LORD.
What about the two resurrections? When do they take place? The first resurrection is mentioned in Revelation 20:5,6. That is, when
the new creature, the spiritual bodies of the saints leave their natural bodies and go to be with the LORD. Their spiritual bodies are
resurrected from their natural bodies forever to be with the LORD. The second resurrection is on the last day, when all shall be resurrected,
the living and the dead, and shall all stand before the LORD. Those whose names are not written in the book of life shall be cast into the
lake of fire, those whose names are written in the book of life shall remain with the LORD forever.
Let us therefore watch and be ever mindful of the coming of the LORD, for Jesus said,
Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.
Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.
But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming;
And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken;
The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of,
And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth
(Matt. 24:34-51).
We must remember, the epistles of the New Testament are written to Born Again, Spirit Filled Christians. Romans 8:6 says, "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." In Colossians 1:19-23 it says,
For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard,
and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven.
In Galatians 5:16-17 says,
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that
ye cannot do the things that ye would.
SIN SEPARATES US FROM GOD
What is a Scriptural definition of sin? Many theologians have tried to define sin. Some have said it is, "a transgression of a religious
or moral law." Some have said it is "missing the mark." Yet the Scriptures reveal sin in a different form, which defines it differently. To
understand the Scriptural definition we must use Scriptures that are precise in their meaning. So let us see some of these Scriptures and add
them all together for an understanding of the meaning of sin.
When Adam and Eve ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, the LORD came to them in the garden and asked Adam,
"...Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?" (Gen.
3:11). Then in Genesis 3:17, the LORD said to Adam, "...Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of
the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat
of it all the days of thy life."
In Genesis 4:6,7 it says,
And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen?
If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his
desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
Taking into consideration these verses we see that Adam's sin was a result of listening to someone else, not God. Then we see the LORD telling Cain that sin is at his door; but that Cain should rule over him. But, notice something else, "sin is a he." Let's now look further at this sin, which is a he. In Matthew 16:22,23, it says,
Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Why did Jesus turn to Peter and address Satan? Why did Jesus make a comparison between that which is of God and that which is of men? Let's take another Scripture into view along this same thought. In Luke 9:54-56 it tells us,
And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?
But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.
For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
Jesus rebuked James and John, saying, "Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of." Is there some type of connection to what Adam, Cain, Peter, James, and John did or said to spirits? I believe there is. Look at what Jesus said to certain of the Jews in John 8:37-44,
I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
...If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
Ye do the deeds of your father.
Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
How is it that these Jews' father was the devil? Jesus Himself said, "I know that ye are Abraham's seed." Let's look at another set of
Scriptures that indicate the same. In Genesis 4:1, it says, "And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said,
I have gotten a man from the LORD." Eve said she got Cain from the LORD! But look what it says in 1st John 3:12, "Not as Cain, who
was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's
righteous." Was Jesus correct in what He said of certain Jews? Was Eve correct in what she said of Cain? Was the Apostle John correct
in what he wrote of Cain? Yes, I believe they were all correct in what was said.
Let's look at Judas Iscariot. To understand what happened to Judas Iscariot we must also take into account other things that Jesus said concerning Himself and the Father. In John 12:49,50 Jesus said,
...I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
In John 6:37 Jesus said, "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." Then in John 10:27-29 Jesus said,
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
In John 17:10-12, Jesus said,
And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.
And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is
lost, but the son of perdition (Judas Iscariot); that the scripture might be fulfilled.
Evidently, Judas Iscariot was given to Jesus by God the Father. Jesus indicated that Judas was lost in the end. What happened to Judas Iscariot, one who was one of Jesus' disciples in the beginning, but was lost in the end? Look at John 13:2, which says, "And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him." Before we leave Judas Iscariot completely, let us look at another couple, Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-10:
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.
And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.
Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and,
carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
I believe there is a connection to what happened to Judas Iscariot and Ananias and Sapphira; and I believe that connection is the
devil, or Satan, so called in these verses. In the case of Ananias and Sapphira Peter said there was a lie involved. In 1st Kings 22:17-23, the
prophet Micaiah revealed that there are lying spirits. I believe there is a connection between the devil and lying spirits. For Jesus said in John
8:44, "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode
not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father
of it."
Can Satan provoke someone to do something? In 1st Chronicles 21:1 it says, "And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel." Can Satan tempt someone to commit adultery? In 1st Corinthians 7:5 it says, "Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency." Can Satan destroy our flesh? In 1st Corinthians 5:5 it says, "To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." Can the devil cause envy and strife? James 3:14,15 says,
But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
What about other works of the flesh? Look at Galatians 5:19-21;
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
I believe there is a connection between the works of the flesh and the devil. I also believe that when these things are manifest in the flesh
it is a work of the devil. At the same time, I also believe that God has given us the ability "through the Spirit," to resist the works of the
devil.
I believe if Cain (Gen. 4:7), would have listened to the LORD he could have ruled over sin which was at his door and would not
have killed Able. I also believe that if Adam would have insisted on not disobeying the LORD, he would not have eaten of the tree of
knowledge of good and evil. I believe man has a choice as to who he will obey, the voice of God, or the voice of the devil. Jesus said in
Matthew 6:24, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one,
and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon" Romans 6:16 says, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves
servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"
Before we define sin, let us look at some other Scriptures concerning obedience to God. Jesus said in John 5:30, "I can of mine
own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which
hath sent me." Evidently, Jesus had a choice, and His choice was the will of the Father. Again in John 6:38, Jesus said, "For I came down
from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me." What was it that caused Jesus to do only the will of His Father?
What about Caleb, in Numbers 14:24? It says, "But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath
followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it." I believe there is another Spirit (the
Holy Spirit) that can and will guide people to do the will of God the Father, rather than the will of Satan, the devil.
Jesus, in quoting Isaiah 61:1,2, said in Luke 4:18,19,
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
Acts 10:38, says, "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and
healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him."
I believe these verses are speaking expressly of the Holy Spirit. I believe the Holy Spirit can manifest in the lives of individuals who will submit themselves unto Him. Galatians 5:22,23 says,
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
I believe that sin or righteousness is the manifestation of spirits, or a spirit in the lives of individuals. The manifestation depends upon which spirit an individual yields themselves to. Spirits manifest in the flesh. The manifestation of these spirits can be called fruit. What is fruit? Fruit is the end product of what is produced by what was planted. If you plant an apple seed, it can produce an apple tree, the tree can produce apples, and the apples can produce more seeds to be planted, and produce more apple trees. Therefore, the use of the word "fruit" in the Scriptures can pertain to that which was planted as a seed in the souls (minds or hearts of people). Speaking of some who's deeds are evil, Jesus said in Matthew 7:15-20,
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
What is righteousness? I believe it is the manifestation of the works of God in the flesh. What is sin? I believe it is the manifestation
of the works of Satan in the flesh.
What about sin? Sin separates man from God. Isaiah 59:2 says, "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God,
and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." There is only one answer to the sin question, the answer is "the blood
of Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:7). Isaiah 1:18 says, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as
scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Both of these verses of Scripture in
Isaiah were spoken by the prophet. They spoke of the condition of mankind at that time, as well as the future work of Jesus Christ on the
cross of Calvary.
It is through "the Blood of Jesus Christ" that we have peace with God. But this is only for those who come to Jesus Christ and
receive Him as their LORD and Savior. Only then, do their sins become white as snow. Those who do not come to Jesus Christ and receive
Him as their LORD and Savior are still separated from God. They will spend eternity in hell (unless they are born again). Therefore, YOU
MUST BE BORN AGAIN!
You must receive the blood of Jesus Christ as payment for all your sins. He paid the price for you. But you must also receive Him
as LORD and Savior to benefit from what He did for you. All who do not become born again of the Spirit, by receiving Jesus Christ as
LORD and Savior, will spend eternity in hell. "There is no other name given among men whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). The
virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, cannot save us. No religion, priest, prophet, pastor, or anyone else can save us. Jesus is the only way. He
is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6).
There is no other victory over sin and death except in Christ Jesus. He is our victory! Adam was not the same as Jesus. Adam did
not have a life giving Spirit by which he could give eternal life. All who are descendants of Adam must receive eternal life in Jesus Christ,
or they will spend eternity in hell with the devil and his demons. THERE IS NO OTHER WAY!
There are millions of people who have been brought up, from an infant child, in churches that have infant baptism, saying, through
infant baptism a child is born again into the family of God. When we understand the truth from the Scriptures, we know that these are lying
spirits, deceiving many into everlasting damnation in hell.
It was a lying spirit that spoke to Eve in the garden of Eden and she ate of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. What
sounded good to Eve was a lie. She thought the fruit looked good for food. She saw it was pleasant to the eyes. She thought it would make
her wise. So she took of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil and did eat. Eve brought upon herself, sin and death that day.
A lying spirit spoke to Eve and she did eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. These same lying spirits are speaking to people's minds
all over the world, telling them lies, that they were born again in infant baptism.
If we do not tell them the truth, they may spend eternity in hell. Only the truth will set them free! Jesus is "the Way, the Truth,
and the Life!" There is no other way to receive eternal life than by receiving Jesus Christ, the second Adam as LORD and Savior.
Understand this; lying spirits work with other spirits to deceive many. Usually there is also a spirit of pride that works with the lying
spirits. This spirit of pride tries to prevent a person from humbling themselves, and asking God to forgive them, and the LORD to receive
them.
This spirit of pride is from Satan himself. Pride caused Satan to exalt himself, and his end result is eternal banishment from before
the throne of God. Pride can keep a person from eternal life. Jesus said in Matthew 18:3, "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted,
and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Little children are not too proud to ask. They receive
what is offered to them freely, without letting pride get in the way of their receiving. We must come against pride, and lying spirits; humble
ourselves before God and ask the LORD to receive us into eternal life.
One of the thieves on the cross next to Jesus, was not too proud to ask the LORD, he said, "Lord, remember me when thou
comest into thy kingdom" (Luke 23:42). The LORD received him that day into paradise. Not because he was any better than anyone else.
Only because he was not too proud to ask.
Lying spirits and spirits of pride have deceived many into eternal damnation in hell. If you are a born again Christian, and you know
someone who has been deceived by these lying spirits, and spirits of pride; give them a copy of this book that they can know the truth, and
the truth can set them free. Give them the truth that can "open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power
of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in
Jesus Christ" (Acts 26:18).
I pray that no one reading this book is too prideful to humble themselves before God, and ask the LORD to receive them into
everlasting life. He is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life." There is no other way! The keeper of the prison said to Paul and Silas, "Sirs,
what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house" (Acts
16:30,31). There is no other way!
In Acts 17:24-28 it tells us that, God made all nations of the earth from one man "Adam," "that they would seek the Lord, and
find Him, though He be not far from anyone of us." The purpose God created Adam, was so that man would seek the LORD and find
Him! Unless we seek the LORD, and receive Him, we will be without God in this world and die, and go to hell forever. Not because God
does not love us, but because we did not seek the LORD Jesus Christ, and receive Him as our LORD.
We must receive Jesus Christ as LORD, or He can do nothing to keep us from spending eternity in hell with the devil and his demons.
Unless we believe upon the name of the LORD Jesus Christ, we condemn ourselves to hell. John 3:18, says, "He that believeth on him
is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten
Son of God."
Jesus is the giver of eternal life. Without Jesus we cannot have eternal life. Without receiving Jesus as LORD, we cannot enter heaven
to be with Him for all eternity. Jesus must become our LORD as well as our Savior!
To enter into heaven to be with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit forever, we must first have a new spiritual body,
"joined one spirit with the Lord" (1 Cor. 6:17). In this new spiritual body we enter into heaven.
On the last day, when the last trump of the trumpet is sounded, all who are in Christ will meet the LORD together, and then our
mortal bodies will put on immortality, our corruptible will put on incorruption and we will remain with the LORD forever (1 Cor. 15:51,52,
1st Thes. 4:16,17).
But, before that last day, we must have a new spiritual body, joined one spirit with the LORD, to enter into the kingdom of God.
By this new birth, "born again of the Spirit," we become children of God. God in us (2 Cor. 6:16), we in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), joined one
spirit with the LORD forever. The first Adam in us must pass away. The second Adam in us must remain forever. This is accomplished by
the Spirit of God reigning in our lives.
There is a difference between the spirit and the flesh. Jesus said, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born
of the Spirit is spirit" (John 3:6). Romans 8:1 says, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus,
who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
For those who are born again it says in Romans 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." The real you is translated from the flesh to the spirit,
you are no longer in the flesh; but in the Spirit "if so be that the Spirit of God dwells in you."
Are you a new creature in Christ Jesus? Have you been born again of the Spirit of God? Is Jesus Christ your LORD? Will you spend eternity in heaven? This all depends upon what you do about the free gift of eternal life offered by God the Father in Jesus Christ His Son. Will you receive Him as your LORD and Savior? If you will; if you want eternal life; then follow the instructions in John 1:11-12. It says,
He (Jesus) came unto his own, and his own received him not.
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons (children) of God, even to them that believe on his name.
To all who will receive Jesus Christ as LORD, He will give them the power to become children of God. They will have eternal life in them.
They will be joined "one spirit with the Lord."
Jesus prayed for you in John 17:20-23, when He prayed,
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me....
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.
When you receive Jesus Christ as LORD, He becomes one with you and you become one with Him and the Father. Therefore, when you receive Jesus Christ as LORD, you also receive God the Father. The very life of God which He gave to His Son, dwells in you also. Jesus said in John 5:26, "For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself." The same life that the Father has is also in Jesus Christ His Son. Then Jesus said in John 10:10b, "...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." In 1st John 5:11,12 it explains,
And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
Then in 1st John 5:20 it says, "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." You also become
a part of His body, the Church, where all who are in Christ are members of His body (1 Cor. 12:12).
All Jesus did on earth, through His life, death, and resurrection, He did for you, personally, as well as for everyone who will receive Him as LORD. Ephesians 1:4,5 says,
According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.
God knew you before you were conceived in your mother's womb, and has chosen you to become His own in Christ Jesus for all eternity.
Will you accept the free gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus? If so, then receive Him into your life now!
Say a Prayer Like This, Out Loud:
"LORD Jesus, I know that You are the Son of God. I know that You died on the cross for me. I know that God raised You from the
dead. Jesus, forgive me of all my sins, wash me clean in Your blood; that I may be the righteousness of God in You.
LORD Jesus, I ask You to come into my life and live Your life in me. Let Your will be done in me; let the will of God be done in
my life as it is in Your life. I surrender myself to You, Jesus! You lead me by Your Spirit and I will follow You to the best of my ability. I
will live for You all the days of my life, as You lead me by Your Spirit.
I receive You now, as my LORD, and SAVIOR for all eternity. I will be with You here on earth, and I will be with You in heaven,
forever and ever. I will give You all the Glory. It is for You that I will live forever. Amen."
If you have prayed from your heart to receive Jesus Christ as your LORD, then you have eternal life. It is impossible for Jesus to
lie. He said in John 6:37, "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out."
Now, you must continue in Him. Salvation is only complete if you remain in Christ Jesus for all eternity. Jesus said in Matthew 24:12-14,
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Jesus spoke these words for our sakes, as well as for the Jews, and His disciples at that time. If it were only for the Jews then it would not
be recorded in the New Testament for us today. The New Testament is our covenant with God. It is written for our learning, to know our
covenant with God. Therefore, as you will find throughout the New Testament, salvation is not complete until the end. We must continue
to grow in spiritual wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the Word of God. We must be doers of the Word, not hearers only (James
1:22).
Therefore, study the New Testament. Get wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the Word of God to His Children. The New
Testament is our Covenant with God, sealed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Study it, that you may know your inheritance, being a joint-heir
with Christ (Rom. 8:15-17).
In studying the New Covenant you will find that, as a born again Christian, you are still left with a free will to choose your future,
in this world and in eternity. When you were born again, you became a baby in Christ, a new born babe.
You will find that there are three positions of growth within the body of Christ. There are "babes in Christ," whereby you should
desire the sincere milk of the Word that you may grow thereby (1 Cor. 3:1-4). There are children, sometimes referred to as carnal in the
King James Version of the Bible. These are those who are still tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine (Eph. 4:14). They are still living
in the flesh, according to the natural mind, whereas there is envy, strife, and divisions among them (1 Cor. 3:3, James 3:14-16). Then, there
are those who are spiritual (1 Cor. 3:1), mature, of full age (Heb. 5:13,14). These are those who have entered into the kingdom (reign) of
God (John 3:5).
Therefore, we must be aware that as there are stages of growth within the body of Christ. There is also more to living as a Child
of God than just being born again. For those who have made the decision to receive Jesus Christ as LORD, and become children of God,
there is more for them to come. They must enter into kingdom (reign) of God.
Remember what it says in Romans 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."
BORN AGAIN OR SAVED?
Throughout the Old Testament the LORD continued to speak to the children of Israel about their salvation. How He would save
them if they obeyed His commandments. For each one who obeyed Him and did according to His commandments He saved them. The word
saved means delivered and or protected. In the Old Testament the word salvation comes from the Hebrew word "y@shuwah." The true
meaning of the Hebrew word is summed up in Exodus 15:2, where it says, "The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my
salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him."
In the New Testament the word Salvation comes from the Greek word "soteria." The true meaning of the Greek word "soteria" is
given in Acts 4:12, where it says "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among
men, whereby we must be saved."
The word saved or salvation in both the Old Testament and the New Testament has the same meaning, it means "delivered and or
protected." This deliverance or protection includes our deliverance from all our enemies, physical and spiritual. It doesn't make any difference
if our enemies are other people or even nations. The children of Israel were saved from the Egyptians, from Pharaoh who oppressed them
for many years. They were in bondage to Pharaoh and the Egyptians. The LORD delivered them and saved them from Pharaoh and the
Egyptian people that held them in bondage.
The word saved or salvation includes deliverance and protection from physical situations within our own bodies, such as sickness
and disease. Sickness and disease is an enemy, it keeps us in bondage, preventing us from doing the things that we should be doing.
The word saved or salvation includes deliverance and protection from spiritual forces that operate through our minds, causing us
to do things which are not for our benefit, but rather for our own destruction. Those who think they can steal, kill, and destroy need salvation
from such thinking. Any thoughts that do not agree with the Word of God are not from God, and we need to be saved from such thinking.
Thoughts are spiritual forces that try to control our lives in one from or another.
Salvation, or saved always means deliverance or protection. Being that the LORD is the Creator of all things, all things were created
by Him and through Him, He is become our Salvation. Not just ours only but whosoever will call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved
(Rom. 10:13).
Salvation is not just for those who are children of God, but it is for "whosoever will call upon the name of the LORD." Noah was not spoken of as one of God's children, for those who are spoken of as God's children are those who God chose in Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the chosen children of Israel. Yet, Noah and his household were saved during the flood, while all others were destroyed. In 1st Peter, 3:18-20 it says,
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
This tells us that Noah and his family were saved. They were delivered and protected during the flood which destroyed all other flesh, except
for those who were in the ark with Noah.
All throughout the Bible, true and complete salvation is an act of God, and it comes to us by grace, through faith. To receive
salvation from the LORD one must believe the LORD, and be obedient to His Word. When the angels came to Lot and his family in Sodom,
only Lot, his wife, and two of his daughters were saved. The angels brought them out of the city by the hand before the LORD rained
brimstone and fire down on the cities. Yet, Lot's wife, was saved in the beginning, but she disobeyed the words of the angels and in the end
she was lost. She was destroyed, no longer delivered or protected because she disobeyed the words of the two angels that the LORD sent
to save her.
It's no difference today in the body of Christ, many are saved, but in the end will not be saved because they disobey the Word of God. Jesus said in John 15:1-6,
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
For someone who is cast forth as a branch, withered, and cast into a fire and burned; that surely is not speaking of being saved. That is
destruction or being destroyed.
When Jesus said "I am the true vine," He was not just telling a story, like some fairy-tail or some fictitious idea. He is speak a
spiritual truth, which only those who are spiritually able to discern spiritual things can understand. To be saved we must abide in Jesus, for
He is our eternal life. Our life is in Him, and without Him there is no eternal life.
So what is this eternal life that the Bible speaks of? Eternal life is the very life of God; the same life that the Father has in Himself,
that He gave His Son to have in Himself. That same life, Jesus came to give to those who will believe in Him and His Father, who sent Him.
In John 5:26, Jesus said, "For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself." Speaking of Jesus,
John 1:4 says, "In him was life; and the life was the light of men." The very life of God was in Jesus, His Son. Then Jesus said in John
10:10b. "...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
This eternal life is explained in 1st John 5:11,12, where it says,
And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
There is only one way to receive eternal life, that is to receive Jesus Christ, the Son of God Whom the Father sent into this world
that we might have eternal life. If Jesus had not come into this world, we could not have eternal life. Therefore, He came that we might have
eternal life.
Eternal life is similar to earthly life in so much as it requires that we maintain it by eating of the flesh and blood of Jesus, which means abiding in Him and His words abiding in us. Jesus is the Word of God, the life of God is in His Word. John 1:1,2, says,
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
The Word of God has never changed, God has never changed; neither One will ever change for the Word of God, and God are the
some. They are One. In 1st John 5:7, it says, "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy
Ghost: and these three are one." The Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit are One; they are God. Jesus is the Word, He was with the
Father in the beginning, and is still with the Father today. If we have Jesus, we have eternal life. If we do not have Jesus we do not have
eternal life, for this eternal life is in Jesus Christ, and in the Father. If we have the Father, we also have the Son, for the very life of Jesus
is in the Father.
Yet there needs to be an understanding of this eternal life; what it means to have eternal life and how do we know we have eternal life? Eternal life starts when we receive the Word of God, which is Jesus Christ into our life as LORD. To the children of Israel, He was Savior; their salvation was because of His grace and mercy. But to those of the New Covenant, He must be LORD. LORD, meaning "He must be in control of our life." If we are in control of our life then He is not in control. There cannot be two masters in our life. Either Jesus is master or we are master. That is why Jesus said in Luke 9:23,24,
If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.
This eternal life begins with a seed, which is the Word of God. In 1st Peter 1:23 it says, "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." When we receive Jesus as LORD, the Word of God enters into us. We become born again of the Spirit of God, whereby we become children of God through a new birth. This becomes a total work of God, not of man. John 1:12,13 says,
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
By the hearing of the Word of God, we receive the Word of God in our heart. The Word of God and Jesus are the same person of
the Godhead, therefore, when we receive Jesus as LORD the Spirit of God forms within us a new spirit. Ezekiel 36:26 says, "A new heart
also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give
you an heart of flesh." This new spirit comes down from above, making us a new creature in Christ Jesus. From that point of time on we
begin to grow in spiritual wisdom and knowledge of our new life. This is a new life, it is not a regenerated old life. The old life we had in
Adam must die, and the new life in Christ must take control of our lives, "that Christ (the Anointing) might be formed in us". Yet, at
the time we receive Jesus as LORD we were only babes in Christ. The seed of eternal life; which is the Word of God is planted within us.
We have eternal life, yet we must learn how to "let Christ be formed within us" to the degree that He becomes LORD and Master over
everything we do. We must deny ourselves, and lay down our old life of the natural man that the new life of the spirit within us can have
control. Therefore, we need the Word of God that we may grow thereby.
When we are first born of the Spirit we enter into the body of Christ, which is called the church. Acts 2:47 tells us "the LORD adds
to the church daily such as should be saved." That means, when we are born again of the Spirit the LORD adds us to His body, which is
the church, that we might become saved. Salvation is not complete when we become born again. Salvation begins when we are born again
and must continue until we receive our new immortal body and our incorruptible soul on the day that Jesus returns and we all meet together
with Him in the air (1 Cor. 15:51-54, 1 Thes. 4:13-17).
The most important thing about the new birth is that, "by it we become related to God." God becomes our true Father, and we
become His true children. Salvation puts us into fellowship with God. The new birth puts us into relationship with God-God becomes our
true Father. The Children of Israel became the Children of God by adoption, the LORD chose them in Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Whereby,
we have been chosen from before the foundation of the world, predestined unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to God the Father,
according to the will of God (Eph. 1:4,5). When Jesus adopts us, God the Father sends us a new spirit down from heaven and the Holy Spirit
recreates in us a new creature. We are adopted by Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and God the Father changes our status from adoption to
His very own children, born of the Spirit, with the very life of God in us.
The children of Israel did not have this new life, the life of God within them. Only those who are born of the Spirit have this new
life in them. The children of Israel were adopted children, like a natural child is adopted by natural parents today. The adopted child's life
is not new, but he has the same privileges as a natural born child into the same family. Whereby, a born again Christian is not just an adopted
child, but is a new creature, having the very life of God in them. A born again child of God is not of this world, even as Jesus is not of this
world. In John 17:16, Jesus said, "They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." Those who receive Jesus Christ as LORD
become new creatures, born from above, and their life which they receive is not of this world. Their new birth is from heaven, heaven is their
home and God is their true Father. This is the one thing that upset the Pharisees the most, that Jesus said, "God was His Father." The devil
is very disturbed over those who know that God is their true Father, for they have power over him and all his works. This power comes
as a result of Jesus Christ dwelling in us by His Spirit. This power is effective when the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and by the power of the
Spirit of God within us, the devil and all his demons must bow to the name of Jesus, as we live by the Word of God.
It is not you or I that cause the demons to tremble and the devil to flee...it is Christ in us, by the power of the Holy Spirit responding
to the Word of God that causes the devil to be subjected to the words we speak.
The new birth makes us true sons of God, born of the Spirit. Thereby, God is our true Father and we are His true children. This
places us in relationship with God, making us sons of God by birth.. We are related to God by His Spirit dwelling in us. God the Father
Himself dwells in us with Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
Once we become sons of God by birth we must then be saved. Salvation must begin in our lives and continue until we go to be with Jesus forever. This can only happen in our lives if we permit Jesus to be the LORD every day of our lives. If, at anytime we should turn away from Him, and return back to the old nature, He is no longer Master, or LORD in our lives. He does not leave us, He still remains in our new spirit, but He is no longer LORD. If we yield to the temptations of this world, and follow after the things of this world, Satan becomes our LORD and Master, and Jesus can do nothing for us until we return to Him to save us. Therefore, we must be saved, every time we go astray and follow after the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eye, or the pride of life. In 1st John 2:15,16 it tells us,
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of
the world.
When we go off into the lusts of things, the love of the Father is no longer in us, but rather the love for other things. Without the
love of the Father in us we can not walk with God. Therefore, at any time we are not walking with God, Satan has an advantage over us.
Of our own ability we are no match for the devil, but by the ability God gives us through His Holy Spirit, Satan has no power over us.
Even after we are born again of the Spirit and become true sons of God, we can still become lost, and even lose our salvation. The
story of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32 is an example of a person who was a son and became lost, and dead, but returned and was again
saved and alive. This is not a parable, this is a true story told by Jesus of a father who had two sons. The one son demanded of his father
his inheritance, which his father gave him. This son went and wasted his inheritance upon riotous living. When all was lost, and he had
nothing left, he came to himself, realizing that his father's servants had it better than he had it. When he returned to his father's house it was
said of him, he was lost, and now is found, he was dead and now is alive.
All the time this son was away from his father, his father could do nothing for him. If he had never returned to his father he would
have been lost forever, he would have died without any way of returning to his father where he could live. With all the teaching Jesus did,
by parables and even by true stories, Christians should understand that the doctrine of "once save always saved" is not from God, neither
did Jesus ever teach it.
Salvation under the New Covenant is for those who are God's children by the new birth. Yet, it was for those of the Old Covenant who were God's children by adoption in Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. That was the Old Covenant which is no longer in effect, now that we have a new and better covenant (Heb. 8:6-13). Salvation comes by grace through faith. Without both "grace and faith," there can be no salvation. Ephesians 2:2,12 tells us that without before we came to the LORD, "we all were in this world, controlled by the prince of the power of the air, without God, and without hope." Yet, Ephesians 2:8,9 tells us,
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
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