I. Being born again
Jesus was the first to use this term. (John.3:1-7) Jesus told Nicodemus, "Verily, (truly) verily, I say unto
thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 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 (natural birth) and of the Spirit,
(Spiritual birth) he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; (natural
birth) and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (spiritual birth) Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must
be born again. (John 3:3-8)
II. Why did Jesus say, you "must be born again."
The reason is because God's Word describes all of mankind to be "(spiritually) dead in trespasses and
sin," (Eph.2:1, Rom.3:9-10,23; 5:10-21) and the only way back into fellowship with God (i.e. enter "the
kingdom of God") is to be born back in.
A. Note the Genesis account.
1. God created man in His triune image.
God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the
fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over
every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the
image of God created he him; male and female created he them.(Matt.28:19, John.1:1, 14, 1John.5:7,
John.17:5 / Isa.42:8, John.5:17-18, 1Tim.3:16, Gen.1:27-28) "spirit and soul and body." (1Thes.5:23)
a. Our spirit is our inner man.
"For what man knoweth the things of man, save the spirit of man which is in him." (1Cor.2:11,
Rom.8:16) It is "the candle of the Lord" (Prov.20:27) Your spirit is the real you. The Bible calls it
a new creation, (2Cor.5:17) the new man. (Eph.2:15; 4:24)
b. Our Soul is our mind, will and emotions.
The "Word of God divides the "soul and spirit" (Heb.4:12, Gen.2:7, 2Peter.2:8) Lot - seeing and
hearing with his mind, will and emotions, it vexed his Soul)
c. Our Body is our natural, fleshly body.(1Cor.15:51-52)
"Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (ie. our flesh /
bodies) 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 (our
fleshly bodies) must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this
corruptible (our fleshly bodies) shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal) our fleshly
bodies) shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written,
Death is swallowed up in victory." (1Cor.15:51-52)
The spirit, soul and body were all in harmony with Adam and Eve before sin entered.
2. God placed Adam in a "garden eastward in Eden
The purpose was "to dress it and to keep it." (Gen.2:8-15) Adam was allowed to eat "of every tree
of the garden...but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil he was not to eat.
3. God created Eve for Adam.
"God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him...
And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs,
and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made
he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and
flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man".(Gen.2:18-25)
4. Then came the serpent
"Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LordGod had made. And he
said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? and caused
Eve to revise the Word of God. (Gen.3:1-5) Compare Gen.2:16-17
5. Then Eve "took of the fruit thereof"...
Eve gave also unto her husband...and he did eat "(Gen.3:6) and sin entered into the world, and
death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." (Rom.5:12; 3:23)
a. Death passed upon men (no exceptions)
God told Adam, "in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." (Gen.2:17) Adam did
not die physically that day because he lived for 930 years. (Gen.5:1-5) He died spiritually! It
was "death by sin." (Rom.5:12)
Note: Review: PHASE 3 for explanation of the 1000 year days, and PHASE 8 for why Jesus was
crucified at the end of the 4th. day.
b. The spirit of Adam and Eve died and became"darkness."
Their candle went out! (Prov.20:27) Death by sin is "darkness." (Matt.4:16, John.3:19,Col.1:13,
1Peter.2:9) Paul says, "ye were ...darkness."(Eph.5:8)Death (darkness) has "passed upon
ALL men, (Adam through to our 21st. Cent. AD) (Rom.5:12) for that all have sinned."
c. Adam and Eve are now walking according to the flesh
You hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye
walked according to the course of this world, (Set by dam and Eve) according to the...desires of
the flesh (your body) and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
(body) and of the mind" (soul) (Eph.2:3) This is because their "spirit" (their candle Prov.20:27) is
darkness / sin / dead.
This is why their spirit needed to be "born again because their "spirit" was dead. (This is
becoming a new creature / creation in Christ Jesus. (2Cor.5:17)
6. Adam and Eve's solution (the natural man) was "fig leaves"
Adam and Eve's solution was to "sewed fig leaves together, and made aprons" to cover
their nakedness (sin) because their eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they
were naked.." (Gen.3:7, Heb.4:13) These aprons of fig leaves (the fruit of the mind / emotions / soul
and th flesh) were rejected by God. (Gen.3:21)
a. Man knows that he is a sinner.
Mankind knows they need to cover his their (Psa.19:1-3, Rom .1:20; 2:14-16) because of
conscience. (Rom.2:11-16) This is evident by all the religions of the world, and their "man made"
rules )fig leaves) to justify themselves to God.
b. Fig leaves
These "fig leaves" today, represent...Philosophy...Vain deceit...Tradition of men...The
rudiments of the world." (Col.2:10-12) These all fail to cover sin when exposed by God's voice
(Word) Gen.3:8-10 These are "filthy rags," (Isa.64:6) The apostle Paul calls them, "dung."
Note: This is why none of our good religious deeds can justify us before God, because we
"were...darkness." (Eph.5:8) Not in darkness, we were darkness. We were born in sin!
(Rom.5:12, 1Cor.15:45-49) Death / darkness was "passed upon all men". We need to be "born
again" (2Cor.5:17) Jesus said, "Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles
break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles,
and both arepreserved. No man" (not even the heathen) put "a piece of new cloth unto an old
garment, or that which is put into fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
(Matt 9:16-17) It is good common sense to start brand new
7. God's solution
a. The seed of the woman
"I will put enmity between thee (the serpent / Devil / Satan Rev.12:9) and the woman, and
between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy (the serpent's) head, and thou shalt bruise
his (Jesus and His Bride's) heel." (Gen.3:15, Col.2:14-15, Heb.2:8-9, Rom.16:20, Rev.12:1-17)
Note: Review: PHASE 3 for explanation of the 1000 year days, and PHASE 8 for why Jesus was crucified
at the end of the 4th. day.
b. The Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them."
"When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and
a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also
unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they
knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves
aprons". God rejected the fig leaves "...and made "coats of skins and clothed them".
(Gen.3:7-21)
c. Then God drove them out of the Garden
God 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." (Gen.3:22-24, 2Cor.6:13-18) To get back into
God's presence would take death and shedding blood.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Note: This Bible Language. This is what inspired Word of God says. Be careful not to include
"enticing words of man's wisdom" (1Cor.2:1-14) to corrupt this pattern, DON'T add or diminish
from it (Proverbs.30:5) It is the Holy Ghost that convinces and convicts. (John.16:7-15, 1Cor.2:1-14)
8. In the process of time (Adam to MosesGen.4:1-4, Rom.5:12)
Note: Review: PHASE 3 for explanation of the 1000 year days, and PHASE 8 for why Jesus was crucified
at the end of the 4th. day.
a. Abel offered (by faithHeb.11:4 / Rom.10:17, Eph.2:8)
By faith(Heb.11:1-6, Eph.2:8, Rom.10:17) Abel offered firstlings (Lamb) of the flock. (Gen.4:1-4)
The pattern did not change it required death and blood to be shed of an innocent substutional
animal.
(1) Abel had the testimony of the "Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every
way, to keep the way of the tree of life."
(2) Abel had heard the Word of God from his parents of why Adam and Eve had been driven
out of the Garden of Eden.
(3) Abel had also heard how God gave the promise of the redeem them In fact this
testimony was there up to the Flood.(Gen.3 - Gen.6)
b. After "Enos,...men began to call upon the name of the Lord"
Adam "knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she,
hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. And to Seth, to him also
there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name
of the Lord." (Gen.4:26)
c. Noah offered sacrifice (Gen.8:15-21)
And Noah builded an altar (Not mentioned until now Gen.3-8) unto the Lord; and took of
every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. (Gen.6:
20-21) The pattern of death and blood being shed, continued.
NOTE: When Noah offered burnt offerings on the Altar, he did so with this knowledge...
(1) Noah knew about the Garden of Eden. (Gen.2:8-25)
(2) Noah knew about Adam and Eve's fall into sin.(Gen.3:1-24)
(3) Noah knew about the promise of God to redeem. (Gen.3:15)
(4) Noah knew about God making coats of skins to cover their nakednesss. (this is clearly
identified with sin) (Gen.3:21 / Her.4:13)
(5) Noah knew about Adam and Eve had been driven out the the garden of Eden. (Gen.22-24)
(6) Noah knew about the Offering of the shed blood of a substutional animal sacrifice. (The
coats of skin is obviously from an animal (Gen.3:21)
(7) Noah knew about God accepted Abel's offering and that men were calling upon the name
of the Lord. (Gen.4:1-4)
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God blessed Noah and his sons and they multiplied and replenished the earth with this
knowledge. (Gen.9:1-7) Then they and built the Tower of Babel because they failed to trust
GOD'S PROMISE of no more floods. (Gen.11:1-9) This was confounded by God and the earth
was divided with this knowledge and corrupted it. (This is evident all the world's cultures today)
d. Then there was Abram (whose name was changed to Abraham) Gen.17:5
Now "the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred,
and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great
nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:...So Abram
departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him." (Gen.12:1-5) Then Abraham "called on the name of
the Lord" and built an Altar. (Gen.17:1-9)
Now Abraham was being called out of Babylon with the true Word of God, while the
rest of the World had the corrupted Word of that was a mixture of the true with their false
philosophises of men.
NOTE: When Abraham offered burnt offerings on the Altar, he did so with this SAME
knowledge...
(1) The knowledge of the Garden of Eden. (Gen.2:8-25)
(2) Adam and Eve's fall into sin. (Gen.3:1-24)
(3) The promise of God to redeem. (Gen.3:15)
(4) God making coats of skins to cover their nakednesss. (this is clearly identified with sin)
(Gen.3:21 / Heb.4:13)
(5) Them being driven out the the garden of Eden. (Gen.22-24)
(6) Offering of the shed blood of a substutional animal sacrifice. Skin is obviously from an
animal (Gen.3:21)
(7) God accepting Abel's offering and men calling upon the names of the Lord. (Gen.4:1-4)
(8) God gave Abraham a promise about the seed / Jerusalem / He saw Christ's day - rejoiced
(John.8:56, Heb.11:10,18)
B. Then came the Law / Exodus (Moses to ChristRom.5:12)
It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was
made...Wherefore the law of Moses was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, (the seed
of the womanMatt.1:18-25, John.1:1-14) that we might be justified by faith. (Gal.3:15-24, Rom.3:21-31;
8:1-4) Death and the shedding of blood of innocent animal was still required! However, the blood of
bulls and goats can never take away sin.
1. The genealogy of God's faithulness from Abraham to Christ
This genealogy is important to show that "the Word made flesh" (John.1:1-14 Jesus) was
"madein the likeness of men: and being found fashioned as (a sinless) man, He humbled,
Himself, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross".
(Phil.2:8) One man Adam put us into sin, (Rom.5:11)Oneman JESUS (perfect sinless God / man
redeemed us back by being virgin born. Matt.1:18-25)
a. Adam to Abraham (Luke.3:23-38)
Death and the shedding of blood of innocent animal was still required! The pattern did not
change! However, the blood of bulls and goats can never take away sin. Click here for why
there are 1000 year days. Click here for why the Cross is at the end of the 4th. day
b. Abraham to David (14 generations)
The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, ("as concerning the flesh" Rom.9:1-6) Christ
came "the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob;
and Jacob begat Judas (Judah) and his brethren; And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar;
and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab
begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and
Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse. And Jesse begat David the king"
(Gen.11:27 - 1Chron.2:13-15)
c. David until the carrying into Babylon are fourteen (14) generations
David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; And Solomon begat
Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat
begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias; And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and
Achaz begat Ezekias; And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat
Josias; And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, (1Chron.2:13-15 - 2Chron.36:1-23)
about the time they were carried away to Babylon...
d. From the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ / (14) generations. Matt.1:17
... And after they were brought to Babylon, (Ezra / Nehemiah) Jechonias begat Salathiel;
and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; (Zerubbabel)[2] And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat
Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim
begat Eliud; And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary." (Matt.1:1-17, Luke.3:23-38)
C. To Summarize (II. B. 1)
1. Man was made in the image (Gen.1:26-28) of God. Spirit, Soul and Body (three yet one
(1Thes.5:21)
2. Adam and Eve fell into sin. (Gen.3:1-24, Rom.5:12-19)
3. Mans spirit died(Gen.2:17) and he became "darkness"(Eph.5:8) which caused them to walk
according to... (Eph.2:1-3)
a. The course of this world. (v.2)
b. According to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worth in the children of
disobedience.
c. Mans lifestyle was in the lust of the flesh (Body) and of the mind (Soul) 1John.2:15-16
4. God's solution
a. Enmity between the serpents seed and the woman's seed which will result in the defeat
of the serpent. (Gen.3:15)
b. God rejected their fig leaf aprons and made coats of skins to cover the nakedness.
(Gen.3:7-11, 21) This took the shedding of blood, to cover Adam's nakedness
c. God drove them out of the garden with no way back except through the flaming
Cherubims. This would mean certain death. (Gen.3:24)
5. The genealogy from Adam to Mary and Joseph reveals God's faithfulness to bring the seed of
Abraham to Christ (Gal.3:1-29) and the New Covenant / Testament.
This genealogy is important because it reveals that Jesus was made / fashioned "in the
likeness of men" (Phil.2:7-8, John.1:1-14, Matt.1:1-17,Luke.3:23-38) that He could "succor [to
aid or relieve][7] (Heb.2:18) and be "touched with the feeling of our infirmities;[disease, infirmity,
sickness, weakness] [8] and "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."(Heb.4:15)
However being fashioned in the likeness of man [21] could not takeaway our sin.
Think on this, if Jesus was as some said, "John the Baptist; some, Elias (Elijah); and others,
Jeremias (Jeremiah) or one of the prophets," (Matt.16:13-16) he could have never taken our sin
upon Him, (2Cor.5:21) because "sin and...death passed upon all men (including John the Baptist,
Elijah, Jeremiah and the other prophets) have sinned." (Rom.5:12)
That is why...
III. "The birth of Jesus was on this wise..."[13]
Jesus was virgin born. (sinless / the seed of the woman[23] Gen.3:15) Without this He could not
have paid the price for our sin. (1Cor.6:20, Rom.5:12-21) Mary was the virgin. She was "overshadowed"
(Luke.1:35) by the Holy Ghost [6] and was found with child of the Holy Ghost.[22] (Matt.1:18 i.e. the seed
(Gen.3:15) of the woman) [10] This broke the cycle of sin from being passed on to all men (Rom.5:12)
chose to be Justified (Redeemed) in Christ's atoning blood.
A. Isaiah Prophesied Christ's birth (approx. 760 BC?)
"A virgin shall conceive (Matt.1:18-25) and...call his name Emmanuel" (Isa.7:14) "which being
interpreted is God with us" (Matt.1:23) [19] He was God manifest in the flesh, fashioned "in the
likeness of men." (Phil.2:7-8, John.1:1-14, 1Tim.3:15-16) The Holy Ghost (through Isaiah1Peter.1:10-
12) was signifying how God would fulfill His Redemptive plan (Gen.3:1-24. Note:v.15) HIMSELF,
independent [15] of the will [3] [4] of man. (John.1:13-14, Eph.2:8) That "no flesh (no fig leaf
doctrines of men (Col.2:8) should glory in His presence." (1Cor.1:29)
B. Why a virgin birth?
It is becauseGod requiresa pure, spotless sacrifice. (Jesus 2Cor.5:21) Forasmuch "as ye know
that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain (profitless,
empty [25] conversation (lifestyle / behavior) [26] received by tradition from your fathers; (Exod.30:
11-16, Num.31:50)[27] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish
and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was
manifest in these last times for you." (1Peter.1:18-20)
1. This is seen from Adam to Moses before the Law was given (Rom.5:12-14)
This is seen in Gen.3:15-24. An innocent animal (without blemish / spot) paid the price
of death to cover Adam and Eve's sin, yet no entrance into the Garden. They had to wait for
the seed of the woman to "bruise his (the serpents) head. (Gen.3:15, Eph.3:5) Review: This
page. II. A. 8. a-d
a. Righteous Abel (Heb.11:4, 1John.3:12)
He offered took the "more excellent sacrifice" of the flock, and had God'srespect (Gen.4:1-4)
This tells us that Abel's offering was pure, spotless because God would NOT deny Himself (2
Tim.2:13) His Word that requires pure, spotless.
b. After the flood
Noah took of every clean beast and God accepted his offered (Gen.8:20-22) "And the Lord
smelled a sweet savour; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any
more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I
again smite any more every thing living, as I have done."
c. Abraham
He offered built an altar (to offer a more excellent / clean sacrifice) Gen.12:8
2. This is continued from Moses to Christ
From the Law of Moses to Christ (Rom.5:12-14) God still requires a pure sacrifice, a excellent
sacrifice without blemish and now more accountability(Rom.7:1-14, Note.v.7-9) with serious
consequences (Lev.22:21-23 / Mal.1:6-10)
a. Now God tells Moses, "Let them make me a sanctuary"
Keep in mind that God had not forgotten his promise /
covenant with Adam and Eve (Gen.3:15) when He said to
build a Sanctuary / Tabernacle. (Exod.25:8-9, Heb.9:1-10)
He was guiding (leading) the "church in the wilderness"
(Acts.7:38) into a greater[31] understanding and accountability
concerning His presence.
(1) The Sanctuary was the Tabernacle
God wanted to "dwell among them." (Exod.25:8 - 40,
Lev.1- 27) God wanted mankind to be back in fellowship
with Him as He had with Adam and Eve in the Garden.
(Gen.1:26-28; 2:7-25; 3:8-9) However sin had passed on to all men
(Rom.5:10-12) and God's presence can have no fellowship with
sin(2Cor.6:14-18) So God "Who is rich in mercy" (Eph.2:1-8)gave
Moses the pattern of the Tabernacle / Sanctuary so they would
know how "to behave" themselves in the House / Temple of God (1Tim.3:15, Eccl.5:1-2/
Heb.8:1-5)
(2) But God's presence was still cut off from man
The pattern was that the presence God would dwell in the Most holy place, which was
divided off the Most Holy from the Holy Place by a Vail. (Exod.26:31-33) "The Holy Ghost
this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest" (Heb.9:8)
When sin entered the world, man was blocked by the Cherubims and the flaming sword.
(Gen.3:24, Rom.5:10-12) and now the Vail confirms this.
To go through (or go within) the Vail mean't certain death. (Lev.10:1-2; 16:1-2) God
required holiness, purity, without blemish, without spot, a more excellent sacrifice. This is
seen in the garments that the high priest worm. Note: How consistent / faithful God is
His patterns. (2Tim.2:13, Heb.6:16-20)
(3) Now[31] God provides A WAY to enter into His presence
BUT ONLY [36] ONE MAN [37] (Aaron the high priest) could come within the Vail. The
writer of Hebrews (inspired by the Holy Ghost2Tim.3:16-17) says, "But into the second
(The Most Holy Place[38] Lev.16:1-34) went the high priest alone once every year, not
without blood, (Note: God's consistency) which he offered for himself, and for the
errors of the people: The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of
all (i.e. The Most Holy Place) was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle
was yet standing: Which was a figure (type / shadow) [16] for the time then present,
(Old Covenant / Testament) in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could
not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Which stood
only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances imposed (Gal.3:24)
on them until the time of reformation." (i.e. until the time that Christ came)
(Heb.9:1-10; 10:1-23, Gal.3:24) [24]
The "figure" (type / shadow) of the high priest was the "schoolmaster" (Gal.3:24) to bring
us to reality that is found in Christ, "our High Priest" (Heb.2:17-18; 3:1; 4:14-16; 5:1-4; 6:20-
21; 7:1-28; 8:1-5; 9:1-28; 10:1-24)
At the appointed time (Gal.4:1-4, 1Peter.1:18-20) [39]
C. Jesus came and fulfilled the "figure"[16] of the high priest
Mary was "overshadowed" by the Holy Ghost (Luke.1:35)
and brought forth her firstborn Son." and called his name
JESUS." (Matt.1:25 Emanuel - God with us v.23) Then Jesus
increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God
and man. (Luke.2:52; 2:41-52) Then at His water baptism He
became the CHRIST (the anointed one / Messiah Matt.3:13-17,
John.1:29-41, Note.v.41) Then He began to confirm (Gal.3:16-
17, Acts.1:1 / Luke.1:1-4) the Covenant that God made with
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. After 3 1/2 years [40] He was
crucified for our sin, was buried, resurrected, and seated at
the right hand of the Father who made Him LORD. (Acts.2:29-36)
Now THE LORD JESUS CHRIST is functioning as "our High
Priest" (Heb.2:17-18; 3:1; 4:14-16; 5:1-4; 6:20; 21; 7:1-28; 8:1-5;
9:1-28; 10:1-24) fulfilling (completing) what Aaron foreshadowed /
figured. [16] The pattern did not change. ONLY ONE MAN (Lev.16:17, Heb.9:7)[37] can come into
God's presence! It is the God-man, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
This is why our only hope(Eph.2:12)has to be "in Christ"(2Cor.5:17, Eph.2:1-19)
1. What does it mean to be in Christ / Our High Priest"
"If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things
are become new." (2Cor.5:17) If we are not in Christ (the only High priest that God recognizes)
we have "no hope, and without God in the world." (Eph.2:12) God would have to deny Himself
(i.e. the pattern of the High Priest Lev.16:1-2, Heb.9:7-8) to allow us to have entrance into His
presence. (2Tim.2:13) Everything else is "another Jesus" (another high priest just "like" the real
Jesus. (2Cor.11:1-7, Isa.14:11-14, 2Thes.2:4)
a. If "any man" (Whosoever John.3:16)
This promise is to everyone. God is no respecter of persons. (Acts.10:34) He is not willing
that any should perish, (2Peter.3:9) butyou have to come His way according to the pattern.
God has not changed it, He has confirmed and fulfilled it. Jesus said, I am the way, (John.14:6
"a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, (in the true
Tabernacle Heb.8:1-5) that is to say his flesh." Heb.10:20) In this true Tabernacle there is only
"ONE [28] mediator (High Priest) between God and man [28] It is the sinless, perfect man,
virgin born, Christ Jesus: (1Tim.2:5)
b. To be in Christ / our High Priest you must be a new creature (creation)
The only way you can become a new creature / creation is for your spirit "born again"
(John.3:1-8, 1Peter.1:23) because our spirit was "dead (spiritually) in trespasses and sins"
(Eph.2:1-3) (Review: This page; II. A. 5. a - c) Jesus said, "Marvel not that I said unto thee,
You must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound
thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is
born of the Spirit. (John.3:1-8)
(1) The evidence that you are in Christ / High Priest
What do people see? (the wind bloweth) and what do they
hear from your lifestyle Note: Eph.2:8-10, Matt.5:16) [40]
John the baptist told the Pharisees and Sadducees, "bring
forth therefore fruits (evidence) meet for repentance."
(Matt.3:8) They had the "form of godliness (i.e. a corrupt
version of the Law of Moses Matt.15:6) but denying they
power thereof. (the reality of what God foreshadowed in
His Word) 2Tim.3:5
(2) The evidence that you are in Christ / High Priest
Have "old things...passed away" (i.e. dead / Crucified with Christ Gal.2:20, Rom.6:1-6
and buried with Christ) Hebrews calls this "repentance from dead works (the old
man Rom.6:1-6) and faith (Eph.2:8) towards God. (Heb.6:1-3)
(a) Crucified with Christ
(b) Buried with Christ
(3) The evidence that you are in Christ / High Priest
Are you walking in "newness of life? (Resurrection life Rom.6:1-6) This is the Baptism
in the Holy Spirit. Note: By one Spirit are we baptized into one body (the body of Christ)
(1Cor.12:12)
To Summarize:
The PRICE for first Adam (Mankind) to get back into Eden was to go through the Cheribum and
flaming sword meant certain death. NO MAN CAN DO THIS! (including the Levitical High Priest
Heb.10:4, 10-12) THE LAST ADAM placed us in Him (Gal.2:20) as He paid the PRICE (1Cor.6:19-20) of
death and burial (Rom.6:1-6) for our sin, and then He resurrected (with us in Him) in the Garden
(Eden)
This is why we need to be "born again" to be in Christ. OUTSIDE of Christ we are without God
without hope. (Eph.2:11-19)
forth seed after His
Being Born Again