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Knowing (Right) or (Wrong) isn’t good enough ~ because [knowledge] does NOT keep us from sin. “Repenting of sin” ~ is (not) enough, because it does not keep us from “repeating” those sins.
We need a “new nature” from (outside) ourselves. We must be “born of the water and the spirit --- Repentance -and- Regeneration. (John 3:1-21) John 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness [comprehended] it not. When “we” read that word (“comprehended”) in the English, we understand it to mean; “understood”. As in: “the darkness understood it not”. BUT ~ that is (NOT) what the word (used there, means). The (Greek) word used there is: “Katalambano” Pronounced: kat-al-am-ban'-o Strongs Number: G2638. It means: to take eagerly, i.e. seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively):--apprehend, attain, (over)-take. To lay hold of. To make one's own.
The “darkness” could not (lay hold of), nor (make the light its own) own nor ‘understand’ the light. This [word] used in the good sense that it was intended, means that of CHRIST by HIS “holy power and influence” was laying hold of the human mind and will, in order to prompt and govern it. to lay hold of with the mind - (to understand), perceive, learn, teach. SO ~ Is reading (the Bible only),a source of protection from sin? “NO” ! We should study the Bible because it (helps) guard us from sin. A pure lifestyle is consistent with HIS word (Psalm 119:9), and indeed treasuring the word of GOD in our hearts keeps us from disobeying HIM. YET --- without a change from our natural self, no real change occurs, (1 Corinthians 2:14). Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Acts 4:12
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
John 3:4 -5 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 of God. Here, JESUS spoke of the necessity and nature of regeneration or the new birth, and at once directed Nicodemus to the source of the holiness of the heart. Birth is the beginning of life; to be born again, is to begin to live anew, as opposed to those who have lived much (amiss), or to little purpose. We must have a new nature, new principles, new affections, new aims and new goals. By our first birth we were corrupt, shapen in sin; therefore we must be made new creatures. “Regenerate ~ Reproduced”. To be “Regenerate” is to be (Born anew); renovated in heart; changed from a natural to a spiritual state; “generated”, Begotten. “BORN” (γεννάω) - G1080, gennaō, bring forth.
John 3:3 - Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 1:13
“Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
No stronger expression could have been chosen to signify a great and most remarkable change of state and character. We must be entirely different from what we were before. We simply cannot be the same as we were (that) which was before. This new birth is from heaven, John 1:13, and its tendency is (toward) heaven. It is a great change made in the heart of a sinner, by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT. It means that something is done in us, and for us, which we cannot do for ourselves. It is not wrought by any wisdom or power of our own, but by the power [of] the blessed SPIRIT of GOD. The regenerating work of the HOLY SPIRIT is compared to ‘water’. CHRIST gave reference to the ordinance of baptism. (Not that all those), (and those only), (that are baptized), are saved; but without that “new birth” - Regeneration, which is wrought (by) the HOLY SPIRIT, and signified by baptism, none shall be subjects of the kingdom of heaven. The same word signifies both the wind and the Spirit. The wind bloweth where it “listeth” for us; GOD directs it. The HOLY SPIRIT sends HIS influences ~ where, and when, on whom, and in what measure and degree, that “HE” pleases. Though the causes are hidden, the effects are plain. HE IS THE GREAT PHYSICIAN FOR A REASON…! The soul is brought to mourn because of sin, and to breathe after CHRIST. CHRIST’S stating of the doctrine and the necessity of regeneration, (it should seem), could not have been made any clearer to Nicodemus. Thus, the things of the SPIRIT of GOD are “foolishness to the natural man”. Many think that ‘things’ which cannot be proved, are which they cannot believe, and vice-versa. This is an argument “Non-believers” try to make. They cannot ‘perceive’ GOD, (spiritual) so they cannot see GOD, (Physical). This is a quandary to them, (according to them). +Ask them to explain “consciousness” (state of being aware). Then ask them, “what is energy”? They will attempt to explain a whole host of ‘methods’ to be used to “measure” energy -- but they do NOT know WHAT energy is, exactly… ANY form of energy. (Nobody does), NOBODY. Not partical physicist's - string theorist's, NO ONE understands what "energy" is. Ask them - “Do you believe in consciousness”? Ask them - “Do you believe in energy”? Invariably, (everyone) believes in the fact that they are “aware of their surroundings” (consciousness) and, they believe in “energy”, (because they use it) and will conclude that energy does in fact exist. BUT ~ They can no more explain to you - (or to anyone) “WHAT” those 2 things REALLY are. “GOD” is BOTH of these things combined.
CHRIST’S discourse of gospel truths, verses, 11-13, shows the folly of those who make these things strange unto them; and it recommends us to search them out. JESUS CHRIST is in every way, able to reveal the will of GOD to us; for HE came down “from” heaven, and yet is “in” heaven. We have here a notice of CHRIST’S two distinct natures in one person, so that while HE [is] the Son of man, (yet) HE is in heaven. GOD is the “HE THAT IS”, and heaven is the dwelling-place of HIS holiness. (John 10:30 “I and my Father are one”) (I love that verse) ! The knowledge of this must be from above, and can be received (ONLY) by faith alone. JESUS CHRIST came to save us by healing us. CHRIST JESUS is PLAINLY SET before us in the Gospel. The children of Israel, that were stung with fiery serpents, were cured and lived by looking upon the brazen serpent, Numbers 21:6-9. In this, observe, it [is]- -the deadly and destructive nature of sin. Ask (any) awakened conscious person, ask damned sinners, and they will tell you, no matter how charming whatsoever the allurements of sin may be, in the end, it bites like a serpent. NOW See the powerful remedy against this fatal malady. CHRIST is plainly set forth (to us) (for us) in the gospel. JESUS CHRIST is the cure ! The only way mankind can or could be redeemed from the clutches of sin is through death and the shedding of blood. From the very beginning, GOD has clearly stated that the punishment for sin is death, the blood of the physical body must be shed in order to cover the sin. Leviticus 17:11
“For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.” *Hebrews 9:22 “And (almost) all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.” *I highlight this word (“almost”) only for this reason - This (‘atoning action’) is a transaction between GOD and man, sometimes called a covenant, (here) more so a testament, only takes effect upon one's death. It covers the sin, but does not make a report of (or) [account] for the sin. That is a conclusion that would be systematically ‘counted’ in accordance with “The Law” ~ i.e., GOD’S Law. So basically, that puts us (ALL) right back into the “hot-seat” ~ (PUN INTENDED) ! CHRIST died, not only to obtain the blessings of salvation (for us), but to give power to the “disposal” of them. All, by sin, were guilty before GOD and as a result, [forfeited] every thing that is good; but GOD, willing to show the greatness of HIS mercy, proclaimed a covenant of grace. Nothing could be done to clean the sinner, (not the law) - nor his religious duties. Since there was NO keeping these laws as given by GOD, as determined by GOD, as JUDGED by GOD, the sinners guilt and crime had to be done away by the death of a sacrifice. A sacrifice that held a value sufficient for that end, one that we continually depend upon. Christ's blood, so purified (us) from (our) defilement. 2 Corinthians 12:9
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly (therefore) will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” AMEN to that ! Our Last Adam ~ “YESHUA” ! -The ‘infidel’ who rejects CHRIST’S atonement has (no evidence) that his sins are pardoned; -The man who lives in the neglect of the gospel, though he has abundant evidence that he is a sinner, furnishes none that his sins are forgiven. -The “Mussulman” which is - (a follower of the religion of Islam) and the pagan, cannot point to ANY proof whatsoever that their sins are blotted out. 1 Corinthians 15:45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a [quickening] spirit.
This word quickening : “zwopoiew” (dzo-op-oy-eh'-o) Strongs Number: G2227 means: “To cause to live”~ by spiritual power to arouse and invigorate; to restore to life; to give increase of life: thus of physical life endued with new and greater powers of life. THIS is what HIS atonement does for us.... It ensures that our sins are “blotted out” It purifies us and cleanses us. It arouses and invigorates us. And ~ it keeps us from the "Second Death". Therefore if anyone accepts the sacrifice of JESUS CHRIST on his/her behalf, then they are covered by HIS blood and saved. This is a free gift of GOD, as it says in Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And (this is [not] of your own doing); it is the gift of GOD, (not a result of works), so that no one may boast.”
No other men or gods have done this for us. Nor could they. Buddha didn’t die for us. Mohammad didn’t die for us. Nor did any other god whoever you name. “NONE WERE SINLESS” they DID NOT “die for us” (because) “They” do not exist. --------->ONLY GOD ALMIGHTY, ʾĒl ʿElyōn ~ “GOD MOST HIGH”, exists.
Only JESUS CHRIST being GOD HIMSELF satisfied the requirement of a perfect, sinless person who took our place on the cross. Therefore, JESUS and JESUS (ONLY) - is the ONLY WAY to ETERNAL SALVATION and through HIM “we” now have Eternal life. Hallelujah ~ Amen ! ! ! GOD Bless !