We MUST Know How To Share Our Faith In Jesus. In order to do this, we MUST know About Him PERSONALLY!!!
Contents
INTRODUCTION:
How many times have you had the opportunity to share your faith in Jesus Christ or even God in your life, but you just could NOT get the right words out? After the opportunity to witness your faith was gone, you wished that you would have known MORE about Jesus so you could have been a better witness for Him. IF YOU WILL LEARN AND UNDERSTAND THE FOLLOWING STUDY, I pray and believe that you will be better able to witness your faith for Christ, and hopefully it will help others to accept Who the ETERNAL Son of Man Jesus Christ is as their PERSONAL SAVIOR, LORD GOD, and MASTER and to know Who He really is – 100% God and 100% Man. As Jesus said in John 8:24, we MUST know who He TRULY is or else we will die in our sins! I do not want anyone to die as a sinner and spend eternity in HELL!!! That has a horrible beyond description future!!!
1 Timothy 2:2-5 {God desires} For kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way. 3 For such [praying] is good and right, and [it is] pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior {Jesus Christ}, 4 Who wishes all men to be saved and [increasingly] to perceive and recognize and discern and know precisely and correctly the [divine] Truth. 5 For there [is only] one God, and [only] one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, AMP
I pray this study will help you to know God and in particularly God the Son Who is also the Son of Man Jesus Christ more intimately, completely, and above all as YOUR personal Savior, Lord God, and Master!
PART 1 – The ETERNAL ERA BEFORE CREATION REVEALING THE FOUR PERSONS OF THE GODHEAD:
The first part of this study is about the eternal ERA/age that is part of ETERNITY. PLEASE UNDERSTAND this ERA has NO BEGINNING NOR END and is from BEFORE creation – Genesis Chapter One of the Bible. Following are Scriptures that we normally use and refer to as “the beginning:”
Genesis 1:1 IN THE beginning God (prepared, formed, fashioned, and) created the heavens and the earth. [Heb 11:3.] AMP I have included:
Hebrews 11:3 By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God {Who is the WORD OF God? Jesus Christ.}, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible. {Understand and know that creation did NOT happen all at once but happened during successive ages – different periods of time and history as illustrated by Job 38.} AMP
Job 38:4-7 {God talking to Job} Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Declare to Me, if you have and know understanding. 5 Who determined the measures of the earth, if you know? Or who stretched the measuring line upon it? 6 Upon what were the foundations of it fastened, or who laid its cornerstone, 7 When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? AMP {The creation of the earth was during the successive ages of creation – Hebrews 11:3 above. This text declares the delayed creation of the earth as witnessed by the morning stars singing together, and all the sons of God [angels] shouting for joy?} More on this later in the study.
But does the Bible share with us another beginning? And please WE MUST UNDERSTAND this “beginning” does NOT have a TRUE beginning/starting time. Why? When was it? It was 1) BEFORE creation when there was 2) NO time 3) NOR history just the FOUR Persons of the eternal Godhead living in the Kingdom of God in the Third Heaven which included: 1) the eternal God the Father, 2) the eternal God the Son, 3) Who is also the eternal Son of Man Jesus Christ, and 4) the eternal God the Holy Spirit along with God’s amenities {comfort features/conveniences that I will disclose as we go along}. PLEASE REMEMBER THERE ACTUALLY IS NO BEGINNING NOR END in this ETERNAL ERA/age!!!
John 1:1-2 IN THE beginning [before all time] {during the ERA in ETERNITY} was the Word 1) {the Son of Man Jesus} (Christ), and the Word was with God {2) {the Father and 3) God the Holy Spirit}, and the Word was God {4) the Son} Himself. [Isa 9:6.] {How many Persons of the Godhead are revealed in this text? 4 } Here are some supporting Scriptures:
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a Child is born {Jesus Christ}, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace. [Isa 25:1; 40:9-11; Matt 28:18; Luke 2:11.] AMP
1 John 1:1 [WE ARE writing] about the Word of Life [in] Him {Jesus Christ} Who existed from the beginning, Whom we have heard, Whom we have seen with our [own] eyes, Whom we have gazed upon [for ourselves] and have touched with our [own] hands. AMP
2 He {God the Son Who is also the Son of Man Jesus Christ} was present originally with God {the Father and God the Holy Spirit during the ERA of ETERNITY}. AMP {AGAIN, The FOUR Persons of the Godhead revealed!}
John 1:14 And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth. [Isa 40:5.] AMP
I believe that many Christians mistakenly believe that John 1:14 is the FIRST time that Jesus was known as a man – this is NOT true!!! He is eternally God/Man and was seen as a man numerous times in the Old Testament. His human appearances are known as theophanys which are a visible manifestation to man of God. In the Old Testament, any time God is visibly seen talking to a human, it is God the Son/Son of Man Jesus Christ! PLEASE KNOW AND REMEMBER THIS!!!
Jesus Christ is 100% God AND 100% Man! Did the Jews ever claim Jesus made Himself out to be God? What action did they try to take against Him? He did not have to claim to be a man to His people because they witnessed His life that He lived among them as He grew up.
John 1:1 {paraphrased Jesus Christ as God} In the beginning was the Word and the Word was God.
John 10:30-33 I and the Father are One. 31 Again the Jews brought up stones to stone Him. 32 Jesus said to them, My Father has enabled Me to do many good deeds. [I have shown many acts of mercy in your presence.] For which of these do you mean to stone Me? 33 The Jews replied, We are not going to stone You for a good act, but for blasphemy, because You, a mere Man, make Yourself [out to be] God {Their testimony against Christ!}. AMP
John 8:56-60 {Jesus speaking to the Jews} Your forefather Abraham was extremely happy at the hope and prospect of seeing My day (My incarnation); and he did see it and was delighted. [Heb 11:13.] 57 Then the Jews said to Him, You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham? 58 Jesus replied, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I AM. [Ex 3:14.] 59 So they took up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus, by mixing with the crowd, concealed Himself and went out of the temple [enclosure]. AMP
NOW let’s look at Jesus Christ as a Man:
Hebrews 2:14 Since, therefore, [these His} children share in flesh and blood [in the physical nature of human beings], He [Himself] in a similar manner partook of the same [nature] {human}, that by [going through] death He might bring to nought {nothing} and make of no effect him who had the power of death — that is, the devil AMP
Hebrews 2:17 So it is evident that it was essential that He be made like His brethren in every respect, in order that He might become a merciful (sympathetic) and faithful High Priest in the things related to God, to make atonement and propitiation {Christ’s death paid the price} for the people’s sins. AMP
Very little is taught about this eternal ERA that is in eternity and is BEFORE the Book of Genesis and its creation. I believe this ERA was when there was just the FOUR eternal Persons of the Godhead. This ERA is when God the eternal Father did ALL of His writing in His books and ALL of His planning for creation.
Let’s give definitions to some words:
1) There is ETERNITY which has no beginning nor end:
Ecclesiastes 3:11 He {God the Son} has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity In men’s hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. AMP
1 Timothy 1:17 Now to the King of eternity, incorruptible and immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever (to the ages of ages {eternity of eternities/forever}). Amen (so be it). AMP
1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we, the living ones who remain [on the earth], shall simultaneously be caught up along with [the resurrected dead] in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so always (through the eternity of the eternities) {forever} we shall be with the Lord! AMP
2) God is ETERNAL – ALL FOUR PERSONS of the GODHEAD ARE ETERNAL – They have no beginning nor end!!!:
Isaiah 40:28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not faint or grow weary; there is no searching of His understanding. AMP
Jesus Christ as creator – John 1:3; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:2.
Psalms 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth or ever You had formed and given birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting {eternity to eternity} You are God. AMP
Genesis 21:33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the Lord, the Eternal God. AMP
3) Scripture Shares with us that the eternal God inhabits ETERNITY and the repentant sinner:
Isaiah 57:15 For thus says the high and lofty One {God} — He Who inhabits eternity, Whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place {of My eternal Kingdom in the Third Heaven}, but with him {a sorrowful sinner who} also {is a repentant person} who is of a thoroughly penitent and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the thoroughly penitent{/repentant/sorry person} [bruised with sorrow for sin] {God’s compassion towards a sinner.}. [Matt 5:3.] AMP
4) God’s Word is ETERNAL – endures forever. Where does It stand?
1 Peter 1:25 But the Word of the Lord (divine instruction, the Gospel) endures forever. And this Word is the good news which was preached to you. [Isa 40:6-9.] AMP
Isaiah 40:8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. [James 1:10, 11; 1 Peter 1:24, 25.] AMP
Psalms 119:89 Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven [stands firm as the heavens]. [Ps 89:2; Matt 24:34,35; 1 Peter 1:25.] AMP
5) The Kingdom of God which is in the Third Heaven and which also resides in the redeemed – us/those who are saved is ETERNAL:
2 Peter 1:11 Thus there will be richly and abundantly provided for you entry into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. AMP
Luke 17:21 {Jesus speaking} Nor will people say, Look! Here [it is]! or, See, [it is] there! For behold, the kingdom of God is within you [in your hearts] and among you [surrounding you]. AMP
I need to set a foundation on which to reveal this eternal ERA. There are two Scriptures that help us to get stared. One is from the Old Testament and the other is from the New Testament. They share the same truth but in quite different ways:
Psalms 139:16 {King David praying/speaking to God. How did he know these things?} Your eyes saw my unformed substance, {Your concept/plans for me and also for ALL future naturally conceived humans} and in Your book {of Life} all the days [of my life] were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them {God was writing His Plans for David and ALL naturally conceived humans during this ERA in His Book of Life for future reference in Genesis for creation.}. AMP
Let’s tear this Scripture apart to look at Its different aspects. Remember:
Malachi 3:6 {God said} For I am the Lord, I do not change; that is why you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed. AMP
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is [always] the same, yesterday, today, [yes] and forever (to the ages). AMP
1) Let me do some speculating – How did King David get his insights about God’s ministry/work with humans from BEFORE creation, time, and history began? {I believe history began instantly after time began.}
2) King David believed God had a foreknown concept and foreknowledge of him during which age? Did God have a foreknown concept and foreknowledge of you/me/us during the SAME ERA? Do you think that when God SAW David’s unformed substance, was it a visual picture or a mental image?
3) What do you know about God the Father’s BOOK of Life? Was/is your/my/ our names written in it? Did God have personal knowledge about us from BEFORE TIME BEGAN? How long ago do you think this was in time/ years ago was? Could it be “BILLIONS” of years ago? Astrophysicists quesstimate that the universe was created some 14 + or – billion years ago. They guesstimate that the earth was created some 4.5 billions of years ago. Nine and a half BILLION years after the initial creation. Remember, this ERA was BEFORE CREATION, TIME, AND HISTORY!
4) Scripture text verifying the creation of the earth at a successive age AFTER the universe was created and as witnessed by the stars and angels:
Job 38:4-7 {God speaking to Job} Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Declare to Me, if you have and know understanding. 5 Who determined the measures of the earth, if you know? Or who stretched the measuring line upon it? 6 Upon what were the foundations of it fastened, or who laid its cornerstone, 7 When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? AMP
5) Our Church loves the Scripture that states that God FIRST loved us. When did this happen? BEFORE Genesis Chapter One!
1 John 4:19 We love Him, because He first loved us. AMP
6) I believe ALL naturally conceived humans {explain my belief about AI & IVF} are written in God’s Book of Life written by God the Father in the ERA BEFORE creation, time, and history began {and this could have been “BILLIONS” and “BILLIONS” of years ago!!!}.
There is another Scripture from the New Testament that shares more information about what God’s preplanned ministry with humans was during this eternal ERA:
Ephesians 1:3-4 May blessing (praise, laudation, and eulogy) be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) Who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual (given by the Holy Spirit) blessing in the heavenly realm! 4 Even as [in His love] He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world {From BEFORE the beginning of creation in the Book of Genesis. Is this predestination – Romans 8:28-31?}, that we should be holy (consecrated and set apart for Him) and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love. AMP
Let’s tear this Scripture apart to look at Its different aspects:
1) God foreknew that man would sin, and our need for a Savior. God foreknew that not only humans would sin but also the angels. This is because of our similar intellect and spiritual natures that we were created with.
2) What age did God “bless us with EVERY spiritual blessing that was/is available to man?”
3) Read verse 4 very carefully! Who is characterized in this verse – sinful man or redeemed man?
4) What are some of redeemed man’s characteristics from verse 4?
5) I believe the names of ALL of the redeemed are written in the “Lamb’s Book of Life.”
Revelation 21:27 But nothing that defiles or profanes or is unwashed {NO unsaved person} shall ever enter it {New City of Jerusalem}, nor anyone who commits abominations (unclean, detestable, morally repugnant things) or practices falsehood, but only those whose names are recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life. AMP
Revelation 13:8 And all the inhabitants of the earth will fall down in adoration and pay him homage {the antichrist}, everyone whose name has not been recorded in the Book of Life of the Lamb that was slain [in sacrifice] from the foundation of the world.
Jesus was initially slain for the sins of the angels at the beginning of creation. Following are two “saved” angel’s/brother’s testimonies. Do they hold to the truths of this book – the Bible?
Revelation 19:10 Then I {John} fell prostrate at his feet to worship (to pay divine honors) to him {the angel}, but he [restrained me] and said, Refrain! [You must not do that!] I am [only] another servant with you and your brethren who have [accepted and hold] the testimony borne by Jesus. Worship God! For the substance (essence) of the truth revealed by Jesus is the spirit of all prophecy [the vital breath, the inspiration of all inspired preaching and interpretation of the divine will and purpose, including both mine and yours]. AMP
Revelation 22:8-9 And I, John, am he who heard and witnessed these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell prostrate before the feet of the messenger (angel) who showed them to me, to worship him. 9 But he said to me, Refrain! [You must not do that!] I am [only] a fellow servant along with yourself and with your brethren the prophets and with those who are mindful of and practice [the truths contained in] the messages of this book. Worship God! AMP
Psalms 103:20-21 Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, you His angels, you mighty ones who do His commandments, hearkening to the voice of His word. 21 Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, all you His hosts, you His ministers who do His pleasure. AMP
Hebrews 1:14 Are not the {saved/redeemed} angels all ministering spirits (servants) sent out in the service [of God for the assistance] of those who are to inherit salvation {Us the redeemed}? AMP
Let’s find out more about this eternal ERA that is in eternity and is BEFORE the Book of Genesis and its creation, time, and history. I believe this ERA was when there was just the FOUR eternal Persons of the Godhead. This ERA is when God the eternal Father did ALL of His planning for creation, and His writing these plans in His books.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome {your HOPE of eternal life and being with God after your physical death for all of eternity}. AMP
Titus 1:2 [Resting] in the hope of eternal life, [life] which the ever truthful God Who cannot deceive {lie} promised before the world or the ages of time began. AMP
The Scriptures share with us about “the books” that I believe were written by God the Father during this eternal ERA, and contained ALL of His concepts/plans for His creation. How many books are there? I do not know for sure! But I do know of three – God the Father’s Book of Life which I believe contains the name of each and every naturally conceived human being, and the Lamb’s Book of Life that I believe contains the names of every person that was ever saved/redeemed! And later a book of remembrance containing the names of those who reverenced and worshipfully feared the Lord and who thought on His name I believe that any and ALL naturally conceived babies who die prematurely whether by abortion or natural causes or BEFORE the age of accountability are “saved!”
Revelation 20:12 I [also] saw the dead, great and small; they stood before the throne {of the Judge – Jesus Christ}, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is [the Book] of Life {written by God the Father}. And the dead were judged (sentenced) by what they had done [their whole way of feeling and acting, their aims and endeavors] in accordance with what was recorded in the books. AMP
Revelation 13:8 And all the inhabitants of the earth will fall down in adoration and pay him homage, everyone whose name has not been recorded in the Book of Life of the Lamb that was slain [in sacrifice] from the foundation of the world {for the sins of the angels}. AMP
Malachi 3:16 Then those who feared the Lord talked often one to another; and the Lord listened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who reverenced and worshipfully feared the Lord and who thought on His name. AMP
Daniel 7:10 A stream of fire came forth from before Him {God the Son/Jesus Christ}; a thousand thousands ministered to Him and ten thousand times ten thousand {millions of angels} rose up and stood before Him; the Judge {Jesus Christ – John 5:22, 27; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Acts 10:42} was seated [the court was in session] and the books were opened. AMP
PART 2 – THE AMENITIES CONTAINED IN GOD’S LIVING QUARTERS IN HIS KINGDOM IN THE THIRD HEAVEN.
I believe we now need to look at the eternal amenities/facilities/conveniences that are available to God in His Kingdom in the Third Heaven – God’s abode in eternity. I believe God lives in MIGHTY SPLENDOR having ALL of the conveniences that He wants and needs to have available to Him!
This ERA contains several amenities/features of the area where God lives in the Kingdom of God in the Third Heaven which we can verify from Scripture:
1) The Kingdom of God in the Third Heaven is where God lives in eternity:
Psalms 103:19 The Lord has established His throne in the{third} heavens, and His kingdom rules over all. AMP
John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom (kingship, royal power) belongs not to this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My followers would have been fighting to keep Me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, My kingdom is not from here (this world); [it has no such origin or source]. AMP
2 Chronicles 6:21 So listen to and heed the requests of Your servant and Your people Israel which they shall make facing this place. Hear from Your dwelling place, {in the third} heaven; and when You hear forgive. {Please remember that God’s dwelling place CANNOT be in the created heavens which were created after time began – Genesis 1:1!}. AMP
2 Corinthians 12:2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago — whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows — was caught up to the third heaven. AMP
Isaiah 57:15 For thus says the high and lofty One — He Who inhabits eternity, Whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, but with him [also who is of a thoroughly penitent and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the thoroughly penitent [bruised with sorrow for sin]. {A sinner desiring redemption}[Matt 5:3.] AMP
2) I believe that Eden the Garden of God and the Garden of Eden to be TWO SEPARATE GARDENS used at different times, places, and ways in history by God. I believe Eden the Garden of God is ETERNAL and was with God in His Kingdom in the Third Heaven in the ERA BEFORE creation {Genesis Chapter One}, and the Garden of Eden was with Jesus in the beginning of creation. I believe the amenities of God’s Kingdom in the Third Heaven were created by Jesus Christ. I believe God’s Kingdom in the Third Heaven to be totally self-sufficient/furnished for God’s use and enjoyment!!!
Ezekiel 28:13 You {Lucifer} were in Eden, the garden of God…… {Satan had visited Eden the Garden of God. This is Jesus talking to Satan in the Garden of Eden AFTER the creation of the Garden in Genesis Chapters 2-3}; AMP
Genesis 2:8-9 And the Lord God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden [delight]; and there He put the man whom He had formed (framed, constituted). 9 And out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight or to be desired — good (suitable, pleasant) for food; the tree of life also in the center of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of [the difference between] good and evil and blessing and calamity. [Rev 2:7; 22:14,19.] AMP
Genesis 3:8 And they {Adam and Eve} heard the sound of the Lord God {God the Son/Jesus Christ} walking in the garden {of Eden} in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. AMP
3) To be a Garden, it must have had soil but it also needed water, light, and seeds for it to produce vegetation – edible food for Jesus to eat, oxygen for Jesus to breathe, and beautiful flowers with their fragrances for God to enjoy. God can have whatever He wants in His Garden!
4) There is a Throne in the Kingdom of God in the Third Heaven for God the Father and the Lamb to sit on with water gushing out to water the Garden and for Jesus to drink. {My question – How close is God the Father Who has a form [Exodus 33:21-23] to being in the form of a man? [Jesus said if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father – John 14:8-10.] God the Holt Spirit does NOT have a throne because He is OMNIPRESENT – able to be present anywhere and everywhere at any time.} God the Father and Jesus Christ furnishes the light for the Third Heaven and the Garden. The Garden with its soil, water, light, and seeds is able to produce vegetation to eat, oxygen to breathe, and many fragrances.
Revelation 22:1 THEN HE {the angel} showed me the river whose waters give life, sparkling like crystal, flowing out from the throne of God and of the Lamb. AMP
1 John 1:5 And this is the message [the message of promise] which we have heard from Him and now are reporting to you: God is Light, and there is no darkness in Him at all [no, not in any way]. AMP
John 8:12 Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, I am the Light of the world {cosmos/universe}. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life. AMP
5) We know from the Scriptures that Jesus ate and drank with numerous people while He was here on earth and AFTER His resurrection. We also know that there will be a “marriage supper” after Jesus’ Second Coming:
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is [always] the same, yesterday, today, [yes] and forever (to the ages). AMP
Revelation 19:7 Let us rejoice and shout for joy [exulting and triumphant]! Let us celebrate and ascribe to Him glory and honor, for the marriage of the Lamb [at last] has come, and His bride has prepared herself. [Ps 118:24.] AMP
Revelation 19:8 She {The Bride/Saints of the Church} has been permitted to dress in fine (radiant) linen, dazzling and white — for the fine linen is (signifies, represents) the righteousness (the upright, just, and godly living, deeds, and conduct, and right standing with God) of the saints (God’s holy people). AMP
PART 3 – THERE ARE ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES FOR NOT KNOWING AND ACKNOWLEDGING THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR PERSONAL SAVIOR:
It is IMPORTANT that you understand there are ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES for NOT knowing and acknowledging THE Name of Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. I believe that John 8 is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT for our salvation:
John 8:23-24 He {Jesus} said to them, You are from below {the earth}; I am from above {My Kingdom in the Third Heaven}. You are of this world (of this earthly order); I am not of this world. 24 That is why I told you that you will die in (under the curse of) your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He [Whom I claim to be — if you do not adhere to, trust in, and rely on Me], you will die in your sins. AMP {Who is “I AM” in Exodus 3:14? Previously I have talked about God’s LOVE and GRACE for man, but we must also look at His WRATH towards humans who disobey His Word/commands. This can be found in:
John 3:18 He who believes in Him [who clings to, trusts in, relies on Him {Jesus Christ}] is not judged [he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgment; for him there is no rejection, no condemnation — he incurs no damnation]; but he who does not believe (cleave to, rely on, trust in Him) is judged already [he has already been convicted and has already received his sentence] because he has not believed in and trusted in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [He is condemned for refusing to let his trust rest in Christ’s name.] AMP
Romans 8:1 THEREFORE, [there is] now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus, who live [and] walk not after the dictates of the flesh, but after the dictates of the Spirit. [John 3:18.] AMP
Exodus 3:14-15 And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.'” 15 Moreover God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.’ NKJV
Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore [because He stooped so low] God has highly exalted Him and has freely bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, 10 That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 And every tongue [frankly and openly] confess and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord {the Greek word kurios here translated Lord can also be translated God}, to the glory of God the Father. AMP
Romans 14:11-12 For it is written, As I live, says the Lord{/God Jesus Christ}, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God [acknowledge Him to His honor and to His praise]. [Isa 45:23.] 12 And so each of us shall give an account of himself [give an answer in reference to judgment] to God {the Son/Son of Man Jesus Christ|. AMP
AMEN AND AMEN
SUMMARY:
I believe the main Scripture with Its supplemental texts that we MUST completely understand is John 1:1-2. I believe It does reveal the four Persons of the Godhead! We MUST also understand that the “beginning” that is referred to is NOT “a beginning” but merely a reference indicating its ETERNAL position in the eternal ERA BEFORE creation, time, and history began:
John 1:1-2 IN THE beginning [before all time] {during the ERA of ETERNITY} was the Word 1) {the Son of Man Jesus} (Christ), and the Word was with God {2) {the Father and 3) God the Holy Spirit}, and the Word was God {4) the Son} Himself. [Isa 9:6.]
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a Child is born {Jesus Christ}, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace. [Isa 25:1; 40:9-11; Matt 28:18; Luke 2:11.] AMP
2 He {God the Son Who is also the Son of Man Jesus Christ} was present originally with God {the Father and God the Holy Spirit during the ERA of ETERNITY}. AMP
John 1:14 And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth. [Isa 40:5.] AMP
If you can share the four eternal Persons of the Godhead and the eternal ERA in which all this happened, you should be able to witness to ANY person who has an erroneous belief about Jesus Christ, because you can give a credible testimony for Him. I gave definitions to some words for this ERA. Learn what they mean and be able to use them properly!
I gave two Scriptures for my foundation for this eternal ERA. I also included Jesus’ ministry to the angels at the beginning of creation and their testimonies.
I also included God’s amenities for His eternal Kingdom in the Third Heaven during this ERA. Pray to God to help you to understand and apply for yourself this study. It has given me a MUCH stronger understanding of the ETERNAL wisdom, power and awesome LOVE of God for His creation and particularly those angels and humans that have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal and true Savior, Lord God, and Master!!!
And in conclusion, I included the CONSEQUENCES for anyone’s NOT knowing Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, Lord God, and Master.
AMEN and AMEN!