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Today we are going to be reading a great deal from the books of John and 1 John, so if your Bible is with you, you may want to put bookmarkers in those ones.
As the name of this site implies, these Bible studies and readings are for those who are thirsty in life. Anyone can read this, but it's not a debate initiative. Ideally, this is written for those who already believe in Creation, and believe in Jesus as their Saviour. But no matter who you are, you can read this, because I base this all fully on the Bible. None of it is of my own opinion, it is all from the book of books. And that book is meant for all.
The following texts are taken from a King James Version Bible, so if you have another version, that's fine. Don't be alarmed if a few words are different. Also, the asterisks are there to indicate a translation mark in my own Bible, that gives a synonym of the old English word in the verse(s). I list that word after the text.
Jesus was sent into the world by God (... and he that sent me is with me. - John 8:29) not only to give us the gift of eternal life (John 3:16; 1 John 2:25), but also to give us an example of God's character, for Jesus said, "I and my Father are one." - John 10:30.
Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [but] he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. - 1 John 2:23
Jesus said to his disciples, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for a friend. Ye are my friends, if ye do *whatsoever I command you." - John 15:13-14 *what
Jesus did lay down his life for us...
"Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself, I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father." - John 10:17-18
Here we read that God laid down his life for us, since Jesus and the Father are one:
"Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." - 1 John 3:16
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our's only, but also for the sins of the whole world. - 1 John 2:2
Do you feel as though you are walking in darkness? God can be your light.
He revealeth the deep and secret things:
He knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with Him. - Daniel 2:22
When we truly follow Jesus, we walk in light:
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. - John 8:12
For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, THE DOG IS TURNED TO HIS OWN VOMIT AGAIN; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. - 2 Peter 2:21-22
Again, when I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; if he turn from his sin, and do that which is lawful and right; If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die.
None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live. - Ezekiel 33:14-16
When the bible says 'lawful' in this context, it is usually referring to God's law - the law of love. Not a worldly law.
Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye form your evil ways, for why will ye die, O house of Israel? - Ezekiel 33:11
And why will we die, when he has given us this gift of eternal life, which he has promised us (1 John 2:25)?
Do you picture God as a strict and punishing judge? If this image were true, why would he have ever bothered to send his Son into the world, to die a death he did not deserve, to free us from the bondage of sin? Why would we be living now? Because that idea, that God is cruel, couldn't be farther from the truth, and is a lie, from the "father of lies", which is the devil (John 8:44 and 1 John 3:8).
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
In this was *manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. *revealed
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent His Son to be the *propitiation for our sins. - 1 John 4:8-10 *expiation
So why are we still here? What is God waiting for? you might wonder. Within His word there lies an answer:
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
- 2 Peter 3:9
There are many, many people in this world still who have never heard of Jesus, or who have heard of Him, but don't truly know Him. That's why he works through those who have chosen to follow Him, that everyone will know of Him, even if they don't all choose Him. Even if there are those who will reject Him.
"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me." - Revelation 3:20
Is there a yearning in your heart to read more of God's word? Then read it every opportunity you have. Read it for yourself, and do not rely on others to tell you what they believe of it. Find out on your own, by opening the scriptures of truth, and knowing that it is God's word, and that it is His voice, speaking to you.
I hope you have received a clearer picture of God's character, and magnificent, immeasurable love for all of mankind, if you didn't already have a true and clear picture.
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