The Bible “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 that the man of.

The Bible “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work,” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The Bible is the inspired and inerrant Word of God, a collection of 66 books (39 in the OT and 27 in the New Testament). The Bible was written by over 40 different authors, from about 1500 B.C. to about A.D. 90, on three continents, and in three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The Old Testament is a history of God’s people and deals with the origins of mankind in the book of Genesis, their deliverance from captivity in the book of Exodus, and the Law requirements. Page 1 of manual, paragraphs 1-3

The Bible The first five books of the Old Testament are known as the Pentateuch. The New Testament was written from around 40 A.D. to 90 A.D. Chapters in O.T. – 929; N.T. – 260; Verses in O.T. - 33,214; N.T. - 7,959; Total number of verses - 41,173; Words in the O.T. 593,393; Words in N.T - 181,253; Total number of words - 774,746; The shortest chapter is Psalm 117; The Longest is Psalm 119; Ezra 7:21 contains all the letters of the alphabet except “j.” Esther 8:9 is the longest verse. John 11:35 is the shortest verse. Page 1 of manual, paragraphs 4-5

The Protestant Christian Canon
The Bible The Protestant Christian Canon Old Testament New Testament Pentateuch - 5 books Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy Historical Books - 12 books Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther Poetical - 5 books Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon Prophetical - 17 books Major Prophets - Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel Minor Prophets - Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi Historical Books - 5 books Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts Pauline Epistles - 13 books Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon Non-Pauline Epistles - 9 books Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude, Revelation Note: Some authors attribute Hebrews to Paul. Page 2 of manual

The Bible George Washington: “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.” John Quincy Adams: “So great is my veneration of the Bible, that the earlier my children begin to read it the more confident will be my hope that they will prove useful citizens of their country and respectable members of society.” Andrew Jackson: “That book, sir, is the rock on which our republic rests.” Abraham Lincoln: “I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this book.” Page 4 of manual, paragraphs 4-5

The Bible - Inspiration and Inerrancy
The word "inspiration" means "God breathed.” Therefore, when we say that the Bible is inspired, we are saying that it is authored by God, that God moved through the personality and abilities of the Biblical writers in such a way that what they wrote was without error and was correct in all that they addressed. Therefore, the Scriptures are the product of both men and God. The process of inspiration was not a mechanical dictation during which the apostles heard a voice and wrote down what they heard. Nor does it mean they went into some sort of a trance and God wrote through them without their knowledge. Page 3 of manual, paragraphs 6-8

Instead, the writers were free to write what they wanted as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. In fact, the writings reflect the personalities and styles of the various writers. Yet, these personalities and styles did not degrade the quality or authority of the Biblical writing. The Christian Church, through its councils in the first few centuries, did not determine what the inspired Scriptures were. They recognized what they were. The authority to recognize scripture comes from God, not from any church authority. Christian hear the voice of Christ (John 10:27) and recognize his word. The Church did not give us the Bible. God gave us the Bible. The Church recognized God’s word. Page 3 of manual, paragraphs 9-10

Inerrancy means the Bible is without error in the original documents, and that everything it addresses is without error in fact and understanding. The Bible is not a scientific book, but what it says scientifically, is accurate: The spherical shape of the earth - (Isaiah 40:22) The earth is suspended on nothing - (Job. 26:7) The stars are innumerable - (Gen. 15:5) The existence of valleys in the seas - (2 Sam. 22:16) The existence of springs and fountains in the sea - (Gen. 7:11; Prov. 8:28) The existence of water paths (ocean currents) in the seas - (Psalm 8:8) The water cycle - (Job. 26:8; 36:27-28; 37:16; Ps. 135:7; Ecc. 1:6-7) The fact that all living things reproduce after their own kind - (Gen. 1:21; 6:19) The nature of health, sanitation, and sickness - (Gen. 17:9-14; Lev ) The concept of entropy, that energy is running down - (Psalm 102:26) Page 4 of manual, paragraph 11

The Bible - Authority "So shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it," (Isaiah 55:11). Authority basically means, "The power and right to enforce something." The Christian has the authority to be a child of God (John 1:12). Jesus has authority to judge (John 5: 26). Furthermore, in regard to the Bible, this authority is the right to declare what is true and what is not true. This means that the Bible carries the God-ordained and God-derived power of proclaiming who God is, who and what He is not, who Jesus is, what He did on the cross, and what is required of us in order to be forgiven of our sins. Page 5 of manual, paragraphs 12-13

The Bible - Authority The authority of Scripture is not derived by its relationship to the Christian Church; that is, the Church does not grant authority to the Bible. Neither is Biblical authority derived by a consensus whereby Christians agree that it has authority and then choose to submit to it. Instead, the authority of Scripture is derived by the virtue of it being authored and inspired of God, and it has authority over everyone, whether they are Christian or not. Though not everyone submits to God's Word now, they will later when the truths of God's Word are made evident on the Day of Judgment. Because the Bible comes from God, everything it says is true and authoritative, and will come to pass. Page 5 of manual, paragraphs 13-16

The Bible - Authority This means that the Bible has authority over all areas of the Christian's life. When you speak God's Word, you are speaking authoritatively - so be careful what you say unless you misrepresent God. You need to study the Word, memorize Scripture, and quote it to people when appropriate. The Word of God is powerful, and it must be used during the establishment and defense of the faith. Therefore, when speaking forth the truth of God's Word, be confident that it has the authority to accomplish what God wants it to (Isaiah 55:11). Page 6 of manual, paragraphs 17-19

Interpreting the Bible
Because we are sinners, we are incapable of interpreting God’s Word perfectly all of the time. The body, mind, will, and emotions are all affected by sin and this makes 100% interpretive accuracy impossible. However, this does not mean that accurate understanding of God’s Word is unreachable. But it does mean that we need to approach His Word with care, humility, prayer, and reason. One man regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind,” (Rom. 14:5). Page 7 of manual, paragraph 20

Interpreting the Bible
Following are generally accepted principles of Biblical interpretation. Here are some questions you should be asking yourself when studying the Bible: Who wrote/spoke the passage and to whom was it addressed? What does the passage say? Are there any words or phrases in the passage that need to be examined? What is the immediate context? What is the broader context in the chapter and book? What are the related verses to the passage’s subject and how do they affect the understanding of this passage? What is the historical and cultural background? What do I conclude about the passage? Do my conclusions agree or disagree with related areas of Scripture and with others who have studied the passage? What have I learned and what must I apply to my life? Page 7 of manual, paragraph 21

"The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God,'" (Psalm 14:1).
Views on God: Atheism "The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God,'" (Psalm 14:1). Atheism is a denial of God and atheists offer different definitions for what it is. "An atheist is someone who believes/knows there is no god." "An atheist lacks belief in a god." "An atheist exercises no faith in the concept of god at all." "An atheist is someone who is a free-thinker, free from religion and its ideas." A strong atheist believes there is no God. A weak atheist does not know if God exists or not. Page 8 of manual, paragraph 22

Views on God: Deism A deist is someone who believes that God exists, but that He is not involved in the world. He is somewhat like a watchmaker who makes a watch, winds it up, and lets it run on its own, with no further intervention. In deism, God made the universe, "wound it up," and is letting it run. He is not involved in the affairs of the universe, or of men. Page 8 of manual, paragraph 23

Views on God: Theism Theism is the position that maintains there is a God who is distinct from the world/universe, that He created the universe, and that He is involved in the world. Therefore, theism includes Christianity as well as cults such as Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Islam. Page 9 of manual, paragraph 24

Views on God: Polytheism
Polytheism is the view that there are many gods in existence. Groups that hold to this view are Mormonism, Hinduism, and Wicca. Page 9 of manual, paragraph 25

Views on God: Monotheism
Monotheism is the view that there is only one God in all existence. Groups that hold to this view are Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Page 9 of manual, paragraph 26

God – knowability of "What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we beheld and our hands handled, concerning the Word of Life— 2 and the life was manifested, and we have seen and bear witness and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us," (1 John 1:1-2). General Revelation is where God has made himself known through creation. "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse,” (Rom. 1:18). Pages 9-10 of manual, paragraph 27

God – knowability of The Bible tells us that even those without the Bible can know a little about God. They can learn that God is powerful, wise, and vast, by looking at creation. But, this does not mean they can figure out that God is a Trinity, or that Jesus is God in flesh, or that they need an atonement to escape God's judgment. Time Space Matter Page 10 of manual, paragraph 28

God – Special Revelation
Special revelation is another term for the Bible. It is called “special” because it is God’s direct written communication to us. The Scriptures clearly teach us that God is the Almighty (Job 11:7), who is incomprehensible (Psalm 145:3), infinite (Psalm 147:5), and wholly "other." Yet, the Bible also tells us that God is knowable (John 17:3; Gal. 4:8-9). This means that though we cannot know Him exhaustively, we can know Him at a level we can comprehend, even if it is limited to our finite abilities. Page 11 of manual, paragraphs 29-30

We can know that God is love (1 John 4:8). We can know that God loves us (John 3:16). We can know that God is spirit (John 4:24). We can know that God is holy (1 Peter 1:16). We can know that God cannot lie (Titus 1:2). We can know that God knows all things (1 John 3:20). We can know that God is moral since he gave us the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20). T A K E N O T E Page 11 of manual, paragraph 30

The Bible is the Special Revelation of God to us so that we might know his will more accurately. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me,’” (John 14:6). It is special revelation that informs us of the person of Jesus, God’s communication to us in human form by which he died on the cross and rose from the dead. Page 11 of manual, paragraph 31

Immutability of God God is immutable. This means that God is unchangeable. He is always the same. He does not grow in wisdom, knowledge, scope, or power. He is eternally the same, eternally perfect. “For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed," (Mal. 3:6). "Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow," (James 1:17). "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever," (Heb. 13:8). Page 12 of manual, paragraph 32

Immutability of God God does not change in his nature. He is always God (Psalm 90:2). Because God does not change, and because He knows all things from all eternity, you can rest in the knowledge that His plans for you are perfect. From all eternity His knowledge has been perfect, and when He created the universe and put you in it, He did so with a plan and a purpose. He is not surprised by your choices, nor is He going to give up on you because of your sin. He has loved you forever, in an unchanging and perfect way. Page 12 of manual, paragraph 33

God cannot improve or diminish in moral quality and purity.
God – Holiness Holiness in character is the possession of God alone. It is the unchanging purity and perfection of His wondrous character. His character is perfect in morality, essence, and purity. God cannot sin. God alone is worthy of worship, honor, and glory. He cannot be anything other than pure and perfect in all His ways. God cannot improve or diminish in moral quality and purity. Page 12 of manual, paragraphs 34-37

God – Nature of When we speak of the nature of something, we're speaking of its essence. So, when we are speaking of the nature of God, we are speaking about what God is in his innermost being. Unfortunately, when speaking about God and his nature, we must use anthropomorphic terms. In other words, we must use human terms to describe God. Page 13 of manual, paragraphs 38-39

God – Nature of Nature God Does Not Change - Num. 23:19; Mal. 3:6; James 1:17 God is Without Limit - 1 Kings 8:27; Jer. 23:23-24 God is Eternal - Psalm 90:2; 1 Tim. 1:17 God is One - Deut. 6:4; 1 Cor. 8:4 God is Trinitarian - Matt. 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14 God is Invisible - 1 Tim. 1:17 God is Truth - Psalm 117:2; Jer. 10:10 God is Light - 1 John 1:5 God is Infinite - Jer. 23:24; Psalm 147:5 God is Perfect - 1 Kings 8:27; Psalm 139 Page 13 of manual, paragraph 39

God – Nature of Attributes God is Love - 1 John 4:8,16
God is Merciful - Exodus 34:6; Psalm 67:1; James 5:11 God is Forgiving - Dan. 9:9; Eph. 1:7; Psalm 86:5 God is All-Knowing - 1 John 3:20 God is Everywhere - Psalm 139:7-12 God is All-Powerful - Jer. 32:17,27 God is Incomprehensible - Rom. 11:33; Psalm 145:3 God is Most Wise - Rom. 16:27; Jude 25 God is Most Holy - Isaiah 6:3; Rev. 4:8 God is Most Free - Psalm 115:3 God is Most Absolute - Isaiah 44:6; Acts 17:24-25 God is The Creator - Isaiah 40:12,22,26 Page 13 of manual, paragraph 39

Omniscience "...for God is greater than our heart, and knows all things,” (1 John 3:20). Omniscience is that quality of knowing all things. There is nothing that God does not know whether it be actual or potential. This means that God knows everything that does exist as well as could exist. Page 14 of manual, paragraph 40

Omnipresence is that quality of being everywhere.
God's presence is in the entire universe, in all places, in all time, in all dimensions. "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, you are there. 9 If I take the wings of the dawn, if I dwell in the remotest part of the sea, 10 even there your hand will lead me and your right hand will lay hold of me. 11 If I say, 'Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, and the light around me will be night,' 12 Even the darkness is not dark to you, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to you," (Psalm 139:7-12). Page 14 of manual, paragraphs 41-42

God is everywhere in the universe God can do anything he desires.
Omnipotence “Ah Lord God! Behold, you made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You...27 Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for me?” (Jer. 32:17, 27 ). God is able, because of his infinite power, to accomplish anything he desires. God will not desire to do anything contrary to his nature nor can God accomplish the logically impossible such as make a round square, or not be what he is. Therefore, God is all-powerful, and can do whatever he desires to do. Notice the trinity of omni’s: Knows all, is everywhere, is all powerful. God cannot not know something God is everywhere in the universe God can do anything he desires. Page 15 of manual, paragraphs 43-44

God – Trinity The word "trinity" is a term used to denote the Christian doctrine that God exists as a unity of three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father is not the same person as the Son who is not the same person as the Holy Spirit. Yet, there are not three gods, but only one. If you remember an earlier lesson about God being revealed in nature, we can find an analogy to use to describe the Trinity. Time Space Matter Page 16 of manual, paragraphs 45-47

God – Trinity, continued
Let’s take a look at time. Time consists of three “parts”: past, present, and future. Each part shares the same nature of being time. Yet, the past is not the same as the present which is not the same as the future. However, there are not three times, but one thing we call time that encompasses three parts: past, present, and future. Likewise the Trinity is one God with three "parts", the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each shares the same essence of being divine, yet there are not three gods, but one. "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all,” (2 Cor. 13:14). Page 16 of manual, paragraphs 48-49

So when developing the doctrine of the Trinity, we first understand that the Bible teaches there is only one God in all existence. I am the LORD, and there is no other; besides me there is no God," (Isaiah 45:5). “Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel And his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides me,'" (Isaiah 44:6). "I am the Lord, and there is no other; besides me there is no God," (Isaiah 55:5). Page 17 of manual, paragraph 50

Once we see there is only one God, we then see what the Scripture says about the Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. FATHER SON HOLY SPIRIT Called God Phil. 1:2 John 1:1,14 Acts 5:3-4 Speaks Matt. 3:17 Luke 5:20 Acts 8:29 A Will Luke 22:42 1 Cor. 12:11 Love John 3:16 Eph. 5:25 Rom. 15:30 Everywhere 1 Kings 8:27 Matt. 28:20 Psalm 139:7-10 All knowing 1 John 3:20 John 16:30 1 Cor. 2:10-11 Creator Isaiah 64:8 Col. 1:15-17 Job 33:4,26:13 Page 17 of manual, paragraph 51

Theologians have designated the encompassing of these attributes in the term "person". As you can see, each of the persons is called God, speaks, as a will, loves, is everywhere, is all-knowing, etc. In the context of the Trinity, the word person does not designate a being the way we would speak of a person who might speak to on the street. Theologians use the term to designate the three "parts" each of which is self-aware, aware of others, his divine, speaks, etc. Therefore, the Trinity is arrived at by using Scripture and logic. If there is only one God, and the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are each called God, then we have one God in three persons. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit," (Matt. 28:19). Page 18 of manual, paragraphs 52-54

Jesus "You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of me," (John 5:39). Jesus is who the Bible is about. He is the most important figure in human history. Jesus claimed to be God in flesh. He said, “Before Abraham was, I am,” (John 8:58). He was referencing Exodus 3:14 when Moses asked God what was his name and God answered, “I am that I am am.” Jesus is called the exact representation of God (Heb. 1:3). And when he was called God by Thomas (John 20:28), Jesus did not deny it. Page 19 of manual, paragraphs 55-56

Jesus is the Creator of all things (John 1:1-3; Col. 1:15-17)
Jesus is the Rock (1 Cor. 10:4) Jesus is the King (Matt. 2:1-6; Luke 23:3) Jesus is the Light of the world (Rom. 9:5) Jesus is the Savior (John 4:42; 1 John 4:14) Page 19 of manual, paragraph 56

Jesus It is Jesus who died for us (1 Thess. 5:10), and rose again in the same body he died in (John 2:19-21; 1 Thess. 4:14). It is Jesus who reveals grace and truth (John 1:17; John 6:45), who reveals the Father (Matt. 11:27; Luke 10:22), who cleanses us from our sins (1 John 1:9), is worshipped, (Matt. 2:2,11; 14:33; John 9:35-38; Heb. 1:6), gives eternal life (John 10:28; 5:40), and who alone is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). Page 19 of manual, paragraph 57

The Hypostatic Union The hypostatic Union is the theological term used to describe the two natures of Jesus existing in one person. So, in the one person of Jesus there are two distinct natures: God and Man. Because Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, he was made under the law. This was so he might fulfill the law of God perfectly. After all, only God could live his law perfectly and not sin. GOD MAN He is worshiped (Matt. 2:2,11; 14:33). He worshiped the Father (John 17). He was called God (John 20:28; Heb. 1:8) He was called man (Mark 15:39; John 19:5). He was called Son of God (Mark 1:1) He was called Son of Man (John 9:35-37) He is prayed to (Acts 7:59). He prayed to the Father (John 17). He gives eternal life (John 10:28). He died (Rom. 5:8). All the fullness of deity dwells in Him (Col. 2:9). He has a body of flesh and bones (Luke 24:39). Page 20 of manual, paragraphs 58-59

The Hypostatic Union "But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, (Gal. 4:4). Because Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, he was made under the law. This was so he might fulfill the law of God perfectly. After all, only God could live his law perfectly and not sin. 1 Pet. 2:22 when referring to Jesus says, “…who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in his mouth.” Page 20 of manual, paragraph 59

Purpose of the incarnation
The purpose of the Incarnation is multifaceted. Of course, its primary purpose was to provide an atoning sacrifice, by which we might be saved from the righteous judgment of God. Without the shed blood of Christ, there is no hope for anyone to be forgiven of his or her sins (Heb. 9:22). This is perhaps the greatest purpose of the incarnation. But forgiveness of sins isn’t the only reason Jesus became a man. reasons. Page 21 of manual, paragraphs 60-61

Purpose of the incarnation
. . . explain the Father (John 1:18) . . . render the devil powerless (Heb. 2:14) . . . serve (Matt. 20:28) . . . preach the Kingdom of God (Luke 4:43) . . . bring division (Luke 12:51) . . . do the will of the Father (John 6:38) . . . give the Father's words (John 17:8) . . . testify to the truth (John 18:37) . . . destroy Satan's power (Heb. 2:14) . . . fulfill the Law and the Prophets (Matt. 5:17) . . . give life (John 10:10,28) . . . taste death for everyone (Heb. 2:9) . . . proclaim freedom for believers (Luke 4:18). Page 21 of manual, paragraphs 60-61

Jesus – as mediator "For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,” (1 Tim. 2:5). A mediator is a go-between, someone who intervenes on behalf of two parties. A Jesus is our mediator by virtue of his being God in flesh and fulfilling the law perfectly. This means that our prayers to God can be heard through the mediation of Christ. Jesus is the mediator of a new covenant. "And for this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, in order that since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance,” (Heb. 9:15). Page 22 of manual, paragraph 62

Jesus – as mediator In the New Covenant, Jesus has provided a new arrangement between God and people in which the Law of God is written on our hearts instead of tablets of stone, (Jeremiah 31:31-33). “Mr. Daniel Webster, can you comprehend how Christ could be both God, and man? Mr. Webster promptly replied, “No, sir, I cannot comprehend it. If I could comprehend Him, He would be no greater than me. I feel that I need a super-human Savior.” Page 22 of manual, paragraph 63

Jesus’ death The death of Jesus Christ is the single most important event in the history of the entire universe. The reason the crucifixion is so important is because of who was crucified -- not because of the objects for whom the crucifixion was intended. The value of the Cross is found in the One who was crucified there, not for whom He died. The death of Jesus is the death of the Man Who is the Word made flesh (John 1:14). The death of Christ is the event wherein God allowed Himself to succumb to the sinfulness of man, that He might redeem man. The death of Christ is the event in which God became weak, so that we might become strong. The death of Christ is the event in which God suffered, so that we will not. Because it is God who died on the Cross, His death is of infinite value. Because His death is of infinite value, it is sufficient to cleanse us all of our sins (1 John 1:7). Page 23 of manual, paragraphs 64-65

Jesus’ death Furthermore, the death of Christ was a condemnation of the idea that we can earn our place with God. Our righteous deeds are filthy rags before God (Isa. 64:6) and because we are affected by sin in all that we are, we are unable to keep the Law perfectly. For this reason, righteousness does not come by the Law. If it did, then Jesus died needlessly: "I do not nullify the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly," (Gal. 2:21). Since He did need to die, then we cannot be made right before God by what we do, and we must rely on what God does. “When Jesus became sin for us, our sins were laid upon Him as He bore them in His body on the Cross (1 Pet. 2:24). When He died, those sins died with Him.” Page 23 of manual, paragraph 66

What Did Jesus' Death on the Cross Accomplish?
The death of Jesus on the Cross is what cleanses us from our sins. Our sins were imputed to Christ which means they were reckoned to his account. That is, they became His, and thus He became sin: "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him," (Gal. 5:21). When Jesus became sin for us, our sins were laid upon Him as He bore them in His body on the Cross (1 Pet. 2:24). When He died, those sins died with Him. Since the Bible tells us that sins are cleansed by blood (Heb. 9:22), the shed blood of Jesus cleanses us of all sins: "but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin," (1 John 1:7). Page 24 of manual, paragraph 67

What Did Jesus' Death on the Cross Accomplish?
Therefore, the death of Jesus on the Cross removed our sin, made us right before God, saved us from the wrath of God, and guaranteed that we will forever be with the Lord. I counted dollars while God counted crosses. I counted gains while He counted losses! I counted my worth by the things gained in store. But He sized me up by the scars that I bore. I coveted honors and sought for degrees; He wept as He counted the hours on my knees. And I never knew ’til one day at a grave, How vain are these things that we spend life to save! Page 24 of manual, paragraph 67

Jesus’ Resurrection The resurrection of Jesus is an essential doctrine in Christianity. If Jesus is not raised from the dead, then we are dead in our sins. 1 Cor. 15:14 says, "and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain." Without the resurrection, we have no hope of being delivered from the jaws of eternal death. His resurrection was proof that his sacrifice was acceptable to God the Father. Jesus rose from the dead, physically. We know this, because He prophesied He would rise physically. "Jesus answered and said to them, 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.' 20The Jews therefore said, 'It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?' 21But He was speaking of the temple of His body," (John 2:19-21). ! Page 25 of manual, paragraphs 68-69

Jesus’ Resurrection But, to make the point extra strong, let's look at other verses that show His physical resurrection: "See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have," (Luke 24:39). "When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you." 20And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples therefore rejoiced when they saw the Lord," (John 20:19-20). Page 25 of manual, paragraph 69

Jesus’ Resurrection Jesus retained his crucifixion wounds. “He said to Thomas, “Reach here your finger, and see my hands; and reach here your hand, and put it into my side; and be not unbelieving, but believing,” (John 20:27). This is proof that He conquered death. Therefore, you can rest assured that you too will be raised from the dead. After all, Jesus is the firstborn of the dead, and you will follow Him, in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised, you will also be raised, and death will have no dominion over you. Page 26 of manual, paragraph 71

Jesus’ Resurrection Jesus rose in a glorified body. It was the same body he died in, but it was glorified – just like the bodies we will have in the future resurrection. “So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body…” (1 Cor. 15:42-44). Page 26 of manual, paragraph 72

Jesus is still a man Jesus rose from the dead in the same body in which He died, but is Jesus a man, right now? The answer is yes, Jesus is a man, right now. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that Jesus stopped being a man. If anything, the New Testament speaks to the contrary: "For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form," (Col. 2:9). "For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus," (1 Tim. 2:5). Since He is a man, He perpetually acts as our Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5) and High Priest (Heb. 6:20; 7:25) to the Father, eternally guaranteeing our presence with Him in a state of grace, forgiveness, and fellowship. Page 26 of manual, paragraphs 73-74

Jesus is still a man When that great Christian and scientist, Sir Michael Faraday, was dying, some journalists questioned him as to his speculations for a life after death. “Speculations!” said he, “I know nothing about speculations. I’m resting on certainties. “I know that my redeemer liveth,” and because He lives, I shall live also.” Page 26 of manual, paragraphs 73-74

Jesus’ Three offices: Prophet
"I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him," (Deut. 18:18). As a Prophet, Jesus brought the words of God to us. He not only carried out the Father's will, but He revealed the will and word of God to us, in His own flesh (John 1:14). Page 27 of manual, paragraph 75

Jesus’ Three offices: Prophet
In the Old Testament, prophets gave the word of God, and often performed miracles to validate their office. The same can be said of Jesus. He gave us the words of God, through Himself, and performed many miracles, by which His words were verified as being authoritative. As a prophet would reveal God, so too did Jesus reveal the Father (Matt. 11:27), because Jesus is the exact representation of Him (Heb. 1:3). Therefore, when we see Jesus, we are seeing the Father (John 14:9), not because Jesus is the Father, but because Jesus so perfectly represents Him. Page 27 of manual, paragraph 76

Jesus’ Three offices: Priest
“Where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek," (Heb. 6:20). In the Old Testament the priest mediated the sacrifices, whereby the people of Israel could be cleansed of their sins. Jesus is the Priest after the order of Melchizedek, and he offered up Himself as the sacrifice. “ Jesus ...does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself," (Heb. 7:27). "Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them," (Heb. 7:25). Page 28 of manual, paragraph 77

Jesus’ Three offices: Priest
We have a Priest who intercedes for us, forever. This means we always have an advocate before the Father, and will always be delivered from the righteous wrath of God. We will always dwell with God. Page 28 of manual, paragraph 78

Jesus’ Three offices: King
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey," (Zech. 9:9). "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him,” (Matthew 2:2). A king rules over his people. Jesus, as King, has defeated the devil, who is our greatest enemy. He has also defeated death, and has delivered us from its dominion. Though death can still claim us, it cannot be victorious over us. Jesus has defeated death by His resurrection and is our King now. Remember, Jesus said His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). Page 29 of manual, paragraph 79

Jesus’ Three offices: King
His kingdom is presently the Christian Church over which He rules. Later, at His return, the heavens will reveal His greatness, and all creation will be subjected to Him. He is the King, and He will claim His rightful and total rule over all things. Socrates taught for 40 years, Plato for 50, Aristotle for 40, and Jesus for only 3. Yet the influence of Christ’s 3-year ministry infinitely transcends the impact left by the combined 130 years of teaching from these men who were among the greatest philosophers of all antiquity. Jesus painted no pictures; yet, some of the finest paintings of Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci received their inspiration from Him. Jesus wrote no poetry; but Dante, Milton, and scores of the world’s greatest poets were inspired by Him. Jesus composed no music; still Haydn, Handel, Beethoven, Bach, and Mendelssohn reached their highest perfection of melody in the hymns, symphonies, and oratories they composed in His praise. Every sphere of human greatness has been enriched by this humble Carpenter of Nazareth. Page 29 of manual, paragraph 80

Resist (Unbelief) Acts 7:51
The Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit is the third Person in the Trinity. He is fully God. He is eternal, omniscient, omnipresent, has a will, and can speak. He is alive. He is a Person, in the same way the Father and the Son are Persons. He is not a mere force, or inanimate presence. His Names His Attributes Sins Against God Acts 5:3-4 Eternal Heb. 9:14 Blasphemy Matt. 12:31 Lord 2 Cor. 3:18 Omnipotent Luke 1:35 Resist (Unbelief) Acts 7:51 Spirit of God 1 Cor. 3:16 Will 1 Cor. 12:11 Lied to Acts 5:3 Spirit of Truth John 15:26 Loves Rom. 15:30 Grieved Eph. 4:30 Eternal Spirit Heb. 9:14 Speaks Acts 8:29; 13:2 Quench 1 Thess. 5:19 Page 30 of manual, paragraph 81

The Holy Spirit, works of
The Holy Spirit is not some idle presence of God uninvolved in the creation, or mankind. The Holy Spirit is very active in the lives of believers. We need the Holy Spirit to guide us, inform us, to convict us of our sin, and to strengthen us in our Christian walk. Access to God – Eph. 2:18 Empowers - 1 Thess. 1:5 Anoints for Service - Luke 4:18 Fills - Acts 2:4; 4:29-31; 5:18-20 Assures - Rom. 8:15-16; Gal. 4:6 Gives Gifts - 1 Cor. 12:8-11 Baptizes - John 1:32-34; 1 Cor. 12:13-14 Guides in Truth - John 16:13 Helps our Weakness - Rom. 8:26 Believers Born of - John 3:3-6 Indwells Believers - Rom. 8:9-14; Gal. 4:6 Cleanses - 2 Thess. 3:13; 1 Pet. 1:2 Convicts of Sin - John 16:9,14 Inspires Prayer - Eph. 6:18; Jude 20 Creates - Gen. 1:2; Job 33:4 Page 31 of manual, paragraph 82

The Holy Spirit, works of
…continued Intercedes - Rom. 8:26 Seals - Eph. 1:13-14; 4:30 Leads - Rom. 8:14 Strengthens - Eph. 3:16; Acts 1:8; 2:4 Molds Character - Gal. 5:22-23 Teaches - John 14:26 Produces Fruit - Gal. 5:22-23 Testifies of Jesus - John 15:26 Empowers Believers - Luke 24:49 Victory over flesh - Rom. 8:2-4; Gal. 4:6 Raises from the Dead - Rom. 8:11 Regenerates - Titus 3:5 Sanctifies - Rom. 15:16 Page 31 of manual, paragraph 82

Man – image of God Man is the only creature that is made in the image of God. Adam had the breath of life breathed into him, whereas the animals did not (Gen. 2:7). This means that man is like God in various ways. God can reason, as can we. God can love, hate, show kindness, be merciful, etc., and so can we. The animals do not write poetry, contemplate the meaning of life, participate in political activities, develop orphanages, build hospitals, ponder the vastness of the universe, make moral choices, or attend schools. Page 32 of manual, paragraphs 83-85

Man – image of God God is concerned with man. Man is the object of God's creative and redemptive work. God loves us (John 3:16), provides for us (Matt. 5:43-47), and has provided redemption for us through His Son (John 3:16). The image of God in man is the overall reflection of God's abilities and reason, emotion, morality, etc. In this, we reflect God; we are made in the image and likeness of God. Therefore, this means that all people all over the world are also made in the image of God, and because they are, they are automatically worthy of respect and proper treatment, regardless of religion, color, sex, status, or age. Page 32 of manual, paragraphs 86-87

Immortality of the soul
"We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord,” (2 Cor. 5:8). When a person dies, does he or she cease to exist upon death, only to be resurrected at a later time, or does the soul continue after death, separate from the physical body? The Scripture above tells us that when we die we go to be with the Lord. But, some say that we don’t go to be with him until after we are made alive again. Let’s take a look at a well-known story in the Bible that will clarify the issue. Page 33 of manual, paragraph 88

“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores…22The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire,” (Luke 16:19-20, 22-24). Page 33 of manual, paragraph 88

Jesus tells us in the story (not a parable since it has a named person) about two people who both died and were conscious after death. "But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; 24 yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake," (Phil. 1:23-24). Of course, the implication here is that for Paul to leave his body (to die), is to go and be with Jesus. If the soul does not exist after death, then this would not make sense. So, it should be quite clear from Scripture that the soul continues after death. Page 33 of manual, paragraphs 88-89

The Fall The Fall is that event in which Adam and Eve, the first humans, freely chose to rebel against God, and thereby sinned. Because of their sin, Adam and Eve fell away from their original righteousness and communion with God. The instigator of the Fall was Satan, in the form of the Serpent, who deceived Eve, and encouraged her to eat the fruit that God had forbidden. In Gen. 2:16-17, God said, "From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; 17 but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you shall surely die.” The serpent contradicted God's Word, and so deceived Eve: Page 35 of manual, paragraphs 91-92

The Fall "Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; 3 but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, lest you die.’” 4 And the serpent said to the woman, “You surely shall not die!" (Gen. 3:1-4). Page 35 of manual, paragraph 92

The Fall Satan contradicted God's Word, and Eve believed what Satan said. She then ate of the fruit and sinned. Adam followed in Eve's footsteps, freely choosing to rebel against God, and ate the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, from which God had commanded them not to eat. One of the consequences of The Fall was that Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden. They were cast out of the presence of God, and were then destined to experience physical death. In addition, their natures were corrupted, and they became sinful in heart. In other words, sin then affected all of what they were in body, soul, mind, emotions, etc. Page of manual, paragraphs 93-94

The Fall, continued “What hath God wrought?” - First long-distance message by Morse telegraph. “Mr. Watson, come here, I want you.” - First intelligible words sent by telephone. “The Italian navigator has landed, and the natives are friendly.” - First message to the world that atomic energy was born. “That’s one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind.” - First words from Astronaut Neil Armstrong, as he stepped onto the moon’s surface. “Where art thou?” - First words spoken by God to Adam and Eve, after they had sinned (Genesis 3:9). Page 36 of manual

The Fall, man’s fallen nature
When God first made Adam and Eve, they were pure and sinless. But, what happened to Adam and Eve when they sinned? How were they affected? Because Adam and Eve rebelled against God, they became sinners. Their natures were affected by their sinfulness. They were subject to death, and they were cast out of the presence of the Lord. Furthermore, as a result of their sin, we who are their offspring inherited their sinful natures. That is, we are born with fallen natures; the same fallen natures possessed by Adam and Eve. We call this, "Original Sin." Page 37 of manual, paragraphs 95-96

The Fall, man’s fallen nature,
We are, by nature, worthy of damnation (Eph. 2:3), because we are dead in our trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1). This does not mean that we are as sinful as we can be. It means that we are all touched by sin in all our being; body, soul, mind, emotions, etc. Furthermore, we do not become sinners by sinning. We sin because it is our nature to sin - you don't have to teach a child to be selfish. there is nothing in us that merits or enables salvation. We are, therefore, born into a state of condemnation. "...and [we] were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest," (Eph. 2:3). Page 37 of manual, paragraphs 97-98

As a result of our sinful condition the Bible says that the unbeliever is unable to understand God, seek God, or do any good thing. This is why we need the work of the Holy Spirit to convict sinners of their sins, and bring them to Christ. People cannot come to Christ on their own without the work of the Holy Spirit. Page 37 of manual, paragraph 99

God saved us not because of our ability or because of a good quality in us. He saved us because of his goodness and love. "...both Jews and Greeks are all under sin as it is written, 'There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God; all have turned aside, together they have become useless; there is none who does good, there is not even one,'" (Rom. 3:9-12). "And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil," (John 3:19). "But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised," (1 Cor. 2:14). Page 37 of manual, paragraph 99

A flippant youth asked a preacher, “You say that unsaved people carry a weight of sin. I feel nothing. How heavy is sin? Is it ten pounds? Eighty pounds?” The preacher replied by asking the youth, “If you laid a four-hundred-pound weight on a corpse, would it feel the load?” The youth replied, “It would feel nothing, because it is dead.” The preacher concluded, “That spirit, too, is indeed dead which feels no load of sin, or is indifferent to its burden, and flippant about its presence.” The youth was silenced! Page 37 of manual, paragraph 99

The Law The Law is the set of commands that God has given that his people are to follow. The Old Testament Law, which consisted of a total of 613 commandments, is broken down into three main categories: The moral law is a reflection of God's character. The judicial law is that part of the Old Testament Law dealing with government, punishments, etc. The ceremonial law deals with the Old Testament sacrifices offered by the priests. 1 2 3 Page 37 of manual, paragraphs

The Law The moral law is based on God’s character and can never be done away with. The judicial law dealt with Israel’s governmental and legal system and is no longer in effect since we do not live under a theocratic governmental system. The ceremonial law was fulfilled in Christ when he went to the cross so we have no further need of the priestly ceremonies. The moral law is a reflection of God's holy character. Jesus said in Matt. 12:34, "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." God spoke the law out of his heart. Page 39 of manual, paragraphs

The Law reveals our sinfulness, (Rom. 3:20).
The Law, what it does The Old Testament Law was given so that we might recognize that the moral standard of God is perfection and that we are not able to keep that Standard. The Law reveals our sinfulness, (Rom. 3:20). The Law is for those who are not under grace, (Rom. 3:19). The Law justifies no one, (Rom. 3:20). We are made righteous in God’s eyes by grace apart from the Law of God, (Rom. 3:28). The Law brings judgment, (Rom. 4:15). The Law prepares us for the gospel, (Rom. 3:20; Gal. 3:24). Page 40 of manual, paragraph 104

The Law, what it does A leader in a congregation came to the preacher on one occasion and urged him to cease using the word “sin”. He said, “Call it something else, as 'inhibition,' or, 'error,' or 'a mistake,' or even 'a twist in our nature.'” “I understand what you mean,” the preacher remarked, and going to his desk brought out a vial of poison. You will see that the red label here reads, 'Poison.' Would you suggest that I change the label, and paste one on that says, 'Wintergreen?' The more harmless the name, the more dangerous the dose will be.” Page 41 of manual

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Rom. 3:23).
The Law, what is sin? “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” (Rom. 3:23). Sin is the transgression, the breaking of the Law of God. “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness,” (1 John 3:4). To sin is to offend the character of God. If God did not punish the sinner, he would be approving of the sin. But God is holy and cannot abide in sin or approve of it. To sin is to rebel against God’s word, to offend his character, to challenge his goodness, to ignore his authority, to defy him, and to incur an infinite punishment. Page 41 of manual, paragraphs

The Law, what is sin? But we must ask a question: Why should even a small sin offend so great a God? It is not the offense that as important as whom the offense is against. Page 41 of manual, paragraph 107

The Law, what is sin? If someone were to slap a neighbor, the neighbor would be offended and perhaps angry. If the same person were to slap a king or a president, the person would face a more severe punishment. The offense is greater because of who it is against. Since God is holy and infinite, to sin against him results in an infinite punishment. Page 42 of manual, paragraph 108

The Origin of Sin Sin began with Satan who rebelled against God in the spiritual realm when he wanted to be like God (Isaiah 14:12-15). In Satan's rebellion, he deceived Eve and moved in the Garden of Eden to bring both Adam and Eve into a state of broken fellowship with God. Though Satan deceived Eve, and Eve sinned first, sin did not enter the world through Eve, but through Adam. "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned," (Rom. 5:12). This is because Adam represented mankind, not Eve. Therefore, the origin of sin in the world is through the fall of Adam who represented mankind. "For as in Adam all die..." (1 Cor. 15:22). Page 42 of manual, paragraph 109

What is Damnation? Damnation is the righteous judgment of God upon the sinner for breaking his commandments. This damnation is eternal separation from God. “But your sins have made a separation between you and your God,” (Isaiah 59:2). Pages 42 of manual, paragraph 110

Damnation is eternal Since God is eternal and offenses against him take on an eternal nature, the punishment is also eternal. But, of course, the eternal person of The Word who became flesh as Jesus paid an eternal debt and purchased redemption for those who put their trust in him. There will be a Day of Judgment when all people will face God. Those who are not covered by the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross will be cast out into hell where they will undergo eternal punishment. "And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life," (Matt. 25:46). Pages 43 of manual, paragraphs

Eternal - without end Eternal Damnation
Damnation is eternal Eternal - without end Eternal Damnation "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen,“ (1 Tim. 1:17). ". . . To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever," (Rev. 5:13). "And a second time they said, "Hallelujah! Her smoke rises up forever and ever," (Rev. 19:3). "And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever," (Rev. 20:10). Page 43 of manual, paragraphs 112

Salvation A law without a punishment is not a law, it is a slogan. Breaking God’s laws results in a punishment. The Bible says that the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). Therefore, the sinner must die. This death is both physical (our bodies die) and spiritual (eternal damnation and separation from God). The term, "salvation," is used in different ways throughout the Bible. It can mean to be saved from an adversary (Exodus 14:13), violence (2 Sam. 22:3), and troubles (Psalm 34:6), etc. Page 44 of manual, paragraphs

Salvation - continued However, in the New Testament, we see our salvation largely as the deliverance from the wrath of God through the forgiveness of our sins (Luke 1:77), which is found in Jesus alone (Acts 4:12). To be saved is to be saved from the righteous judgment of God. It means to be saved from the damning work of condemnation that God will impose upon all who have not found forgiveness in Christ. Page 44 of manual, paragraphs

Salvation - continued The book, "Peace Child," records how the Sawi people of Irian Jaya came to understand salvation through Jesus Christ. All demonstrations by missionaries of kindness expressed by the Sawi were regarded with suspicion, except for one act: if a father gave his own son to his enemy, his sacrificial deed showed that he could be trusted! Furthermore, everyone who touched that child was brought into a friendly relationship with the father. The Sawi were then taught that in a similar way, God’s beloved Son could bring them eternal peace. Page 44 of manual, paragraph 116

The Gospel “Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you… 3 that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,” (1 Cor. 15:1,3-4). The word “Gospel” means “good news”. The good news is that Jesus was made under the Law (Gal. 4:4), never sinned (1 Pet. 2:22), bore our sins in his body on the cross (1 Pet. 2:24), died, was buried, and rose again from the dead (1 Cor. 15:1-4). Page 45 of manual, paragraph 117

Atonement "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement," (Lev. 17:11). Jesus sacrifice on the cross was atonement for our sins. That is, it made things right with God. Jesus is the One who atoned for our sins by shedding His blood. Furthermore, the sacrifice of Christ is called a propitiation: "and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world," (1 John 2:2). The word, "propitiation," in the Greek, is, "hilasmos." It means, "to appease, and remove wrath through a sacrifice." Jesus, therefore, is the sacrifice that appeases God, and removes His wrath from the sinner. Page 45 of manual, paragraphs

Justification Justification is a legal act by God where he declares the sinner righteous in his sight. Justification is not that the sinner is righteous because of his own works; rather, God declares the sinner righteous. It is a foreign righteousness. It is the righteousness of Christ that is given to us (Phil. 3:9). This declaration of righteousness is based upon the work of Christ on the Cross. It is nothing that we earn; it is something we receive. Justification is a legal term, because it deals with God's Law. Page 46 of manual, paragraph 120

Justification Rom. 3:24, "being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus," Rom. 3:28, "For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.” Rom. 5:1, "Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" Gal. 2:16, "nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified." Page 46 of manual, paragraph 120

Justification Sanctification
Sanctification means, "to be set apart for holy use.” Essentially, sanctification deals with the moral condition of our heart. Sanctification is the process of removal of pride and selfishness from the innermost parts of our being. The more sanctified we are, the more we care for others, the more we sacrifice for others, and the more we are like Christ in our character. Justification Sanctification Instantaneous declaration from God Process through life Legal standing before God Internal condition Entirely God's work Man cooperates with God Fully accomplished now Yet to be fully accomplished Pages of manual, paragraph 121

Sanctification, continued
Sanctification increases over time. The older we get, the more like Christ we are supposed to be. Throughout our entire lives, we work toward better and better holiness, but we will never achieve perfect sanctification, because we still war with the flesh, and with our sinfulness. When we die, the process of sanctification will cease, and we will be with the Lord. Nevertheless, the complete fulfillment of our sanctification occurs at our resurrection, when we are united with our glorified bodies: "When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory," (Col. 3:4). Page 47 of manual, paragraph 122

Grace Grace is the undeserved kindness and favor of God. It is very important that we understand that grace is that which is not deserved; grace is getting what we do not deserve. An Illustration: If I were to come over to your house and steal your bike, and you caught me, and called the police, and I went to jail, that is justice. Justice is getting what you deserve. If I were to come over to your house and steal your bike and you caught me, but you did not call the police, and you let me go, that is mercy. Mercy is not getting what you deserve. If I were to come over to your house and steal your bike and you caught me, and you not only did not call the police, but you forgave me, and you gave me the bike that is grace. Grace is getting what you do not deserve. Page 48 of manual, paragraph

Grace Justice = Getting what you deserve Mercy = Not getting what you deserve Grace = Getting what you do not deserve The reason God is gracious to us has nothing to do with what is in us. Instead, it has everything to do with what is in God. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us," (Rom. 5:8). This is worth repeating… We receive grace because of God's goodness. It is not because we deserve it. The true grace of God is shown at the Cross of Christ which is our guarantee of God's eternal, loving commitment to us. Page 48 of manual, paragraphs

Regeneration “Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come," (2 Cor. 5:17). Regeneration is a change in the believer brought by the work of the Holy Spirit. The term, "regeneration," only occurs twice in the New Testament (Matt. 19:28; Tit. 3:5). Regeneration has another effect: a changed relationship with God. There is a communion and an indwelling of God in the person that was not there before. "Jesus answered and said to him, 'If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him, and make our abode with him,'" (John 14:23). The regenerated have God dwelling in them in a special, relational way. This was non-existent before regeneration. Page 49 of manual, paragraphs

Regeneration, continued
When we believe in Christ, when we trust in the work of God, we have been regenerated. Because of this regeneration, we are able to resist sin, and turn from it to the power of the Holy Spirit, who indwells us. The Holy Spirit, then, bears fruit in us. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law," (Gal. 5:22-23). Page 50 of manual, paragraph 129

Regeneration In 1833, Charles Darwin went to the South Sea Islands. As he studied the cannibals who lived there, he concluded that no creatures anywhere were more primitive, that they could not be helped, and that he had found a lower stratum of humanity that would fit his theory of evolution. Thirty-four years later, he returned to the same islands. He discovered churches, schools, and homes, occupied by some of those former cannibals. In fact, many of them wore clothes, and frequently gathered to sing hymns. The reason was soon learned: Missionary John G. Paton had been there, proclaiming the truths of salvation! Darwin was so moved by their transformation that he made a generous contribution to the London Missionary Society. Page 50 of manual, paragraph 129

Repentance Biblically, repentance has a range of meanings. It can mean: to have regret, to change one's mind, and change one's behavior. In the New Testament, it means, "to turn." Therefore, repentance is turning from sin to God. Obviously, repentance is an important Biblical topic. It is a call to dependence upon God and not ourselves. God wants us to repent. He wants us to turn from sin to righteousness. He wants us to be holy because He is holy (1 Pet. 1:15-16). Repentance is a natural part of salvation. Page 51 of manual, paragraphs

More information on repentance:
It is granted by God to unbelievers: “with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth,” (2 Tim. 2:25). God’s kindness leads us to repentance: “Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” (Rom. 2:4). Repentance brings fruit: “should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance,” (Acts 26:20). Page 51 of manual, paragraph 132

Repentance At nineteen, Al Johnson had robbed a bank and felt sure he would never be caught. Later, he married a Christian girl and eventually became a Christian. He stopped a lifelong habit of lying, and after much prayer, he confessed his crime. Under a Kansas statute of limitations, he was set free, although he chose to repay his share of the stolen funds to the bank. Today, Al Johnson is the manager of a service station, the father of three admiring children, and an outstanding Christian layman. Page 51 of manual, paragraph 132

The Church The Church is the "body of believers.” Inclusion in the church is not by membership in a denomination. It is not received by a ceremony or by natural birth. The invisible church is the church made up of true believers. The visible church consists of those who say they are Christian but may or may not be truly saved. The invisible church is comprised of all true believers, regardless of denominational affiliation. The entire body of believers is the Church. Page 52 of manual, paragraph 133

Jesus is the foundation of the church
“…you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not overpower it," (Matt. 16:18). When we look at the Greek of Matthew 16:18 we see something important. "...you are Peter (petros) and upon this rock (petra) I will build my church..." Petros is masculine and the petra is feminine. Peter, the man, is referred to as Petros. But Jesus said that the rock he would build his church on was not the masculine "petros" but the feminine "petra“: The truth of Peter’s statement that Jesus is the Christ Matt. 16:16. Furthermore, petros is used to designate a small stone and petra is used to designate a large mass of rock. Jesus was not saying that the church will be built upon Peter. It would be built on Jesus being the Christ, the anointed one. Petra Page 52 of manual, paragraph 134

He corrects false teachings. He prays for the congregation.
The Pastor “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ," (Eph. 4:11-12). The Word "pastor," means, "shepherd, herdsmen, someone who takes care of others," etc. In this sense, the pastor is someone who takes care of the Christian “sheep” in the church context. This care is manifested in different ways: He teaches God's word. He corrects false teachings. He prays for the congregation. He counsels using the Scriptures. He administers communion and baptizes. Page 53 of manual, paragraph 135

The Elder "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you might set in order what remains, and appoint elders in every city as I directed you, 6 namely, if any man be above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion," (Titus 1:5-6). In the New Testament the term, "elder," means elder, an old man, a leader in the Church. It is also used of the elder of two persons (Luke 15:25), of a person advanced in age (Acts 2:17; Heb. 11:2), of the forefathers in Israel (Matt. 15:2; Mark 7:3), of members of the Sanhedrin (Matt. 16:21; 26:47), and of those who managed public affairs in the various cities (Luke 7:3). Page 53 of manual, paragraph 136

The Elder The office of elder is a position in the church that is a divinely appointed office as defined in the Pastoral Epistles (1 & 2 Timothy and Titus). Elders are apparently appointed by the laying on of hands (1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6). They should receive double honor in the church (1 Tim. 5:17). The pastor is an elder who preaches and/or teaches (1 Tim. 5:17). The pastor (elder) is to equip the body of Christ (Eph. 4:11-13). Also, the elder… Shepherds the flock (1 Peter 5:2). Exercises oversight upon the flock (1 Peter 5:2). Lives as examples to the flock (1 Peter 5:3). Anoints and pray for the sick (James 5:14). Has the tasks of teaching (1 Tim. 5:17; Titus 1:5,9). Has the task of acting as judges (Acts 15:2,22-29;16:4). Exhorts in sound doctrine and refutes error (Titus 1:9). Page 54 of manual, paragraph 137

Women are not to be Pastors and Elders
"But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but remain quiet. For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman being quite deceived, fell into transgression,“ (1 Tim. 2:12-14). When we look further at Paul's teachings, we see that the bishop/overseer is to be the husband of one wife (1 Tim. 3:2), who manages his household well, and has a good reputation (1 Tim. 3:5, 7). Deacons must be "men of dignity," (1 Tim. 3:8). Paul then speaks of women in verse 11, and their obligation to receive instruction. Then, in verse 12, Paul says, "Let deacons be husbands of one wife..." Page 54 of manual, paragraph 138

Women are not to be Pastors and Elders
In each case, the one who is an elder, deacon, bishop, or overseer is instructed to be male. He is the husband of one wife (Greek literally says, “man of one woman”), responsible, able to "exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict," (Titus 1:9). We see no command for the overseers to be women. Why are the men, rather than the women, singled out as the overseers? It is because of the created order of God (Gen. 1-2; 1 Tim. 2:12-14). This is not merely a social custom that fell away with ancient Israel. Women are not to be elders in the church. Page 55 of manual, paragraph 139

Baptism Baptism is an outward representation of an inward reality. The word, "baptism," comes from the Greek, baptizo which means, "to immerse in water, to wash with water." In the Old Testament, washing with water was practiced by the priest in preparation for his work (Exodus 40:12). On the Day of Atonement, the priests washed before and after an offering (Lev. 16:4, 24). The washing with water represented cleansing. In the New Testament, baptism begins with John the Baptist who urged being baptized for repentance (Mark 1:4). When Jesus was baptized, he was not baptized for repentance since he had nothing to repent of. Instead, he was baptized in order to “fulfill all righteousness” (Matt. 3:15). "Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John…it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness," (Matt. 3:13-15). Page 55 of manual, paragraphs

He had to be washed with water (Lev. 8:6; Exodus 29:4, Matt. 3:16),
Baptism What is the righteousness Jesus fulfilled? Most probably, it was to fulfill the requirements necessary for a man to be a priest. Jesus was, after all, a priest after the order of Melchizedek (Psalm 110:4; Heb. 5:8-10; 6:20). Priests offered sacrifice to God on behalf of the people. Jesus became a sacrifice for our sin (1 Pet. 2:24; 2 Cor. 5:21) in his role as priest. To be consecrated as a priest, He had to be washed with water (Lev. 8:6; Exodus 29:4, Matt. 3:16), He had to be anointed with oil (Lev. 8:12; Exodus 29:7; Matt. 3:16 – oil represents the Holy Spirit), He may have needed to be 30 years old (Num. 4:3). Page 56 of manual, paragraph 142

…the death of the person (Rom. 6:3-5)
Baptism In the Christian Church, baptism is the application of water to an individual as an identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. It represents the reality of the inward washing of Christ's blood upon the soul. That is why it is used in different ways. It is said to represent… …the death of the person (Rom. 6:3-5) …the union of that person with Christ (Gal. 3:27) …the cleansing of that person's sins (Acts 22:16) …being united in one Church (1 Cor. 12:13) …the identification with the one "baptized into," as when the Israelites were baptized into Moses (1 Cor. 10:2). Page 56 of manual, paragraph 143

Baptism Baptism is not necessary for salvation, but it is commanded as an ordinance to be observed. If it were necessary for salvation, then we would not be saved by faith, but by faith and a ceremony. Acts 10:44-48 also shows baptism is not necessary for salvation since it describes people filled with the Spirit before being baptized. “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. 45 And all the circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out upon the Gentiles also. 46 For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?” 48 And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days,” (Acts 10:44-48). Page 56 of manual, paragraph 144

Communion “And while they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins," (Matt. 26:26-29). Communion is the ceremony during which the Christian partakes of the bread and the wine, which represent the body and the blood of Christ. This ceremony is called, "The Lord's Supper," and was instituted by Jesus on the night of the Passover meal, which was an annual occurrence celebrating the "passing over" of the angel of death that claimed the lives of the firstborn of every house in Egypt (Exodus 12). Therefore, the Lord's Supper, or Communion, replaces the Passover meal with the "body and blood" of Jesus, (Mark 14:22-24). Page 57 of manual, paragraph 145

Communion, Examine Yourself
We see that Paul gives a qualification for partaking in Communion; the person must be able to examine himself. The context of self-examination is dealing with sin, confession, the knowledge of who Christ is, and what He has done. “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself, if he does not judge the body rightly," (1 Cor. 11:28-29). Page 57 of manual, paragraph 146

Communion, Examine Yourself
Participation in Communion is the rite of the Christian and it is a reminder for us of what Christ has done on our behalf. It is a manifestation of the eternal agreement between the Father and Son regarding the redemption of the Christians (Heb. 13:20). The Lord's Supper is, in a real sense, a manifestation of the promise of God, made before the foundation of the universe, to save sinners. Therefore, in taking Communion, we partake of the eternal promise of God regarding our redemption through the grace that is found only in Christ Jesus. Page 58 of manual, paragraph 147

Worship Worship is the act of reverence, from a believer to God, involving different aspects: Adoration, Praise, Exaltation, Prayer, Bowing down, Raising hands, Singing. In the Old Testament, the word, "worship," meant, to bow down. Therefore, worship before God was often done while bowing down to the ground. There are instances of individual worship (Gen. 24:26), but the Old Testament speaks mostly of corporate worship. "These things I remember and I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God, with the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival," (Psalm 42:4). Page 58 of manual, paragraphs

Worship The New Testament tends to emphasize worship on a personal level. The Old Testament rituals of sacrifice and methods of approaching God are done away with, since Christ in His sacrifice has fulfilled the Old Testament Law. Furthermore, the Bible teaches there is only one God (Eph. 4:5), and He alone is worthy of worship. Jesus said, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only,'“ (Matt. 4:10). “You shall worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only,'" (Matt. 4:10). Page 59 of manual, paragraphs

Worship This makes the fact that Jesus receives worship all the more significant, (Matt. 2:2,11; 14:33; 28:9; John 9:35-38; Heb. 1:6). Of course, Jesus can be worshipped because He is God in flesh (John 1:1,14; 10:30-33; 20:28; Col. 2:9; Phil. 2:5-8; Heb. 1:8). Page 59 of manual, paragraphs

Prayer “Our Father who art in heaven, holy is your name. 10 ‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread. 12 ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors," (Matt. 6:9-12). Prayer is a reverent petition to God in which a person praises God, confesses sins, asks for forgiveness, and intercedes for others. Page 59 of manual, paragraph 153

Prayer is the needful practice of the Christian.
Prayer is the practice of the presence of God that is properly offered by those who are justified before God through Jesus Christ. Prayer is the place where pride is abandoned, hope is lifted, and supplication is made. Prayer is the place of admitting your need and exercising dependence on God. Prayer is the needful practice of the Christian. Prayer is the exercise of faith and hope. Prayer is the privilege of touching the heart of the Father through the Son. Page 60 of manual, paragraph 154

Prayer Prayer is to be given to God alone, for he alone is worthy of worship, and he alone is capable of hearing and answering our prayers. Regarding Prayer… Our prayers are acceptable through Christ. “And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son," (John 14:13). Our prayers influence God. “…The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much,” (James 5:16). Our prayers are hindered by doubt. "But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind,” (James 1:6). Our prayers are hindered by selfishness. “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures," (James 4:3). Our prayers are hindered by wickedness. “If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear," (Psalm 66:18). Page 60 of manual, paragraphs

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you," (James 4:8).
Prayer Our prayers must be according to God's will (1 John 5:13). We can pray standing (Neh. 9:5), kneeling (Ezra 9:5), sitting (1 Chron. 17:16-27), bowing (Exodus 34:8), and with lifted hands (1 Tim. 2:8). "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you," (James 4:8). Prayer is for the Christian. Prayer changes the one praying because in prayer you are in the presence of God. There is nothing to hide when, in quiet supplication, you are reaching into the deepest part of yourself, confessing your sins, admitting your needs, and depending on God. Page 61 of manual, paragraphs

Prayer We are to pray with faith (James 1:6), in the Spirit (Eph. 6:18), with a forgiving attitude (Matt. 6:12), according to God's will (1 John 5:14), in holiness (2 Tim. 2:8), with boldness (Heb. 4:16), with earnestness (James 5:17), etc. In short, we are to pray daily, reverently, humbly, with faith in God, trusting that he hears us, believing in our heart that he loves us dearly, and finally pray with an attitude of submission to his will. Page 61 of manual, paragraph 159

Prayer Five men were entrapped in a deserted zinc mine in Salem, Kentucky, by falling rocks. They had nothing to eat. They were in utter darkness. One of the men could have saved himself had he not run back to warn the others. When the entombed men discovered they could not escape, they began to pray and sing. Their prayer and praise service lasted for fifty-three hours! Then they were rescued. Later, one of the men testified, “We lay there from Friday morning 'til Sunday morning. We prayed 'without ceasing'. When the rescuers reached us, we were still praying!” When the men were brought up out of the mine, on the caps of each one were scrawled these words: “If we are dead when you find us, we are all saved!” Page 61 of manual, paragraph 159

escatos “last” End Times
Eschatology is the study of end times and what happens before and after the return of Jesus. It comes from two Greek words “eschatos” meaning “end” and “logos” meaning “word”. There are many differences in views on the following topics and we need to be careful not to be spiritually prideful. Romans 14:5 tells us, “One man regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind.” The point is that we are allowed to disagree in the non-essentials. Page 62 of manual, paragraph 160

End Times – The Return of Christ
“Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven,” (Acts 1:11). Although there are differences of opinion as to when Christ will return, the Christian Church acknowledges that He will. Jesus said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away 'But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone,'" (Matt. 24:35-36). Page 62 of manual, paragraph 161

End Times – The Return of Christ
However, we can know the signs of His coming. In the last days, many false christs and false prophets will arise and deceive many (Matt. 24:24). We have seen this with the rise of the cults such as Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, etc., and the increase in popularity of the false religions like Islam, Buddhism, the New Age, etc. Jesus came the first time as a humble servant, hardly noticed except by a few. But, He shall return as a conquering King, and every eye will see Him. His return will be magnificent, glorious, and even frightening to those who do not know Jesus. Pages of manual, paragraphs

Is the Rapture Pre, Mid, or Post tribulation?
End Times – The Rapture "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord,” (1 Thess. 4:16-18). The Rapture is the teaching that shortly before, or at the return of Christ, the Christians who are alive will be transformed instantaneously into their glorified state, and will ascend into the air to meet Jesus. The word, "rapture," comes from the Latin, "rapio," which means, "to carry away,“ or, "to snatch." The Scripture most often referred to for support of the Rapture is found in 1 Thess. 4:16-5:2 and 1 Cor. 15:51-52. Is the Rapture Pre, Mid, or Post tribulation? Page 63 of manual, paragraphs

End Times – The Rapture There are three main views of when the rapture will occur. Pre-tribulation, Mid-tribulation, and Post-tribulation. The Tribulation period is supposed to be a seven year period before the return of Christ. This seven-year period includes the first 3 1/2 years as a time of peace, and the second 3 1/2 years as a time of great distress, death, wrath, and sorrow. Page 64 of manual, paragraph 166

End Times – The Rapture The Pre-Tribulation Rapture view holds that at the beginning, or right before the beginning of the Tribulation, there will be a secret coming of Jesus and the Christians will be caught up into heaven where they meet Jesus, then experience the judgment seat of Christ regarding their works (2 Cor. 5:10 – not for salvation), and then participate in the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:7). Page 64 of manual, paragraph 167

End Times – The Rapture The Mid-Tribulation Rapture view holds that the rapture occurs at the halfway point of the seven-year Tribulation when the Antichrist reveals himself. This view, like the Pre-tribulation view, teaches that the Christian Church does not experience the terrors of the last half of the Tribulation period. Page 64 of manual, paragraph 168

End Times – The Rapture The Post-Tribulation Rapture view holds that the rapture occurs at the end of the tribulation period. Therefore, the Church will not escape the Tribulation period, but will go through it. It further teaches that that the wrath of God that is released upon the earth, and upon the ungodly during the last half of the Tribulation, will not fall upon the believers since God will providentially protect the believers from His divine wrath on the earth. In this view, the Rapture occurs at the time of the Second Coming of Christ. Page 64 of manual, paragraph 169

End Times – The Millennium
"And I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold of the dragon, the serpent of old, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, 3 and threw him into the abyss, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he should not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were completed; after these things he must be released for a short time," (Rev. 20:1-3). The Millennium is that period of time before the creation of the New Heavens and Earth. Like the tribulation, there are three main views: Premillennialism, Amillennialism, and Postmillennialism. Which millennial view is the right one? No one knows for sure. But let’s take a look at each position. Page 65 of manual, paragraph 170

The Premillennial view holds the thousand year reign of Christ is a literal 1000 years, and is yet future. It will follow the seven-year Tribulation period and the Rapture. When Jesus returns at the end of the Tribulation period, he will destroy the Antichrist, bind the devil, and begin the 1000-year period during which He will reign as King. During this millennial period, there will be great peace and harmony all over the world. Page 65 of manual, paragraph 171

The Amillennial view the Millennium is seen as a representative period of time, and is not a literal 1000-year period. Part of the justification for this position is made by noticing that the term "1000" is always used in a figurative context in the Bible. In Revelation 20 there is figurative language describing the devil as a dragon, being bound with a chain, and then thrown into a pit. The Postmillennial view holds that the population of the earth, as a whole, will be converted to Christianity through the preaching of the Gospel. There will be great peace, prosperity, and harmony on Earth. After this, the Lord will return. Page 66 of manual, paragraphs

The Devil and the Antichrist
“How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth. You who have weakened the nations! 13 “But you said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, and I will sit on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the north. 14 ‘I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High,'" (Isaiah 14:12-14). The devil was originally the greatest of the angels created by God (Ezekiel 28:12). But due to pride in his heart, he desired to be like God, fell into sin, and rebelled against God. He, along with a host of angels, rebelled against God and became the demonic forces that wage war against the Lord and his people. Page 67 of manual, paragraphs

The Devil and the Antichrist
There are different names by which the devil is known such as . . . Abaddon (Rev. 9:11) Accuser of the brethren (Rev. 12:10) Adversary (1 Pet. 5:8) Angel of the bottomless pit (Rev. 9:11) Apollyon (Rev. 9:11) Beelzebub (Matt. 12:24) Satan (Matt. 4:10) But, the Devil will not be victorious. He will be judged and condemned. "For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment," (2 Pet. 2:4). Page 67 of manual, paragraphs

The Antichrist The term, "antichrist," is found only in four verses in the New Testament: 1 John 2:18,22; 4:3; and 2 John 7. It is used in two different senses: the spirit of antichrist, and a person who is the antichrist. There is the spirit of antichrist which is described as the attitude and movement of rebellion against God. “and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; and this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world," (1 John 4:3) The spirit of antichrist is the spiritual movement of denying the true Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We can see that this is very strong in the world, in the manifestation of false world religions, the cults, evolution, atheism, secularism, etc. Page 68 of manual, paragraphs

The Antichrist The Antichrist is an end-times figure who will stand in opposition to God and His people during the Tribulation period. "Let no one in any way deceive you, for it [the return of Christ] will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God," (2 Thess. 2:3-4). The Antichrist will be able to perform miracles and deceive people, "that is, the one whose coming is in accordance with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders," (2 Thess. 2:9). Page 68 of manual, paragraphs

The Antichrist Ultimately, the Antichrist will be destroyed, as is prophesied in the Old Testament (Dan. 8:25), and in the New (2 Thess. 2:8; Rev. 13:5). “And then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming," (2 Thess. 2:8). Page 68 of manual, paragraph 183

The Antichrist, continued
What does the number 666 mean? The number 666 is called the number of the antichrist. It is the gamatria, or the mathematical equivalent of the letter values of the name of the Antichrist. In Greek and Hebrew there are no numeric characters. There are only alpha characters. For example, the letters a, b, c, d, e, f, etc. are alpha characters. The numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, etc., are numeric characters. They are different. When the Greeks wanted to write a number, they used letters for numbers. The Greek letter "alpha" had the numeric equivalent of 1. The next letter "beta" has the numeric equivalent of 2, and so on. When the name of the antichrist is revealed, his name, in Greek letters will total 666. Page 69 of manual, paragraphs

The Antichrist

The Final Judgment “And I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. 13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. 14 And death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire," (Rev. 20:1-15). Page 70 in manual

The Final Judgment The Final Judgment is the Great White Throne judgment, after the Millennium, where both the believers and unbelievers will be judged. The unbelievers are judged and condemned to eternal damnation. The believer, however, is not going to be judged for salvation since his judgment fell upon Christ and all Christians (all who've trusted in the true Christ), have eternally and permanently escaped the judgment of damnation. The Christians are judged according to their works, and receive rewards or loss of rewards: "Behold, I am coming quickly, and my reward is with me, to render to every man according to what he has done," (Rev. 22:12). Page 70 of manual, paragraphs

The Final Judgment, continued
For the Christian, however, our works have no effect on our salvation. We are saved by Christ’s work and not by our work. We are kept by Christ’s faithfulness, not by ours. We are secure in Christ, saved from the wrath of God. It is our works that will be judged. "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," (Rom. 8:1). Page 71 of manual, paragraph 189

The Final Judgment The story is told of pioneers who were making their way across one of the central states to a distant place that had been opened up for homesteading. They traveled in covered wagons drawn by oxen, and progress was necessarily slow. One day they were horrified to note a long line of smoke in the west, stretching for miles across the prairie, and soon it was evident that the dried grass was burning fiercely and coming toward them rapidly. They had crossed a river the day before, but it would be impossible to go back to that before the flames would be upon them. One man only seemed to have understanding as to what could be done. He gave the command to set fire to the grass behind them. When a space was burned over, the whole company moved back upon it. As the flames roared on toward them from the west, a little girl cried out in terror, "Are you sure we shall not all be burned up?" The leader replied, "My child, the flames cannot reach us here, for we are standing where the fire has been!" What a picture of the believer, who is safe in Christ! "On Him Almighty vengeance fell, which would have sunk a world to Hell. He bore it for a chosen race, and thus becomes our Hiding Place." The fires of God's judgment burned themselves out on Him, and all who are in Christ are safe forever, for they are now standing where the fire has been. Page 71 of manual, paragraph 189

New Heavens and New Earth
"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up, 11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, on account of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! 13 But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells," (2 Pet. 3:10-12). Page 72 of manual

When sin entered the world through Adam, not only was humanity affected, but so also was creation itself. Death entered the world, and the world began to decay. Catastrophes are the result of sin affecting creation. God did not make the world with sin in it, so the intrusion of sin in God's creation is a violation of the created order. Therefore, after the Final Judgment of God upon all the people and the angels, God will make a new heavens and a new earth. He will do this because the effects of sin must be removed from what God has created. Page 72 of manual, paragraphs

Even as the world was baptized by the flood of Noah, it will be cleansed in the final fire of re-creation. All the forces of evil, and all the wickedness in man and in the angelic realm, will be done away with. All the foul works of mankind will be burned up. Peter tells us to look for the coming of the day of God, the day when the heavens are remade. God, the Creator of the Universe, has the power to destroy it. Jesus said that “Heaven and earth will pass away…” (Matt. 24:35). John the apostle said that “the world is passing away…” (1 John 2:17). Pages of manual, paragraphs

Therefore, after the Final Judgment of God upon all the people and the angels, God will make a new heavens and a new earth. He will do this because the effects of sin must be removed from what God has created. Even as the world was baptized by the flood of Noah, it will be cleansed in the final fire of re-creation. All the forces of evil, and all the wickedness in man and in the angelic realm, will be done away with. All the foul works of mankind will be burned up. Peter tells us to look for the coming of the day of God, the day when the heavens are remade. To God Be The Glory Page 73 of manual, paragraphs

To God be the glory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

The Bible “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 that the man of.

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Presentation on theme: "The Bible “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 that the man of."— Presentation transcript:

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The Bible “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 that the man of.

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "The Bible “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 that the man of."— Presentation transcript:

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About project

Feedback