INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. I Am the Way
2. I Am the Truth
3. I Am the Life
Remarks.
1. In this lesson we are going to discuss the theme: “Christ’s Divine Declarations.” The Lord made three of them, they are: First, I am the Way to the Father. Second, I am the Truth. And finally, I am the Life. We shall also deal with the false notions that “all roads will lead to heaven.” We will also make it clear that “all truth resides in Christ; revealed by the Holy Spirit and preached by the apostles.” And finally, we will establish that Christ came to provide the means of “eternal life” to all those that believe and obey Him.
2. First, we will consider the declaration, “that Jesus is the way unto the Father.” John the Baptist announced that he was sent to “prepare the way of the Lord.” Isaiah prophesied that Jehovah would send a forerunner before the Messiah’s appearance to “make straight the way of the Lord.” Isaiah prophesied that He would reveal “the way of holiness and no unclean thing shall pass over it; it shall be for the wayfaring man, though fool should not stumble in it.” Jesus called this path the “straight and narrow way that leadeth unto life.”
3. Second, we will discuss the declaration, “that Jesus is the truth” that was sent to make known the Father. He also declared, that the believers would “know the truth, and that truth would make one free.” Freedom from sin is made possible to the disciples after they hear, believe and obey the truth of the gospel, which will “make them free from their sins.” Recall that the apostle Paul wrote to the Romans, “But God be thanked that ye were the servants of sin; but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you, being then made free from sins, ye became the servants of righteousness.” This is that same truth that Jesus spake about that would make one free from their sin. This is that same truth the Lord revealed unto the holy apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit.
4. Lastly, we will investigate the declaration, “I am the life.” Jesus makes it clear after one finds the way; obey the truth, they shall obtain eternal life. Many today are supposing that they are in the way; that they believe on Christ; and they have been granted eternal life. However, their claims do not find sanction in the New Testament. As Jesus is the revealer of the way; the truth, He also has made manifest the hope of eternal life. The Lord states: “I am come that ye might have life and have it more abundantly.” Eternal life is found in the “Son of God” and it is to them He “gave the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” With this brief introduction, let’s consider our first thought: “I am the way.”
BODY OF LESSON
I I AM THE WAY
A. Jehovah’s promise of the way. Isaiah the prophet spoke of this way; in terms that clearly reveal its true purpose. He says: “And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein,” Isaiah 35:8. Jehovah promised to provide the “Way of holiness” unto the world. Recall the Hebrew writer’s message about holiness: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord,” Hebrews 12:13-14. The “Way of holiness” began at the preaching of John the Baptist, in a "preparatory form" of the gospel.
B. John’s preparatory preaching of the way. John the Baptist was: “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight and the rough places plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it,” Isaiah 40:3-5. John’s preparatory preaching of the kingdom of God would be the message about Jesus, the Messiah’s work of salvation. It is interesting that this message was preached in unity among all sent by God. Notice:
1. First, John the Baptist was sent to present the “kingdom of God was at hand,” Matthew 3:1-3. That is, it was soon to be established.
2. Further, Jesus preached the “kingdom of God was at hand,” Matthew 4:17.
3. Next, the 12 preached the “kingdom of God was at hand,” Matthew 10:5-7.
4. Finally, the 70 preached the “kingdom of God was nigh,” Luke 10:9.
5. Illustrate: “At Hand or Nigh.”
6. Shouldn’t all men who preach the “kingdom of God” have the same message? Remember Paul: “Let us all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among us,” 1 Corinthians 1:10; Philippians 3:16.
C. Jesus promise of the way. Our Lord states: “I am the way.” Please note he does not say, I am “a way” or “another way” but; I am “the way unto the Father.” Before we begin our fuller discussion of these “Divine Declarations,” we must first determine who Jesus is in this text and other references, as presented by John. Recall John noted that Jesus declared Himself to be the “I AM” who was before Abraham, as he spoke unto the Jewish leaders in, John 8:58. Consider Jesus as the “I AM.” Notice:
1. First, Jehovah’s declaration unto Moses at the burning bush. Moses asks who should he tell the children of Israel it is that has sent him: “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and He said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you,” Exodus 3:14. Jesus declares Himself to be that “I AM” that spoke to Moses at the “burning bush,” John 8:58; John 1:1-3.
2. Further, Isaiah’s wrote both on the “Divinity of Christ;” and the “preparatory preaching of the Way” before the coming, of the Lord. Notice:
a. The divinity of Christ. Isaiah’s “First and the last.” He writes: “Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the Lord, the first, and with the last; I am he,” Isaiah 41:4; Isaiah 43:13; Isaiah 44:6; and Isaiah 48:12. All these references identify the “Lord” as being the “first and the last.”
b. John in the Book of Revelations calls Jesus the “first and the last.” He writes:
1) Regarding Jesus, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty,” Revelations 1:8.
2) Again, “And he that sat upon throne...said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end,” Revelations 21:5-6.
3) Lastly, “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last,” Revelations 22:12-13. John speaks of Jesus as being the “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”
c. Finally, Paul defends the deity and divinity of Christ. He writes to the saints:
1) The Colossians: “And he (Christ) is before all things, and by Him all things consist,” Colossians 1:18.
2) The Ephesians: “God, who created all things in Jesus Christ,” Ephesians 3:9. This same statement was presented by John on the Isle of Patmos. John says: “These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God,” Revelations 3:14; Revelations 1:5.
a) Christ is the originator and beginning of the entire creation of God. Unlike many today; Christ is not a creation of God; but the originator of the entire creation of God.
b) Hear David: “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God,” Psalms 90:2; Psalms 93:2.
c) Paul ascribe this prophecy to Christ: “And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail,” Hebrews 1:10-12. See Hebrews 13:8.
3) The Philippians: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God... being equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man...,” Philippians 2:5-11. Illustrate: Form of God; Fashioned as a Man.
4) The Hebrews: “God who at sundry times and in divers manners...Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power,’ Hebrews 1:1-3.
d. John makes a sacred and certain declaration regard the “I AM” of the Old and New Testament. He precedes his remarks with “Verily, verily”... The utterance is truly remarkable in the face of the truth of God. It does not merely assert that he was before Abraham, but before Abraham was, He is the “I AM.”
1) Jesus declares that he is the “I Am” of the Old Testament. Establishing that His divinity has neither past nor future tense, but it is in the present tense; then and now. See Notes People’s New Testament, page 362.
2) David speaks of God’s existence: “Praise the LORD, the God of Israel, who lives from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and amen!” Psalms 41:13; Psalms 106:48.
3) Jesus in this declaration “I Am” affirms that He is the eternal and everlasting God; the “God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. So he is the God of the living, and not the dead,” Matthew 22:32.
e. Conclusion: Christ’s Declaration of being the “I AM” of the Way, places him in the Godhead as the only way “unto the Father;” as well as the truth sent to “reveal Him to the world;” and the only means of “eternal life promised by the Father, before the world began,” Titus 1:1-3.
D. Apostles preaching of the way. The Way was being preached by Jesus, Paul and others during the first century. Notice:
1. First, Jesus entreats: “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it,” Matthew 7:12-13.
2. Further, Paul’s work in Philippi: “The same (a damsel possessed with a spirit of divination) followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, these men are the servants of the Most-high God, which shew unto us the Way of salvation,” Acts 16:17.
3. Finally, Apollos’ preaching in Ephesus: “This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John...And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the Way of God more perfectly,” Acts 18:25-26.
E. Saints persecuted in the way. Let’s consider some reference of the persecution of the way during the preaching of Paul. Notice:
1. First, Paul’s preaching: “But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus,” Acts 19:9. Also: “And the same time there arose no small stir about that Way,” Acts 19:23. Illustrate: Felix Hearing of the Way, Acts 24:14; Acts 24:22.
2. Further, Paul’s persecution: “And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this Way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem,” Acts 9:2. Also: “And I persecuted this Way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women,” Acts 22:4.
3. Finally, Peter’s promise: “And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the Way of truth shall be evil spoken of,” 2 Peter 2:1-2.
4. Some suggest other ways. There are many today that argue against “the Way”; just like the schismatics (teachers of schisms) in the Old and New Testament. Notice the word of God regarding these teachers:
a. First, the Judges: “In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes,” Judges 17:6.
b. Further, Solomon’s warning: “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end there of are the ways of death,” Proverbs 14:12; Proverbs 16:25.
c. Finally, Jeremiah’s observation: “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps,” Jeremiah 10:23.
d. Conclusion: We cannot rely upon our own wisdom and understanding about “the Way;” but, we must follow Jesus who came to show us the “Way unto the Father,” John 14:6. Notice:
1) Learn of the Father: “It is written in the prophets, and they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father cometh unto me,” John 6:44-45.
2) Search for the Father: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me,” John 5:39; Jeremiah 29:13. The sincere believer must search the scriptures to learn of the Father.
3) Learn of the doctrine: “They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine,” Isaiah 29:24; Isaiah 28:9-10; Matthew 22:29.
4) Know of the doctrine. Jesus said: “And the Jews marveled, saying, How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? Jesus answered them, and said, my doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself,” John 7:15-17. The common sense version of this text would read: “If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know the doctrine,” Matthew 7:21-23. Let’s now consider the next thought: “I am the truth.”
II I AM THE TRUTH
A. Jesus states also “He is The Truth.” Now, Jesus declares that He is “The Truth” that has been made manifest by the Father. The Apostle John began this letter by stating: “The law was given to Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ,” John 1:17. I should be clear, that Jesus did not say: “I Am a truth;” or “I Am another truth;” but, “I AM THE TRUTH.” Jesus stated to Pilot: “Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilot saith unto him, ‘What is truth?’” John 18:36-38. This truth was made manifested by God unto the world. Notice:
1. First, the Truth was made flesh. John also said: “Grace and truth which came by Jesus Christ; or ‘the Word’ was made flesh, and dwelt among us,” John 1:14.
2. Further, the Truth was “God with us.” Matthew wrote: “Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us,” Matthew 1:22-23.
3. Next, the Truth took on the seed of Abraham. The Hebrew writer states: “For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people,” Hebrews 2:16-17. Paul says in the Roman Letter: “He is the firstborn among many brethren," Romans 8:29.
4. Finally, the Truth was made of the seed of David. Paul writes in the Roman Letter: “Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh,” Romans 1:3-4; Psalms 89:36.
5. Conclusion: The “Truth” was made according to the flesh; being fashioned like a man; born of the seed of Abraham and David. This “Truth” was made clear through the writings of the Epistles of the Apostles.
B. Spirit sent to reveal the truth. Jesus stated: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you,” John 16:13-15; John 14:26; and John 15:26-27. Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth unto the world. Now, here is the truth of conversion that the Spirit has revealed. Notice:
1. First, there is no example of true conversion conveyed in the Four Gospels (Matthew; Mark; Luke and John). If one is seeking the truth in understanding, believing and obeying “the Truth” it must be sought by looking beyond the Gospels. To find the Holy Spirit’s “revelation of conversion” we must look in the Book of Acts and the Apostles’ Letters to the saints. The Book of Acts is also called: “The Acts of Conversions.”
2. Further, Jesus promise that the Holy Spirit would be the revealer of “the truth” was not manifested until the Lord was “raised from the dead and ascended into glory,” Luke 24:44-47; Acts 1:8-11; Acts 2:1-5; Acts 2:36-42.
3. Finally, it was the first “Pentecost” after the Lord’s ascension into heaven that, “the Truth” was revealed by the Holy Spirit. The words which still echoes through the ages that were spoken by Peter in an answer to the question of repentant believers: “Men and brethren, what shall be do?” The answer granted for their request was that they should: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:36-38; Acts 22:16.
C. Believers must hear and know the truth. Peter’s answer to these believers was the fulfilment of the promise Jesus made unto those Jews seeking “the Truth” regarding the discipleship of Christ. Note: “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,” John 8:31-32. Our Lord defines His terms and conditions for discipleship. Notice:
1. First, “they were to continue in His word.” One translations says “abide” in His word.
2. Further, “they were to know the truth.” The sincere believers must hear, learn, know and obey the truth.
3. Finally, “the truth would make them free from their sins.”
4. The truth revealed by the Holy Spirit was that, “Repentance and the remission of sins should be preached in his name (Jesus Christ) among all nations, beginning in Jerusalem,” Luke 24:47. This promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost.
5. The Ephesians heard the word of truth: “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance unto the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory,” Ephesians 1:12-13. Have ye heard the word of truth, believed and obeyed it? These believers heard the word of truth, the gospel of their salvation; they believed it, obeyed it and were “sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.”
6. Illustration: Why Didn’t I Know The Truth? Ephesians 3:1-6; Nehemiah 8:8. Let's summarize Paul's revelation. Notice:
a. Given to him by revelation.
b. Written down by inspiration.
c. Given to us for examination.
d. That we might receive illumination.
D. The Roman believers obeyed the truth. Paul writes of the Roman’s obedience to “the truth.” Hear him: “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness,” Romans 6:17-18; Romans 1:5; Romans 16:25-26. Consider this analysis:
1. First, they had “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered unto them.” Notice, this obedience was “out of the heart” and “not in the heart.” It therefore, involved more than just faith!
2. Further, “being then made free from sin.” It was after obeying that “form of doctrine” they were made “free from their sin.”
3. Finally, “they became the servant of righteousness.” After this obedience they became servants of righteousness.
4. Illustration: The Doctrine and the Form, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 6:1-7. What did Paul deliver unto the Corinthians? Notice:
a. That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.
b. That Christ was buried according to the Scriptures.
c. That Christ rose again according to the Scriptures.
E. Believers must obey “the truth” or “the gospel.” Consider the notion that not all have obeyed the “gospel” or that “form of the doctrine.” Notice:
1. First, to the Romans: “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world,” Romans 10:16-18.
2. Further, to the Galatians: “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?” See Galatians 3:1; Galatians 5:7.
3. Next, judgment promised to those that obey not the gospel or the truth. Paul writes: “In flaming fire (Christ shall come) taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 2 Thessalonians 1:8.
4. Additionally, strong delusions: “And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.”
a. “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”
b. “But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:”
c. “Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 2 Thessalonians 2:10-14.
d. After God has sent the truth, and one refuses it; He promises to send strong delusion unto them that they might believe a lie and be damned. Jesus says: “The same word will judge them in the last day,” John 12:48.
5. Finally, Judgment must begin at the house of God. Peter admonishes us: “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begins at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17.
6. Judgment is promised for those that “have not obeyed the gospel”; and for those that have: “Not stood fast in one spirit, and with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,” Philippians 1:27. Let us now consider the last thought: “I am the life.”
III I AM THE LIFE
A. Savior declared to be the life. Now we will consider the declaration of Jesus that states: “I am the Life.” He is the life promised by the Old Testament prophecies. Jesus is savior and Lord. The apostle Paul describes Jesus Christ as Savior. Notice:
1. God’s promise of eternal life: “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour,” Titus 1:1-3. Let's summarize Paul's statement. Notice:
a. Conceived by God before the world began.
b. Commission by God to be preached "in due times."
c. Committed by God to the apostles by commandment.
2. God’s revelation of eternal life: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works,” Titus 2:11-14; 1 Peter 2:9.
3. God’s blessing of eternal life: “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life,” Titus 3:4-7.
B. Seekers must accept Jesus’ terms of eternal life. Jesus said unto those Jews: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life... Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me... And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life,” John 5:24; Romans 8:1.
C. Scriptures are spirit and life. Our Lord states:
1. Spirit that quickeneth: “It is the spirit that quickeneth: the flesh profiteth nothing: the words I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life,” John 6:63. Peter stated to Jesus: “Lord to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life,” John 6:68. Illustrate: Disciples Turned Away From Him.
2. Christ brought life: “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,” 2 Timothy 1:8-10.
D. Saints are promised an abundant life. Jesus promised true believers a life more abundant, as well as an eternal life. Notice:
1. First, hear Jesus: “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly,” John 10:10. First in this world he promises an abundant life; and in the world to come life eternal.
a. Peter’ question: “Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.” In Matthew’s account he asked: “What shall we have therefore?” Matthew 19:27-29.
b. Lord’s response: “And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life,” Mark 10:28-30. Notice:
1) David: “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly,” Psalms 84:11. And: “Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned (righteous forsaken) or their children (seed) begging for bread,” Psalms 37:35.
2) Jesus: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof,” Matthew 6:33-34.
3) God will provide for his children, first in this life the things that we need; as well as in the life to come, eternal life.
2. Further, Peter: “For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ ...Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” 2 Peter 1:11-13.
3. Finally, Paul writes: “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life,” 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
E. I am the resurrection and the life: “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? John 11:25-26. Illustrate: Lazarus Come Forth, John 11:43-44. We can be certain of the resurrection and life eternal. Notice:
1. Peter’s letter to the dispersed: “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit,” 1 Peter 3:18.The Spirit quickening (to make alive) and raised up the body of Jesus from the dead.
2. Paul’s letter to the Romans. Spirits work in the Resurrection. Notice:
a. First, “And if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell well in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies, by his Spirit that dwelleth in you,” Romans 8:11.
b. Further, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God... And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the suffering of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be REVEALED IN US,” Romans 8:17-18.
c. Next, “For the earnest expectation of the creature (our body) waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God... For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly... Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption (death and decay) into the glorious liberty of the children of God,” Romans 8:19-21; Galatians 5:1.
d. Finally, “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together NOW. And not only they (the creature; the creation), but ourselves also, which have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body,” Romans 8:22-23. Who is this creature? Mark 16:15-16; Colossians 1:23.
1) This whole plan of redemption was designed to restore not only the “spirit of man” to the glory of God; but the body of clay also, “the redemption of our body.”
2) How was that possible: “quicken your mortal bodies, by his Spirit that dwelleth in US.”
3) Day of redemption: “And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption,” Ephesians 4:30. The day of redemption will be the day of the resurrection!
3. Lively hope: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time,” 1 Peter 1:3-5.
4. Resurrection day: “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation,” John 5:28-29; Acts 24:14-15.
5. Judgment day: “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead,” Acts 17:30-31.
a. Death and the judgment: “It is appointed unto men once to die and then the judgment,” Hebrews 9:27.
b. Judgment seat of Christ: ”For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences,” 2 Corinthians 5:10-11.
c. Hear the conclusion: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil,” Ecclesiastes12:13-14.
1) Every idle word: “But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the Day of Judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned,” Matthew 12:36-37.
2) Words spoken in a closet: “Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops,” Luke 12:1-3.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. I am the Way
2. I am the Truth
3. I am the Life
A. Remarks.
1. First, we considered the declaration, “that Jesus is the way unto the Father.” John the Baptist announced that he was sent to “prepare the way of the Lord.” Isaiah prophesied that Jehovah would send a forerunner before the Messiah’s appearance to “make straight the way of the Lord.” Isaiah prophesied that He would reveal “the way of holiness and no unclean thing shall pass over it; it shall be for the wayfaring man, though fool should not stumble in it.” Jesus called this path the “straight and narrow way that leadeth unto life.”
2. Second, we discussed the declaration, “that Jesus is the truth” that was sent to make know the Father. He also declared, that the believers would “know the truth, and that truth would make one free.” Freedom from sin is made possible to the disciples after they hear, believe and obey the truth of the gospel, which will “make them free from their sins.” Recall that the apostle Paul wrote to the Romans, “But God be thanked that ye were the servants of sin; but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you, being then made from sins, ye became the servants of righteousness.” This is that same truth that Jesus spake about that would make one free from their sin. This is that same truth the Lord revealed unto the holy apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit.
3. Lastly, we investigated the declaration, “I am the life.” Jesus makes it clear after one finds the way; obey the truth, they shall obtain eternal life. Many today are supposing that they are in the way; that they believe on Christ; and they have been granted eternal life. However, their claims do not find sanction in the New Testament. As Jesus is the revealer of the way; the truth, He also has made manifest the hope of eternal life. The Lord states: “I am come that ye might have life and have it more abundantly.” Eternal life is found in the “Son of God” and it is to them He “gave the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
C. Invitation. Present the plan of salvation. H, B, R, C, B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
