INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Someone is coming: A Sacrifice
2. Someone has come: A Savior
3. Someone is returning: A Sentencer
Introductory Remarks.
1. In our lesson today, we are going to be discussing: “Someone is Coming! And His name is Jesus. He will come to be the sacrifice for all sins forever. He will come first to be the Savior for all humanity. The "propitiation for the sins of the world," 1 John 2:1-2. He will come again to be the Sentencer: The Just Judge to grant eternal life to those that obey Him. And to sentence those that disbelieve and have been disobedient to Him: eternal damnation. We sincerely pray that all will come: "And take of the water of life freely,” Revelation 22:17.
2. First, we will consider the prototype for all ages: “Someone is coming" to be a sacrifice for the sins of all generations. This lesson exposes the sin of Cain because his brother's sacrifice was acceptable, while he and his sacrifice were not acceptable to God. Jehovah told Cain that his sacrifice for his sins was not as He ordered; therefore, he and his sacrifice were not made in righteousness. Jehovah then admonished Cain by saying: “If you do well (righteousness), will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door,” Genesis 4:7. The offerings of both sons to the Lord were for their sins. Cain's lack of faith and disobedience made himself and his offering unacceptable to the Lord. This sacrifice of a "blood offering" for sin would be a perpetual commandment throughout all generations till the Lord would come: to offer Himself and become the final sacrifice for sin, forever. Fulfilling Abraham’s promise to Isaac: “God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering,” Genesis 22:8. That someone is coming.
3. Second, we will discuss the propitiation for all generations: “Someone has come.” Mathew gives us our first view into the Savior’s birth and insight into the prophet's message of the coming of Jesus. The angel’s visits to Joseph and Mary in Nazareth tell the whole story surrounding a Savior's coming. The angel said: “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto you Mary thy wife: for the child who is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins,” Matthew 1:18-21. It was John the Baptist's testimony at the river of Jordon that the sacrifice and propitiation for the sins of all generations had come. He said unto the people: “Behold the lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world,” John 1:29. That someone has come!
4. Lastly, we will investigate the promise of the Just Judge to fulfill His promise: "Someone is returning." Jesus will return not as a Savior but as the Sentencer to reward all people for their works, whether "good or bad." John, the Revelator, wrote of Him: "And, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his works shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning, the end, the first and the last," Revelation 22:12-13. Here we have the Judge's words I come quickly: "To give every man according as his works shall be." The apostle Paul wrote of this return in this manner: "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven…in that day," 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10. [Text shortened for brevity]. Jesus is coming to us this Time not as a Savior but as a Judge to: “Render unto every man according to his works, whether good or evil." With this brief introduction, let us move right into the first point of the lesson.
BODY OF LESSON
I SOMEONE IS COMING: A SACRIFICE
A. Abel’s offering was a prototype for all ages: “Someone is coming.” The background is this: “Adam knew Eve, his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, "I have acquired a man from the LORD. Then she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground,” Genesis 4:1-2. Both sons had an honorable profession. Fathers should encourage their sons and daughters to pursue professions that provide gainful employment. Idle hands and minds are "devil's workshop."
1. Adam had two sons. Both were instructed by the law of their father. At an appointed time, they would offer a sacrifice unto God, as they had been taught. Observe,
2. Cain’s offering: “And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the LORD,” Genesis 4:3. Perhaps, at the "appointed time," Cain brought his offering to God. His offering was "of the fruit of the ground."
3. Abel’s offering: “Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and their fat,” Genesis 4:4. Blood was to be shed by the sacrifice and offered unto God. The results of these two sacrifices are now mentioned to the brothers by God. One was favorable, but the other was not accepted. We now hear why from the Lord God of all offerings. Observe,
4. God’s favor in their offerings. Moses continued: “And the LORD respected Abel and his offering, But He did not respect Cain and his offering,” Genesis 4:3b-4a. Please listen to Moses,
a. And the “Lord had respect – first to Abel, and then his offering,” Isaiah 60:7. Abel’s offering was done in faith and faithful obedience to God, and of a sacrifice with Blood.
1) The Hebrew writer penned: “By faith, Abel offered God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it, he is being dead still speaks,” Hebrews 11:4. David writes of such sacrifices,
2) He wrote: “May He remember all your offerings; And accept your burnt sacrifice. SELAH,” Psalms 20:3. How did God show an offering was acceptable? Notice, “Fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar,” Leviticus 9:24; 1 Chronicles 21:26; and 2 Chronicles 7:1. No doubt this was the case in Abel’s offering! However,
b. The Lord did not have respect – first to Cain, nor his offering. Cain's offering was made in disobedience to God, by a sacrifice without Blood and fat, Leviticus 3:16-17.
c. Abel’s offering (the firstborn of his flock), and he - himself, would be "the first fruit of a righteous soul to be offered before God" by the hands of an evildoer, Acts 2:22-24; Acts 3:14-15.
NOTE: Abel's death could be considered a “type of Christ.” “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,” 1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 3:5.
d. Paul wrote: “Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission,” Hebrews 10:22.
e. Peter wrote: “The precious blood of Christ has redeemed us," 1 Peter 1:18-20; 1 Peter 2:22-24. Moses continued,
B. The Lord’s counsel to Cain. Moses wrote: “And Cain was outraged, and his countenance fell," Genesis 4:5b.
1. Jehovah asked Cain: “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? Genesis 4:5b. Jehovah asks: What is the reason for your anger? And why has your countenance fallen so low before me? Listen to the Lord,
a. First, “If you do well (righteousness), will you not be accepted?” Genesis 4:7. Cain, wouldn't that offering be accepted if you offer an acceptable sacrifice (Blood and fat) in faith and obedience?
1) Jehovah is affirming to Cain to bring unto His altar an offering for sin that He requires.
2) Then, he and his offering would also be accepted. The message is also for us.
3) Our offerings must be done in faith and obedience: as the Lord prescribes "in spirit and truth" John 4:24.
b. Further, "And sin lies at the door if you do not do well.” The offerings brought before the Lord was for his sins. Cain’s lack of faith and disobedience made himself and his offering unacceptable to the Lord. This sacrifice for sin would be a perpetual commandment throughout all generations. Till the Lord would come Himself and become the final sacrifice for sin, forever. That by His one sacrifice,
1) “We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all,” Hebrews 10:10. Paul continued, “And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering frequently the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins," Hebrews 10:11. He concluded,
2) “But this man (Jesus), after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till His enemies be made His footstool,” Hebrews 10:12-13. He wrote elsewhere: “When he had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high,” Hebrews 1:3. Sat down on the “right hand of God,” Mark 16:19; 1 Peter 3:22; Colossians 3:1. Amen, brother Doors and sister Ceilings! Paul concluded,
3) "For by one offering He hath perfected them forever that are sanctified," Hebrews 10:14. Yea, indeed, "someone is coming." Oh, I wish I had some help with this lesson! Jehovah concludes,
c. Finally, “And unto thee be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him,” Genesis 4:5b-7. In this exchange, it appears Jehovah was assuring Cain. Even though this offering was unaccepted and rejected, he could remedy his condition.
1) He had not lost his birthright, and Abel: "Was still (to be) subject unto him, and Cain shalt continue to rule over him" Genesis 4:7.
2) He had no reason to be angry and fallen in his countenance. The Lord could still approve of him. Just offer the proper sacrifice in faith and obedience: and thou shalt be accepted and thy sacrifice as well.
3) For God is no “respecter of persons,” Acts 10:34-35; Romans 2:11.
4) Paul wrote: “But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons,” Colossians 3:25. Observe now Cain’s behavior,
2. Cain assaults his brother. Moses wrote: "Now Cain talked with Abel, his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose against Abel, his brother, and killed him" Genesis 4:8. Consider,
a. The Text suggests that Cain lured his brother into the field away from sight, that he might kill him.
b. This he did out of bitterness and anger towards his brother.
c. Cain becomes the first human murderer (by killing his brother). Others will follow his example unto their destruction, Jude 1:11. Satan is described by the Lord: “As being a murderer, as well as a liar from the beginning,” John 8:44.
d. Upon Cain, God invoked a perpetual (never ending) punishment.
3. Anger and bitterness in Cain’s heart towards Abel drove him to commit murder. Observe what anger and bitterness can cause a person to do against a brother or sister. Consider,
a. Cain became a murderer. John wrote: "Not as Cain, who was of the wicked one and slew his brother. And wherefore did he slew his brother? Because his works were evil, and his brother’s righteous,” 1 John 3:12. Abel's life and sacrifice was righteousness unto God. However, Cain's life and sacrifice were evil and committed to all wickedness and unrighteousness.
1) B. W. Johnson wrote: “This is the message. God's charge has always been that we should love each other. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one. Cain, who hated and slew his brother, is an extreme type of child of the devil. This hater and murderer (are) condemned far more severely in the Scriptures than the disobedient Adam," Page 676. Speaking of Cain,
2) Matthew Henry penned: “He slew his brother…Sin, (when) indulged, knows no bounds…It proceeded so far and had so much of the devil in it that he murdered his brother for religion's sake. He was vexed with the superiority of Abel's service and envied him (for) the favor and acceptance he had with God. And for these, he martyred his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his ... works were evil, and his brother's righteous, v. 12.,” Page 1551. (Insertions are mine).
3) Such anger, ill will, bitterness, and hatred can cause one to destroy their brother. We are experiencing such hateful behavior in an unprecedented manner in America and around the world today. Only brotherly love can change a heart such as Cain's. Paul encourages the saints to: "Let brotherly love continue," Hebrews 13:1; Hebrews 6:10.
4) John penned: "We know that we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death,” 1 John 3:14; 1 John 4:20-21.
b. Who else is a murderer? John continued: “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him,” 1 John 3:15.
c. Control your anger. Solomon wrote: “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry; for anger resteth in the bosom of fools,” Ecclesiastes 7:9; Proverbs 14:17; Proverbs 29:22.
d. Paul admonishes the saints:
1) “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down on your wrath: Neither give you place to the devil," Ephesians 4:26-27.
2) “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you,” Ephesians 4:31-32.
3) When we allow anger, bitterness, and hate to reside in our hearts, we can quickly become murderers ourselves. All who hate their brother or sister are murderers before God.
4. Hatred caused Cain’s sinful behavior. Let’s consider the same behavior in other sons of the patriarchs. Observe,
a. First, “And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, the day of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother, Jacob," Genesis 27:41. We see similar behavior in Joseph’s brothers,
b. Further, Joseph, “And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him," Genesis 37:21.
c. Next, “And Reuben heard it, and he delivered him (Joseph) out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him,” Genesis 37:21. The wise man,
d. Finally, Solomon penned:
1) “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins,” Proverbs 10:12.
2) "He that hateth dissembleth with his lips and layeth deceit within him; When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart," Proverbs 26:24-25.
3) “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. He eats and drinks, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee,” Proverbs 23:7; Proverbs 26:26.
4) These verses have reference to the deceit of Judas Iscariot.
5. Conclusion: Jesus said, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts (hatred), murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashed hands defiled not a man,” Matthew 15:19-20.
C. The Lord’s visit to Cain. To inquire into his brother's whereabouts and not because He did not know what Cain had done. But to hear Cain's response. Listen to the Lord,
1. Jehovah asked Cain, "Where is Abel, your brother?"
2. Cain responded: “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” Genesis 4:9.
3. Jehovah asked Cain: “What have you done?” He continued: “The voice of your brother's blood is crying out to me from the ground!” See Genesis 4:10.
4. Paul wrote: “By faith Abel offered God a greater sacrifice than Cain, and through his faith he was commended as righteous because God commended him for his offerings. And through his faith, he still speaks, though he is dead,” Hebrews 11:4.
D. Abel was a type of Christ. His death and shed Blood were the prototype of Christ's death and the shedding of His precious Blood for all ages. Who would come and His life in like manner would be the fulfillment of Abel’s offering for the “righteousness of all men…that God might be Just, and the justifier of him (all) which believeth in Jesus,” Romans 3:23-26; 1 John 2:1-2. There is mention of other "types of Christ" within the New Testament.
1. Let’s review the word "type" again before proceeding. The word type in Gr., is tupos, meaning a “pattern, type or like figure.” These patriarchs and their sons could be viewed as types of Christ and the "Day of Atonement," in which God commanded an offering of Blood for the sins of His people Israel.
2. Adam was a type of Christ. His sin brought death to humanity, while Christ's death for sins brought life to the world's humanity. Paul wrote: "Wherefore, as by one person sin entered the world. And death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for all have sinned…Therefore, as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation: even so, by the righteousness of one the (free) gift, grace came upon all men unto (the) justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous,” Romans 5:12-19.
a. The offense of one, Adam's disobedience, Genesis 3:1ff.
b. The righteousness of one, Christ’s obedience, Hebrews 5:8-9; Philippians 2:5-11.
c. Paul explains this parallel in his parentheses: verses 13-17.
d. Paul’s conclusion: "Moreover, the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so, might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord," Romans 5:20-21; Romans 5:1-2; Galatians 2:20-21.
e. Conclusion: “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself…For he hath made Him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin (just like Adam before his disobedience); that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him,” 2 Corinthians 5:18-21. As my brother James used to say: "Thank God for Jesus." Amen, the church of the Lord!
3. Isaac was a type of Christ. Abraham’s offering of his son. The "ram in the bush." Signified that "someone is coming.” Paul wrote: “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son: Of whom it was said: That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure,” Hebrews 11:17-19.
NOTE: So as not to again preach the lesson: “Isaac a Type of Christ.” Download it from SermonCentral.com by Ron Freeman, Evangelist.
4. The Blood of Bulls and Goats. The offering of the "blood of bulls and goats" on the Day of Atonement was an appeasement unto God for the sins of Israel. These offerings signaled: "Someone is coming" to take away the sin of all who would "believe and be obedient" to the gospel of Christ. However,
a. These offerings (bulls and goats) could never take away sins but were a particular promise that someone was coming: to put away these types of sacrifices forever. That someone is Jesus.
b. Paul wrote: "And almost all things are by the law purged with Blood, and without shedding of Blood is no remission. It was, therefore, necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy place made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us," Hebrews 9:22-24.
c. It was, therefore, necessary for Christ to come and become that "perfect sacrifice" for sin forever. He did through His death at Calvary. Now we are partakers of the blessing of "forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit," Acts 2:38; Titus 3:5. Amen, praise God, Hallelujah!
E. Someone is coming. Paul wrote: "Wherefore when he (Christ) cometh into the world, he saith, sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure ... I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God ... Then said he, lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first that he may establish the second," Hebrews 10:5-9. Paul explains,
1. First, Christ has offered His body once and for all – that we might be sanctified forever. Amen!
2. Further, His body offered once: “By which we (the believers) are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus once for all,” Hebrews 10:10.
3. Next, His offering of one sacrifice: "And every priest standeth daily ministering and often offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God: From henceforth expecting till his enemies are made his footstool," Hebrews 10:11-13; Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 12:2; 1 Peter 3:22.
4. Additionally, by one offering:
a. The believer is sanctified: “For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified,” Hebrews 10:14; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Revelation 1:4-5.
b. Holy Ghost witness: "Of whom the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, this is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord."
1) “I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;”
2) “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more,” Hebrews 10:15-17.
5. Finally, no more offering: “Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin,” Hebrews 10:18. Because of heaven’s intervention, God sent Jesus to be the sacrifice for our sins; we now have human intercession “through the veil” in His presence.
a. Therefore, let us have the boldness and confidence to enter His presence.
b. To obtain our sins' forgiveness through Christ's cleansing Blood.
c. Through which we have been sanctified forever. With this, let’s consider our next point in this lesson.
II SOMEONE HAS COME: A SAVIOR
A. A Savior is coming. Our thoughts on this point begin with an angel's visit to Nazareth, a city in Galilee where a couple was espoused in marriage. Time does not permit me to deal with this entire matter in this lesson. However, I have discussed this couple's situation in depth in another lesson, available on SermonCentral.com, entitled "The Father of Another's Son." Our lesson begins with an angel’s visit to Mary. Observe,
1. Angel visits Mary. Mathew gives us our first view into the Savior’s birth and insight into the prophet's message of the coming of Jesus, which we will consider at the end of the angel's visits to Joseph and Mary. What Matthew and Luke wrote of the angel's visits is the fulfillment of the prophecies concerning the coming of a Saviour. Observe,
a. Matthew penned: “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost," Matthew 1:18.
b. Luke wrote: "And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a son, and call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom, there shall be no end," Luke 1:31-33.
2. Angel visits Joseph: "Then Joseph, her husband, being a just man, and unwilling to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying: Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto you Mary thy wife: for the child who is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins,” Matthew 1:18-21.
3. Conclusion: "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. Then Joseph, being raised from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took her to be his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn Son: and he called his name JESUS," Matthew 1:22-25. The prophets foretold the birth of the Saviour. Consider,
a. Isaiah wrote: "For unto us a child is born, unto us, a Son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father; the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and Peace, there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and his kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from henceforth, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this," Isaiah 9:6-7; Acts 2:29-36. The birth of Christ and the establishment of His church, Jesus has fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy. Consider,
b. Isaiah wrote again: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel,” Isaiah 7:14.
c. Matthew inscribed: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, God with us,” Matthew 1:23. This is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy.
4. Mary’s firstborn Son. Luke wrote: “And she (Mary) brought forth her firstborn Son: and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn,” Luke 2:5-7. Others wrote of Jesus's birth and described His divinity and humanity. Consider,
a. John penned: "He came unto His own…Which were born, not of Blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor the will of man, but of God, And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth," John 1:11-14.
b. Paul inscribed: “But when the fulness of Time came, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, (and) made under the law: To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, saying, Abba, Father," Galatians 4:4-6.
c. Paul again: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be 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, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross…to the glory of God the Father,” Philippians 2:5-11. [Text shortened for brevity].
d. Conclusion: The birth of Jesus, the Savior, was not by the will of man, nor of the flesh: but by the will of God. That He might redeem us: “With the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifested in this last time for (us) you,” 1 Peter 1:18-20. John the Baptist announced His coming. Observe,
B. A Savior has come. John testified at the river of Jordon that the sacrifice and propitiation for all generations' sins have come into the world. He said unto the people: “Behold the lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world,” John 1:29. Behold,
1. He has come! John the Baptist announced Jesus as the one to come to: “Justify us freely by grace through (the) faith that is in Christ Jesus: Who God hath set forth to be (the) propitiation through the redemption in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of past sins, through the forbearance of God. To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be Just, and the justifier of him (all) which believeth in Jesus," Romans 3:24-26; [Text rearranged by author] to conform to other references referring to “the redemption in His blood,” Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14.
NOTE: See the Attachment at the end of this lesson to explain our rewrite of Romans 3:24-26.
2. The Lamb of God. Jesus is the Lamb, which Abraham foretold would come when he said to Isaac: "God himself will provide the Lamb for the burnt offering, my son. Then the two of them walked on together," Genesis 22:8. Then, through a suitable substitute: "a ram in the bush," Genesis 22:13. Now, through Christ, our substitute, the "Lamb of God" who came to save all humanity from their sins.
3. Which taketh away. Jesus came to “take away” the guilt and condemnation of sin, Romans 8:1-4; Hebrews 2:14-15. So, that we might be "made heirs according to the hope of eternal life" -promised by God, "that cannot lie before the world began, but hath been manifested in due times by His word through preaching," Titus 1:1-3; Titus 3:4-7.
4. The sins of the world. To provide a means of forgiveness through faith and obedience to the precious “gospel of Christ,” Romans 1:16; Romans 10:16-18; Romans 15:18-19.
C. That Savior’s name is Jesus! He came: "To save his people from all their sins" Matthew 1:21. The prophets also spoke of this sacrifice for sins. Let’s begin with that great section of scripture that describes the Savior’s suffering, death, and resurrection. Observe,
1. Isaiah wrote: “Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground…He is despised and rejected by men…Surely, He hath borne our grief…But He was wounded for our transgression; He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our Peace was upon Him, and with His stripes, we are healed. All we, like sheep, have gone astray…He was oppressed, and he was afflicted…He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep, before her shearers are dumb, so he openeth not his mouth…Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him…He shall see of the travail of His soul and be satisfied…Therefore, will I divide Him a portion with the great…He bared the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors," Isaiah 53:1-12. [Text shortened for brevity].
2. Zechariah wrote: "And I will pour upon the house of David, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn," Zechariah 12:10.
a. John wrote: "Not one of His bones shall be broken…they shall look on Him whom they pierced," John 19:34-37.
b. This prophecy was fulfilled in Christ's death and suffering on the cross of Calvary.
c. This blessing was given when He said: “It is finished” John 19:30.
3. Zechariah again: “In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem…In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and uncleanness," Zechariah 12:11; Zechariah 13:1.
4. Conclusion: Jesus' life, suffering, death, burial, and resurrection were to "fulfill all that was written of Him" in the law, the prophets, and the Psalms. Jesus will remind His apostles of these things before His ascension into heaven, Acts 1:1-11.
D. Before the Master’s ascension into the heavens. He reminded His apostles: “Of those things written of Him in the law, and the prophets, and in the Psalms,” concerning His suffering, death, burial, and resurrection, Luke 24:44-47. Observe,
1. First, “These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you,” Matthew 16:21.
2. Further, "That all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms, concerning me."
3. Next, “Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.”
4. Finally, “And said unto them: Thus, it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem,” Luke 24:44-47. Amen, Brother Walls!
E. Witness Peter's preaching on the Day of Pentecost. Jesus was the subject of his preaching of David. The prophets speak of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, Acts 2:22-35. Peter’s preaching on the Day of Pentecost could be outlined in this fashion. Observe,
1. First, an interpretation of Joel’s prophecy. Luke wrote: “But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell in Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and listen to my words: For these are not drunken as you suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel. And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh…And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved,” Acts 2:14-21. [Text shortened for brevity].
2. Further, an interpretation of David’s prophecies. Luke continued,
a. Jesus’ suffering and death: “Ye men of Israel, hear these words. Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him amid you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered…and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. Whom God hath raised…of death…it was not possible that he should be holden of it," Acts 2:22-24.
b. Jesus’ soul not being left in hell: “For David speaketh concerning Him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face…Therefore, did my heart rejoice…Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption…Thou hast made known to me the ways of life…with thy countenance,” Acts 2:25-28.
c. Jesus’ resurrection: “Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried…He (David) saw this before speaking of the resurrection of Christ…This Jesus hath God raised, of which we are all witnesses,” Acts 2:29; Acts 2:31-32.
3. Next, an interpretation of Christ sitting on David’s throne. Luke continued: “Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to Him, that of the fruit of His loins, according to the flesh, He would raise Christ to sit on His throne," Acts 2:30.
4. Another is an interpretation of Christ's exaltation. Luke again: “Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this…For David is not ascended…The Lord said unto my Lord: Sit thou on my right hand --until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore, let all the house of Israel know assuredly…both Lord and Christ,” Acts 2:33-36. [Text shortened for brevity].
5. Finally, Peter’s preaching of “repentance and the remission of sins.” Luke concluded: “Now when they heard this…Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then, Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise…And with many other words…Then, they that gladly received his word were baptized…And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved,” Acts 2:37-47. [Text shortened for brevity]. Let’s now consider the last point in this lesson.
III SOMEONE IS RETURNING: A SENTENCER
A. Paul affirms that Christ’s second coming will constitute “the end.” His coming will not be to save us but to be our Judge, Hebrews 9:27-28. He penned: "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his (own) order: Christ the first fruits; afterward they who are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end," 1 Corinthians 15:20-24. See Leviticus 23:9-11. Beloved in the Lord,
1. Paul affirms three things at Christ’s return. They are: 1) That will be the end, 2) There will be a resurrection of the dead, and 3) There will be a final judgment of both the “good and the evil.”
2. Consider what happens at Christ’s Second Advent (coming) as Paul has inscribed them. The beloved apostles wrote first,
B. Then cometh the end. At Christ’s advent or return, that will be the “end.” The end of what? The end of the “last days.” Christ's return will conclude the "last days," Hebrews 1:1. These days were mentioned in Joel's prophecy, Joel 2:28-29. And Peter's preaching on Pentecost, Acts 2:14-18.
1. Christ's first coming was to usher in the beginning of the “last days.” Paul wrote: "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds. Who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had (by Himself) purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high," Hebrews 1:1-3.
2. At Christ second coming, this will be the end. Paul wrote: "But every man in his (own) order: Christ the first fruit; afterward, they (which) are Christ's at His coming. Then cometh the end,” 1 Corinthians 15:23-24. Let’s summarize what Paul wrote about “the end," at Christ's return to "judge the living and the dead," 1 Timothy 4:1-2. Consider,
a. Time will be no more, which will constitute "the end." Things as we now know them, Time, space, heaven and earth, and all human life will end - at Jesus' Second Advent. Unlike many anticipating His return, there will be no "rapture, no seven-years of tribulation, nor 1000-year reign." The beloved apostles wrote what events would constitute "the end." Paul wrote,
b. These things shall occur, ushering in “the end.” Observe,
1) “He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father,” 1 Corinthians 15:24a.
2) “He shall have put down all (His) rule, authority, and power,” 1 Corinthians 15:24b.
3) “He will end His kingdom’s reign: “For He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under his feet,” 1 Corinthians 15:25. Notice,
a) He must reign “till." Till is an "adverb of time."
b) That means: "He is now reigning."
c) And shall continue to do so "until the end" at His return.
4) “He will destroy the last enemy which is death" 1 Corinthians 15:26. He will do it in two ways.
a) One, “by the resurrection of all the dead,” 1 Corinthians 15:21-22; 1 Corinthians 15:26.
b) Two, “by changing those alive (in the twinkling of an eye) into eternal life, 1 Corinthians 15:50-52.
c) Both the dead and the living shall be changed! Fulfilling Jesus’ promise: “That he that liveth and believeth in me shall never die,” John 11:25-26.
5) “He will recluse Himself of all things (and be subject unto the Father),” 1 Corinthians 15:28. Jesus will return rule, authority, and power to His Father. That God might be "all in all."
3. Conclusion: Therefore, “the end” and the "last day" are synonymous. The end/last day shall come at the consummation of all things in the "last days," Acts 3:21. No mention of a 1000-year reign when the Lord comes, but rather, "the end,” or the “last day.”
NOTE: I know this differs from the teaching of many spiritual leaders, ministers, and teachers.
However, Paul wrote Corinth of "the end.” And not the “beginning” of Christ’s reign on earth, 1 Corinthians 15:23-26; Hebrews 2:14-15. Christ’s reign began at His return to the Father in heaven, Acts 1:11; Acts 2:30-35; Hebrews 1:3. Paul’s final words,
4. His summation: “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality… then shall be brought to pass the written saying, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren…your labor is not in vain in the Lord," 1 Corinthians 15:53-58. [Text shortened for brevity]. Amen, the beloved in the Lord! The apostles wrote secondly of,
C. The resurrection of the dead. And that death continues to reign until Christ’s return! Then there shall be an "end" to death: and all the dead (good and evil) shall be raised. He wrote: "All shall be made alive," and the "last enemy that shall be destroyed is death," 1 Corinthians 15:25-26. Are you getting all this church? Amen, brother Usher! However,
1. The millennialists contend for the rapture, seven years of tribulation, and a 1000-year reign of Christ on earth when the Lord returns. Paul affirms the resurrection of the dead and then the "end." Jesus also promised a resurrection on the "last day." He says: "I will raise him at the last day," John 6:39-40; John 11:23-26. Who will he raise?
a. Those who come to Jesus "will be raised on the last day." Notice: "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him, and I will raise him at the last day,” John 6:44; John 14:6.
b. Those that have eternal life. "Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him at the last day," John 6:54. See also Luke 22:17-20; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30.
NOTE: Illustrate our observance of the Communion – The Lord's Supper. We partake of Christ's broken body and shed Blood during this solemn occasion. We do this to remember His suffering, death, burial, and resurrection. The Lord's Supper is our perpetual remembrance of His promised return and our resurrection. Observe,
2. Martha understood her brother would “be raised at the last day.” Jesus said: "Thy brother shall rise again. Martha told him that Lazareth would rise again in the resurrection on the last day. 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," John 11:23-26. On the last day: There shall be a great resurrection and final judgment of all people. It will be a resurrection of the “good and evil” the “just and the unjust.”
3. There will be a resurrection of the dead. Paul wrote: "But every man in his (own) order: Christ the first fruit, afterward they that are Christ's at His coming." The apostles declare at Christ's second coming, we too shall experience the resurrection of the dead, like unto the Lord. He was the "first fruit," we shall be the precious "fruit" liken unto the Son of God. We will address this more fully after we conclude our thoughts on “the end.”
4. The resurrection of good and evil. The scriptures promise that there shall be a resurrection of the “good and evil," and it shall take place “at the same hour” on the “last day.” Observe,
a. Jesus said: "Marvel not at this, for the hour is coming, in 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. When will this occur? For the hour is coming.
b. Paul preaching to Felix, said: "That there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust," Acts 24:15. He also penned: “All will not sleep, but all will be changed when Jesus returns,” 1 Corinthians 15:50-52. See also Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Daniel 12:1-3.
c. This is what Jesus promised Martha: "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.
d. The dead will rise, John 5:28-29; Acts 24:14-15; Thessalonians 4:13-18.
e. And not all shall sleep, but all will be changed, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52.
D. The judgment will come “at the last day.” Jesus said: "He that rejecteth me and receiveth not my words hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day,” John 12:48.
1. First, God “Hath appointed a day, in which He will judge the world in righteousness.” Acts 17:30-31.
a. Just like death. “It is appointed once to die, and after this the judgment,” Hebrews 9:27.
b. Jesus reveals a picture of the His return and judgment, Matthew 25:31-46.
c. Therefore, the judgment will occur when the Lord returns, "at the end," or on the "last day."
NOTE: You can cancel your doctor's visit or hairdresser appointment, but not your appearance before the judgment seat of Christ.
2. Further, Paul penned: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad," 2 Corinthians 5:10.
3. Finally, he inscribed: "For we all shall stand before the judgment seat of Christ," Romans 14:10. Peter also warns: “That judgment shall begin at the house of God,” 1 Peter 4:17-18.
E. The Time for Rewards. "And behold I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as he has done," Revelations 22:12.
NOTE: Illustrate, Separate the sheep from the goats, Matthew 25:30-46. Are you ready for his return? These are the last days. Christ has prolonged His return to give all humanity time and opportunity to repent. Consider,
1. Peter wrote: “The Lord is not slack... But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heaven shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up," 2 Peter 3:9-10. [Text shortened for brevity]. See also 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10.
2. Paul reminds us: "For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord shall come as a thief in the night. For when they say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief," 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4.
3. When Christ returns, then cometh “the end.” If He came today, even now, where would you spend eternity? Have you prepared for the life that is sure to come?
4. Jeremiah wrote of Israel, "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved" Jeremiah 8:20.
5. Paul encourages: “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words," 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. As I move to conclude, recall what we discussed.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Someone is coming: A Sacrifice
2. Someone has come: A Savior
3. Someone is returning: A Sentencer
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered the prototype for all ages: "Someone is coming" -to be a sacrifice for the sins of all generations. This lesson exposes the sin of Cain because his brother's sacrifice was acceptable, while he and his sacrifice were not acceptable to God. Jehovah told Cain that his sacrifice for his sins was not as He ordered; therefore, he and his sacrifice were not made in righteousness. Jehovah then admonished Cain by saying: "If you do well (righteousness), will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door,” Genesis 4:7. The offerings both sons brought before the Lord was to atone for their sins. Cain's lack of faith and disobedience made himself and his offering unacceptable to the Lord. This sacrifice of a "blood offering" for sin would be a perpetual commandment throughout all generations till the Lord would come: to offer Himself and become the final sacrifice for sin, forever. Fulfilling Abraham’s promise to Isaac: “God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering,” Genesis 22:8. That someone is coming.
3. Second, we discussed the propitiation for all generations: “Someone has come.” Mathew gives us our first view into the Savior’s birth and insight into the prophet's message of the coming of Jesus. The angel’s visits to Joseph and Mary in Nazareth tell the whole story surrounding a Savior's coming. The angel spoke to Joseph: “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto you Mary thy wife: for the child who is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins,” Matthew 1:18-21. It was John the Baptist's testimony at the river of Jordon that the sacrifice and propitiation for the sins of all generations had come. He said unto the people: “Behold the lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world,” John 1:29. That someone has come!
3. Lastly, we investigated the promise of the Just Judge to fulfill His promise: "Someone is returning." Jesus will return not as a Savior but as the Sentencer to reward all people for their works, whether "good or bad." John, the Revelator, wrote of Him: "And, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his works shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning, the end, the first and the last," Revelation 22:12-13. Here we have the Judge's words I come quickly: "To give every man according as his works shall be." The apostle Paul wrote of this return in this manner: "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven…in that day," 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10. [Text was shortened for brevity]. Jesus' return is not to be a Savior but as a Judge to: "Render unto every man according to his works, whether it be good or evil."
C. Invitation. Present the pattern of conversion, i.e., hearing and believing the gospel; repentance of all past sins; confessing faith in Christ, as the Son of God; and then, by obeying the gospel; that is to: “repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38; Romans 6:17-18; Ephesians 1:12-14.
D. Persuade. "Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord we persuade men," 2 Corinthians 5:11. "Today is the day of Salvation," 2 Corinthians 6:2. Won't you decide to follow him right now?
E. Motivate. "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light," Matthew 11:28-30. I hope it shall not be said of you; as it was of the children of Israel by Jeremiah: "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved," Jerimiah 8:20. Illustrate: "There is no pillow as soft as a clear conscience."
ATTACHMENT
AUTHOR’S REWRITE OF ROMANS 3:24-26
As promised in the lesson, I have attached my rewrite of Romans 3:24-26. Let me clarify; I am not a Greek scholar, nor educated in the art and skill of translating the Holy Bible. My work, as presented, is merely my observations and study of the scriptures.
NOTE: I have no ax to grind, only a desire to “confirm and defend the faith of the gospel of the Son of God," Philippians 1:7; Philippians 1:17.
Text of investigation: “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God, to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be Just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus,” Romans 3:24-26. Similar scriptures contain these phrases: "Through the faith" and "redemption through His blood." Observe,
1. Through the faith in Christ Jesus. The following verses were translated as "through the faith" in the New Testament. Paul wrote,
a. In Philippians 3:9, "And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”
b. In Colossians 2:12, "Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also you (have risen) with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead.”
c. Conclusion: Paul's customary rendering of justification in Christ was granted: "through the faith." Shouldn't the translation of Romans 3:24-26 concerning Christ's justification of the believers through the faith have been translated similarly? Justification in Christ is "through the faith." I, therefore, ask: "Why wasn't Romans 3:24-26 translated in the same manner as the other references in the New Testament?" Indeed, the context of the scriptures indicates such should have been the case.
2. Through (the) redemption in His blood. The following verses were translated as "through His blood" in the New Testament. Paul wrote,
a. In Ephesians 1:7, "In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”
b. In Colossians 1:14, "In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”
c. Conclusion: Paul's customary rendering of Christ's redemption is that it was procured: "through His blood." Shouldn't the translation of Romans 3:24-26 concerning Christ's redemption work through His blood be translated similarly? Redemption in Christ is "through His blood." I, again, ask: "Why wasn't Romans 3:24-26 translated in the same manner as the other references in the New Testament?" Again, the context of the scriptures indicates such should have been the case.
3. Exercise in Greek Parsing. Recall that Greek Parsing means “to divide (a sentence) into grammatical parts and identify the parts and their relationship to each other.” Reference, Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
a. In this case, examining a word or phrase in a sentence from Greek to connect its adjective or verb; to its proper definite article, noun, or pronoun; that agrees within the Text by (case, number, and gender).
b. We will allow the case, number, and gender of a word or phrase in a sentence to define their relationship to each other in the Text. The Textus Receptus is the Interlinear being used in discussing this topic.
c. In this case, a sentence in the Greek manuscript is examined by case, number, and gender. (Insertion is mine).
4. Examining the sentence: “through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” We map this verse using Greek Parsing in the following manner.
a. Through (the) redemption, in Romans 3:24.
NOTE: The word “through” is a PREP | the word “the” is a definite article T-GSF | and the word “redemption” is a noun N-GSF
b. That is in Christ Jesus, in Romans 3:24.
NOTE: The word “that” is an article T-GSF | the phrase “is in” is a PREP | the word “Christ” is a noun N-DSM | and the word “Jesus” is also a noun N-DSM
5. Examining the sentence: “Through the faith in his blood.”
a. Through the faith, in Romans 3:25.
NOTE: The word “through” is a PREP | the word “the” is a definite article T-GSF (missing) | and the word “faith” is a noun | N-GSF
b. In (the) His blood, in Romans 3:25.
NOTE: The word “in” is a PREP | the word “the” is a definite article T-DSN (missing) | the word "his" is pronoun P-GSM | and the word "blood" is N-DSN
6. Analysis of these verses. The two missing definite articles, if put in their proper place, would read:
a. Through (the) faith that is in Christ Jesus, Romans 3:24.
NOTE: Through PREP | the T-GSF | faith N-GSF | in PREP | Christ N-DSM | Jesus N-DSM
NOTE: Observe that the definite article and the associated nouns agree in case, number, and gender. GSF means genitive in case, singular in number, and feminine in gender; and, DSM means dative in case, singular in number, and masculine in gender. PREP means preposition.
NOTE: The (the) represents the inclusion of the missing definite articles in the sentence.
b. Through (the) redemption in his blood, Romans 3:25.
NOTE: Through PREP | the T-GSF | redemption N-GSF | in PREP | his P-GSM | the T-DSN | blood N-DSN
NOTE: Observe that the definite article and the associated nouns agree in case, number, and gender. GSF means genitive in case, singular in number, and feminine in gender; GSM means genitive in case, singular in number, and masculine in gender; and, DSN means dative in case, singular in number, and neuter in gender. PREP means preposition.
NOTE: The (the) represents the inclusion of the missing definite articles in the sentence.
c. Conclusion: The Text should read: "Being justified freely by His grace through (the) faith in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be (the) propitiation through (the) redemption in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be Just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus,” Romans 3:24-26.
NOTE: The word “the” is a definite article | T-ASN, and, the word “propitiation” is a noun | N-ASN, respectively. The other missing definite article (ho), is in Romans 3:26. ASN means accusative in case, singular in number, and neuter in gender.
d. Final word. Please feel free to review this work in your own Greek-English Interlinear. I used the BLB.org, Textus Receptus Interlinear, for this work and the Greek Parsing exercise.
Acknowledgments and Commendations
I submit this verse unto you that I may: “Render therefore to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due),” Romans 13:7. I acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors in this lesson.
References
1. Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Clarke Commentary on the Bible, Eight Volumes, published 1810-1826, New York, Published by J. Emory, and B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the conference office, 13 Crosby-Street., J. Collord, Printer, 1831.
6. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
7. Smith's Bible Dictionary, William Smith, Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Printing 1884.
8. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
9. Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
10. The BlueLetterBible.org, (BLB’s) Interlinear, Textus Receptus; and the Morphological GNT, @ 2022, by the Blue Letter Bible. This tool allows you to access the Greek New Testament in both manuscripts. http://www.blb.org/The BLB also provides tutorials to help you learn how to use it. Link, (www.BLB.org).
A word of thanks to BLB.org:
Thank you for this valuable tool of study, BLB.org. It has been an excellent instrument for me to learn and use the Interlinear to bring my sermons alive to the audience. Thank you very much for this great Application to help study the scriptures.
Author’s Information
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
Worldwide Ministry Church of Christ.org TM
Post Office Box 1112
Anniston, AL 36202
Communications and Websites
Email: ronald.e.freeman@wwmchurchofchrist.org
Email: wwmcoc@earthlink.net
https://wwmchurchofchrist.org/
Website: https://en.gravatar.com/refreeman
Visit and worship with the Church of Christ at Pickensville, AL, every Sunday at 11:00 AM and Wednesday at 6:00 PM. The call-in number is: 1-302-202-1110, Pin # is 214733. These men "know the Shepherd!"
