The Way: A One Lesson Home Bible Study
Calvin J. Grimm
Jesus is Coming, are You Ready?
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matt. 24:14
How can we know the “Way?”
“Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:5-6).
The “Gospel of the Kingdom” is the New Testament message.
John the Baptist preached it: Matt. 3:2, “And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Jesus preached it: Matt. 4:23, “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.” Jesus instructed the Apostles to preach it: Luke 9:2, “And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.”
What is the “WAY” into the kingdom of God?
Not everyone will be in the coming kingdom of Jesus Christ. Jesus answered this question in John 3:1-5 “…except a man be born again, …he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” To be born again means to be saved. The plan of salvation that Jesus authored at Calvary is the only way into His Kingdom. “The Way” Bible study will take you through the gospel of the kingdom. Through obedience to the gospel you too can be part of the glorious kingdom of Jesus Christ!
The Sin
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Rom. 5:12
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters” (Gen. 1:1-2). In six days God created everything. On the seventh day He rested and said, “It is good.”
God instructed Adam saying, “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Gen. 2:16-17). Through disobedience Adam and Eve sinned and mankind was driven out of the Garden of Eden.
Apostle Paul wrote: “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” (Rom. 5:19). “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23).
Since it was through disobedience that we were all made sinners it will take obedience to bring us back to the relationship that God desires to have with us. The grace of God makes this possible.
“Moreover the law entered, that the offence 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).
The question you must answer: Are you ready for a change in your life?
* Creation Story: Gen. 1-4
* Adam Made: Gen. 1:26-27 Gen. 2:7
* Eve Made: Gen. 2:21-25
* The Temptation: Gen. 3:1-6
* The Curse: Gen. 3:16-19
* Promise of Redemption: Gen. 3:14-15
* We All Have Sinned: Ps. 51:5, 1 John 1:8-10
“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.” Rom. 6:17
The Gospel
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:15-16
Four hundred years passed between Malachi and Matthew. Prophets had prophesied hundreds of years prior about the Saviour that would be born. Now an angel appeared unto Joseph and let him know that Mary, his wife to be, was with child and “that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS (Gk: Jehovah has become our salvation): for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:20-21). Jehovah of the Old Testament was Jesus of the New Testament.
Who was this Jesus? The angel went on to say in vs. 23 “they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Apostle Paul said, “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory” (1 Tim. 3:16).
Jesus Christ was the Mighty God wrapped in flesh as the Lamb of God. John declared, “…Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Jesus Christ was on a mission. He said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:10-11).
Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are known as “The Gospels.” They share with us the life of Jesus Christ from His birth to His death at Calvary. During the three and a half years of ministry, He touched thousands of lives, raised the dead, opened blinded eyes, and made cripples walk again. He taught, He loved, He shared and demonstrated the greatest message of hope to man when He laid down His life on the cross.
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: …” (1 John 3:16).
* Prophecy of Christ: Gen. 3:15 Isa. 7:14 Isa. 9:6 Jer. 23:5 Micah 5:2
* Word Made Flesh: John 1:1-2,14
* God is a Spirit: John 4:4
* There is One God: Deut. 4:34,39 Duet. 6:4 Isa. 44:8 Mark 12:29 Eph. 4:5 1 Tim. 2:5 Jam. 2:19
* Jesus the Mighty God: Isa. 7:14 Isa. 9:6 John 1:1,14 Matt. 1:23 John 10:32-33 John 14:6-9 2 Cor. 5:19 Col. 1:14-16 Col. 2:8-9 Phil. 2:5-10 Rev. 1:8
What is the gospel?
The Gospel, or the good news, is that God loved us so much that He wrapped Himself in flesh as He came to earth as a man (son), died for us on the cross, was buried and rose again on the third day. Apostle Paul wrote, “Moreover, brethren I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:1-4). The Gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
There is no salvation outside obeying the gospel:
“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous” (Rom. 5:19).
Because Adam disobeyed, Jesus Christ had to obey. Disobedience separated man from God and obedience will bring man back. “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him” (Heb. 5:8-9).
Believe the gospel: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15).
Obey the gospel: “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17).
Isn’t believing in the gospel the same as obeying?
Believe: To accept as true, genuine or real (Webster’s Dictionary).
Obey: To follow the commands or guidance of or to conform to or comply with (Webster’s Dictionary).
Just believing the gospel won’t save you. The gospel must be first believed but then obeyed. If the gospel is the Death, Burial and Resurrection how then do we obey the gospel in the “Death” and in the “Burial” and in the “Resurrection?” These are the Keys to the Kingdom. Peter received these keys from Jesus and later used them. Let’s take a look at the gospel and see how we are to obey it.
* The Gospel: Matt. 24:14 Luke 4:18 Acts 20:24 Rom. 1:16 Eph. 1:13
* Believing: Mark 9:23 Mark 16:16-18 John 3:12 John 8:24 John 20:31 Acts 15:7 1 Thess. 4:14 Heb. 11:6
* Obedience: Acts 5:29,32 Rom. 15:18 Gal. 3:1 Phil. 2:8 2 Thess. 1:8
* There is a Hell: Matt. 5:29 Matt. 10:28 Luke 16:19-28 Rev. 20:10-15
* There is a Heaven: John 14:1-4 1 Cor. 15:51-57 Col. 1:16 1 Thess. 4:14-17 2 Thess. 1:7 1 Pet. 1:4,5 Rev. 21:1-5 Rev. 10-27
* Jesus gives Peter the Keys to the Kingdom: Matt. 16:17-19
Study Review
(Answers on Page 8)
1. God instructed Adam that he could eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. T F
2. Through disobedience Adam and Eve sinned. T F
3. “For all have ______________ and come short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23
4. Mary would bring forth a son and would call His name _________________. Matt. 1:21
5. The angel said, His name would be called Emmanuel,
which means ____________________________________. Matt. 1:23
6. The gospel is the __________________, __________________ and
_____________________ of Jesus Christ. I Cor. 15:1-4
7. The gospel must be: (a) believed (b) obeyed (c) both
Answers: Page 8: 2. (T) 4. (Change) 7. (T) Page 13: 2. (T) 3. (T) 4. (T) 6. (Y) 7. (Y) Page 17: 2. (T) 3. (T) 4. (T)
The Death
“When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” John 19:30
Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, after being beaten, mocked, whipped and ridiculed, was marched to Golgotha where He was nailed to a cross and placed between two thieves and left to die. Prophet Isaiah said, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isa. 53:5).
By God’s grace, no longer would the High Priest have to sacrifice bulls and goats upon the brazen altar but now the “Lamb of God” laid down His life once and for all for you and me. “But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us” (Heb. 9:11-12).
“But God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).
How then do we obey the gospel of Jesus Christ in His death?
“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (Rom. 6:6).
It is through repentance that we die out to sin and become obedient to the gospel in Christ’s death. Let’s take a closer look.
Repentance: A fundamental and thorough change in the hearts of men from sin toward God (Unger’s Bible Dictionary). Jesus said, “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).
Jesus Christ does forgive sin. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9) However, repentance is the willingness on our part to change our habits and lifestyles as we turn our life toward Jesus Christ.
Repentance is when we allow the “old man” to die out to sin as we obey the Gospel in Christ’s death. Jesus Christ stated, “And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15)
Repentance (death) is essential for the “New Birth”
Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” (John 12:24).
Jesus speaking to Nicodemus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again” (John 3:3-7).
Jesus Christ lets us know that if we are to enter into His kingdom then we MUST BE born again of water and Spirit. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could go back and start our life all over again; being born again gives you that opportunity. This time you are born with a spiritual nature.
What took place at Calvary?
The work of Christ at Calvary was in three distinct steps, the death, the burial and the resurrection. There are three steps that make up being born again as taught by Jesus. To die, to be buried and to rise again. This is what it means to be “born again.”
The first step is to die (repent). We must be willing to repent (obeying the gospel in Christ’s death).
Prophecy of the Crucifixion:
* Rejected by Men: Isa. 53:3, John 1:11
* Triumphal Entry: Zech. 9:9 Matt. 21:7-11
* Jesus Betrayed: Ps. 41:9 Luke 22:47-48
* 30 Pieces of Silver: Zech. 11:12 Matt. 26:14-15
* Spat on & Struck: Isa. 50:6 Matt. 26:67
* Crucifixion: Deut. 21:22-23 1 Pet. 2:24
* Hands Pierced: Ps. 22:16 Luke 24:39
* Side Pierced: Zech. 12:10 John 19:34
* No Broken Bones: Ps. 34:20 John 19:33
* Tasted Death for All Man: Heb. 2:9,17
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out,” Acts 3:19
* Repentance: Matt. 4:17 Acts 2:38 Acts 3:19 Acts 17:30 Rom. 10:10 2 Pet. 3:9 2 Cor. 7:10 Eph. 4:20-24 Rev. 3:19
“And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent:” Acts 17:30
“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” 2 Cor. 7:10
“Lay aside every weight, and the sin which cloth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,” Heb. 12:1-2
Study Review
(Answers on Page 5)
1. “But God commended his love toward us, in that, while we were yet
___________, ______________ died for us.” Rom. 5:8
2. It is through repentance (dying out to sin) that we are able to obey the gospel
of Jesus Christ in His death. T F
3. Who is the one that forgives? ________________________ 1 John 1:9
Who is the one that repents? ___________________________ Acts 17:30
4. Repentance is a thorough _____________________ in the hearts & lives of
men from sin toward God.
5. Jesus said, except you _________________________ you would perish. Luke 13:5
6. Jesus said that before we can bring forth fruit (new life) we must
first __________ out to sin. John 12:24
7. After believing in Jesus Christ we are then to obey the gospel in Christ’s
death by repenting. T F
Answers: Page 5: 1. (F) 2. (T) 7. (C)
The Burial
“And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.” Matt. 27:59-60
After Jesus had bowed His head and gave up the ghost, Joseph of Arimathaea, a counselor, asked Pilate if he could have the body of Jesus. He took His body, wrapped it in linen and laid it in a tomb that was hewn in stone. Luke described it this way, “And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulcher that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid” (Luke 23:53).
By God’s grace as the perfect Lamb of God, Jesus Christ did what no man could ever do. He went where no man could ever go and became what no man could ever become, “…the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Here Jesus Christ would remain until His glorious resurrection three days later where He would conquer death, hell and the grave once and for all.
How then do we obey the gospel of Jesus Christ in His burial?
Apostle Paul answers this question in his epistle to the church in Rome. “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” (Rom. 6:3-6).
After believing and repenting, the next step in our obedient faith is water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus was baptized for an example for us. “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water …” (Matt. 3:16).
“The Great Commission” of Jesus Christ was to preach the gospel. The gospel would cause the sinner to believe and his obedience would lead him to baptism. “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:15-16). Baptism is not “works of the flesh” but the response of a believer as they obey the scripture.
Baptism in Jesus name is obeying the gospel of Jesus Christ in His burial. It’s here through “faith and obedience” that our sins are remitted (washed away) by His blood in baptism.
Baptism is essential for the “New Birth”
Jesus stressed the need to Nicodemus that he must be born again of water. Water here is not amniotic fluid. The question was “How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?” (John 3:4). Jesus was talking about another birth, a new birth. Not a natural birth, but a spiritual birth as we are “Born Again.” Jesus answered, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).
Philip and the Ethiopian – Acts 8:35-38 “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.”
Baptize in the Greek is baptizo meaning to immerse, to make overwhelmed, place under to bury. Philip preached Jesus to the Ethiopian. The gospel caused him to believe and then he responded by obedience and was baptized by immersion, “they went down both into the water.” He was “born of water.” He obeyed the gospel in the burial of Jesus Christ.
How did the Apostles baptize in the “Early Church?”
Birth of New Testament Church – Peter preaching Acts 2:37-39 “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, 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 of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the some day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” (Keys open door to Jews)
The Samaritans – Philip preaching Acts 8:12,15,16 “But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)”
Cornelius’ household (Gentiles) – Peter preaching Acts 10:47-48 “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.” (Keys open door to Gentiles)
Disciples of John re-baptized – Paul preaching Acts 19:4-5 “Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Saul’s (Apostle Paul’s) conversion – Acts 22:17 “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Col. 3:17).
What we’ve learned:
1. Baptism was done only in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. Baptism remits or washes away our repented sins.
3. Baptism is a command not an option.
4. Re-baptism is scriptural if you haven’t yet been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Baptism in the Epistles
“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Cor. 6:11).
“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27).
“Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead” (Col. 2:12).
“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” (Titus 3:5).
“…in the days of Noah,…eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 3:20-21).
What we’ve learned:
1. Baptism was done only in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. Baptism washes and regenerates (makes new, “New Birth”).
3. Baptism saves us and gives us a good conscience.
4. We are buried with Him when we are baptized in Jesus name.
5. Baptism places us “in Christ” and allows us to put “on Christ.”
Jesus’ Commission to His disciples – Matt 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”
Name here is singular. They understood what that “ONE” saving name was, “JESUS”. Their understanding was demonstrated in the New Testament church. They baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Since Jesus is the one who was crucified for us, we should obey the gospel in His burial and be baptized in His name!
* Prophecy of Christ’s Burial: Isa. 53:9 Matt. 27:57-60
* Burial In The Gospels: Matt. 27:57-66 Mark 15:42-47 Luke 23:50-56 John 19:38-42
* Jesus Has the Keys of Death & Hell: Rev. 1:17-18
* Cleansing Power of the Blood: Matt. 26:28 Rom. 3:25 Rom. 5:9 Eph. 1:7 Heb. 9:14 Heb. 9:22 Heb. 10:18-19 1 John 1:7
* Remission of Sins: Luke 24:46-49 Acts 2:38 Acts 22:16
* We Are Born Again: 1 Pet. 1:22-25
* “Know ye not that the unrighteous shell not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Cor. 6.9-11
* Birth of Church: Acts 2:1-4
* Peter uses Keys to the Kingdom: To the Jews – Acts 2:37-39 To the Gentiles – Acts 10:34-48
* Ethiopian: Acts 8.26-40
* Saul’s Conversion: Acts 9:1-19 Acts 22:1-16
* Philippian Jailor: Acts 16:30-33
* Crispus & Family: Acts 18:8
* One Saving Name: Acts 4:12 Zech. 14:5,9
* Ask in His Name: John 14:14
* Healing in His Name: Mark 16:16 Acts 3:1-8 Acts 4:29-33 Jam. 5:14
* Trust in His Name: Matt. 12:21
* Bear His Name: Acts 9:15
* Call on His Name: Rom. 10:13 Acts 22:16
* His Name Glorified in You: 2 Thess. 1:11-12
* The Family Name: Eph. 3:14-15 Rev 22:4
* Highest Name: Phil. 2:9-11
* One Saving Name: “Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” Acts 4:12
* One Baptism: Eph. 4:5
* No Other Gospel: Gal. 1:6-8
* Great Commission: Matt. 28:18-20 Mark 16:15-18 Luke 24:46-49
Study Review
(Answers on Page 5)
1. Jesus said in order to enter the kingdom of God we must be born
of _______________ & ___________________. John 3:1-5
2. We are buried with Jesus by baptism. (Rom. 6:3-6) T F
3. Baptize means to place under or immerse. T F
4. According to scripture, baptism is for remission of sin. (Acts 2:38, 22:17) T F
5. Jesus told his disciples in Matt. 28:19-“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
What was that one saving name? _________________________ Matt. 1:21 & Acts 4:12
6. Were all scriptural accounts of baptism done in that name? Y N
7. After believing and repenting, our next step in obedient faith,
is to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Y N
Answers: Page 5: 1. (F) 2. (T) 7. (C)
The Resurrection
“And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.” Matt. 28:5-6
“Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up-he spoke of the temple of his body” (John 2:19-21).
How then do we obey the gospel of Jesus Christ in His resurrection?
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection” (Rom. 6:4-5).
Once we’ve obeyed the gospel in His death (repentance) and burial (baptism in Jesus name) we have the promise of a new life. Jesus told Nicodemus, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).
We become “New Born” or ‘Born Again.” “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Cor. 5:17).
“And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Gen. 2:7). (creation of natural man)
“And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh” (Ezek. 11:19). (creation of spiritual man)
You are obedient to the gospel in the resurrection when you are born again of the Spirit, baptized with the Holy Ghost.
The “New Birth” Prophesied
“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; …” (Joel 2:28-29).
“For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people” (Isa. 28:11).
John spoke of the baptism of the Spirit or Holy Ghost: “… he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire” (Matt. 3:11).
Jesus spoke of the outpouring of the Holy Ghost: “He that believed on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spoke he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified)” (John 7:38-39).
The Outpouring of the Spirit (Birth of the Church)
After the resurrection and prior to ascending into the heavens, Jesus told His disciples, “And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). 120 were in the upper room at the feast of Pentecost, 50 days after the Passover and crucifixion of Christ, when the church was birthed.
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1-4).
Jesus told Nicodemus, “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and wither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit” John 3:8). Jesus also said, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; they shall speak with new tongues” (Mark 16:17).
Jesus clearly told us that there will be a distinct sound that will accompany every believer that is born of the Spirit and that sound was speaking with new tongues. This is exactly what happened at the birth of the church! And this is what happened throughout the New Testament church. Let’s take a closer look.
Birth of Church-Acts 2:1-4 “…And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Cornelius’ Household (Gentiles) – Acts 10:44-46 “While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God…”
Disciples of John (Paul at Ephesus) – Acts 19:2,4-6 “… Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? …that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied.”
What we have learned:
1. Baptism of the Holy Ghost is being “born again of the Spirit.”
2. Baptism of the Holy Ghost is an experience for “all believers.”
3. “New Tongues” is the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
Do You Believe? (Acts 8:1-17)
12 “But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized both men and women.”
16 “(… they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)”
17 “Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.”
They were born of Water and Spirit into the Kingdom of God!
Gospel preached on the Day of Pentecost
“Then Peter said unto them Repent, (Death) and be baptized (Burial) 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 (Resurrection). For the promise is unto you, and to your children and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:38-39).
* Prophecy of the Resurrection: Ps. 16:10 Acts 13:29-30
* The Resurrection in the Gospels: Matt. 28:1-10 Mark 16:1-14 Luke 24:1-12 John 20:1-18
* Blessed Hope: 1 Pet. 1:3-5
* Law of the Spirit: Rom. 8:1-2
* Quickening Spirit: Rom. 8:11-13
* “Now if any men have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Rom. 8:9
* Prophecies: Isa. 28:9-12 Zech. 12:10
* Holy Ghost a Gift: Luke 11:9-13 Acts 2:38 Heb. 6:4
Gift of the Holy Ghost is:
* Spirit of Christ: Rom. 8:9-11
* A Baptism: 1 Cor. 12:13
* A Birth: John 3:1-8
* A Seal: Eph. 4:30
* Earnest of our Inheritance: Eph. 1:13-14
* Our Rest: Isa. 28:12
* Our Intercessor: Rom.8:26-27
* Spirit of Adoption: Rom. 8:15
* Power: Acts 1:8
* The Comforter: John 14:16,18,26
* Birth of the Church: Acts 1:1-16 Acts 2:1-18
* Pentecost – pente means fifty. Pentecost was a feast of first fruits celebrated on the fiftieth day after the Feast of the Passover.
* Sound Gk: phone (fo-nay’) a tone, saying or a language
* Tongues Gk: glossa (gloce-sah) a language
Study Review
(Answers on Page 5)
1. “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death,
we shall be also in the likeness of his ___________________:” Rom. 6:4-5
2. Jesus said we must be born of the water and of the Spirit. T F
3. Obeying the gospel in the resurrection is being born of the Spirit, the
baptism of the Holy Ghost. T F
4. In scripture, speaking with new tongues was the initial evidence of the
baptism of the Holy Ghost. T F
If you believe that Jesus Christ is our Savior then isn’t it now time to obey His gospel?
This article “They Way: A One Lesson Home Bible Study” by Calvin J. Grimm may be used for study & research purposes only. Praise & Truth Ministries. 2009.
