by Barry W. Gaugler
I've been going through my documents files and have been finding teachings I had written, but don't know if I've ever posted before. I know I delivered a message similar to this a few weeks ago in Synagogue, but here is an older condensed version. Hope you enjoy.
I've been going through my documents files and have been finding teachings I had written, but don't know if I've ever posted before. I know I delivered a message similar to this a few weeks ago in Synagogue, but here is an older condensed version. Hope you enjoy.
John 3:14 - 17 (KJV);
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.
15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.
15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Within these few verses stands probably the most popular verse in all of Scripture. Yet, it is probably the most misquoted, and least examined verse in all of Scripture. It is common for us to read this verse, and just assume that, because we believe in Yeshua (Jesus), we automatically have everlasting life. Is that an accurate assumption? Take a close look at verse 15. It clearly says that whoever believes in Him "should not perish." It does not say that whoever believes in Him "shall not perish," nor does it say, "will not perish." The use of the word "should" leaves the act of perishing as indefinite. It is open ended, and implies that you most certainly could perish. That is probably not what you are taught in church, but the language is plain. All I am saying is supported by the grammar of the original Greek.
Now look at verse 16. The same language is used. It says, that whoever believes in Him (the Son) should not perish. When Yeshua says something twice, it is important to pay very close attention to what He is saying. He is trying to emphasize an important point, and He wants you to get it. It is vitally important that you grasp the full meaning of what Yeshua is trying to tell His people in the commonwealth of Israel.
Let's move on to verse 17. The heavenly Father did not send His only begotten (unique) Son into the world, to condemn the world. It is not the Father's will that any should perish, but that all would turn from their sins, and find everlasting life through Yeshua. The Father sent His unique Son into the world with the hope that through Him, the world might be saved. Pay attention to the words, "might be saved." Again, by using the word "might" be saved there is an indefiniteness about who is being saved. I know. You were probably not taught this in your church, but yet again, the language is clear. It is not guaranteeing that those believing will absolutely be saved. By saying you "might be saved," is not saying you absolutely will be saved.
From the Greek, there are two words translated into English as the word "in." They are εν, and εις. The former simply means "in." The latter is more correctly translates as "into." There is a great difference from the Hebraic understanding, between believing "in" something, and believing "into" something. I know in the English, this sounds strange, but I will explain.
From the Greek, there are two words translated into English as the word "in." They are εν, and εις. The former simply means "in." The latter is more correctly translates as "into." There is a great difference from the Hebraic understanding, between believing "in" something, and believing "into" something. I know in the English, this sounds strange, but I will explain.
When many people say, "I believe in Yeshua:" what they are really saying is that they believe He lived. They believe He was a great man, a great teacher, or they may even believe that he was God in the flesh. However they have never really trusted "into" Him to be their savior. They may know about Him, but they don't really know Him. I know about George Washington, but I have never met him and I have never had a relationship with him.
On the contrary. I knew my earthly father. We had a loving relationship. When he was teaching me to swim, I could put my total trust upon him. I knew he loved me, and I could place my total trust "into" his care. He was not going to allow anything evil to happen to me. He always had my best interest in his mind.
Yeshua is not telling us, that by simply believing in Him, we automatically have eternal life. Yeshua is telling us, that only by putting our lives totally into His care, and trusting that we are dead to our sinful nature, by being immersed into His death, burial and resurrection, will we find life eternal. I pray Ruach haKodesh (the Holy Spirit) open your eyes to this truth in Yeshua's name. Amen.
