"You must be born again" - Jesus speaking with Nicodemus - John 3:7 - Shutterstock image - Used under license
The Bible verse quotations in this lesson are taken from the English Standard Version (ESV) unless noted otherwise (Ref. 1).
Consider. What does it mean to be "born again"? Why did Jesus say we must be born again?
1. Who is included in "You must be born again"?
The first "you" in John 3:7 is singular (Ref. 2), referring to Nicodemus. Jesus said, "Do not marvel that I said to you ..."
The second "you" in John 3:7 is plural, meaning you all (Ref. 2). Jesus said, "You [all] must be born again" (John 3:7). Nicodemus may have understood the plural you as referring to himself and the rulers and Pharisees (John 3:1). However, the plural "you" in "You must be born again" is universal and applies to all people because all need to be born again to see [spiritually perceive] the kingdom of God (John 3:3, Ref. 3). That includes all of us who are reading this message. 2. Why must we be born again?
"Just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned." (Romans 5:12)
Romans 5:12 tells us that because of Adam's sin, sin and death spread to all people (Greek anthrópos - all humans - men, women, and children) (Ref. 3; Genesis 2:16-17, 3:6-7). There are no exemptions. That is why we must be born again. 3. What does "born again" mean?
"Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.'" (John 3:3)
"Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'" (John 3:7) The words "born again" in John 3:3 and 3:7 in the Greek mean to be regenerated anew (Ref. 4, Ref. 5). The work of regenerating us anew spiritually is entirely the work of God's Holy Spirit, not our own works (Ezekiel 36:25-27, Titus 3:4-5). God's work of regenerating us anew spiritually (making us born of God) is different in nature and timing from our natural human birth (being born of earthly parents) (John 1:12-13, John 3:6). Becoming "born again" in John 3:3 and 3:7 is synonymous with becoming "born of God" in John 1:13. John, the disciple of Christ and the gospel writer says, "He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:11-13). Further, John gives three characteristics of a person who is born of God:
In Ezekiel 36:25, God's action of cleansing us from sin (symbolized by water) is part of the inner transformation God does in us when God regenerates us anew and puts a new spirit within us (Ezekiel 36:26-27, Psalm 51:1-2, 10, Hebrews 10:22, 1 John 1:9). To sum up, becoming born again means being regenerated anew by God's Holy Spirit (John 3:3, 7). God cleanses us from our sin. God puts a new spirit -- the Holy Spirit -- within us, and transforms us into a new person, born of God (Ezekiel 36:25-27, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 John 5:1). 4. How do I become born again?
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12-13)
John says quite clearly that to be born of God, we are to "receive him" and "believe in his name." "Him" refers to Jesus Christ, the Word who became flesh, the only Son from the Father (John 1:1, 14, 17). To "receive" him means to accept him and not to reject him (John 1:11, Ref. 8, John 13:20). To "believe" in him means to have faith in him and to trust him (Ref. 9). The Lexical Summary in Ref. 9 adds that "believe" means to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ). Once you receive Jesus as your Savior and believe in (entrust your life to) him, the Holy Spirit will dwell in you to help you on an ongoing basis daily throughout the rest of your life (John 14:16-17, Colossians 1:27). The Holy Spirit will help you:
Prayer. Lord Jesus, I am sorry for my sins. Thank you for dying on the cross to forgive my sins. Come and live in my heart. I yield control of my life to you. Teach me, and make me into the person you want me to be. Help me to love you and to serve others in your name. Amen.
References
1. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/English-Standard-Version-ESV-Bible/ 2. https://biblehub.com/interlinear/john/3-7.htm 3. https://biblehub.com/greek/3708.htm 4. https://biblehub.com/greek/1080.htm 5. https://biblehub.com/greek/509.htm 6. https://biblehub.com/greek/4160.htm 7. https://biblehub.com/greek/25.htm 8. https://biblehub.com/greek/2983.htm 9. https://biblehub.com/greek/4100.htm
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Find Rest for Your Souls - Matthew 11:29 - Yoked Oxen Pulling a Loaded Cart Together
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:29)
The expression, "You will find rest for your souls" occurs only twice in the Bible, in Jeremiah 6:16 and Matthew 11:29. This lesson explains how rest for our souls is found according to the Bible.
The scripture quotations in this lesson are taken from the New International Version (NIV) unless noted otherwise (Ref. 1).
Consider. According to the Bible, how does a person find rest for their soul?
1. Rest for our souls is found where God's ancient, good way is honored.
"This is what the Lord says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.' But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.'" (Jeremiah 6:16)
In Jeremiah 6:16, God promised the people of Jerusalem that they would find rest for their souls if they would walk in obedience to God's good way as God had instructed their ancestors. God's good way was expressed primarily in the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:1-21,
Deuteronomy 5:33). In Jeremiah 6:16, the promised "rest" in "rest for your souls" means inner peace and tranquility (Ref. 2, Ref. 3). This Hebrew word for "rest" in Jeremiah 6:16 occurs only once in the Old Testament (Ref. 2). Unfortunately, the people of Jerusalem chose to refuse God's instruction. Their ears were closed and the word of the Lord was offensive to them (Jeremiah 6:10). By choosing their own way, they did not find rest for their souls. By choosing their own way, they soon suffered siege and being carried away into captivity (2 Kings 24:10-14). 2. Jesus is the giver of rest to the weary and burdened.
In Matthew 11:28, we find the first part of Jesus' two-part summons. The first part of his summons is "Come to me." The second part, in Matthew 11:29, is "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me."
Jesus is the giver of true rest (Matthew 11:28). When we come to Jesus as he has already invited us, he gives us rest from our toil, and rest from our burdens. When we come to Jesus, he unburdens us by forgiving our sins and taking away our anxiety as we place our faith and trust in him (1 John 1:9, John 14:1). In Matthew 11:28, the rest that Jesus gives us is anapauó [pronounced, an-ap-ow'-o], which means refreshment (Ref. 4). The rest [refreshment] that Jesus gives from our anxiety, grief, and sin prepares us to enter (or re-enter) service to Jesus. By coming to Jesus, and only to Jesus, we find the peace, comfort, and forgiveness that we need (John 14:27, Matthew 5:4, 1 John 1:9). 3. Rest for our souls is found in submission to Jesus' gentle yoke.
"Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:29)
The surprise and main point for this lesson is that rest for our souls is found in submission to Jesus' gentle yoke. Jesus said we are to take his yoke upon us and learn from him, and we will find rest for our souls.
In Matthew 11:29, the Greek word for "rest" is anapausis [pronounced, ah-NAH-pow-sis] which means inner tranquility (Ref. 5). This definition for "rest" is similar to the rest the Lord promised we would find by walking in his good way (Jeremiah 6:16, Ref. 2). Jesus teaches that we find rest [tranquility] for our souls by responding to both parts of Jesus' two-part summons. First, we come to Jesus and he unburdens us by forgiving our sins and taking away our anxiety as we trust in him (Matthew 11:28, 1 John 1:9, John 14:1). Second, as Jesus promised, we find rest for our souls by taking on Jesus' yoke, and learning from him. Taking on Jesus' yoke and learning from him is not "one and done," but is a continuing spiritual process throughout our lifetime (Matthew 11:29). Rest for our souls is not found in escape from work and service but in submission to Christ for work and service. Let us then take on Jesus' yoke, learn from him, and serve him daily. Then we will find that his yoke is easy and his burden is light (Matthew 11:30).
Apply. Come to Jesus in prayer. Receive his forgiveness, and release your burdens to him. Take on his yoke by submitting your will to him, and learning from him. Ask him to direct you in the work and service he would have you do for others. Then you will find Jesus' promise -- rest for your soul.
Related Lessons
"The Way of the Lord (Old Testament)" - Deuteronomy 5:33 "Jesus' Invitation - Come to Me and Rest" - Matthew 11:28-29
References
1. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/ 2. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/4771.htm 3. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/repose 4. https://biblehub.com/greek/373.htm 5. https://biblehub.com/greek/372.htm
God's Presence Bible Verses - Jesus speaking to his disciples - "Lo, I am with you always" - Matthew 28:20 - Free Bible Images - Used under license
"Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)
Throughout the Bible, God has promised his presence to be with his people. God's presence is comforting and is real. God's presence with his people is forever. The Bible verse quotations for this lesson are taken from the New American Standard Bible 1995 edition unless noted otherwise (Ref. 1). Consider. Through these scriptures, know that God is with you. He will guide you, protect you, teach you, and be your companion all the days of your life. God is with us throughout the pilgrimage of our life, wherever we go
When Jacob was sojourning, looking for a wife, God spoke to him in a dream (Genesis 28:1-3, 10-14). "Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you" (Genesis 28:15, underlines added). God fulfilled his promise to Jacob. Later in his life after Jacob had gained a household, Jacob remembered God's promise. In Genesis 35:1-3, we see that Jacob set up an altar to God who "has been with me wherever I have gone."
God promises to be with us wherever he leads us in the fulfillment of his purpose. God's presence is everywhere
David wrote of God, "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there" (Psalm 139:7-8). David went on to say that even in the remotest part of the sea, "there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me" (Psalm 139:9-10). There is no place we can go that is beyond God's providential care, his authority, and control (Ref. 2).
Because God is with us, we have nothing to fear
Through the prophet Isaiah, God tells us not to fear. "Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10, underline added).
God's presence is with us when we go through trials and troubles
Through the prophet Isaiah, God spoke to his people. "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you" (Isaiah 43:2, underline added). Recall that God provided a fourth person "like a son of the gods" to be present with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego in Nebuchadnezzar's fiery furnace so they were not scorched (Daniel 3:24-27).
Thank you, Lord, that when we experience trials and troubles, you are with us and you deliver us through them. God's word says, "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). God's presence through the Holy Spirit is with us and in us to make our ministry effective
On the evening before his death, Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit [literally, paraklétos - Helper, Comforter - one who comes alongside] would come to them and that the Holy Spirit would be with them forever (John 14:16, Ref. 3). Jesus also said to his disciples that the Holy Spirit "will be in you" (John 14:17, underline added). The promise of the indwelling Holy Spirit was fulfilled beginning on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) and continues unabated to this day. The indwelling Holy Spirit is God's presence and God's gift to all persons worldwide who believe in God's Son, Jesus Christ (Acts 2:37-39, John 14:17, 1 Corinthians 6:19).
The Holy Spirit, God's presence in us, empowers us for ministry (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit, God's presence in us, gives us spiritual gifts that we may serve effectively the body of Christ and people in the world in Christ's name (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). God's presence will never fail us nor forsake us
"Then Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, 'Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed'" (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).
God promises to be with us forever (John 14:16). We shall have his constant, perpetual presence -- always -- even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). Thanks be to God! Amen.
Related Lesson
"God Our Refuge, Strength, and Help (Psalm 46:1)" References 1. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-American-Standard-Bible-NASB1995/ 2. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/cambridge/psalms/139.htm Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges - Psalm 139:10 3. https://biblehub.com/greek/3875.htm
This lesson teaches that for believers in Jesus Christ, according to the Bible, our soul goes immediately to be with Jesus in heaven upon our death. This lesson also explains where the souls of the righteous and unrighteous have gone before and after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This lesson concludes by discussing the final destiny for believers and the final destiny for unbelievers.
Scripture quotations in this lesson are taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) 2020 edition unless noted otherwise (Ref. 1). Consider. Where will your soul go when you die? Why? 1. At your physical death, your soul and spirit will depart from your body
"And it came about, as her soul was departing (for she died), that she named him Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin." (Genesis 35:18)
Figure 1: When we die, our soul and spirit leave our physical body
When we die, our soul and spirit depart from our physical body. Physical death is the separation of our immaterial nature (our soul and spirit) from our body (Figure 1 above, Ref. 2 below). Genesis 35:18 tells us that when Rachel died, her soul departed. The next verse, Genesis 35:19, tells us, "Rachel died and was buried." Note that it was Rachel's body that was buried. Rachel's soul continued to exist. Her soul did not die or go to "sleep."
Note that when Jesus died, Jesus called out with a loud voice and said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" "And having said this he breathed his last" (Luke 23:46 ESV). Jesus' spirit continued to live after the death of his physical body. 2. God has made us (humans) to have a material nature (our body) and an immaterial nature (our soul and spirit)
"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." (Genesis 2:7 KJV)
God has made us (humans) in God's image (Genesis 1:26). God has made us to have both a physical, material nature (our body) and an immaterial nature (our soul and spirit) (Ref. 2 below). Genesis 2:7 KJV tells us that God made Adam's body from the dust of the ground. Genesis 2:7 KJV also tells us that God breathed into Adam, and Adam became "a living soul."
The Bible refers to our immaterial nature in three ways. Sometimes the Bible uses the single word "soul." Sometimes the Bible uses the single word, "spirit." Sometimes the Bible uses "soul and spirit" together. Here are some example references: a. "Soul" -- Genesis 35:18, Mark 8:36 b. "Spirit" -- Job 32:8, Ecclesiastes 12:7, Luke 8:55, John 19:30, Acts 7:59 c. "Soul and spirit" together -- 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 4:12 Our soul is our personality, emotions, and window to our physical world (Ref. 3, Ref. 4 below). Our spirit enables us to perceive, communicate with, serve, and worship God (1 Corinthians 2:11-14, Romans 1:9, Romans 8:15-16, Ref. 4 below). In this lesson, the single word, "soul," and the single word, "spirit," are intended to mean our entire immaterial nature as distinguished from our physical body. 3. Our Soul Continues to Live After Our Physical Death
After our death, our soul continues to live consciously and does not cease to exist, "go to sleep," or become extinct when our body dies (Figure 1 above, Ref. 5 below). Consider these three examples from the scriptures.
3.1. Elijah, the Widow, and the Widow's Son
In 1 Kings 17:8-16, God sent Elijah to Zarephath during a drought. There God provided a miracle of continual flour and oil for Elijah, the widow, and her son until rain returned (1 Kings 17:14).
Right after that miracle, the widow's son died (he was no longer breathing) (1 Kings 17:17-18). The distraught widow spoke to Elijah, and Elijah prayed for the child (1 Kings 17:19-21 KJV). Elijah prayed, "O Lord my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again" (1 Kings 17:21 KJV). The Hebrew word nephesh translated as "soul" in 1 Kings 17:21 KJV is the same word the Bible uses for "soul" in Genesis 2:7. The Lord heard Elijah's prayer, and "the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived" (1 Kings 17:22 KJV). 3.2. Jesus Raises Jairus' Daughter
"And they began laughing at Him, knowing that she had died. He, however, took her by the hand and spoke forcefully, saying, 'Child, arise!' And her spirit returned, and she got up immediately; and He ordered that something be given her to eat." (Luke 8:53-55)
For the whole story, read Luke 8:40-56. The scripture tells us that the girl had died, that is, her material body had died (Luke 8:49, 53). It is interesting that Jesus said, "Stop weeping, for she has not died, but is asleep" (Luke 8:52). When Jesus said that she was "asleep" (Luke 8:52), he was referring to her dead body, not to her spirit (Ref. 6). The girl's spirit had not died and was still very much alive, and had departed from her dead body. When Jesus took her by the hand and said, "Arise," her spirit returned to her (Luke 8:54-55). The metaphorical term "sleep" applied to the dead physical body (but not the soul and spirit) also occurs in Acts 7:59-60, 1 Corinthians 15:3-6, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14. 3.3. Jesus and the Penitent Thief
When Jesus was crucified, two criminals (two thieves) were crucified with him (Luke 23:22-23, Mark 15:27 KJV). When the three were on their crosses dying together, the impenitent (unrepentant) thief hurled abuse at Jesus (Luke 23:39). The other thief (the penitent thief) said to Jesus, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!" (Luke 23:40-42).
Jesus told the penitent thief (but not the unrepentant thief), "Truly I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise" (Luke 23:43, underline added). Not tomorrow. Not some time in the future. Today. Even though their bodies would be dead soon on their crosses and in their earthly tomb or grave (Luke 23:50-53), the souls of the Savior and the penitent thief were both alive together in Paradise that very day (Ref. 7, Figure 2). Likewise, as believers in Jesus Christ, we can look forward to our soul going to be with Jesus immediately upon the death of our physical body (Figure 3). 4. Before the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the souls of the righteous and the unrighteous all went to Sheol (Hades)
"Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom." (Luke 16:22-23 NASB 1995)
Figure 2: Before the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the souls of the righteous and the unrighteous went to Sheol (Hades).
4.1. Sheol in the Old Testament
Throughout the Old Testament, sh'owl (pronounced sheh-OL) is the transliteration of the Hebrew word for the realm of the dead (Ref. 8). Sh'owl occurs 66 times in the Old Testament. The New American Standard Bible (NASB) translates the Hebrew word all 66 times as "Sheol" (Ref. 9). The King James Version (KJV) translates sh'owl thirty times as "hell," thirty-one times as "grave," and three times as "pit" (Ref. 9). In the ancient culture, Sheol was a temporary place where the souls of all the departed dead -- righteous and unrighteous -- awaited their final destiny (Ref. 8).
Example Old Testament verses about Sheol:
(1). Jacob expected to go there. "Surely I will go down to Sheol in mourning for my son" (verse 35 in Genesis 37:31-35).
(2). The place for the wicked - "The wicked will return to Sheol, All the nations who forget God" (Psalm 9:17). (3). David expected to go to Sheol, but his time in Sheol would be temporary. "For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol (Psalm 16:10)." David also wrote, "But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, For He will receive me" (Psalm 49:15). 4.2. Jesus' Teaching About Sheol (Hades)
Jesus taught that Sheol has two destinations for the departed souls of the dead (Figure 2). Note that this teaching describes Sheol (Hades) before the death and resurrection of Jesus. "Hades" is the Greek word in the New Testament equivalent to "Sheol" in the Old Testament Hebrew ("Sheol" - Ref. 8, "Hades" - Ref. 10).
Read the entire account of the rich man and the poor man ("Lazarus") in Luke 16:19-31. Jesus said that when the poor man died the angels carried him to Abraham's Bosom, which was the place of comfort (Luke 16:22, 25 KJV). In contrast, Jesus said that when the rich man died he was buried, and (his soul) went to the place of torment in Hades (Luke 16:22-28, Figure 2). Jesus also stated that there is a great gulf fixed to keep those who wish to cross over from crossing over (Luke 16:26 KJV). Think about why the rich man went to the place of torment in Hades when he died. (1). He was indifferent to the needs of the poor man outside his gate (Luke 16:19-21, 25). Note the similar outcome for the future judgment of the "goats" in Matthew 25:31-33 and Matthew 25:41-46. (2). He was indifferent to God. He had not listened to Moses and the Prophets (Luke 16:27-31). He would not have been persuaded even "if someone rises from the dead" (Luke 16:31). 5. Now, because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, the souls of believers go immediately to heaven to be with Jesus when we die
"But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God." (Acts 7:55)
"And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them.' And when he had said this, he fell asleep." (Acts 7:59-60) 
Figure 3: After the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the souls of the righteous go to heaven to be with Jesus.
5.1. Heaven - Destination for Believers
Because of Jesus' sacrificial death for us and his resurrection, the souls of believers now go immediately to heaven to be with Jesus upon our death (Figure 3). Our destination is to be where he is. Jesus, since his ascension, now is in heaven (Acts 1:9-11, Hebrews 8:1). Recall that Jesus said to Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26).
Example - Stephen's Death
Let's take a look at the example set by Stephen, the first Christian martyr (read Acts 7:54-60). As Stephen's opposers were about to stone him, Stephen gazed (up) into heaven and supernaturally saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55). Other scriptures such as Mark 16:19 and Hebrews 8:1 say that Jesus, after his ascension, was seated at the right hand of God. It is interesting that in Acts 7:55 Jesus is standing, likely to welcome his faithful martyr, Stephen (Ref. 11). It is comforting to know that Jesus is in heaven to welcome us.
As the men were stoning Stephen to death, Stephen called upon the Lord, and said, "Lord Jesus, receive [welcome] my spirit" (Acts 7:59, bracket added, Ref. 12). Here, the single word, "spirit," refers to Stephen's immaterial nature (soul and spirit) which was about to leave his physical body (Figure 1). Then, in Acts 7:60, Stephen cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them!" "Having said this, he fell asleep" (Acts 7:60). As we discussed above in Section 3.2, the metaphorical term "sleep" refers to the death of Stephen's body. Stephen's body died as the result of the stoning. Stephen's soul and spirit went to be with Jesus in heaven (where Jesus is) (Acts 7:55, 59, Figure 3). As the Apostle Paul said, when we become absent from the body, we will be "at home with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). 5.2. What is the "Third Heaven"?
The Old Testament begins, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). Note that in Genesis 1:1 the English word, "heavens," is plural. The Hebrew word for "heavens" is shamayim, pronounced shah-MAH-yeem (Ref. 13). In ancient Hebrew cosmology, shamayim was understood as a multi-layered expanse (Ref. 13):
In 2 Corinthians 12:2, the Apostle Paul refers to heaven as the "third heaven" and in 2 Corinthians 12:4 as "Paradise" (Figure 3). However, before the death and resurrection of Jesus, "Paradise" likely referred to the place of comfort in Hades (see Note 3 in Figure 2). As the result of Jesus' death and resurrection, it appears that "Paradise" has moved to what we commonly call "heaven" (Figure 3 above, Ref. 14 below). Since the death and resurrection of Jesus, "Third Heaven" and "Paradise" are now synonymous (Ref. 15 below). 5.3. Hades - Destination for Unbelievers
Jesus' teaching in Luke 16:22-28 about the souls of the unrighteous going to the place of torment in Hades -- still applies (see Section 4.2, Figure 2, and Figure 3). The souls of the unrighteous (unbelievers) go to the place of torment in Hades to be reserved there until the great white throne judgment (Revelation 20:11-15, Figure 4).
Unbelief, and its consequent indifference to God, results in eternal torment (Luke 16:27-31, Ref. 16 below, Revelation 20:11-15). Instead, decide in this life (while you are still alive) to believe in Jesus Christ, and you will be saved (John 3:36, Acts 4:10-12, Acts 16:29-31, Ephesians 2:4-9). 6. For believers, our final destiny is the new heaven and new Jerusalem
We have established that the souls of those who have died in Christ are with him in heaven now. Likewise, as believers in Christ, when we die, our souls will go to heaven to be with him (Acts 7:54-60, Figures 3 and 4).
This section, Section 6, discusses when Christ returns (6.1), the great white throne judgment (6.2), the book of life (6.3), the final destiny for unbelievers (6.4), and the final destiny for believers (6.5). 
Figure 4 - As believers, our final destiny will be with God in the new heaven and new Jerusalem
6.1. When Christ Returns
1 Thessalonians 4:14 tells us that when Christ returns, he "will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus" (Figure 4). Then, "We who are alive, who remain, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Take comfort that we, as believers in Jesus, will always be with him. We will be with him in heaven after our physical bodies die (Acts 7:54-60, Figure 4). We will be with him when we receive our resurrection bodies and Jesus returns to earth to begin the thousand-year reign (Matthew 24:29-31, 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17, Revelation 20:4-6, Figure 4).
6.2. The Great White Throne Judgment
The Bible tells us that after the thousand-year reign of Christ, the unrighteous dead will be resurrected (John 5:28-29, Revelation 20:4-6, Figure 4). They will stand before the "great white throne" for their final judgment (Revelation 20:11-12). The books will be opened, including the "book of life" (Revelation 20:12). Our Lord -- the Son of God and the Son of Man -- will judge them "from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds" (John 5:25-27, Revelation 20:12). Revelation 20:15 tells us that if anyone's name is not found in the book of life, they will be thrown into the "lake of fire."
As believers in Christ, we will have nothing to fear from this judgment of unbelievers. Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the one who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life (John 5:24). 6.3. The Book of Life
Note how valuable it is to have our names written in the Lamb's book of life (Revelation 21:10, 27). Having our names written in the Lamb's book of life is far more valuable for us than all earthly power and possessions (Ref. 17). Because our names (believer's names) are written in the Lamb's book of life (Revelation 3:5), we will enter into our final destiny -- new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2, 27; Figure 4). Jesus told his disciples (and tells us) that having our names "recorded in heaven" is a cause for rejoicing (Luke 10:20).
6.4. The Final Destiny for Unbelievers -- Lake of Fire (Gehenna, Hell)
"Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:14-15)
The New Testament gives us two names for the final destiny of eternal punishment for the unrighteous -- the "lake of fire," and "Gehenna" or "hell" (Figure 4).
6.4.1 Lake of Fire
The name, "lake of fire," occurs only in the book of Revelation (Revelation 19:20, 20:10, 20:14, 20:15, and 21:8). The Bible tells us that the torment in the lake of fire is "day and night forever" (Rev. 20:10). The Bible also tells us that the lake of fire burns perpetually with brimstone [sulfur] (Rev. 19:20, Rev. 20:10, Rev. 21:8, Ref. 18). The presence of brimstone reminds us of the Lord's destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Luke 17:29, Genesis 19:24).
All of the wicked reserved temporarily in Hades will be delivered up and resurrected for the great white throne judgment (Rev. 20:12-13, Figure 4). Those whose name is not found in the book of life will be thrown into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15). 6.4.2 Gehenna (Hell)
In the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus referred to the final destiny of eternal punishment as "Gehenna" (Greek, "hell" in English) (Figure 4).
6.4.2.1 Biblical background - Gehenna
The word, "Gehenna," [hell] -- originally came from Hebrew and meant the valley of the son of Hinnom (Ben-hinnom) (Joshua 15:8, Ref. 19). The history of the valley of Ben-hinnom (west and south of Jerusalem) is horrible. Jeremiah 7:31 tells us that the sons of Judah "built the high places of Topheth, which is in the Valley of Ben-hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I did not command, and it did not come into My mind." (Compare with Leviticus 18:21 AMP.)
King Josiah later reformed this terrible situation. 2 Kings 23:10 says, "He also defiled Topheth, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, so that no one would make his son or his daughter pass through the fire for Molech." The Bible does not tell us what Josiah did to make Topheth abhorrent to the Jewish people. However, the prophet Jeremiah does tell us that Topheth in the valley of the son of Hinnom would become a burial place for bodies, some of which would not be interred and would become food for birds and animals (Jeremiah 7:31-33). 6.4.2.2 What did Jesus say about hell (Gehenna)?
Jesus, as a master teacher, used something the people knew -- the terrible reputation of the Valley of Ben-himmon -- to teach them (and us) about the final destiny of eternal punishment for the wicked. Jesus spoke of Gehenna (hell) by name. Refer to Matthew 5:22, 5:29-30, 10:28, 18:9, 23:15; Mark 9:43-48; and Luke 12:5.
For example, Jesus said, "And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell [Gehenna]" (Matthew 10:28, bracket added). Jesus also said, "And if your eye is causing you to sin, throw it away; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than, having two eyes, to be thrown into hell [Gehenna], where their worm does not die, and the fire is not extinguished" (Mark 9:47-48 bracket added). Note what Jesus is saying about the eternal hell, Gehenna (Figure 4):
Note that in the scriptures Jesus also spoke of Hades -- the temporary abode of the unrighteous dead (not Gehenna). Refer to Matthew 11:23, Matthew 16:18 NKJV ("the gates of Hades shall not prevail"), and Luke 16:23 (Figures 2, 3, and 4). The terrible destination for unbelievers and the wicked -- Hades and Gehenna -- can be avoided (Figure 4). Turn to Jesus. Now, in this life, while you are still alive, repent from your sins (1 John 1:9). Put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior (John 20:27-29; Acts 4:10-12; Acts 16:29-31). Accept the gift that God has already offered in love to you and all the world - his Son (John 3:16). Believe in him, trust him, and you will also receive God's gift of eternal life (John 3:16, Romans 6:23). 6.5. The Final Destiny for Believers -- New Heaven and New Jerusalem
"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." (Revelation 21:1-2)
As believers in Jesus Christ, our final destiny is be with God in the new heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem that God will provide (Rev. 21:1-27, Rev. 22:1-5, Figure 4). Rev. 21:2 and Rev. 21:10 tell us that the holy city, the new Jerusalem, will come down out of heaven from God. 6.5.1 A Wonderful Place
The Bible tells us why the new heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem will be a wonderful place.
6.5.2 The Price of Admission Has Already Been Paid for You
"Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life, and may enter the city by the gates." (Revelation 22:14)
Referring to the new Jerusalem, God says through his word that those who "may enter the city by the gates" are those "who wash their robes" (Rev. 22:14). More specifically, they are ones who have washed their robes and "made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (Rev. 7:14). It is the blood of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, that washes away our sins and cleanses us (John 1:29, 1 Peter 1:18-19, 1 John 1:7). By God's grace, Jesus Christ through his shed blood has paid the admission price for us to enter heaven and the new Jerusalem. Accept God's gift of his Son, Jesus Christ, and the price he has paid for you (John 3:16, 1 Peter 1:18-19). Then you will have God's gift of eternal life, and your soul will go to heaven to be with Jesus when your body dies.
Prayer. Thank you, Jesus, for dying for us that we may live forever with you. Help us to live faithfully for you in this life on earth. Then, thank you for receiving our souls into your presence in heaven.
Related Lessons
"Paradise, Jesus, and the Penitent Thief" - Luke 23:42-43 "God's Offer of Salvation and Eternal Life" - John 3:16 "What Is Eternal Life?" - John 17:3 "What is the Tree of Life in the Bible?" - Revelation 2:7
References
1. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-American-Standard-Bible-NASB/ 2. Spiros Zodhiates, Th. D, "Life After Death," AMG Publishers, 2002, p. 19 3. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/5315.htm 4. Zodhiates, p. xiii-xiv 5. Zodhiates, p. 4 6. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/matthew/9.htm Barnes Notes - Matthew 9:24 7. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/luke/23.htm Barnes' Notes - Luke 23:43 8. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/7585.htm 9. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/strongs_7585.htm 10. https://biblehub.com/greek/86.htm 11. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/pulpit/acts/7.htm Pulpit Commentary - Acts 7:55 12. https://biblehub.com/greek/1209.htm 13. https://biblehub.com/hebrew/8064.htm 14. Zodhiates, p. 41 15. Zodhiates, p. 42 16. Zodhiates, p. 40 17. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/barnes/luke/10.htm Barnes Notes - Luke 10:20 18. https://biblehub.com/greek/2303.htm 19. https://biblehub.com/greek/1067.htm 20. https://biblehub.com/greek/2537.htm 21. https://biblehub.com/interlinear/revelation/21-3.htm 22. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/cambridge/revelation/21.htm Cambridge Bible for Schools and College - Revelation 21:3
Ein Gedi Stream (Israel) - Psalm 27:13 - Can Stock Photo - Used under license
"I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living." (Psalm 27:13)
Because God's nature is good, and God is good to us, we do not need to despair or lose heart. Even in the face of adversity and the challenges of life, God's goodness gives us hope.
This lesson discusses what David meant in Psalm 27:13 when he said that he would see "the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." "I would have despaired unless I had believed"
David begins the verse with the conditional phrase, "I would have despaired unless" (Psalm 27:13 NASB1995), or "I would have lost heart unless" (Psalm 27:13 NKJV). The most important point of the phrase is that David believed. And because he believed that he would see the goodness of the Lord, he did not despair or lose heart because of the adversities he was experiencing in his life (Psalm 27:2-3, 12).
Here, the Hebrew word for "believed" is aman (pronounced ah-MAHN). Aman means to trust and to have faith (Ref. 1). In the Hebrew culture, believing was essential to God's covenant relationship with his people. God was a reliable covenant partner. The people in response to him were to believe in him and faithfully live in accordance with his commandments (Ref. 1). In the context of Psalm 27:13, because we believe in God, we will see God's goodness. We will not despair or lose heart when troubles come. "That I would see the goodness of the Lord"
For David, believing in [trusting in] God was the key for seeing God's goodness. Here, the Hebrew word for "seeing" means to perceive, experience, and understand (Ref. 2). Because David believed in God, David experienced and understood God's goodness. Our faith in God will enable us to perceive, experience, and understand God's goodness in our lives.
God's goodness explained
God's goodness includes God's nature (who God is) and God's benevolence (what God does).
Goodness is first a description of God's essential character (Ref. 3, Ref. 4). God is good in the moral sense. There is no evil or sin in him (Psalm 92:15, James 1:13).
God's goodness also means that God is benevolent to people, that is, he blesses people.
a. First, God's goodness extends to all people.
b. Second, God's goodness extends to his people - people who revere him and love him.
"In the land of the living"
God's blessings and goodness are for the here and now and for throughout all our lifetime on earth. David was confident that he would see the goodness of the Lord "in the land of the living," as contrasted to the place of the dead. Because we believe in God, we will see God's goodness "in the land of the living" -- during our lifetime on earth. God's goodness to us blesses us and gives us hope us through the adversities and challenges of life.
Prayer. Dear God, thank you for all of your goodness that you have given to us. Thank you for blessing us and strengthening us each day so we can bless others who are going through adversity. In Jesus' name, Amen.
 Man praying at the cross - Mark 1:15 - Pixabay image - Used under license "Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.'" (Mark 1:14-15) This article explains the meaning of Jesus' command, "Repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15). Consider. Have you repented of your sins and turned to God? Do you believe in God's Son, Jesus Christ? In his first public preaching message in the Gospel according to Mark, Jesus described the two requirements for entrance into God's kingdom. Jesus said we must "repent and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:15). 1. The word "repent" means to "change our mind" (Ref. 1). First, we are to change our mind about our sin, and turn from our sin to the ways of our heavenly Father. Repentance includes confession of our sins to God (1 John 1:9). Repentance goes beyond confession and is a commitment to change our behavior and align our life with God's will (Ref. 1). 2. Then, by faith (which is God's gift to us), we are to believe in the gospel (Ephesians 2:8, Ref. 2 - believe). The gospel is good news -- the good news of Jesus Christ, God's Son (Ref. 3 - gospel). God, at God's initiative, has given us his Son, Jesus Christ. Through the sacrificial death of Jesus to pay the penalty for our sins, we through faith in the resurrected Jesus receive forgiveness for our sins and receive God's gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9, Ref. 3). That is good news indeed. 3. Repentance from our sins and belief in Jesus Christ go together. Both are necessary (Mark 1:15). Without repentance, Jesus said we will perish (Luke 13:3). Without belief in him, Jesus said we will die in our sins (John 8:24). Apply. Turn away from your sin today. Tell God you are sorry for your sins, and ask God to help you live life that is pleasing to him and serves others. Put your trust completely in God's Son, Jesus Christ. Thank him for dying on the cross to forgive your sins. Ask Jesus to help you follow him faithfully each day.
Image source: Sweet Publishing / FreeBibleimages.org
"Take courage, your faith has made you well" - Matthew 9:22 - FreeBibleImages.org image - Used under license
"But Jesus, turning and seeing her, said, 'Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.' And at once the woman was made well." (Matthew 9:22)
This lesson discusses the meaning of Jesus' words, "Take courage." This lesson presents five examples where Jesus spoke the words, "Take courage," to his disciples and others.
Consider. What did Jesus mean when he said to his disciples and others, "Take courage"?
"Take Courage" Meaning
Jesus often spoke the words, "Take courage," to his disciples and others to instill confidence and dispel fear (Ref. 1). "Take courage" means to be strengthened from God, and to be confident and assured from God in the face of adversity or uncertainty. "Taking courage" in the scriptural sense comes from God and is not merely human bravery that we muster on our own strength without God. Instead, "Taking courage" points to divine assurance and peace that comes from faith in God (Ref. 1).
Bible translations frequently translate the Greek word for "take courage" [tharseó, pronounced thar-SEH-o] as "take heart," or "be of good cheer" (Ref. 1, Ref. 2 - John 16:33 example). Jesus' Examples of Speaking "Take Courage" to People
Next, let's look at five examples where Jesus spoke the words, "Take courage," to encourage his disciples and others.
1. "Take courage, son, your sins are forgiven"
Matthew 9:2 - "And they brought to Him a paralyzed man lying on a stretcher. And seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man who was paralyzed, 'Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven.'"
Note that Jesus first forgave the paralytic's sins before Jesus healed the man physically (Matthew 9:2-8). The minds of Jesus' Jewish listeners connected sins being forgiven and physical diseases being healed as both being done by God (Psalm 103:2-3). Being forgiven by God for his sins was the first and main reason for the man to be encouraged. Before Jesus healed the paralytic, he forgave the man's sins. If you are in Christ, take courage, Jesus has forgiven your sins (Ephesians 1:7 KJV, 1 John 1:9). 2. "Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well (literally, 'saved you')"
Matthew 9:22 - "But Jesus, turning and seeing her, said, 'Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well.' And at once the woman was made well."
The woman who came to Jesus had suffered 12 years from a hemorrhage (Matthew 9:20). She had said to herself, "If I only touch His cloak, I will get well" (Matthew 9:21). Mark tells us that as soon as she touched Jesus' garment, the flow of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed (Mark 5:28-29). Jesus then kindly addressed her, not as a man to a woman, but as a father to a child. "Daughter, take courage; your faith has made you well" (Matthew 9:22). The woman's faith, which was a gift from God, was the channel by which she received healing and was made well by the Lord Jesus. Note the word that Jesus used for "made well." In Matthew 9:22 (and Mark 5:34) the word for "made well" is sózó (pronounced so'-zo). In the New Testament sózó means to save, to rescue, to deliver, to heal, and to preserve (Strong's Lexicon - Ref. 3). In Matthew 9:22, Jesus meant that she, who had been diseased for 12 years, was healed by her faith in him and made whole (Strong's Exhaustive Concordance - Ref. 3). We, too, can take courage. Through faith in Christ, which is God's gift to us (Ephesians 2:8), Jesus saves us, heals us, restores us, and makes us whole. 3. "Take courage, it is I"
Mark 6:49-50 - "But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they thought that it was a ghost, and they cried out; for they all saw Him and were terrified. But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, 'Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.'"
Jesus' disciples were in a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee at night (Mark 6:45-51). The windstorm was against them. Jesus came to them walking on the water. Jesus' disciples were terrified, thinking that it was a ghost. Jesus said his famous, calming words to them, "Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid" (Mark 6:50). Jesus then got into the boat with them. The wind stopped, and the disciples were astonished. For the believer in Jesus Christ, we have nothing to fear. We can take courage -- be encouraged -- because Jesus comes to be with us, to assure us in our storms, and to deliver us. 4. "Take courage, I have overcome the world"
John 16:33 - "These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
Note as Christians we simultaneously live "in Jesus" and also live "in the world." Jesus said that in him we have peace, and in the world, we have tribulation. The peace that Jesus gives us is complete peace of mind, welfare, and safety (Ref. 4, John 14:27). The world cannot take away this inner peace. However, because we also live in the not-so-peaceful world, many of our brothers and sisters in Christ today experience tribulation -- severe stress, suffering, and persecution (Ref. 5) -- because of their faith in Christ. Into the world in which we live, Jesus steps in and says, "Take courage, I have overcome the world." Through Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection from the dead, Jesus has won the victory over death and power of evil. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we too, overcome the world. "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world -- our faith" (1 John 5:4). 5. "Take courage, ... you must witness at Rome also"
Acts 23:11 - "But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, 'Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.'"
The Lord Jesus Christ appeared to the Apostle Paul and stood at his side when Paul was in "protective custody" in Jerusalem (Acts 23:1-10). The Lord commended Paul for how he had witnessed for the Lord in Jerusalem (Acts 23:11). Then the Lord encouraged Paul. Jesus encouraged Paul by telling Paul the next phase of his mission assignment - to witness for Christ in Rome. When the Lord gives us a fresh update on our life's mission assignment, that gives us courage. It encourages us because we know, like Paul, that the Lord will help us live that long so we can complete what he has assigned us to do. And, we know that the Lord will be with us to help us when we encounter obstacles. Summary - Principles in this Lesson
1. Courage comes from God. "Taking courage" means to be divinely assured and strengthened from God in the face of adversity or uncertainty (Ref. 1).
2. As believers in Jesus Christ, we can take courage because: a. Jesus has forgiven our sins (Matthew 9:2, Ephesians 1:7 KJV, 1 John 1:9) b. Jesus saves, heals, and restores us (Matthew 9:22) c. Jesus is with us in the midst of our storms (Mark 6:49-50) d. Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33, 1 John 5:4) e. Jesus stands next to us to help us accomplish the mission he assigns us to do and to help us overcome obstacles (Acts 23:11)
Apply. Go in the peace of Christ. Go, knowing that Jesus is with you. Jesus will give you the courage and strength to face adversity and obstacles as you trust him and serve him in the world.
Related Lessons
"The Authority of Jesus" - Matthew 28:18 "The Peace of Christ - Colossians 3:15 Meaning" "15 Bible Verses About Courage" |
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