BIBLE STUDY: HELPS YOU LEARN THE DEPTH OF GOD'S LOVE FOR YOU

                 SPECIALLY CREATED TO MAKE  HELP YOU MAKE AMENDS WITH GOD 

“…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten (SPECIALLY CREATED) Son…” (John 3:16 KJV).

 ^“….God SHOWED HIS … [real] LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us (make amends for us) while we were still sinners (while we were still undeserving)…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT).

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SCRIPTURE: “…HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON… [was sent]… TO DIE FOR US…” (JOHN 3:16 KJV & ROMANS 5:7-9 NLT).

PURPOSE OR GOAL OF LESSON: To learn how Jesus, was specially created to make amends, for you, with God.

APPLICATION OF LESSON: Practice recognizing the DEPTH of God’s LOVE for you through Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice.

TOPIC DISCUSSION: RECOGNIZING REAL LOVE BY LEARNING ABOUT THE NEED TO MAKE AMENDMENTS WITH GOD AND HOW JESUS CHRIST WAS SPECIALLY CREATED TO “BE” THE WAY TO MAKE AMENDS. When you RECOGNIZE “REAL” LOVE it means you KNOW what it is when you “SEE” it. It means you can READILY identify REAL LOVE. It means you can personally acknowledge that REAL LOVE truly exists. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God is [REAL]… LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). Therefore, to RECOGNIZE “REAL” love you must FIRST become AWARE that it ACTUALLY exists. To become AWARE that REAL LOVE actually exist it must be REVEALED to you. To get a REVELATION than REAL LOVE actually exist it must be DEMONSTRATED To get a DEMONSTATION that REAL LOVE actually exist God SENT his SON. ^“….God SHOWED (demonstrated, revealed, etc.) HIS … [real] LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us (to make amends for us) while we were still sinners (undeserving)…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). God sent Jesus Christ to give his LIFE as a ransom for ALL mankind as a demonstration of REAL LOVE. “….The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and TO GIVE his life as a ransom for many…" (Matthew 20:28 NIV). Everybody born into the world is a sinner, but he or she can willfully CHOOSE to make amends with God. “…Through one man SIN entered into the world, and DEATH THROUGH SIN, and so death passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). Thus, “…All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23). “…The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23). ^“….God SHOWED HIS GREAT [and real] LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “…THIS IS LOVE: NOT that we loved God, but that he …[really] … loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 4:10 NIV).  “…There is no greater  … [real] LOVE …” (John 15:13 NLT). Since SIN entered into the world, the only way to be make amends with God is through the blood (life) of an innocent sacrifice (amendment). “… He said unto Aaron, Take thee a young calf for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering, without blemish, and offer them before the Lord…” (Leviticus 9:2 KJV).  “… Ye shall offer a sacrifice made by fire for a burnt offering unto the Lord; two young bullocks, and one ram, and seven lambs of the first year: they shall be unto you without blemish…” (Numbers 28:19 KJV). “… If there be any blemish therein, as if it be lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the Lord thy God…” (Deuteronomy 15:21 KJV). “…Without the shedding of blood (innocent life), there is no forgiveness (amendment)…” (Hebrews 9:22 NLT). As a demonstration of REAL LOVE, God sent Jesus Christ to give his, innocent, blemish-free, LIFE as a ransom for ALL of sinful mankind. “….The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and TO GIVE his life as a ransom for many…" (Matthew 20:28 NIV). In the Old Testament animal sacrifices provided a temporary amendment for sins. “…almost all things are by the law purged with blood (innocent life); and without shedding of blood (innocent life)…[there]… is no remission..[for sin]…” (Hebrews 9:22 KJV). The shedding of blood (an innocent life for a guilty life) is an atoning sacrifice that enables mankind to make amends with God for the forgiveness (eradication) of their sins. The past atoning sacrifices, though temporary and limited, paid God for the penalty of sins (made amends) committed by his people. The animal, representing the atoning sacrifice (payment) of the day, was only temporary. The animal’s shed blood (life), paid for the sins of the people and freed them from the consequences of their current sins.This is not complicated and it is a very small synopsis of this vast topic. Animal sacrifices took place thousands of years ago and was simply a method God used as the atoning sacrifice (amendment) for the forgiveness (removal) of sin. Animal sacrifices, of course, have LONG stopped. ^“For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement (an amendment) for your souls: for it is the blood (life) that maketh an atonement (amendment) for the soul…” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV). God GAVE them the lives that made the atonements for their SINS. “… I have given it to you (the innocent animals) … to make an atonement (an amendment) for your souls … it is the blood (life) that maketh an atonement (amendment)…” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV). Thus, during ancient times certain animals, gave their lives, to serve as ransoms for the people’s sin.They were temporary ransoms only and since they were temporary the animal sacrifices had to be repeated over and over every year. The animal sacrifices, therefore, were a small tedious sample of the ultimate and permanent sacrifice predicted in Jesus Christ, who was to come!!! “For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.  Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins? But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins…” (Hebrews 10:1-4 NASB). Thus, the people continued to SIN and continued to NEED atonement. “The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right (stop sinning), but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right (stop sinning), but I can’t. I want to do what is good (stop sinning), but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). SIN separates people from (God). “… [Their] … iniquities (sin) …separated [them]… from … God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). Therefore, ^“….God SHOWED (demonstrated) HIS … [real] LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die (make amends) for us while we were still sinners (undeserving)…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). Jesus Christ became the willing atoning sacrifice (amendment) to bring people, once and for all, to God. “For Christ … died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God (REAL LOVE)…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “…There is no greater LOVE than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT). Herein is … [REAL] … LOVE, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US and sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners (made amends for us sinners) …God showed his great LOVE … by sending Christ to die (to made amends) …” (Romans 5:6-8 NLT). “…There is no greater LOVE …” (John 15:13 NLT).  Jesus Christ was specially created to become the atoning sacrifice for mankind SINS. “…God SO LOVED the world that he gave his only begotten (specially created) Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).

           *ADDITIONAL READING AVAILABLE AT THE END OF CHAPTER ONE.

           MAKING AMENDS WITH GOD

1. Who is LOVE? God is love. “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…God is [REAL]… LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… “I AM” WHO I AM…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). What kind of LOVE is God’s LOVE? He has “….loved [you]...with an EVERLASTING love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). A “…Love … [that] … never FAILS….” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “…I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love …[toward you]…” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT). What is God’s attitude toward his people? “…  the Lord loves His people …” (2 Chronicles 2:11 NASB). In “… His love and in His mercy He redeemed them…” (Isaiah 63:9 NASB). “… I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness…” (Jeremiah 31:3 NASB). “ … I led them … with bonds of love, And I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws; And I bent down and fed them…” (Hosea 11:4 NASB). “… Indeed, He loves the people…” (Deuteronomy 33:3 NASB). Does God’s LOVE for YOU ever change? “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “…Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). “…Great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD” (Psalms 117:2 KJV).

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2. What does John 3:16 say the God, who is LOVE, did? “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). Why did the God, who is LOVE, send his Son? “….The Son of Man came …TO GIVE his life as a ransom for many…" (Matthew 20:28 NIV). Why did mankind need the God, who is love, to send the Son as a ransom? “…Through one man SIN entered into the world, and DEATH THROUGH SIN, and so death passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). Thus, “…All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23). “…The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23). Sin leads to death, but what else did SIN do? “…Your INIQUITIES (sin) have separated between you and your God, and YOUR SINS have hid his face from you, that he will not hear…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…It’s YOUR SINS that have cut you off from God. Because of YOUR SINS, he has turned away and will not listen anymore…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). What is SIN?  “…Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “…Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God….” (1 John 3:4 NLT). What does God require to get RID of the DEBT of SIN? “…almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22 KJV). ^“For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement (amendment) for your souls: for it is the blood (life) that maketh an atonement (amendment) for the soul…” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV). “… I have given it to you … to make an atonement (amendment) for your souls … it is the blood (life) that maketh an atonement (amendment)…” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV).  How long did the animal sacrifices RID mankind of the DEBT of SIN? “For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.  Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins? But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins…” (Hebrews 10:1-4 NASB).

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3. How did God, who is LOVE, demonstrate that love for sinful mankind? He sent jesus Christ to rid mankind of the debt of sin. ^“….God SHOWED (demonstrated, revealed, etc.) HIS … [real] LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us (to make amends for us) while we were still sinners (undeserving)…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). How did Jesus Christ get RID of the DEBT of SIN on man’s behalf? “… Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). What did Jesus Christ become and do on YOUR behalf?  HE BECAME MY ATONING SACRIFICE BY GETTING RID OF MY DEBT OF SIN. “… He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV). “…Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV).   ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Did Jesus Christ die, become the atoning sacrifice, and take away the sins of EVERYBODY?  YES Explain. “… Christ also died for sins ONCE for all…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “…God SO LOVED the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). “… Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And ...he was buried, and …he rose again the third day according to the scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV). 

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5. How can YOU be sure your personal DEBT of SIN is atoning for? BY BELIEVING IN JESUS CHRIST; THAT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD AND BY REPENTING FROM MY SINS. “… Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house…” (ACTS 16:31 KJV). “… believe in thine heart that GOD HATH RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, thou shalt be SAVED…” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV). "…REPENT AND RETURN, “SO” that your sins may be wiped away…” (Acts 3:19 NASB).  Why is it IMPORTANT for YOU believe that Jesus Christ DIED for YOUR DEBT of SIN? BECAUSE HIS DEATH WAS THE ATONING SACRIFICE OR PAYMENT FOR YOUR DEBT OF SIN. THROUGH HIS DEATH YOU ARE ABLE TO MAKE AMENDS WITH GOD. “… believe in thine heart that GOD HATH RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, thou shalt be SAVED…” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV). “…without shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22 KJV). “…Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV). “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV).

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6.  What does the scripture tell YOU to do to be SAVED from your DEBT of SIN?  REPENT FROM YOUR SINS. CONFESS WITH YOUR MOUTH AND BELIEVE IN YOUR HEART THAT JESUS CHRIST DIED FOR THE PENALTY OF YOUR SINS AND THAT GOD RAISED HIM FROM THE DIED. “…Confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and … BELIEVE IN THINE HEART that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be SAVED…” (ROMANS 10:9 KJV). “…For WITH THE HEART MAN BELIEVETH unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made UNTO SALVATION…” (Romans 10:10 KJV).  “…For WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED…” (Romans 10:13 KJV). “…REPENT ye therefore, and BE CONVERTED, that your sins may be blotted out …” (Acts 3:19 KJV).   Can anything or anyone else help you get RID of the DEBT of SIN other than Jesus Christ?  NO THERE IS SALVATION FOUND IN NO ONE ELSE, BUT JESUS CHRIST. “…SALVATION is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved…” (Acts 4:12 NIV). “…Jesus saith unto him, I AM THE WAY, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me…” (John 14 6 KJV). “…BY GRACE have ye been saved THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).  “…There is SALVATION IN NO ONE ELSE…” (Acts 4:12a NLT).

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7. Write down a sinner’s prayer you would use to lead someone to Christ so RID them of their DEBT of Sin. EXAMPLE: Dear God, Have mercy on me for I know I am a sinner. According to Your LOVE you sent your Son and according to Your amazing GRACE he takes away all my sin. I call upon the NAME of Jesus to cleanse me from ALL my sin. I confess and believe or depend upon Jesus Christ, who bore my sins upon the cross, who died to pay the penalty for my sins, and was raised again for my eternal salvation. I repent and believe the gospel, in Jesus Name. After you pray the sinner’s prayer with someone will they be SAVED from their DEBT of SIN? YES Explain. WHOEVER REPENTS AND CALLS ON THE NAME OF GOD “SHALL” BE SAVED. “…For WHOSOEVER SHALL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD SHALL BE SAVED…” (Romans 10:13 KJV). “…REPENT …AND BELIEVE the gospel…” (Mark 1:15 KJV). How are you showing the LOVE of God when you a person to Jesus Christ? LOVE WILL MOTIVATE YOU  TO TELL OTHERS ABOUT JESUS CHRIST IN ORDER TO SAVE THEM FROM DEATH, WHICH IS THE PENALTY FOR THEIR DEBT OF SIN.“… he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins…” (JAMES 5:20 NASB). “… love covereth all sins…” (Proverbs 10:12 KJV). “… show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins…” (1 Peter 4:8 NLT). “… You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart…” (1 Peter 1:22 NLT).

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8. When you are SAVED have you made AMENDS with God? YES. How? BY GRACE through faith in jesus Christ “only.”  ^“….God SHOWED (demonstrated) HIS … LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us (to make amends for us) while we were still sinners (undeserving)…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). “…BY GRACE have ye been saved THROUGH FAITH; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…If you are trying … [in your OWN effort] … to make yourselves right with God … you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 2:21 NLT).  “…a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 2:16 NLT). “…Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…” (Romans 5:1 KJV).

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SPECIALLY CREATED

READ AND DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING SECTION BEFORE PROCEEDING TO THE NEXT SET OF QUESTIONS:

SIN separates people from (God). “… [Their] … iniquities (sin) …separated [them]… from … God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). Therefore, ^“….God SHOWED (demonstrated) HIS … [real] LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die (make amends) for us while we were still sinners (undeserving)…” (Romans 5:7-9 NLT). Jesus Christ became the willing atoning sacrifice (amendment) to bring people, once and for all, to God. “For Christ … died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God (REAL LOVE)…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “…There is no greater LOVE than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT). ^“Herein is … [REAL] … LOVE, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US and sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners (made amends for us sinners) …God showed his great LOVE … by sending Christ to die (to made amends) …” (Romans 5:6-8 NLT). “…There is no greater LOVE …” (John 15:13 NLT). Jesus Christ was specially created to become the atoning sacrifice for mankind SINS. “…God SO LOVED the world that he gave his only begotten (specially created) Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). “…[YOU had]… sinned and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23). “…The wages … [for  your] … sin is death…” (Romans 6:23). However, REAL LOVE (God) sent “….the Son of Man …TO GIVE his life as a ransom for …[YOU]…" (Matthew 20:28 NIV). Jesus Christ was specially created by REAL LOVE (God) to be the slain, Lamb of God, that would willingly DIE, in your place, and become, the once and for all, atoning sacrifice (amendment) for your sins. “…Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV). “…Christ … died for sins ONCE for all…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV). Jesus Christ was specially created to make a permanent amendment for YOUR sins. “…Christ also died for sins ONCE for all…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). Jesus became the FINAL ransom or offering for “ALL” SINS and made amends between God and mankind forever. “… by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified…” (Hebrews 10:14 KJV). He was a perfect, unblemished sacrifice because of his HOLY nature. He was able to shed his blood and give his life because of his human body. He was the PERFECT atoning sacrifice to pay the debt of sin for the many and make amends between the Holy God and sinful man. “… This is my blood, which confirms the covenant between God and his people. It is poured out as a sacrifice to forgive the sins of many…” (Matthew 26:28 NLT). “… He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world…” (1 John 2:2 NLT). Jesus’ human flesh enabled him to become the atoning sacrifice. However, his HOLY nature REVEALED Jesus as God actually being WITH US through HIM. “… Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 KJV). Jesus was in human flesh, but he was NOT like other humans. He was BEGOTTEN or specially created. He was conceived by the HOLY SPIRIT. “… The angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest…” (Luke 1:28-32 KJV). Jesus’ other name was the WORD of GOD. The WORD was God. The WORD, who is God, was made flesh. “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “….The Word (Jesus) became flesh, and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14 NASB). God, the Father and God, the Son are one and the same. “...I and my Father are ONE." (John 10:30 KJV). “…THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and THESE THREE ARE ONE  …” (1 John 5:7 KJV). The titles and labels are often meant to identify God’s current function or purpose. “…the Word (Jesus) was made FLESH, dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten (specially created) from the Father, full of grace and truth....” (JOHN 1:14 KJV). “…The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being (Holy nature)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “… Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…The Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost …THESE THREE ARE ONE  …” (1 John 5:7 KJV). As Jesus, God was functioning as the atoning sacrifice (through human flesh) and sometimes as the WORD (through his Holy Spirit). “… in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily…” (Colossians 2:9 KJV). “… in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body…” (Colossians 2:9 NLT). “…The Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost …THESE THREE ARE ONE …” (1 John 5:7 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).  The HOLY nature and the power of Jesus’ HOLY works was PROOF that he was God the Father, God, the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit. “…THESE THREE ARE ONE …” (1 John 5:7 KJV).

SPECIALLY CREATED QUESTIONS:

9.      What does “BEGOTTEN” mean? Specially created. “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten (SPECIALLY CREATED) Son…” (John 3:16 KJV). What was SPECIAL about JESUS’ BIRTH? HE WAS BORN FROM A VIRGIN “… Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 KJV). “… The angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest…” (Luke 1:28-32 KJV).What was SPECIAL about his conception? HE WAS CONCIEVED OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. “…Which were born, not of blood, not of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God…” (John 1:13 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). HOW is Jesus Christ’s birth and conception POSSIBLE? GOD CAN DO ANYTHING AND ALL THINGS EXIST OR HAVED EXISTED BECAUSE OF HIM. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR HIM. “…the things which are impossible with men are … POSSIBLE .. [WITH GOD]…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…all GLORY to God, who is able, through his mighty power … to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think …” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT). “ ... All things came into being (existence) through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being (existence) that has come into being…” (John 1:3 NASB).  

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10.  Why did Jesus Christ have to be “specially created” or exist?” to become a living, permanent sacrifice for the debt of sin once and for all!“….the Son of Man came …TO GIVE his life as a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28 NIV).  “…He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV). “…Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV).  “…This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28 KJV). “… For Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).

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11.  What were the atoning sacrifices in the Old Testament? Animals. What purpose did the animal sacrifices serve? THE animals were payment for men’s debt of sin. The animal’s life or shed blood covered the debt of the people’s sins against god and temporarily free them from the consequences. “…almost all things are … purged (made clean) with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission…[for sins]…” (Hebrews 9:22 KJV). ^“For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul…” (Leviticus 17:11 KJV). Why were animal sacrifices necessary annually? The animal sacrifices were “only” a temporary fix for the debt of sin and therefore could not take away mankind’s sins permanently. “For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.  Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins? But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins…” (Hebrews 10:1-4 NASB).

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12.  What is the problem with SIN when it comes to God and mankind? It separates mankind from the one and only holy god. “… [their] … iniquities (sin) …separated [them]… from [their]… God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). How did SIN come into the world? Through one man’s sin against god. “…Through one man SIN entered into the world, and DEATH THROUGH SIN, and so death passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV). Who has SINNED against God? everyone born into the world “…All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23). What are the consequences of “NOT” having your DEBT of SIN paid for? Eternal death “…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23).

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13.  What was the difference between animal sacrifices and Jesus Christ, the living sacrifice? THE ANIMAL SACRIFICES “TEMPORARILY” TOOK AWAY THE PEOPLE’S SINS, BUT JESUS CHRIST TAKES THEIR SINS AWAY PERMANENTLY.  “… it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to … [permanently]… take away sins…” (Hebrews 10:1-4 NASB). “… Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). Was it important for the sacrifices to be without ANY blemishes? YES, THE WERE TO BE WITHOUT BLEMISH. “… He said unto Aaron, Take thee a young calf for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering, without blemish, and offer them before the Lord…” (Leviticus 9:2 KJV).  “… Ye shall offer a sacrifice made by fire for a burnt offering unto the Lord; two young bullocks, and one ram, and seven lambs of the first year: they shall be unto you without blemish…” (Numbers 28:19 KJV). “… If there be any blemish therein, as if it be lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish, thou shalt not sacrifice it unto the Lord thy God…” (Deuteronomy 15:21 KJV). Was Jesus Christ without any blemishes? Yes, JESUS CHRIST NEVER SINNED OR BLEMISHED HIMSELF.   “… How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God…” (Hebrews 9:14 KJV). “…We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Jesus was human in every way except for sin; He lived a completely sinless life…” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV). “…ye were … redeemed … with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot…” (1 Peter 1:18-19 KJV).

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14. Jesus is not ONLY the permanent payment for mankind’s DEBT of SIN, but what else does he do for the covenant relationship God has with mankind?  HE IS THE GUARANTEE THAT THE COVENANT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD WILL BE BETTER. “…Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant…” (Hebrews 7:22 NIV). How does Jesus Christ make the covenant relationship better between God and mankind? HE WORKS WITHIN GOD’S PEOPLE AND EMPOWERS THEM TO DO WHAT IS PLEASING IN GOD’S SIGHT. “…God who worketh in …[them], both to will and to do of His good pleasure…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “… the God of peace… that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in [you]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…[They]… can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). Why do you NEED Jesus Christ’s HELP in order to keep the covenant relationship with God? MAN HAS ALWAYS BEEN DOMINATED BY SIN AND CAN’T FREE THEMSELVES FROM SIN WITHOUT THE HELP OF JESUS CHRIST. “..The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right (stop sinning), but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.  And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right (stop sinning), but I can’t. I want to do what is good (stop sinning), but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “...Apart from Me, you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

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15.  In your OWN words, what human experience did Jesus Christ have to go through in order to become YOUR atoning sacrifice and pay your DEBT of SIN? HE WAS SEVERELY ABUSED, HUNG ON A WOODEN , SHAMEFUL CROSS, SUFFERED, DIED, AND ROSE AGAIN. “…Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands….Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away…” (John 19:1-16 KJV). “…And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him…” (John 19: 17-18 KJV). “..After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost…” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “…The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced…” (John 19:31-37 KJV).

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16. What motivated Jesus Christ to suffer in this way and willfully DIE for you? HIS HOLY LOVE. “… Herein is LOVE, not that we loved God, but that HE LOVED US and sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:6-8 NLT). “…God SO LOVED the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). Did God, through Jesus have to DIE or did he CHOOSE to DIE? HE CHOSE TO DIE. “…Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But… [choose to take]… upon … the form of a servant  …” (Philippians 2:6-8 KJV).“…he [chose to take]… the humble position of a slave …” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT).  “…he… [choose to die] …a criminal’s death on a cross…” (Philippians 2:8 NLT). “…he… [choose to]… gave up his divine privileges…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT). “…Who, being in the form of God …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…” (Philippians 2:6-8 KJV). “… he … was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT).  God, “…spared not his own Son (his humanity), [from suffering,] but delivered him up (or himself up, through Jesus) for us all…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “… I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “…When he appeared in human form, he…[choose to humble]…himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross…” (Philippians 2:8 NLT). “…And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him…” (John 19: 17-18 KJV). “..After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled … he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost…” (John 19:28-30 KJV).

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17.  What was Jesus’ attitude about becoming an atoning sacrifice for your DEBT of SIN?  HE WAS JOYFUL ABOUT PAYING THE DEBT OF SINS FOR ALL OF MANKIND. “…Because of the JOY awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT). “…when he (Jesus) sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant (Jesus) will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “…At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit….” (Luke 10:21-22 NLT).  What does the bible SAY about a “good and faithful” servant? “…The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” (Matthew 25:21 NLT). Has Jesus Christ (THE WORD) been EXALTED to the highest of honor? YES Explain. JESUS THE WORD, IS PLACED AT THE HIGHEST PLACE OF HONOR, ESPECIALLY AFTER TASTING DEATH FOR ALL MANKIND, ONCE AND FOR ALL. “…What we do see is Jesus, who for a little while was given a position “a little lower than the angels”; and because he suffered death for us, he is now “crowned with glory and honor.” Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone…” (Hebrews 2:9 NLT). “…Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth…” (Philippians 2:9-10 NLT).

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18.  What did Jesus Christ do with his human LIFE on your behalf? HE LAID HIS LIFE DOWN BY DYING AS A SACRIFICE FOR your SIN. “…There is no greater LOVE than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT). “…Christ died for [your] SINS according to the scriptures;  And …he was buried, and … rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV). What is SIN? SIN IS THE TRANSGRESSION ON GOD’S COMMANDMENTS. “…SIN IS the transgression of the law….” (1 John 3:4 KJV). “…ALL HAVE SINNED …” (Romans 3:23). What is the penalty for SIN? DEATH “…the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV).  What can you or anyone DO to be cleansed from the DEBT of SIN? REPENT AND TURN TO GOD “… REPENT and TURN TO God …” (Acts 26: 20 NASB). What will happen if you do NOT have your DEBT of SINS cleansed? YOU WILL BE CONDEMNED TO ETERNAL DAMNATION.  “...IF YE BELIEVE NOT THAT I AM HE, YE SHALL DIE IN YOUR SINS…” (John 8:24 KJV). “…HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT IS CONDEMNED ALREADY, because HE HATH NOT BELIEVED in the name of the only begotten Son of God. …” (John 3:18-20 KJV). “…REPENT ye therefore, and BE CONVERTED, that your sins may be blotted out…” (Acts 3:19 KJV). “…Whosoever believeth in him SHOULD NOT PERISH, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Can you be SAVED from your DEBT of SIN through anyone else, but Jesus Christ? NO SALVATION CAN BE FOUND IN NO ONE ELSE, BUT JESUS CHRIST  “…SALVATION is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved…” (Acts 4:12 NIV).  “…Without the shedding of blood (the innocent, holy life of Jesus Christ), there is no forgiveness (amendment with God)…” (Hebrews 9:22 NLT).

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19.  What was Jesus Christ’s other NAME?  the word of god. “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). WHO does the bible say the WORD was? THE WORD WAS GOD. “…In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).What does John 1:14 SAY about the WORD? THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH OR CAME IN HUMAN FORM. “….The Word (Jesus) became flesh, and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14 NASB). Is God, the Father, and God, the WORD (Son) one and the same? YES, GOD, THE FATHER COMMANDS. GOD THE SON SPEAKS. GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT DOES WHAT IS COMMANDED AND SPOKEN. THREE DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS, BUT THE SAME GOD. “...I and my Father are ONE…" (John 10:30 KJV). “…THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and THESE THREE ARE ONE  …” (1 John 5:7 KJV). Was JESUS CHRIST specially created to be a LIVING SACRIFICE and to be a MOUTHPIECE for God to SPEAK his MESSAGE of LOVE to you? Yes Explain. He took on human flesh to be a living sacrifice that actually died to atone for YOUR sins. Jesus Christ also SPOKE WORDS directly from God’s heart. “… the Word was God…” (John 1:1-4 KJV). “…the Word (Jesus) was made FLESH, dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten (specially created) from the Father, full of grace and truth....” (JOHN 1:14 KJV). “…The Son (the word) is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being (Holy nature)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “… Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…The Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost …THESE THREE ARE ONE …” (1 John 5:7 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…The only begotten (special created) Son (the WORD), which is in the bosom (secret, intimate place; HEART) of the Father, he hath declared (explained, revealed, or communicated for) him…” (John 1:18 KJV). How is it possible for Jesus Christ to ALSO be the WORD of God? Nothing is impossible for God. “…the things which are impossible with men are … POSSIBLE .. [WITH GOD]…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…all GLORY to God, who is able, through his mighty power … to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think …” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT).

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20.  Was it actually God, the Holy Spirit, speaking through Jesus Christ? yes it was.  “… in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body…” (Colossians 2:9 NLT). “… the Word was God…” (John 1:1-4 KJV). “…the Word (Jesus) was made FLESH....” (JOHN 1:14 KJV). “…The Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost …THESE THREE ARE ONE  …” (1 John 5:7 KJV). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). Was Jesus Christ FULLY God in human form? Yes. Explain it from scripture. The bible says, Jesus, the Word, WAS God. “… In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of 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 1:1-14 KJV). “…The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being (Holy nature)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).

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21.  Was Jesus Christ FULLY human too? Yes he was. “…Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT). “…Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT). If God was FULLY human does that mean he came down personally to become YOUR living sacrifice and atone for your SINS once and for all? YES“… Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…” (1 Timothy 1:15 NASB).  “…[God,]…the Father that dwelleth in… [Jesus], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…the things which are impossible with men are … POSSIBLE ... [WITH GOD]…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).  “….I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…all GLORY to God, who is able, through his mighty power … to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think …” (Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT).

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22.  What is the difference between people who proclaim God came in the flesh through Jesus Christ and those who don’t proclaim it? One person has the indwelling Holy Spirit and the other one does not. “… If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God…” (1 John 4:2 NLT).  “… Many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist…” (2 John 1:7 NLT).

23.  Does the HOLY SPIRIT “REVEAL” spiritual TRUTHS according to scripture?  Yes. EXPLAIN. Jesus asked his disciples: “…Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” (Matthew 16:13 KJV). “…Whom do men say that I am?” (Mark 8:27 KJV). Then Jesus got more personal with his disciples: “…Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15 NLT). Here is what Peter answered: “…And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God…” (Matthew 16:16 KJV). “… Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being…” (Matthew 16:17-18 NLT). The confession Peter made didn’t even come from him. It was REVEALED to him THROUGH the Holy Spirit. “…my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being (including himself). …” (Matthew 16:17-18 NLT).

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24.What other SOURCE proclaims God, through Jesus Christ, came in human form? scripture “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV).  “…Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were EYEWITNESSES and servants of the word…” (Luke 1:1-2 NLT). “….Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were EYEWITNESSES, and ministers of the word…” (Luke 1:1-2 KJV).  “…For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were EYEWITNESSES of his majesty….” (2 Peter 1:16 NLT). Is Jesus Christ recorded in ANY historical documents? YES. By whom? 1^st century historian, Flavius Josephus. The actual Jewish Antiquities historical paragraph called the “Testimonium Flavianum” or “The Testimony of Flavius” Vol. 18, chapter 3, and paragraph 3 is as follows: “At this time there was wise man who was called Jesus. And his conduct was good, and he was known to be virtuous. And many people from among the Jews and the other nations became his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. And those who had become his disciples did not abandon his discipleship. They reported that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion and that he was alive; accordingly, he was perhaps the Messiah concerning whom the prophets have recounted won.” (Michael the Syrian, translation from Whealey, 2008). What does the scripture SAY about Jesus as the Messiah, the Ransom, and the WORD? As MESSIAH he fulfilled multiple prophecies. “… And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum …That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet…” (Matthew 4:13-14 KJV). “… whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting…” (Micah 5:2 KJV). “… For the time has come for this prophecy about me to be fulfilled…” (Luke 22:37 NLT). As the WORD he expressed and communicated God’s messages of LOVE. “…And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, THIS DAY is this scripture fulfilled in your ears…” (John 4:16-21 KJV). “….the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). As the RANSOM for sin he met all the requirements of an atoning sacrifice. “… Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And ...he was buried, and …he rose again the third day according to the scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV). “….THE SON OF MAN CAME … TO GIVE his life as a ransom for many…" (Matthew 20:28 NIV). “…he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV).

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25.  Wohohhohy it is HARD for non-believers and sometime believers to understand God’s spiritual TRUTHS? Many of god’s truths must be revealed or understood through the indwelling holy spirit. “….When we tell you these things, we DO NOT use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words GIVEN TO US by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren’t spiritual CAN’T RECEIVE these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and THEY CAN’T UNDERSTAND IT, for only those who are spiritual CAN UNDERSTAND what the Spirit means…” (1 Corinthians 2 NLT).

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               *ADDITIONAL TEACHER’S NOTES:

SPECIALLY CREATED TO MAKE AMENDS:  Jesus was FULLY God and FULLY huMAN. FIRST, He was FULLY God. “… In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of 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 1:1-14 KJV). “…The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being (Holy nature)…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV).  SECOND, He was FULLY human. “…Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT). RECOGNIZING REAL LOVE takes on a DEEPER meaning when you are able to SEE how God, himself came in huMAN form to become the atoning sacrifice for the SINS of mankind. God wanted the JOB of atoning sacrifice to be done right; so he decided to do it himself. “… God works … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in… [Jesus], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). Some scholars, skeptics, and even God’s own people find his incarnate status a Christian orthodox mystery. His people admit God came in the flesh through Jesus Christ. “… If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God…” (1 John 4:2 NLT).  For the scientific minds, most scholars believe Jesus Christ existed and actually walked the earth, but many differ on their perspective of the facts or the interpretation of the facts. In all fairness, I will say that there are a few scholars that even say Jesus Christ was a myth. “… Many deceivers have gone out into the world. They deny that Jesus Christ came in a real body. Such a person is a deceiver and an antichrist…” (2 John 1:7 NLT). Rarely do you or anyone else question other historical figures to the degree that Jesus Christ has been questioned, yet if you don’t reject their historical facts why would you reject those of Jesus. “…Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written…” (John 21:25 NIV). Well known Jewish historian and scholar, Flavius Josephus, in the Antiquities of the Jews, a reliable historical work done in the 1^st century gives witness to Jesus. “…It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me…” (John 8:16-17 KJV).The actual Jewish Antiquities historical paragraph called the “Testimonium Flavianum” or “The Testimony of Flavius” Vol. 18, chapter 3, and paragraph 3 is as follows: “At this time there was wise man who was called Jesus. And his conduct was good, and he was known to be virtuous. And many people from among the Jews and the other nations became his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. And those who had become his disciples did not abandon his discipleship. They reported that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion and that he was alive; accordingly, he was perhaps the Messiah concerning whom the prophets have recounted won.” (Michael the Syrian, translation from Whealey, 2008).  I believe this is 100% a historical, reliable, and authentic account for those who need objective evidence. God’s followers “…walk by faith, not by sight…” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). The best source for proving Jesus existed is the bible. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV). The Synoptic Gospels are also heavily supported by many scholars as having been written by his disciples. The Synoptic Gospels differ on some of the facts and perspectives, yet agree on the many eyewitnesses, ministries, and first-hand accounts of Jesus’ life and death. “…Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were EYEWITNESSES and servants of the word…” (Luke 1:1-2 NLT). “….Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were EYEWITNESSES, and ministers of the word…” (Luke 1:1-2 KJV).  “…For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were EYEWITNESSES of his majesty….” (2 Peter 1:16 NLT). Reputable bible scholars, after critical analysis of the holy text, offer a rational, but somewhat persuasive view of the historical Jesus, the incarnate, the flesh man. “…the Word (Jesus) was made FLESH, and dwelt among us...” (JOHN 1:14). Most critical analyses are focus on an objective, rational worldview and totally eliminate the mystical worldview of Jesus’ own claims. Some things are limited to what you can see; others can only be understood by what you don’t see. “…walk by faith...” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV). Mystical truths can only be understood IF God reveals them to you, anyway, through his HOLY SPIRIT. “….When we tell you these things, we DO NOT use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words GIVEN TO US by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren’t spiritual CAN’T RECEIVE these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and THEY CAN’T UNDERSTAND IT, for only those who are spiritual CAN UNDERSTAND what the Spirit means…” (1 Corinthians 2 NLT). God, the Father and Jesus the Son are ONE. “…I am in the Father, and the Father in me…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…The Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost …THESE THREE ARE ONE …” (1 John 5:7 KJV). However, his incarnate status becomes easier to understand when you recognize God’s POWER and God’s MOTIVE. “…The things which are impossible with men … [are] …POSSIBLE… [with God] …” (Luke 18:27 KJV).   “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…The Word was 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 1:1-14 KJV).  “…God so loved THE WORLD, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life…” (John 3:16). It is well documented that Jesus Christ fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophecies, did many miracles, and actually existed. “...But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting…” (Micah 5:2 KJV). Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-20). As Messiah, he was ruler of Israel (John 4:25-26). Several Old Testament scriptures prophecy about Jesus’ life, birth, ministry, and death. The fact that Jesus was also God is the best part of his humanity. “…Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT). It is the GREATEST demonstration of his REAL LOVE for humanity. ^“Herein is love … he …sent His Son…” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…[AND] … Christ … [CHOSE to suffer]…for us in the flesh …” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV).  It is NOT the label “SON” that matters as much as the “SON’S” purpose. ^“Herein is love … he …sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). Jesus was BEGOTTEN or specially created to meet all the requirements of a RANSOM for sin, as the MESSIAH, and as the WORD. As MESSIAH he fulfilled multiple prophecies. “… And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum …That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet…” (Matthew 4:13-14 KJV). “… is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting…” (Micah 5:2 KJV). “… For the time has come for this prophecy about me to be fulfilled…” (Luke 22:37 NLT). As the WORD he expressed and communicated God’s messages of LOVE. “…And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, THIS DAY is this scripture fulfilled in your ears…” (John 4:16-21 KJV). “….the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). As the RANSOM for sin he met all the requirements of an atoning sacrifice.  “… How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God…” (Hebrews 9:14 KJV). “… He that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him…” (John 8:29 KJV). “… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). God, through Jesus, CHOOSE to live the human life in the role of begotten son whom he specially created to become the RANSOM for many. “… Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…” (1 Timothy 1:15 NASB).  “….THE SON OF MAN CAME …TO GIVE his life as a ransom for many…" (Matthew 20:28 NIV).  God, through Jesus, CHOSE to come to a WORLD he had created and surrender, like a slave, to the purpose, for which he came, WHATEVER the cost. “…Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But … took upon him the form of a servant  …” (Philippians 2:6-8 KJV).“…he took the humble position of a slave …” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT). God, “…spared not his own Son (his humanity), [from suffering,] but delivered him up (or himself, through Jesus) for us all…” (Romans 8:32 KJV). The POWER of God’s LOVE drove him to do this for mankind. This is REAL LOVE. “…he [CHOSE to be] wounded for our transgressions, [he CHOSE to be] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed…” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV). “…[God through]…Christ [CHOSE to die]… for [your] sins according to the scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV). God, through Jesus, CHOSE to be mistreated, misunderstood, and to become unrecognizable. “…[God through] … Christ [CHOSE to suffer]… for us in the flesh …” (1 Peter 4:1-3 KJV). “…Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands… they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him …” (John 19:1-16 KJV). “…his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being and his form marred beyond human likeness—“ (Isaiah 52:14 NIV). God, through Jesus, CHOSE to experience full humanness as any other person. He laid aside his Holy privileges. “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT). “…Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God…” (Philippians 2:6-8 KJV). “…Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT). “…he …died a criminal’s death on a cross…” (Philippians 2:8 NLT). “…Who, being in the form of God …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…” (Philippians 2:6-8 KJV). “… he … was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT). God, through Jesus, CHOSE to suffer and die a physical death upon the cross. He was FULLY human. “…born as a human being…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT). Yet, “…being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But …humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross…” (Philippians 2:6-8 KJV). “…When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross…” (Philippians 2:8 NLT). “…And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him…” (John 19: 17-18 KJV). “..After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled … he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost…” (John 19:28-30 KJV). Jesus FELT and EXPERIENCED every human PAIN associated with his dying on the cross. “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 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;…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV). “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his flesh, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin…” (1 Peter 4:1 NIV). “… He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them and knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). HOLY LOVE motivated God, through Jesus to pay the cost for the SALVATION of ALL mankind. “…I seek NOT mine own will…but THE WILL of the Father which hath sent me...” (John 6:38 KJV).  “…For I have come down from heaven “NOT” TO DO MY WILL BUT to do THE WILL of him who sent me…” (John 6:38 NIV). Not only did Jesus lived a FULLY human life in order to be the ultimate atoning sacrifice, but he had to remain innocent and without blemish. So he also lived a completely sinless life. “…We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Jesus was human in every way except for sin; He lived a completely sinless life…” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV). “…ye were … redeemed … with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot…” (1 Peter 1:18-19 KJV). God, as Jesus, the WORD, who was specially created, took on human form, YET his HOLY nature did NOT change. “…I am in the Father, and the Father in me…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…The Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost …THESE THREE ARE ONE …” (1 John 5:7 KJV). “…Though he was God…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT). “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…the Word was God… (John 1:1-4 NASB). “….The Word (named Jesus) became flesh, and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14 NASB). “...I and my Father are ONE." (John 10:30 KJV). “…THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and THESE THREE ARE ONE  …” (1 John 5:7 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). God’s original HOLY nature NEVER changed while he was in human form. God’s Holy POWER NEVER changed. God’s divine privileges NEVER changed. However, his REAL LOVE, for mankind, was so POWERFUL it made him CHOSE to humble himself, through Jesus, and become the atoning sacrifice sinful people needed. “… I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “…Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT). “…he …died a criminal’s death on a cross…” (Philippians 2:8 NLT). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT). God coming in the human form, through Jesus, is what makes him such an AWESOME GOD and SAVIOR. God, through Jesus, demonstrated the GREATEST “REAL” LOVE of all. God put “on the flesh” and can truly understand humanity’s plight with sin. “… For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15 NIV). ^“Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us…” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people…” (Hebrew 2:17 NLT). God KNEW, coming into a world of skeptics, naysayers, doubters, the religious, and sinners that Jesus’ identify would be questioned; as it is today. Jesus asked his disciples: “…Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?” (Matthew 16:13 KJV). “…Whom do men say that I am?” (Mark 8:27 KJV). Then Jesus got more personal with his disciples: “…Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15 NLT). Here is what Peter answered: “…And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God…” (Matthew 16:16 KJV). “… Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it…” (Matthew 16:17-18 NLT).The GREAT debate over these WORDS, spoken by Jesus, is usually about whether they were referring to Peter as the “rock” or his confession that Jesus was “Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Again it is NOT about labels and titles, but PURPOSE. Peter SPREAD the gospel, but Jesus WAS the gospel. The church is built by HEARING the GOSPEL and PLACING one’s faith in that gospel. “….apart from Me (Jesus), you (or Peter) can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).The confession Peter made didn’t even come from him. It was REVEALED to him THROUGH the Holy Spirit. “…my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being (including himself). …” (Matthew 16:17-18 NLT). Jesus has many labels and titles. He is greatly debated among philosophers and the great minds of the past and present. He has many naysayers and skeptics who doubt his existence. There are many who balk at the virgin birth and the resurrection. People are still wearing themselves out to PROVE he is just a myth. But no one can DENY his proclaimed PURPOSE in the 1^st is STILL having an impact in the 21^st century. Even China, a long-time atheist country, is now predicted to become the number one Christian nation in a few more years. Don’t get sidelined by the labels and titles given to Jesus because of his human form. It was important for him to become human. In addition, don’t get sidelined or confused trying to understand how he could also be divine. REALLY? “…The things which are impossible with men … [are] …POSSIBLE… [with God] …” (Luke 18:27 KJV).   Thus, it is POSSIBLE for God to take on human form, and it POSSIBLE for him also to remain DIVINE. Nothing is TOO HARD for God. “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). It is a biblical FACT, that he was BOTH human and divine. “…Though he was God…” (Philippians 2:6-7 NLT). “… He (Jesus) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…the Word was God… (John 1:1-4 NASB). “….The Word (called Jesus) became flesh, and dwelt among us…” (John 1:14 NASB). “...I and my Father are ONE." (John 10:30 KJV). “…THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and THESE THREE ARE ONE  …” (1 John 5:7 KJV). One of the MOST important PURPOSES Jesus, the only begotten SON, or specially created SON was SENT in human form to do was to SAVE us. . “… Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…” (1 Timothy 1:15 NASB).   He HAD to become a TRULY “LIVING” sacrifice “….THE SON OF MAN CAME …TO GIVE his life as a ransom for many…" (Matthew 20:28 NIV).  “…For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.  Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, because the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have had consciousness of sins? But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins…” (Hebrews 10:1-4 NASB).Thus, “…God SO LOVED the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).“…he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV). “…SALVATION is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved…” (Acts 4:12 NIV). His SHED blood (his human LIFE) was for OUR sins. The REAL LOVE is recognized in the FACT of his humanity. The FACT that he CHOSE, on purpose, to die on your behalf. The FACT that he specially created JESUS so HE (God himself) could become the once and for all atoning sacrifice humanity truly needed. “For [God through]….Christ also died for sins ONCE for all, the just for the unjust…” (1 Peter 3:18 NASB). God did the WORK of SALVATION “IN” and “THROUGH” Jesus! “…He that hath seen me hath seen the Father …I am in the Father, and the Father in me ….the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…How shall we escape, if we neglect SO GREAT SALVATION?” (Hebrews 2:3-5 KJV). You will be able to RECOGNIZE “REAL” LOVE when you see how COSTLY it was for GOD, through Jesus, to provide YOU with such a GREAT SALVATION. “…God showed his great LOVE FOR US by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (Romans 5:6-8 NLT). “…God SO LOVED the world that he gave his only begotten (specially created) Son…” (John 3:16 KJV). God’s REAL LOVE found a WAY to bring you to himself!  “…Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV). “... [God through]…Jesus saith…I am THE WAY…” (John 14:6 KJV).