A Morning Bible Study - The Need For God's Spirit

Leonard V Johnson    About

Recall from the previous A Morning Bible Study that we spoke of God’s Holy Spirit. The LORD God offered His Holy Spirit to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. Had they partook of the fruit of the tree of Life, they would have received His Holy Spirit. And, I want you to understand that mankind was going to die – no matter if they were to choose the tree of Life or the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Had they chosen the tree of Life, they would still have lived out their days and died; and indeed we find this did happen, “So all the days that Adam lived were 930 years; and he died” – Genesis 5:5 – but would have, after losing consciousness, “in the twinkling of an eye,” been resurrected unto eternal life! We, of course, know just who our first parents listened to. Satan the Devil. They instead partook of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. They partook of the tree of death – cf. Revelation 20:14-15; 21:7-8. They CUT THEMSELVES OFF FROM GOD AND HIS SPIRIT.

Why did the LORD God offer His Spirit to Adam and Eve in the first place!? And, why has the LORD our God offered His Spirit to a few since “the beginning of the ages”? Why is it so vital?

It is extremely IMPORTANT that you understand God’s living truth about this subject.

Not long ago I sent a brother an encouraging text message in which I stated – The reason that we have been called out of THIS present evil world and not the next is so that we learn. Because we MUST, like our Lord Jesus, overcome this world, ourselves, and the evil one (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 11-12, 21). So that we can be teachers, kings, and priests (Rev. 5:10) in the World Tomorrow. This divine truth alone has been blinded to the masses.

Truly, God’s living word – your Holy Bible – reveals that we were born for a TREMENDOUS PURPOSE! Sadly, so very few really grasp the awesome magnitude of what the LORD God is offering all mankind.

To help understand the LORD our God’s purpose for the creation of humanity, and what His Holy Spirit has to do with it, let’s go to the beginning – to the first chapter of the Book of Genesis.

1) What do the very first words of the Bible tell us about God?

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” – Genesis 1:1.

God – and the word here for “God” is Elohim, the family of God which consists at this present time of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ – is SUPREME RULER of the universe, HEAD of the GOVERNMENT OF GOD and over the finite universe (finite at this present time).

Our “LORD God” – YHWH Elohim is a compound term that is composed of two nouns. As in English, Hebrew nouns are divided into two categories: common nouns and proper nouns. Common nouns refer to a general group or class, but proper nouns refer to a particular person, place, or thing. According to Hebrew rules of grammar, YHWH – as a proper noun – can only be followed by a noun or a noun phrase that either qualifies YHWH or is in apposition to YHWH (i.e., a noun or a noun phrase that refers exclusively to YHWH). Therefore, when the proper noun YHWH is used with Elohim, as in LORD God, both nouns must be interpreted as referring to the Godhead. 1

2) What Scripture shows us that there are two in the Godhead at this present time?

“In the beginning was the Word [the Logos], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2) He was in the beginning with God” – John 1:1-2.

Again, this revelation from Jesus Christ may seem redundant to some, yet this is knowledge that so few in this world truly grasp. The Word was a personal being; and He was called “the Word.” Originally written in the Greek language, the word was Logos – which translates to Spokesman, or the One who speaks. So, this Word was with God.

God is another being. So now we have two beings. Because then Apostle John says, “and the Word was God.”

As I mentioned in the last study – one of the greatest of mysteries of which Almighty God speaks of is the TRUTH that the God family is in the process of expanding the God family and “plant[ing] the heavens” – Isaiah 45:18; 51:16. And you can become a member of that eternal, spirit-composed family!

Who did the Word later become!?

“And the Word became 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 1:14.

An important point to notice is that this shows us that our Lord Jesus Christ was God and that He actually became flesh – Scripture does not state that He remained fully God on Earth. It should probably be mentioned that those with a unitarian view believe this should be translated differently. Yet, that does not change the totality of God’s living word on this subject.

Our Lord Jesus Christ teaches, “’ I and My Father are one’” – John 10:30, which completely contradicts the unitarian position that Jesus is not now God (as well as does John 1:1-3, which is another issue unitarians dispute).

The apostle Matthew, who quoted Isaiah 7:14, makes it abundantly clear of His divinity –

“’ Behold, the virgin shall be with Child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us.’” – Matthew 1:23.

Also, notice what occurred after Jesus Christ’s glorious resurrection –

“And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ 29) Jesus said to him, ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed’” – John 20:28-29.

The Apostle Paul also confirms this living truth –

“and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ” – Ephesians 3:9.

Who is the other divine member of the God family?

“In Deuteronomy 6:4, the most accurate translation of the Hebrew is: “Hear, O Israel. Our one God [Elohim] is the LORD [YHWH], the LORD [YHWH]” – NET. This unique Hebrew clause is a verbless clause with split or double predicate nominatives. YHWH, YHWH (Lord, Lord). The subject is Elohim (God), Who is èhad, or “one.” However, Elohim is a plural noun designating more than one person. Thus, the double predicate nominatives, YHWH, YHWH (Lord, Lord), answer the implied question, “How many are in the plural noun Elohim [God]?” Thus, this passage reveals that there are two “Lords” within Elohim. The two individuals ─Lord, Lord ─in the God Family are “one” in essence or existence, as well as purpose. In the Greek Septuagint (LXX), the passage reads: “Κύριος ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν Κύριος εἷς ἐστι.” – Mark 12:29 is an exact quotation from the LXX, and most English versions traditionally translate the clause as “The Lord our God is one Lord.” … this clause in New Testament Greek is nearly identical to the underlying Hebrew of Deuteronomy 6:4 which has double predicates that are equative to God. An exegetical analysis of the Greek syntax of Mark 12:29 also shows two predicate nominatives, Kurios, Kurios (Lord, Lord), which are likewise equative to God.” 2

Notice 1 Corinthians 8:6 – “yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.”

To Note: If you have a chance, be sure to read pages 1361, 1362, and 1363 of the Faithful Version with Commentary Second Edition of The Holy Bible In Its Original Order (NET) translated by Fred R. Coulter into clear, easy-to-read English for contemporary readers.

3) Whose image and likeness was man [the word being “`ādām,” meaning humankind] created!?

“Then God [Elohim; the family of God] said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; …” – Genesis 1:26.

According to the pattern and design of God, like produces like.

“DESIGN – throughout the whole of the universe, there’s design. From a snowflake to different mineral deposits. You look – the scientists tell you – at an atom, that you have a little nucleus, and flying around it like little satellites are electrons. But it’s the same thing you see when you look at the Earth! You see the Earth (the nucleus) and flying around it is a satellite. Well, you look at the entire solar system. You see the Sun (the nucleus) and surrounding it are these little satellites. The design is consistent throughout nature. It’s consistent because it had ONE DESIGNER! The Almighty God!” 3

The God family created mankind like Themselves – ‘according to Our image and according to Our likeness.’ Same form and shape. Truly, God’s revealed truth shows us that God’s purpose was to create mankind after the God kind!

4) Does the LORD God plainly show us that Their Master Plan is to increase the God family, bringing many children into it?

“For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” – Romans 8:29.

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone. 10) For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, in bringing many sons [children] to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings” – Hebrews 2:9-10.

“’ He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son’” – Revelation 21:7.

For He is “the firstborn among many brethren.” For He is already born of GOD by a resurrection from the dead – Romans 1:4. Indeed! As we shall be!

He is our Captain who has gone on ahead, preparing the way for us! – Hebrews 2:10.

God’s living word distinctly says, “And He is the head of the body, the Church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, …” – Colossians 1:18. See also Ephesians 4:15; 5:23.

What must happen to flesh and blood human beings BEFORE they can inherit the kingdom of God?

True faithful Christians will be raised to eternal life, resurrected to immortality at the SEVENTH TRUMP! –

“And as we have borne the image of the man of dust [the word ”‘Ādām,” meaning a name], we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man [the Second Adam, Christ Jesus]. 50) Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood CANNOT inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51) Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep [die], but we shall all be changed – 52) in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye [within a split second], AT THE LAST TRUMPET. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead [the dead in Christ] will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53) For this corruptible MUST put on incorruption, and this mortal MUST put on immortality.” – 1 Corinthians 15:49-53; see also 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17.

Notice our Lord Jesus Christ’s clear answer to Nicodemus –

“Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ 4) Nicodemus said to Him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?’

5) Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7) Do not marvel that I said to you, You must be born again.’ 8) The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit’” – John 3:3-8.

This friends is the plain teaching of the LORD our God! So, this new birth is not defined as just an emotional experience as so many are erroneously assuming. It is a literal BIRTH!

When you are “born again” – meaning, born of the Holy Spirit of God, you will be “like Him [Jesus Christ], for we shall see Him as He is.” You will not be seen by mortal eyes (unless you choose to manifest yourself), and you will be able to move like the wind.

Truly, our Lord Jesus says we must be “born again” – changed into wholly spiritual beings – born of the Spirit of God as divine children in the God family!

5) What about true Christians!? Are we being fashioned and molded by God for a specific purpose!?

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10.

God provides all true Christians with the WILLPOWER, the FAITH OF CHRIST, and MOTIVATION to do His good pleasure. God the Father and Jesus Christ have gone to great lengths to provide the grace – the unmerited favor of Their divine mercy – to help Their begotten children to succeed in their calling. But They expect results!

Friends – how crystal clear God’s living word becomes when we let His word interpret itself! It is terribly sad that most professing Christians simply stop at this point and miss the very crux of the Apostle Paul’s statement.

“for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” – Philippians 2:13.

“’ Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.’” – Isaiah 43:7.

We – true Christians – are God’s workmanship. We – today – are being created “unto good works.”

6) WHEN will this spiritual birth of the true saints take place!?

Book of Acts, the 14th chapter –

Verse 22 – “strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.’” – we will need to endure and keep the faith as God’s begotten children go through the FIRST SIX TRUMPET BLASTS – cf. Revelation 8:7-12; 9:1-11, 13-19. But then the SEVENTH TRUMPET BLAST will be blown “and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” – cf. 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 10:7; Revelation 11:15. So, here the apostle Paul is saying that it will be through ‘many tribulations’ – and all of us can attest to this. Once you set your heart on obeying Almighty God’s Law, like keeping the seventh-day Sabbath, it becomes ever more difficult to swim upstream against this world.

Friends, when the SEVENTH TRUMPET IS SOUNDED, the Spirit-begotten children of God who have died through the ages will be resurrected to spirit life by the Spirit of God, and those still alive will be instantly changed into spirit beings – cf. Matthew 24:40-42. At that very moment, they will be “born again” members of the God family.

7) Does God’s living word plainly show that it is His Master Plan to increase His divine family by bringing many sons and daughters to glory!?

You know, in Romans 8 – you read through there – you hear phrases like, “sons of God,” and “the Spirit of sonship,” and “children of God.” You can go through Galatians 3 and hear, “children of God … heirs according to the promise.” There are many more such Scriptures – also Hebrews 2:9-11 – talking about Jesus Christ and saying, “bringing many son’s into glory.” And, 1 John 3:1-2 – the people of the world do not understand what you are about to read – but many of you reading this have heard it before, and you do understand it! I just hope that we always deeply appreciate it! “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2) Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He [shall appear], we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”

We will be like the resurrected Jesus Christ!

Be sure to watch today our sermon “God's Master Plan - From the Beginning” which also speaks of this marvelous TRUTH OF GOD!

1) Coulter R. F., The Holy Bible In Its Original Order A New English Translation, Jehovah Elohim in Genesis 3:22, York Publishing Co., © 2009, pg. 1360.

2) Ibid. pg. 1364.

3) Garrett, M.C., The Confusion About Death! 2019, pgs. 13-14.

Scriptural Index:

Old Testament - Genesis 1:1, 26; 5:5; Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 7:14; 43:7; 45:18; 51:16.

New Testament - Matthew 1:23; 24:40-42; Mark 12:29; John 1:1-2, 14; 3:3-8; 10:30; 20:28-29; Acts 14:22; Romans 1:4; 8:28; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 15:49-53; Ephesians 2:10; 3:9; 4:15; 5:23; Philippians 2:13; Colossians 1:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17; Hebrews 2:9-10, 11; 1 John 3:1-2; Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 11-12, 21; 5:10; 8:7-12; 9:1-11, 13-19; 10:7; 11:15; 20:14-15; 21:7-8.