BUILDING ON LEGACY AND LEAVING A LEGACY BEHIND

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The idea of being a trailblazer is appealing, but for most of us, our calling is to build on the legacy left behind. This is especially true in the Church and the Kingdom of God, where even what appears to be new or groundbreaking must be rooted in the legacy of Jesus Christ and the entirety of Scripture (1 Cor 3:10-11, 2 Tim 3:14-17).

In a sense, we must look back in order to effectively forge ahead; otherwise, we risk going in circles, returning to the starting point of the previous generation (Rom 15:4, 1 Cor 10:11-12). This exhortation is especially relevant today, as much of what should be an established legacy in Christianity is being eroded before our eyes. Rather than progressing, many Christians are retrogressing.

Paul observed a similar issue in his time and urged believers to hold on to foundational truths so they could mature and move forward, instead of relaying the basics (Heb 6:1-3). Isn’t it ironic that, after more than two millennia, the Church still debates Paul’s “elementary teachings about Christ” like repentance, faith, water baptism, Holy Spirit baptism, and the final judgment? If we continue to struggle with these fundamentals, how can we expect to grow into maturity or leave a meaningful legacy for the next generation?

There’s no shame in admitting we’ve lost our bearings. That recognition allows us to reassess, return to the basics, and chart the right path. But if we continue blindly without reflection, we endanger not just ourselves but future generations. As Jesus implied, “If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit” (Luke 6:39).

Each generation carries the responsibility of leaving behind a true and solid legacy—one that guides the next generation forward.

God has assigned a unique layer of revelation to every generation, expecting each to fulfill its part and pass on the baton. In this way, the crown of one generation's faithfulness becomes the throne upon which the next stands to earn its own crown.

It’s important to understand that, in His sovereignty, God does not reveal everything to a single generation. His process always involves progression. For instance, Abraham, God's friend (James 2:23), received specific revelations of God’s Personality. God revealed Himself to Abraham as El-Shaddai—Almighty God (Gen 17:1 NLT), and as Jehovah Jireh—the Lord Who provides (Gen 22:14 KJV). Yet it was four generations later that God revealed Himself to Moses, another friend of His (Ex 33:11, Num 12:6-8), as “I AM,” YHWH (Ex 3:14-15, *6:2-4*).

Isaac, Jacob (Israel), and the tribal patriarchs knew God based on Abraham’s revelation (Gen 28:3-5), along with their personal encounters (Gen 26:24-25, 28:12-22). While from Moses onward, Israel stood on the promises given to the Patriarchs (Ex 6:7-8, Lev 26:40-42), while also receiving a foundational revelation for future generations— which is God’s Eternal Name, YHWH. So we see a progression.

I could cite many more Scriptural examples to illustrate the progressive nature of God's revelations and how each generation is expected to build on the last, but doing so would make this a lot longer.

Now I know that an astute student of Scripture would point out to me that my examples from the Old Testament may be correct, but we are in the New Covenant and Jesus Christ is the culmination of every prophecy and revelation (Heb 1:1-2); so this talk of progressive revelation in each generation is irrelevant. I'll say you're right about one thing, every prophecy, revelation, and mystery is HIDDEN in Jesus Christ (Col 2:2-3), however, not everything has been revealed (1 John 3:2, Rom 8:23-25). God still follows a pattern of unveiling truths progressively, according to what each generation needs or can handle (Matt 25:15).

To begin with: Jesus Christ ABSOLUTELY finished the work He was sent to do on earth (John 4:34, 19:30). He spent His life on earth teaching about the Kingdom of God (Matt 4:17), and He did a lot of this with parables which He even EXPLAINED to His disciples (Luke 8:9-11, Matt 13:24-30, 36-43).

Still, even Jesus did not FULLY disclose all the Kingdom’s mysteries, because His audience lacked spiritual understanding, and for the most part they were unlearned folks (Matt 15:10-11, 15-20, Acts 4:13). And even the supposedly learned couldn't understand all He had to say (John 3:3-4, 9-12); furthermore, they weren't emotionally ready for all He had to say. So Jesus left further revelations to the Holy Spirit, who would guide them into all truth and remind them of His teachings (John 14:26, 16:5-7, 12-15). Thus, the Holy Spirit both grounded them in Christ’s foundational teachings and progressively unveiled the things Jesus Christ couldn’t fully explain to them at that time.

This clearly demonstrates progressive revelation, even in the New Testament. But if that’s not convincing enough, allow me to share another illustration.

By the standards of his Jewish peers, Paul likely appeared to be a trailblazer. After all, God revealed to him the Gospel for the Gentiles—a message of salvation and inclusion in the promises made to Abraham (Gal 1:11-17, 2:7-8, 3:14, 26-29, Eph 2:11-22). This was a radical concept for Jews at the time, who typically avoided Gentiles (Acts 10:28), and even Samaritans—fellow Israelites by ancestry—were scorned (John 4:9).

Though Paul appeared as a trailblazer, what he was preaching was still firmly founded on Jesus Christ (1 Cor 3:10-11, 2:1-5, Gal 1:6-10), and aligned with God’s earlier revelations through the Old Testament prophets (Acts 13:32-48, [*v47, Isaiah 49:5-7, 42:1-7]).

Like I said in the beginning, in the Church and Kingdom of God, everything MUST be built on the legacy of Jesus Christ and Scripture. So also Paul's ministry, which disclosed great mysteries to us (2 Cor 12:7), was firmly founded and situated on Jesus Christ (Eph 3:7-12).

I must emphasize this point for balance sake: while the Holy Spirit continues to reveal new aspects of God and Jesus Christ (Jer 33:3, Rom 11:33-34, 1 Cor 2:10-12, 16, *John 14:26, 16:5-7, 12-15*), we MUST remain discerning. We cannot blindly accept every “new” teaching without carefully examining its alignment with Jesus Christ and Scripture (Eph 4:11-16, 20-24, 30-32, Rev 2:14-16, 20, 24-29). Even teachings that sound correct must be scrutinized—and we must discern the Spirit/spirit behind the message (Acts 16:16-18, 1 John 4:1, 1 Tim 4:1-3, 6-16, *2 Tim 4:1-5*); because the devil and his collaborators are skilled in deception, and they are very “good” actors (Matt 7:15-20, 2 Cor 11:13-15, [1 Peter 5:8-11, Rev 5:5]).

Anyway, be on your guard and be discerning. Also learn to recognize the Holy Spirit’s work so that you don’t reject the new things He intends to reveal and accomplish (Gal 2:7-9, 1 Thess 5:19-22).

Speaking of which, Peter himself initially resisted the revelation concerning the Gentiles. Despite seeing the vision three times, his reaction was, “Surely not, Lord!” (Acts 10:10-16). However, when God gave the same revelation to Paul, Paul embraced it and immediately pursued the mandate (Acts 9:4-6, 15-20, 26:12-20, *v19*). Now generations since then remain grateful for the work the Holy Spirit accomplished through Paul, and Peter also acknowledged the wisdom Paul was given and equated his writings to Scripture (2 Peter 3:15-16).

Note, with respect to the generation of Peter, Scripture referred primarily to the Old Testament writings, because Gospels and Epistles were not yet canonized; hence Peter's statement about Paul's writing is all the more significant. In his time, Paul faithfully fulfilled his assignment, never deviating from the foundation of Jesus Christ, and ultimately he earned his crown (2 Tim 4:7-8).

His crown, along with those of many faithful saints across generations, forms the thrones upon which we now build. Their victories are our foundation (John 4:38). And I believe Jesus Christ illustrated this through the image of the New Jerusalem, whose foundation is built on the twelve apostles (Rev 21:14).

Paul clearly understood the progressive nature of God's revelation and His dealings with generations. He recognized that his own ministry was not the complete picture, but merely a part of the unfolding plan. He acknowledged this reality in the following passage:

1 Cor 13:9-12
[9] For we know in part and we prophesy in part, [10] but WHEN completeness comes, what is in part disappears. [11] … [12] For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. NOW I KNOW IN PART; THEN I SHALL KNOW FULLY, even as I am fully known. NIV

Even his life and doctrine reflected a progressive maturity:

2 Cor 5:16
[16] SO FROM NOW ON we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we ONCE regarded Christ in this way, WE DO SO NO LONGER. NIV

A practical illustration of the above is the change of his perspective on Mark (a.k.a John - Acts 15:37), who caused a sharp disagreement between him and Barnabas (Acts 13:13, 15:36-40). Yet later, Paul acknowledged Mark’s value and called him “helpful” for his ministry (2 Tim 4:11).

This progression shows us that the Holy Spirit continues to reveal new aspects of God's nature and plan, building upon the foundation of previous generations.

For example, in recent Church history, various generations have received distinct revelations: one experienced the outpouring of healing; another emphasized holiness; another, faith; another, prosperity; and still another, deliverance and spiritual warfare, unveiling the schemes, devices, and secrets of the dark kingdom (2 Cor 2:11, Eph 6:10-18). These insights—each rooted in Scripture—have helped prepare subsequent generations to receive deeper truths and build their own legacies.

For this reason, we must learn to glean from the legacy of those who have served the Lord faithfully, and we must yield to the Holy Spirit to build on what they did, or where they left off. And also be sure to note that this does NOT in any way imply that we are superior to the previous generations, we are merely reaping from their labors (John 4:36-38).

To reinforce this point, Jesus Christ acknowledged the progressive nature of God's work. He understood that His own time on earth was limited and that others would continue with what He began (John 12:23-24, 32). So He told His disciples they would do even greater works than He had done (John 14:12-14). This did NOT mean that they would be superior to Him (John 15:20), but rather that their accomplishments would be made POSSIBLE because of Him and His ascension to the Father.

So Jesus’s Legacy was the throne from which they built; and Jesus Christ made their ministry (i.e. the apostles) the foundation upon which the rest of the Church was built (Matt 16:17-18, Eph 2:19-20). And we in turn are living stones continuing in the building project of God (1 Peter 2:5). So all through the centuries it has been layer upon layer being added to God's Building. And it is important to understand that succeeding layers are not superior to their predecessors, just as the apostles were not superior to Jesus Christ (John 14:12-14).

This truth is vital to guard against spiritual pride (Rom 11:17-23, *v25). While we might look back and see that past generations viewed certain matters through limited cultural or temporal lenses—sometimes leading to misinterpretations—that does not give us the right to judge them harshly.

John the Baptist, for example, was the living legacy upon which Jesus began His ministry (Matt 3:1-3, 13-15, John 5:31-40). Yet, when imprisoned, John began to question whether Jesus was truly the Messiah he had once boldly proclaimed (John 1:29-36). Despite this moment of doubt, Jesus never rebuked John. Instead, He offered clarity and affirmed John's role and importance, admonishing him not to stumble (Matt 11:2-15).

What does all this mean for us today? It means that spiritual legacy is central in the Church and the Kingdom of God, and it is a progression. Each of us must examine whether we are building on a solid legacy (2 Cor 13:5-8)—be it the legacy of our parents, grandparents (2 Tim 1:3-5), or church leaders (2 Tim 3:14-15).

Additionally, submission to spiritual authority is essential. Serving God on your own terms—doing what you want, when you want, and how you want—is NOT an option. When you became a Christian, you committed to laying down your life for Christ (Matt 16:24-27, 2 Cor 5:14-15, 1 Cor 6:19-20), and following the Holy Spirit’s lead (Rom 8:5-9, 12-14, Gal 5:16-18, 24-25). The sooner you learn to submit to God-ordained authority, the stronger and more enduring your legacy will be. “Success” without submission will ultimately be exposed as failure (Matt 7:21-23, Isaiah 50:10-11, 2 Tim 3:1-5 [*v2 “… disobedient to their parents…”]).

If you've disrespected parents or elders out of a sense of being right, it is not too late to repent and apologize. And avoid slandering and casting slurs at Church leaders (Acts 23:1-5, Heb 13:17-18, 1 Tim 5:17-22).

At twelve years old, Jesus Christ had reached the age of legal accountability in Jewish society—He had been Bar Mitzvahed. However, though He gave a justifiable reason for remaining behind at Jerusalem, while His earthly parents frantically searched for Him, He still submitted to their authority and was not disobedient to them (Luke 2:41-52, *v51-52*). Seemingly small acts of obedience like this matter deeply if we hope to leave behind a lasting, unshakable legacy. Nothing built on chaos or disorder will endure; it lacks God’s signature (1 Cor 14:29-33).

Another example is David. David had numerous chances to kill Saul, and seemingly valid reasons to do so—and was even presented with what looked like Divine opportunities. Yet David restrained himself, recognizing Saul as the anointed king. He refused to rise against someone God had placed in authority (1 Sam 24:3-7, 10, 12). It didn’t matter if Saul seemed unrighteous, unworthy, or unqualified—David understood that if God gave someone authority, he had no right to undermine it. We must learn to humble ourselves and submit to those in authority until God either changes the person or releases us from that authority (Jer 27:1-11, Rom 13:1-8, 1 Tim 2:1-4). Don’t nurture a rebellious spirit, even if you feel justified. Let God be the Judge and Avenger (Rom 12:17-21).

These principles are essential if you want to be a wise builder of something that holds generational blessing for your children and others. Even something as simple as pouring “perfume” on the right person can secure an enduring legacy for endless generations (Matt 26:10-13, 10:40-42, 2 Sam 19:31-38). On the other hand, engaging in seemingly noble acts—such as honoring the departed in unwholesome ways—can result in generational curses (Luke 11:47-51, Isaiah 8:19-22).

A word of caution with respect to “honoring” the dead: many African and Asian cultures are deeply entangled with ancestral worship. This practice creates generational spiritual bondage that must be broken. Be discerning about cultural traditions. Participating in ancestral rituals can open doors to familiar spirits, which would affect you, your children, and down through your lineage. Break these demonic legacies and begin a righteous one instead. It may not be easy, but in Christ, victory is assured—and it will be worth it.

So, returning to where we left off: don’t be quick to judge others. You don’t need to tear others down to make room for your own growth or ministry. The harvest is plentiful, but it is the laborers that are few (Luke 10:2). Around the world today, countless souls have never heard the Gospel—not even once. So there’s more than enough work to go around. And bear in mind that we are on the same team after all (Phil 1:15-18).

Paul would have relished the opportunities we now have, I mean: access to multitudes of unreached souls, and being aided by modern tools like technology, global communication, and transportation (Rom 15:20, 2 Cor 10:15-16, [1 Cor 1:10-13, 3:4-15]). So let's not squander our opportunity (Eph 5:15-18), but rather let us strive to do more than the previous generation by utilizing the advantages we have.

Now even if you feel God is calling you to blaze a trail no one else in your family, church, or community has traveled—and therefore no one seems to understand or support you—ensure three things:

1. Be absolutely certain the Holy Spirit is leading you, and that you aren't driven by selfish ambition or a contrary spirit.

2. Ensure that what you’re doing aligns fully with Scripture. God and the Holy Spirit never contradict the Word (Num 23:19, Isaiah 40:8, [John 16:13-15, 2 Peter 1:20-21, Eph 6:17]).

3. And at some point, submit your work to the Body of Christ. Mature, discerning elders must affirm that your ministry is truly of God and on the right track (Nehemiah 2:11-18, [Gal 1:11-12, 15-19, 2:1-2, *6-10*]).

We must be diligent to do what is right in the eyes of God—and also in the eyes of righteous, Spirit-led men and women (2 Cor 8:20-21, Rom 12:17-18).

Now that you understand the importance of building on the legacy of the past and leaving a solid one for the future, here lies the charge: our generation must not drop the ball. If we fail, the next generation may be left without the bearings they need to forge ahead. We must rise to our God-ordained calling, ensuring that we move the ball further towards the goal, and equip the next generation to maintain the course.

The painful truth is that an entire generation can miss its calling, leaving its children wandering aimlessly. This happened with the Israelites who left Egypt. That generation rejected God’s will and caused their children to waste forty years in the wilderness—years that could have been spent enjoying the Promised Land that “flowed with milk and honey” (Num 14:1-11, 19-24, 26-35). The point however is that, even if a generation fails to accomplish what God has assigned to them, God's plan would NOT be thwarted (Job 42:1-2, Psalms 33:8-11), because He would just raise another generation to do what He wants (*Num 14:11-12* & *v31-33*, [Luke 3:8, 19:39-40]). It's that easy for Him. But woe to the generation that fails Him.

Even if your generation has turned away from God's will, you can still be like Joshua and Caleb (Num 14:5-9, 30), or the seven thousand Israelites who didn’t bow to baal (1 Kings 19:18), or like the tax collectors and prostitutes that REPENTED at John the Baptist’s preaching (Luke 7:29-30, Matt 21:31-32). Indeed, swimming against the tide of cultural norms and generational trends is difficult. It invites persecution and scorn—but it would be worth it at the end (Luke 6:22-23, 2 Tim 3:12, 1 Peter 4:1-5, 13-14). When you stand for Christ, you will NEVER stand alone—even if everyone else leaves (2 Tim 4:16-18). Just stay focused on fulfilling the purpose God predestined for you (Eph 2:10, Phil 3:10-14).

So in conclusion, be intentional about building on the solid legacy from the previous generations, and be just as intentional about leaving a sure legacy for the next. This is NOT optional—it is your spiritual duty. Parents and elders MUST leave a true legacy for the children, and the children MUST see to it that they build on that legacy. This is what the Lord Jesus Christ expects of us; this is exactly what He did in His time on earth, and He FINISHED His work. Now it is our turn. Let the wise builders arise and secure the crown for this generation, so that the next would rule with ease. Let it not be said of our generation that after our passing the next generation would be clueless and unfaithful to God, just as it happened after the passing of Joshua’s generation (*Judges 2:6-13*).

Malachi 4:6
[6] He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.” NIV

Psalms 22:27-31
[27] All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before Him, [28] for dominion belongs to the Lord and He rules over the nations. [29] All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before Him— those who cannot keep themselves alive. [30] POSTERITY WILL SERVE HIM; FUTURE GENERATIONS WILL BE TOLD ABOUT THE LORD. [31] They will proclaim His righteousness, DECLARING TO A PEOPLE YET UNBORN: HE HAS DONE IT! NIV

John 19:30
[30] When He had received the drink, Jesus said, “IT IS FINISHED.” With that, He bowed His Head and gave up His Spirit. NIV

Just as the Father sent Jesus Christ into the world, and He completed His mission in His generation, so too are we sent (John 20:21-22). And we must ensure that we complete the work assigned to us (Acts 20:24, 2 Tim 4:7-8).

Thanks for the privilege of your time. God bless and Shalom!

For Current Post:
https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Building_on_Legacy/

For the Free PDF of "Early Steps in Christianity" (E.S.C): https://selar.com/EarlyStepsInChristianity

For Paperback or Hardcover copies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKW4H91N

For the Free PDF of "The Biblical Festivals of God" (TBFG): https://selar.com/TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod

For Paperback copies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKPP5N6J

Follow-up Post to the book, TBFG: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/BIBLICAL_CIPHERS_AND_CODES-FULL_SERIES/

I'd like to also encourage you to go through the following resources:

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_ORIGINS_OF_EASTER/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JESUS_CHRIST_THE_PASSOVER_LAMB-FULL_SERIES/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/HOW_CAN_JESUS_PAY_FOR_THE_SINS_OF_OTHERS/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_OLD_TESTAMENT_IS_THE_SHADOW_OF_THE_NEW_COVENANT/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/What_Paul_Meant_by-The_Law_of_Sin_and_Death-Rom_7and8/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/TO_BE_LIKE_JESUS_FULL_SERIES/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/The_Premise_of_Christianity/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Jesus_The_Redeemer/

#BuildingOnLegacy #GodlyLegacy #SpiritualInheritance #FaithfulStewardship #ChristOurFoundation #LegacyInChrist #SpiritualLegacy #LegacyOfFaith #GenerationalLegacy #KingdomLegacy #KingdomBuilders #KingdomMindset #StandOnTruth #FaithfulGeneration

#BibleStudyWithDanielOlatunji #FreeBooks #EarlyStepsInChristianity #TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod

#God #Jesus #JesusChrist #HolySpirit #Theology #TheBible #Scripture #BiblicalTruth #ChristianTeaching #ChristianApologetics #SoundDoctrine #KingdomOfGod

#Gospel #FaithInJesus #Salvation #EternalLife

JESUS CHRIST THE REDEEMER

I rejoiced and praised God when I saw that Pope Leo XIV settled the long debate over Mary being called “Co-redemptrix” or “Co-redeemer” among the Catholics. In short, Jesus Christ alone is the Redeemer—the only Man worthy of Glory for redemption, reconciling us to the Father, mediating, and interceding on our behalf (1 Tim 2:5-6, Heb 7:24-26). The Catholic Church may still take a while addressing some other issues of contention, but praise God they have dealt with this one about REDEMPTION. This is truly cause for joy, and a call to prayer for our Catholic brothers and sisters.

Redemption is central to Christianity and must be clearly understood, for it cost Jesus Christ His Life. Understand that the Redeemer had to be pure and sinless, and Scripture records only One Who met that standard, Jesus Christ (2 Cor 5:21 NLT, Heb 4:14-16), everyone else falls short (Rom 3:10-12, 23-24). Hence, Christ alone qualifies as Redeemer and deserves all the Glory and honor for His accomplishments.

This is timely because, as I said in the book “Early Steps in Christianity”, the record needs to be set straight. And I believe that there is an acceleration of this in our time because God is preparing to reveal His Glory in these last days like never before, and we all would be expected to worship Him in Spirit and in TRUTH (John 4:23-24). TRUTH is the premise of sound doctrine, which is why a critical realignment is required in our doctrine and practice to that which Scripture supports. And that's why I believe everything that has long been a stumbling block or distraction is being removed, so that we come into the knowledge of Truth, and as such pure worship to God, giving Him ALL the Glory. It is for this reason that we see such shakings and uprooting of the ideas and assumptions of men that have not been established by God's Word (Matt 15:13, Heb 12:25-29). You can be sure of this, Jesus Christ would not tolerate an iota of falsehood, even if it is mixed in with a bunch of Truth (Rev 2:12-16, *1 Cor 5:6-7*).

For illustrative purposes on the subject of Redemption, in the first chapter of the book “Early Steps in Christianity”, I noted a misconception long held by many—including myself—that Christ redeemed, or bought, us back from the devil. Scripture, however, never says this, and you could carry out your own careful search to verify this assertion. What Scripture clearly portrays is that the ransom—the Blood of Jesus Christ (Eph 1:7-8, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Rom 5:9), was paid to the Father, NOT satan (Eph 5:1-2, Heb 9:12-15).

And why to God? First of all, God created everything, and everything belongs to Him, including you and me (Psalms 24:1). When we sin, thus violating the parameters God has given for us to operate within the framework of His creation, we cause damage to His property. And as such we owe Him restitution. So whether it is sin against our body, we are damaging God's property (1 Cor 6:15, 18-20); likewise when we sin against others, we hurt or damage them physically or emotionally, still damaging God’s property created in His Image (Gen 9:5-6); and also when we sin against all of creation (animals, plants or the land, you'll find Laws on how we were supposed to properly interact and tend them) we become liable and are responsible for the damage and decay of things that has come upon the earth (Rom 5:12, 8:19-22). For all these we OWE God, and NOT the devil. And that's why payment, via the Blood of Jesus Christ, was made to God.

God set the price for the Ransom we owe, and He Himself has made available the price through the Blood of His Son (Psalms 49:7-9, 15, 2 Cor 5:21 NLT, Heb 9:15). Even the ancients like Job knew that God was the only One Who could pay the ransom that was required (Job 17:3 NIrV). So redemption is a Divine transaction through the Blood of Jesus that rescues us from our due judgment from God.

When you read the Passages on Salvation/Redemption you'll find that it clearly shows that it is from the wrath of God that we're being saved, the devil doesn't even feature in the conversation (John 3:16-21, 36, Rom 5:6-11, Eph 2:3-5, 8-10). Moreover, the devil is in no position to receive any payment from God, nor does he have the authority or audacity to DEMAND the Life and Blood of Jesus Christ as payment for redemption (John 10:17-18).

Now if you ask, “What about the devil, who has held people captive to sin (2 Tim 2:25-26, [Rom 6:16, James 1:15]), and the fear of death, didn't Jesus Christ come to rescue us from him (Heb 2:14-15, 1 John 4:17-19)?” Well, technically speaking, Jesus Christ DELIVERED us from sin and the devil. Unlike REDEMPTION, which is a transaction in the Blood of Jesus, DELIVERANCE is confrontational, and the stronger party makes away with the plunder or captives (Luke 11:20-22).

We were all born with the sin nature, and as such we became liable to the control of the devil, because our best efforts are no match to the power of sin (Rom 3:9). So in essence we were held captives by the devil. But when Jesus Christ came, He came with the power of the Holy Spirit, and He overcame the power of sin and the devil (Acts 10:38, John 14:30, 1 John 3:8), and by His victory He won us over to the side of righteousness (1 Cor 15:56-57, Rom 6:13-14, 17-22, 8:1-2). In other words, He delivered, or translated, us from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of Light (Col 1:13-14). So with respect to the devil, we are not redeemed from him, but rather we are DELIVERED from him and his devices. No negotiation with the devil would ever be fruitful, he is a liar and corrupt trader (John 8:44, Ezekiel 28:16-18). When it comes to the devil, simply, you must just STAND STRONG, CONFRONT and RESIST Him by the power of the Holy Spirit (James 4:7, Luke 10:19, Eph 6:10-17).

When Jesus Christ delivered people from demons, not once did He negotiate, or bargain, to set the captive free, He simply demonstrated His power and authority, and commanded liberty for the oppressed. Jesus Christ is Stronger than the devil (1 John 4:4), and He has TAKEN us out of the captivity of the devil; and now we have essentially become His captives (Rom 6:17-22, Eph 4:8).

The last part may not sound palatable, about us now being the captives of the Lord. Indeed, we have been made children of God (1 John 3:1-3); but even still, He is our Master, and we are His servants (Luke 17:7-10, Rom 1:1 NKJV, 2 Tim 2:21, Col 4:1). If we fail to recognize this relationship-dynamics, especially while we're here on earth, we may take His commands as mere suggestions or negotiations, and never really submit to His Lordship to serve Him faithfully (Luke 6:46-49, 12:47-48, James 1:22).

Christ Himself modeled service while He was here on earth (Matt 20:27-28). Hence, though He was the beloved Son of God, He fully submitted to serving the Father's Will (Phil 2:5-11, Heb 5:7-9, Rom 15:7-9). Likewise, though we are seated with Him in heavenly places (Eph 2:6, Rom 6:3-5, Col 3:1-4), our mission while on earth is simply to serve the Father's Will ([John 4:34, 20:21], Matt 7:21, 1 John 2:17, *Rom 8:17*).

So Jesus Christ redeemed us from the wrath and Judgement of The Father, and by the power of the cross and Holy Spirit, He delivered us from the devil (Col 2:13-15).

Anyway, you can learn a lot more concerning REDEMPTION in Chapters One and Six of the Free book, “Early Steps in Christianity”. And also check out the post regarding Pope Leo XIV, and the Catholic Church setting the record straight that Jesus Christ alone is The Redeemer. Links below :

Article regarding Pope Leo XIV and the subject of Redemption:
https://www.facebook.com/share/17r3ucGS6m/?mibextid=xfxF2i

Thank you for the privilege of your time. God bless and Shalom!

Link for current post: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Jesus_The_Redeemer/

For the Free PDF of "Early Steps in Christianity" (E.S.C): https://selar.com/EarlyStepsInChristianity

For Paperback or Hardcover copies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKW4H91N

For the Free PDF of "The Biblical Festivals of God" (TBFG): https://selar.com/TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod

For Paperback copies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKPP5N6J


I'd like to also encourage you to go through the following resources:

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_ORIGINS_OF_EASTER/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JESUS_CHRIST_THE_PASSOVER_LAMB-FULL_SERIES/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/HOW_CAN_JESUS_PAY_FOR_THE_SINS_OF_OTHERS/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Full_Series/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/BIBLICAL_CIPHERS_AND_CODES-FULL_SERIES/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_OLD_TESTAMENT_IS_THE_SHADOW_OF_THE_NEW_COVENANT/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/What_Paul_Meant_by-The_Law_of_Sin_and_Death-Rom_7and8/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/The_Premise_of_Christianity/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Building_on_Legacy/

#JesusTheRedeemer #ChristOurRedeemer #ChristAlone #AtonementThroughJesus #Salvation #JesusSaves #SalvationInChrist #Gospel #FaithInJesus #Forgiven #ForgivenInChrist #ReconciledToGod #EternalLife

#BibleStudyWithDanielOlatunji #FreeBooks #EarlyStepsInChristianity #TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod

#God #Jesus #JesusChrist #HolySpirit #Theology #TheBible #Scripture #BiblicalTruth #ChristianTeaching #ChristianApologetics #SoundDoctrine #KingdomOfGod

Discover the Foundations of the Christian Faith

Are you new to Christianity and wondering how to take your first steps with Christ? Or have you been a believer for years but want to revisit the unshakable foundations of your faith?

The Free book, "Early Steps in Christianity (2nd Edition)", is a clear, Scripture-rich guide that walks you through the essential truths of the Christian life.

Inside, you’ll gain:
A solid understanding of salvation and God’s Kingdom purpose
The meaning and power of baptism and communion
How to know and walk with the Holy Spirit
The believer’s inheritance in Christ – healing, provision, eternal life etc.
The call to love, relationship, and spiritual growth
Practical guidance on prayer, faith, and overcoming sin

This is more than just a book—it’s a discipleship resource to help you grow strong in Christ, live out your faith with confidence, and enjoy the fullness of God’s promises. Whether you’re just beginning your walk with Jesus or seeking to refresh your spiritual journey, this book will bless and equip you.

And the best part? It’s completely FREE!

Download your free copy here: https://selar.com/EarlyStepsInChristianity

Take your next step in Christ today. Your foundation matters—build it strong!

TO BE LIKE JESUS CHRIST - PART ONE

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CHRISTIAN

(Google Docs link provided at the end and in the comment for clickable Bible citations to open your Bible app for a fluid study experience)

Simply put, Christianity is a call to be like Jesus Christ in every way. I mean it is even in the title “Christian”, which literally means “follower of Christ”. We'll expound further to highlight how and why God wants us to be like Jesus Christ, but for now we'll focus on establishing the fact that the call to Christianity is to be like Jesus Christ in every way. Let's begin with the following Passage:

Romans 8:29 NIV
@29 For those God foreknew He also predestined TO BE CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON, that He might be the Firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines the intransitive verb “Conform” as:
1: to be similar or identical
2a: to be obedient or compliant

So God’s goal for every believer is really simple, He wants to make us like His Son, Jesus Christ. Paul highlighted this same objective in his lamentation over the Galatian church:

Galatians 4:19 NIV
@19 My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth UNTIL CHRIST IS FORMED IN YOU,

So conformity to Jesus Christ is the end goal for every Christian. It is a lifelong pursuit, and we must not settle for anything less (Phil 3:8-14). Indeed, we will fall short and stumble A LOT in this quest to be like Christ (Psa 37:23-24, Prov 24:16, [1 John 1:9, 2:1-2]); but we must never be discouraged, complacent, or somehow reduce the standard to accommodate our shortfalls. God is Holy, and He has called (invited) us to fellowship with Him in Holiness (1 Peter 1:14-16, Heb 12:14-15). Do not be intimidated by this, we'll discuss more on it in part two of this series. So instead of being discouraged when we fall short, we should rather tap into the empowering supply of Grace to keep pressing for the mark that Jesus Christ has called us to (Titus 2:11-14):

Hebrews 4:16 NIV
@16 Let us then approach GOD’S THRONE OF GRACE with confidence, so that we may RECEIVE MERCY and FIND GRACE TO HELP US IN OUR TIME OF NEED.

So what does “Conformity” to Jesus Christ mean? Applying the dictionary definition of the word, it means we're to be “similar”, “identical”, “obedient”, and “compliant” in the very same way that Jesus Christ was while He was on earth. Again, for now, don't worry about the “how?”.

I'd like us to see from Scripture how we've been made “similar” or “identical” to Christ in nature, and then subsequently we'll look at how we're expected to be like Him in character, i.e. obedience.

John stated that in this world we are like Jesus, meaning we share the very same essence and nature (1 John 4:17). So just as He was baptized in the Holy Spirit (Matt 3:16, John 3:34), so are we (Acts 2:4). Note that it is the very SAME Holy Spirit and His power that Jesus had, that we've also been given (Gal 4:6-7, Eph 1:19-20, 2 Peter 1:3-4). This technically means that we possess the same ability to do all the miracles He did, and even more (John 14:12, Mark 11:22-25).

Jesus Christ NEVER limited His disciples in terms of ability. He expected them to be able to do everything that He did. If they fell short, it wasn't for lack of ability, but inadequacy in their faith capacity (Matt 8:26), or unconformity to His practices of consecration, for instance fasting and praying (Mark 2:18-20, 9:28-29 NKJV). If for any reason the things that Scripture says concerning us are not a reflection of your life, it would be more prudent to self-examine if there are aspects in your life that are not in conformity to Jesus Christ and Scripture (2 Cor 13:5, James 1:22, Luke 6:46-49), than to blame God (Prov 19:3).

So, just as Jesus was sent into the world, so also have we been sent (John 20:21). Just as He is the Light of the world (John 8:12), so also have we been made light to the world (Matt 5:14-16). We reflect His Light that has come to shine within us (2 Cor 3:18, 4:3-4,6).

And just as Christ is a Priest (Heb 5:5-6), so are we (Rev 5:10 NKJV, 1 Peter 2:5,9). There are a number of other mirrored identifiers that we share with Jesus, like even laying down our lives (1 John 3:16), and such, but let's move on to character-wise.

Jesus Christ exemplified HUMILITY and OBEDIENCE (Heb 5:7-9), and we're called to learn these traits from Him (Matt 11:29, Phil 2:5-11). Jesus Christ was obedient to the Tee in executing the will of God on earth, doing only what pleased the Father (John 8:28-29). In like manner, we are to do the same ([1 Peter 4:11, Matt 10:19-20, Jer 1:9, Isaiah 59:21], Eph 5:10,17).

Obedience is an expression of Love. So just as Christ loved and obeyed the Father (John 15:10), so also are we called to obedience (John 14:15, 2 John 1:6, 1 John 5:3, Rom 1:5, 6:16-18, 2 Cor 9:13, Acts 26:19-20).

So in every regard, we are to be like Jesus. But the question now is how? Stick around for part two for the answer.

If you haven't already done so, please download the Free book “Early Steps in Christianity”, link below .

Thanks for the privilege of your time. God bless and Shalom!

For the Full Series: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/TO_BE_LIKE_JESUS_FULL_SERIES/

For Current Part:
https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Part_One/

For Part Two : https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Part_Two/

For the Free PDF of "Early Steps in Christianity" (E.S.C): https://selar.com/EarlyStepsInChristianity

For Paperback or Hardcover copies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKW4H91N

For the Free PDF of "The Biblical Festivals of God" (TBFG): https://selar.com/TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod

For Paperback copies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKPP5N6J

Follow-up Post to the book, TBFG: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/BIBLICAL_CIPHERS_AND_CODES-FULL_SERIES/

I'd like to also encourage you to go through the following resources:

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_ORIGINS_OF_EASTER/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JESUS_CHRIST_THE_PASSOVER_LAMB-FULL_SERIES/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/HOW_CAN_JESUS_PAY_FOR_THE_SINS_OF_OTHERS/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_OLD_TESTAMENT_IS_THE_SHADOW_OF_THE_NEW_COVENANT/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/WHAT_PAUL_MEANT_BY-THE_LAW_OF_SIN_AND_DEATH-ROM_7AND8/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/The_Premise_of_Christianity/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Jesus_The_Redeemer/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Building_on_Legacy/


#God #Jesus #JesusChrist #HolySpirit #TheLivingWord #Theology #BibleStudyWithDanielOlatunji
#TheBible #Scripture #BiblicalTruth #ChristianTeaching #ChristianApologetics #SoundDoctrine #KingdomOfGod

#Gospel #FaithInJesus #Salvation #EternalLife

#Christlikeness #BeLikeJesus #SpiritualGrowth #Holiness #Sanctification #WalkInTheSpirit #LedByTheSpirit #DieToSelf

#FreeBooks #EarlyStepsInChristianity #TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod

TO BE LIKE JESUS CHRIST - PART ONE

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CHRISTIAN

(Google Docs link provided at the end and in the comment for clickable Bible citations to open your Bible app for a fluid study experience)

Simply put, Christianity is a call to be like Jesus Christ in every way. I mean it is even in the title “Christian”, which literally means “follower of Christ”. We'll expound further to highlight how and why God wants us to be like Jesus Christ, but for now we'll focus on establishing the fact that the call to Christianity is to be like Jesus Christ in every way. Let's begin with the following Passage:

Romans 8:29 NIV
@29 For those God foreknew He also predestined TO BE CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON, that He might be the Firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines the intransitive verb “Conform” as:
1: to be similar or identical
2a: to be obedient or compliant

So God’s goal for every believer is really simple, He wants to make us like His Son, Jesus Christ. Paul highlighted this same objective in his lamentation over the Galatian church:

Galatians 4:19 NIV
@19 My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth UNTIL CHRIST IS FORMED IN YOU,

So conformity to Jesus Christ is the end goal for every Christian. It is a lifelong pursuit, and we must not settle for anything less (Phil 3:8-14). Indeed, we will fall short and stumble A LOT in this quest to be like Christ (Psa 37:23-24, Prov 24:16, [1 John 1:9, 2:1-2]); but we must never be discouraged, complacent, or somehow reduce the standard to accommodate our shortfalls. God is Holy, and He has called (invited) us to fellowship with Him in Holiness (1 Peter 1:14-16, Heb 12:14-15). Do not be intimidated by this, we'll discuss more on it in part two of this series. So instead of being discouraged when we fall short, we should rather tap into the empowering supply of Grace to keep pressing for the mark that Jesus Christ has called us to (Titus 2:11-14):

Hebrews 4:16 NIV
@16 Let us then approach GOD’S THRONE OF GRACE with confidence, so that we may RECEIVE MERCY and FIND GRACE TO HELP US IN OUR TIME OF NEED.

So what does “Conformity” to Jesus Christ mean? Applying the dictionary definition of the word, it means we're to be “similar”, “identical”, “obedient”, and “compliant” in the very same way that Jesus Christ was while He was on earth. Again, for now, don't worry about the “how?”.

I'd like us to see from Scripture how we've been made “similar” or “identical” to Christ in nature, and then subsequently we'll look at how we're expected to be like Him in character, i.e. obedience.

John stated that in this world we are like Jesus, meaning we share the very same essence and nature (1 John 4:17). So just as He was baptized in the Holy Spirit (Matt 3:16, John 3:34), so are we (Acts 2:4). Note that it is the very SAME Holy Spirit and His power that Jesus had, that we've also been given (Gal 4:6-7, Eph 1:19-20, 2 Peter 1:3-4). This technically means that we possess the same ability to do all the miracles He did, and even more (John 14:12, Mark 11:22-25).

Jesus Christ NEVER limited His disciples in terms of ability. He expected them to be able to do everything that He did. If they fell short, it wasn't for lack of ability, but inadequacy in their faith capacity (Matt 8:26), or unconformity to His practices of consecration, for instance fasting and praying (Mark 2:18-20, 9:28-29 NKJV). If for any reason the things that Scripture says concerning us are not a reflection of your life, it would be more prudent to self-examine if there are aspects in your life that are not in conformity to Jesus Christ and Scripture (2 Cor 13:5, James 1:22, Luke 6:46-49), than to blame God (Prov 19:3).

So, just as Jesus was sent into the world, so also have we been sent (John 20:21). Just as He is the Light of the world (John 8:12), so also have we been made light to the world (Matt 5:14-16). We reflect His Light that has come to shine within us (2 Cor 3:18, 4:3-4,6).

And just as Christ is a Priest (Heb 5:5-6), so are we (Rev 5:10 NKJV, 1 Peter 2:5,9). There are a number of other mirrored identifiers that we share with Jesus, like even laying down our lives (1 John 3:16), and such, but let's move on to character-wise.

Jesus Christ exemplified HUMILITY and OBEDIENCE (Heb 5:7-9), and we're called to learn these traits from Him (Matt 11:29, Phil 2:5-11). Jesus Christ was obedient to the Tee in executing the will of God on earth, doing only what pleased the Father (John 8:28-29). In like manner, we are to do the same ([1 Peter 4:11, Matt 10:19-20, Jer 1:9, Isaiah 59:21], Eph 5:10,17).

Obedience is an expression of Love. So just as Christ loved and obeyed the Father (John 15:10), so also are we called to obedience (John 14:15, 2 John 1:6, 1 John 5:3, Rom 1:5, 6:16-18, 2 Cor 9:13, Acts 26:19-20).

So in every regard, we are to be like Jesus. But the question now is how? Stick around for part two for the answer.

If you haven't already done so, please download the Free book “Early Steps in Christianity”, link below .

Thanks for the privilege of your time. God bless and Shalom!

For the Full Series: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/TO_BE_LIKE_JESUS_FULL_SERIES/

For Current Part:
https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Part_One/

For Part Two : https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Part_Two/

For the Free PDF of "Early Steps in Christianity" (E.S.C): https://selar.com/EarlyStepsInChristianity

For Paperback or Hardcover copies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKW4H91N

For the Free PDF of "The Biblical Festivals of God" (TBFG): https://selar.com/TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod

For Paperback copies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKPP5N6J

Follow-up Post to the book, TBFG: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/BIBLICAL_CIPHERS_AND_CODES-FULL_SERIES/

I'd like to also encourage you to go through the following resources:

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_ORIGINS_OF_EASTER/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JESUS_CHRIST_THE_PASSOVER_LAMB-FULL_SERIES/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/HOW_CAN_JESUS_PAY_FOR_THE_SINS_OF_OTHERS/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_OLD_TESTAMENT_IS_THE_SHADOW_OF_THE_NEW_COVENANT/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/WHAT_PAUL_MEANT_BY-THE_LAW_OF_SIN_AND_DEATH-ROM_7AND8/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/The_Premise_of_Christianity/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Jesus_The_Redeemer/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Building_on_Legacy/


#God #Jesus #JesusChrist #HolySpirit #TheLivingWord #Theology #BibleStudyWithDanielOlatunji
#TheBible #Scripture #BiblicalTruth #ChristianTeaching #ChristianApologetics #SoundDoctrine #KingdomOfGod

#Gospel #FaithInJesus #Salvation #EternalLife

#Christlikeness #BeLikeJesus #SpiritualGrowth #Holiness #Sanctification #WalkInTheSpirit #LedByTheSpirit #DieToSelf

#FreeBooks #EarlyStepsInChristianity #TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod

TO BE LIKE JESUS - PART 3A

WHY GOD WANTS US TO BE LIKE JESUS - (THE RESTORATION OF OUR IMAGE)

(Google Docs link provided at the end and in the comment for clickable Bible citations to open your Bible App for a fluid study experience)

Because of the scope of this subject, this section is in two parts (A & B). You may download the free book attached to this series for deeper explanations. In this concluding part, we’ll explore WHY God wants us to be like Jesus (Rom 8:29).
In simple terms, being conformed to Christ is the only way God fulfills His purpose for creation in Genesis 1. God created all things for His pleasure, and His purpose must stand (Rev 4:11 KJV, Eph 1:5,9,11, Psa 135:6, Isaiah 46:10). Of all mankind, Jesus alone fully pleased Him (Matt 3:17, 17:5, Isaiah 42:1, John 5:30, 8:29), therefore God desires us to be like Him.

Below is the Genesis mandate—the definition and purpose of mankind:

Gen 1:26-28 NIV
26 Then God said, “Let Us make mankind in OUR IMAGE, in OUR LIKENESS, so that they may RULE … over all the creatures …”
27 So God created mankind in His own Image… 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be FRUITFUL and INCREASE IN NUMBER; fill the earth and subdue it. RULE … over every living creature …”

Thus mankind was made in God’s Image, to be fruitful, multiply, and rule.
But man sinned by obeying the devil (Gen 2:16-17, 3:1-7). Since one’s a servant of the one they obey (Rom 6:16-18), mankind effectively joined the devil’s rebellion submitting to his will ([Rom 3:23, 6:20, John 8:34, Eph 2:1-3, Titus 3:3], 2 Tim 2:26); thus adopting the sin nature that originated with Satan (John 8:42-44, 1 John 3:8-10).
Adam and Eve passed this corrupted image to humanity (Gen 5:1-3, Rom 5:12, 18-19). Hence, humanity no longer reflected God’s PERFECT Image (Rom 3:23). This is the first point of deviation from the Genesis mandate.
The sin nature makes perfection impossible (Rom 7:22-25). Therefore God sent His Son, Who took on the SAME weak flesh (Rom 8:3, Heb 2:14-15, 17, Phil 2:5-8); but by the Spirit’s enablement, and a surrendered will, He lived PERFECTLY without sin ([John 3:34, Heb 9:14], Heb 4:15), thus proving that Man can once again reflect God's PERFECT nature (Matt 5:48, Heb 10:14, 2 Cor 3:18, [1 John 2:6, 2 Tim 2:19]).
We have no excuse, Jesus Christ was FULLY like us, and God was with Him as He is with us (John 8:29, Heb 13:5, John 14:16-18 NKJV). God's help does not totally eliminate pain, hardships, or temptation ([John 16:33, 1 Cor 15:10, 2 Cor 12:9-10], 1 Cor 10:12-13); neither does it override our will (Psa 19:13, Heb 10:26-27).

Similarly, Jesus Christ had freewill (John 10:18), He faced EVERY hardship we do, and despite that chose to OBEY God. Hunger didn’t make Him sell His Birthright (Heb 12:16; Matt 4:2-4); neither did ego (1 Sam 15:22-30; Phil 2:5-11); nor shame and betrayal make Him turn against us (Rom 11:2-4, Jer 12:3-6, 18:18-23; Luke 22:31-34, 23:34, Heb 12:24). He fully experienced our pains, so we have no excuse (1 John 3:3). And if we fall short, we must simply repent and not make excuses to remain in sin (1 John 2:1-2).

Jesus was fully Man (Heb 2:17), and fully Divine, but on incarnation He laid aside His Divinity (John 17:5, Phil 2:6-8). While on earth, He became fully Divine due to the Holy Spirit (Matt 3:16, John 3:34, Col 1:19). He had to be fully Human, otherwise He couldn't be tempted as we are, because God cannot be tempted (Heb 4:15, James 1:13). He overcame temptation by the Spirit, and by surrendering His will to fulfill ALL that the Holy Spirit caused the prophets to write concerning Him (Matt 26:39, 5:17, 2 Peter 1:20-21). In other words, He kept in step with the Spirit (Gal 5:24-25).

Jesus took our image so that we may take His through the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:9-10, 2 Peter 1:3-4). He identified with us as “the Son of Man” (Luke 5:20-24, Heb 2:11, 14-17); and now calls us to take His Image (1 Cor 15:45-50), through a surrendered life to the Holy Spirit. And because of that we can become "Children of God" (John 1:12, Rom 8:16, 1 John 3:1).

Bearing His Image restores the Genesis mandate, for Jesus is God’s express Image (Col 1:15, John 14:9), and through Him we put on God’s likeness (*Eph 4:12-15, 22-24*). Only through Christ do we become children of God and gain access to dwell with Him (John 1:12, 14:1-6).

Understand that God can hear and speak with anyone or any spirit, good or bad (Num 22:9-12, Judges 7:13-15, Job 1:6-7); but only His Children have access to dwell in His Home eternally (John 14:1-3). The devil and everyone else who holds to the image of the sin nature have alternative accommodation in the eternal lake of fire (Rev 20:10, 14-15).

God has chosen you to dwell with Him (John 3:16-18, 1 Tim 2:1-6); now the choice is yours (Deut 30:19-20, Josh 24:15). Accepting this invitation requires coming through Christ and allowing the Spirit to purge the sin nature; otherwise, one risks being cast out (Matt 22:9-14). God can easily graft you in, but if you refuse FRUITFULNESS, He can just as easily remove you (John 15:1-6, Rom 11:17-24, Heb 10:26-31).

We’ll explore fruitfulness and the rest of the Genesis mandate in Part 3B.

Thanks for the privilege of your time. God bless and Shalom!

Link to Full Series: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Full_Series/
Link for current post (3A): https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Part_3A/

For Part 3B:
https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Part_3B/

For the Free PDF of "Early Steps in Christianity" (E.S.C): https://selar.com/EarlyStepsInChristianity

For Paperback or Hardcover copies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKW4H91N

For the Free PDF of "The Biblical Festivals of God" (TBFG): https://selar.com/TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod

For Paperback copies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKPP5N6J

I'd like to also encourage you to go through the following resources:

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_ORIGINS_OF_EASTER/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JESUS_CHRIST_THE_PASSOVER_LAMB-FULL_SERIES/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/HOW_CAN_JESUS_PAY_FOR_THE_SINS_OF_OTHERS/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/BIBLICAL_CIPHERS_AND_CODES-FULL_SERIES/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_OLD_TESTAMENT_IS_THE_SHADOW_OF_THE_NEW_COVENANT/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/What_Paul_Meant_by-The_Law_of_Sin_and_Death-Rom_7and8/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/The_Premise_of_Christianity/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Jesus_The_Redeemer/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Building_on_Legacy/

#BeLikeJesus #ImitateChrist #Christlikeness #ObedienceToGod #WalkInTheSpirit #SpiritLedLife #YieldToTheSpirit #TransformationInChrist #ConformToChrist #ChristianDiscipleship #SpiritualGrowth

#BibleStudyWithDanielOlatunji #FreeBooks #EarlyStepsInChristianity #TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod

#God #Jesus #JesusChrist #HolySpirit #TheLivingWord #Theology #TheBible #Scripture #BiblicalTruth #ChristianTeaching #ChristianApologetics #SoundDoctrine #KingdomOfGod

#Gospel #FaithInJesus #Salvation #EternalLife

TO BE LIKE JESUS - PART 3A

WHY GOD WANTS US TO BE LIKE JESUS - (THE RESTORATION OF OUR IMAGE)

(Google Docs link provided at the end and in the comment for clickable Bible citations to open your Bible App for a fluid study experience)

Because of the scope of this subject, this section is in two parts (A & B). You may download the free book attached to this series for deeper explanations. In this concluding part, we’ll explore WHY God wants us to be like Jesus (Rom 8:29).
In simple terms, being conformed to Christ is the only way God fulfills His purpose for creation in Genesis 1. God created all things for His pleasure, and His purpose must stand (Rev 4:11 KJV, Eph 1:5,9,11, Psa 135:6, Isaiah 46:10). Of all mankind, Jesus alone fully pleased Him (Matt 3:17, 17:5, Isaiah 42:1, John 5:30, 8:29), therefore God desires us to be like Him.

Below is the Genesis mandate—the definition and purpose of mankind:

Gen 1:26-28 NIV
26 Then God said, “Let Us make mankind in OUR IMAGE, in OUR LIKENESS, so that they may RULE … over all the creatures …”
27 So God created mankind in His own Image… 28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be FRUITFUL and INCREASE IN NUMBER; fill the earth and subdue it. RULE … over every living creature …”

Thus mankind was made in God’s Image, to be fruitful, multiply, and rule.
But man sinned by obeying the devil (Gen 2:16-17, 3:1-7). Since one’s a servant of the one they obey (Rom 6:16-18), mankind effectively joined the devil’s rebellion submitting to his will ([Rom 3:23, 6:20, John 8:34, Eph 2:1-3, Titus 3:3], 2 Tim 2:26); thus adopting the sin nature that originated with Satan (John 8:42-44, 1 John 3:8-10).
Adam and Eve passed this corrupted image to humanity (Gen 5:1-3, Rom 5:12, 18-19). Hence, humanity no longer reflected God’s PERFECT Image (Rom 3:23). This is the first point of deviation from the Genesis mandate.
The sin nature makes perfection impossible (Rom 7:22-25). Therefore God sent His Son, Who took on the SAME weak flesh (Rom 8:3, Heb 2:14-15, 17, Phil 2:5-8); but by the Spirit’s enablement, and a surrendered will, He lived PERFECTLY without sin ([John 3:34, Heb 9:14], Heb 4:15), thus proving that Man can once again reflect God's PERFECT nature (Matt 5:48, Heb 10:14, 2 Cor 3:18, [1 John 2:6, 2 Tim 2:19]).
We have no excuse, Jesus Christ was FULLY like us, and God was with Him as He is with us (John 8:29, Heb 13:5, John 14:16-18 NKJV). God's help does not totally eliminate pain, hardships, or temptation ([John 16:33, 1 Cor 15:10, 2 Cor 12:9-10], 1 Cor 10:12-13); neither does it override our will (Psa 19:13, Heb 10:26-27).

Similarly, Jesus Christ had freewill (John 10:18), He faced EVERY hardship we do, and despite that chose to OBEY God. Hunger didn’t make Him sell His Birthright (Heb 12:16; Matt 4:2-4); neither did ego (1 Sam 15:22-30; Phil 2:5-11); nor shame and betrayal make Him turn against us (Rom 11:2-4, Jer 12:3-6, 18:18-23; Luke 22:31-34, 23:34, Heb 12:24). He fully experienced our pains, so we have no excuse (1 John 3:3). And if we fall short, we must simply repent and not make excuses to remain in sin (1 John 2:1-2).

Jesus was fully Man (Heb 2:17), and fully Divine, but on incarnation He laid aside His Divinity (John 17:5, Phil 2:6-8). While on earth, He became fully Divine due to the Holy Spirit (Matt 3:16, John 3:34, Col 1:19). He had to be fully Human, otherwise He couldn't be tempted as we are, because God cannot be tempted (Heb 4:15, James 1:13). He overcame temptation by the Spirit, and by surrendering His will to fulfill ALL that the Holy Spirit caused the prophets to write concerning Him (Matt 26:39, 5:17, 2 Peter 1:20-21). In other words, He kept in step with the Spirit (Gal 5:24-25).

Jesus took our image so that we may take His through the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:9-10, 2 Peter 1:3-4). He identified with us as “the Son of Man” (Luke 5:20-24, Heb 2:11, 14-17); and now calls us to take His Image (1 Cor 15:45-50), through a surrendered life to the Holy Spirit. And because of that we can become "Children of God" (John 1:12, Rom 8:16, 1 John 3:1).

Bearing His Image restores the Genesis mandate, for Jesus is God’s express Image (Col 1:15, John 14:9), and through Him we put on God’s likeness (*Eph 4:12-15, 22-24*). Only through Christ do we become children of God and gain access to dwell with Him (John 1:12, 14:1-6).

Understand that God can hear and speak with anyone or any spirit, good or bad (Num 22:9-12, Judges 7:13-15, Job 1:6-7); but only His Children have access to dwell in His Home eternally (John 14:1-3). The devil and everyone else who holds to the image of the sin nature have alternative accommodation in the eternal lake of fire (Rev 20:10, 14-15).

God has chosen you to dwell with Him (John 3:16-18, 1 Tim 2:1-6); now the choice is yours (Deut 30:19-20, Josh 24:15). Accepting this invitation requires coming through Christ and allowing the Spirit to purge the sin nature; otherwise, one risks being cast out (Matt 22:9-14). God can easily graft you in, but if you refuse FRUITFULNESS, He can just as easily remove you (John 15:1-6, Rom 11:17-24, Heb 10:26-31).

We’ll explore fruitfulness and the rest of the Genesis mandate in Part 3B.

Thanks for the privilege of your time. God bless and Shalom!

Link to Full Series: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Full_Series/
Link for current post (3A): https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Part_3A/

For Part 3B:
https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/To_Be_Like_Jesus_Part_3B/

For the Free PDF of "Early Steps in Christianity" (E.S.C): https://selar.com/EarlyStepsInChristianity

For Paperback or Hardcover copies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKW4H91N

For the Free PDF of "The Biblical Festivals of God" (TBFG): https://selar.com/TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod

For Paperback copies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKPP5N6J

I'd like to also encourage you to go through the following resources:

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_ORIGINS_OF_EASTER/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JESUS_CHRIST_THE_PASSOVER_LAMB-FULL_SERIES/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/HOW_CAN_JESUS_PAY_FOR_THE_SINS_OF_OTHERS/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/BIBLICAL_CIPHERS_AND_CODES-FULL_SERIES/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_OLD_TESTAMENT_IS_THE_SHADOW_OF_THE_NEW_COVENANT/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/What_Paul_Meant_by-The_Law_of_Sin_and_Death-Rom_7and8/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/The_Premise_of_Christianity/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Jesus_The_Redeemer/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Building_on_Legacy/

#BeLikeJesus #ImitateChrist #Christlikeness #ObedienceToGod #WalkInTheSpirit #SpiritLedLife #YieldToTheSpirit #TransformationInChrist #ConformToChrist #ChristianDiscipleship #SpiritualGrowth

#BibleStudyWithDanielOlatunji #FreeBooks #EarlyStepsInChristianity #TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod

#God #Jesus #JesusChrist #HolySpirit #TheLivingWord #Theology #TheBible #Scripture #BiblicalTruth #ChristianTeaching #ChristianApologetics #SoundDoctrine #KingdomOfGod

#Gospel #FaithInJesus #Salvation #EternalLife

TRUST IN THE LORD AND DRAW STRENGTH FROM HIM

There is only so far you can go by your strength, understanding, ability, or learning. To really go the distance you need help. We often get help from people, and that's great, but first and foremost we must seek to secure help from the Lord.

Divine help is the only way you can truly live the fulfilling life that God has predestined for you without having to strive (Prov 10:22). Human ability will always fall short at some point.

I hope reading the following Passages helps you to intentionally lean on the strength that comes from God:

Psalms 73:26 (NIV)
My flesh and my heart may fail,
BUT GOD IS THE STRENGTH OF MY HEART
AND MY PORTION FOREVER.

Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will NOT grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 HE GIVES STRENGTH TO THE WEARY
AND INCREASES THE POWER OF THE WEAK.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 BUT THOSE WHO HOPE IN THE LORD
WILL RENEW THEIR STRENGTH.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and NOT grow weary,
they will walk and NOT be faint.

Psalms 84:5&7 (NIV)
5 BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE STRENGTH IS IN YOU,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
…
7 THEY GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH,
till each appears before God in Zion.

1 Chronicles 29:12 (NIV)
Wealth and honor come from You;
You are the Ruler of all things.
In Your Hands are strength and power
TO EXALT AND GIVE STRENGTH TO ALL.

Psalms 127:1 (NIV)
UNLESS the LORD builds the house,
the builders LABOR IN VAIN.
UNLESS the LORD watches over the city,
the guards stand watch IN VAIN.

Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)
So He said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, BUT BY MY SPIRIT,’ says the LORD Almighty.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV
@9 But He said to me, “My Grace is sufficient for you, for My Power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, SO THAT CHRIST’S POWER MAY REST ON ME. @10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG.

1 Peter 4:11
If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, THEY SHOULD DO SO WITH THE STRENGTH GOD PROVIDES, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (NIV)

So you can always find strength in the Lord even in the worst of situations:

1 Samuel 30:4-6
4 So David and his men wept aloud UNTIL THEY HAD NO STRENGTH LEFT to weep. 5 David’s two wives had been captured—Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 6 David was GREATLY DISTRESSED because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. BUT DAVID FOUND STRENGTH IN THE LORD HIS GOD. (NIV)

And in the best of situations also invite Him in:

Proverbs 3:5-7 (NIV)
5 Trust in the LORD with ALL your heart
and lean NOT on your own understanding;
6 IN ALL YOUR WAYS SUBMIT TO Him,
and He will make your paths straight.
7 Do NOT be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and shun evil.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 REJOICE ALWAYS, 17 pray CONTINUALLY, 18 give thanks IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

When you make it a habit of leaning on the strength of the Lord you'll find a joy and peace in living:

John 16:33 NIV
@33 “I have told you these things, so that IN ME YOU MAY HAVE PEACE. In this world you will have trouble. BUT TAKE HEART! I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD.”

Philippians 4:6-7, 12-13 NIV
@6 Do NOT be anxious about anything, but IN EVERY SITUATION, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. @7 And THE PEACE OF GOD, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
…
@12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have LEARNED the secret of BEING CONTENT IN ANY AND EVERY SITUATION, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
@13 I can do all this THROUGH HIM WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH.

Matthew 19:26 (NIV)
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, BUT WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE.”

John 16:24 NIV
@24 Until now you have not asked for anything in My Name. ASK AND YOU WILL RECEIVE, AND YOUR JOY WILL BE COMPLETE.

God bless and Shalom!

#BibleStudyWithDanielOlatunji

JESUS CHRIST THE PASSOVER LAMB - PART ONE

(Google Docs link at the end and in the comment for clickable Bible citations to easily open your Bible App)

1 Cor 5:7
Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For CHRIST, OUR PASSOVER LAMB, has been sacrificed. NIV

John 1:29
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, THE LAMB OF GOD, Who takes away the sin of the world! NIV

The Passover is the first and most significant festival among the seven annual Biblical festivals. The entire saga in Egypt and beyond is a type and shadow that beautifully mirrors the New Testament Gospel about Jesus Christ (Heb 10:1-10, 8:5-6). I would've loved to thoroughly elaborate on the detailed prophetic fulfillment of the Passover through Jesus Christ, but that would be revisiting things that I've better addressed in previous posts (the series “Biblical Ciphers and Codes”), and the book “The Biblical Festivals of God”.

This post, however, is in response to some things I've recently learnt, and also to emphasize Biblical Truth over tradition.

From the two opening Passages, I believe we can all agree that Jesus Christ is The Passover Lamb. In this light, we're saying He mirrors the Passover festival. To briefly draw some similarities:

None of the bones of the Passover Lamb was to be broken (Ex 12:46, Ps 34:20); similarly, none of Jesus’ bones were broken, even though there was reason to, since the norm of crucifixion and accelerating death was to break the legs of the convicted, yet Jesus’s bones were NOT broken like the other two people crucified along with Him (John 19:31-36).

Furthermore, the efficacy of the blood of the lamb applied on the doorpost of the Israelites to spare the firstborn from death wasn't based on the goodness or badness of the inhabitants. The judgment was simply that houses with the blood applied were passed over, but those without would experience the loss of the firstborn son. We can further infer that it wasn't based on the goodness of the Israelites, because subsequently throughout the journey in the wilderness they proved to be stubborn (Deut 9:6). Similarly, salvation by the Blood of Jesus is not dependent on one's goodness or badness (Eph 2:8-9, Matt 22:9-10), but rather the free acceptance of the Grace of God, and application of the Blood of Jesus Christ by faith for the remission of sin (Rom 3:23-25, Matt 26:28 NKJV, Rev 22:17).

If we're all good with that, the next point I'd like to emphasize in keeping with the Passover theme is that Jesus Christ was crucified on the day of the Passover celebration. To properly establish this point for unanimous agreement we'd have to do some teaching. For this, I'd invite you to join me in part two where we'd explore the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ to establish that all these took place on the Passover day. We'd also address some of the controversies associated with identifying the day.

Thanks for the privilege of your time. Shalom and God bless!

Link for the Full Series:
https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JESUS_CHRIST_THE_PASSOVER_LAMB-FULL_SERIES/

Biblical Ciphers and Codes - Full Series:
https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/BIBLICAL_CIPHERS_AND_CODES-FULL_SERIES/

For the Individual Parts in this Series:

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JESUS-CHRIST-THE-PASSOVER-LAMB-PART-ONE/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JESUS_CHRIST_THE_PASSOVER_LAMB-PART_TWO-THE_CRUCIFIXION_AND_DEATH/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JESUS_CHRIST_THE_PASSOVER_LAMB-CONCLUSION/

For the Free PDF of "Early Steps in Christianity" (E.S.C): https://selar.com/EarlyStepsInChristianity

For Paperback or Hardcover copies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKW4H91N

For the Free PDF of "The Biblical Festivals of God" (TBFG): https://selar.com/TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod

For Paperback copies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKPP5N6J

Follow-up Post to the book, TBFG: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/BIBLICAL_CIPHERS_AND_CODES-FULL_SERIES/

I'd like to also encourage you to go through the following resources:

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_ORIGINS_OF_EASTER/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/HOW_CAN_JESUS_PAY_FOR_THE_SINS_OF_OTHERS/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_OLD_TESTAMENT_IS_THE_SHADOW_OF_THE_NEW_COVENANT/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/What_Paul_Meant_by-The_Law_of_Sin_and_Death-Rom_7and8/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/TO_BE_LIKE_JESUS_FULL_SERIES/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/The_Premise_of_Christianity/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Jesus_The_Redeemer/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Building_on_Legacy/

#God #Jesus #JesusChrist #Spirit #HolySpirit #Theology #Christianity #TheChurch #BibleStudyWithDanielOlatunji #BibleStudy #TheBible #Scripture #TheLivingWord #Truth

#Free #FreeBooks #EarlyStepsInChristianity #TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod

#Passover #Easter #TheLordSupper #ProphecyFulfilled #Redemption

JESUS CHRIST THE PASSOVER LAMB - PART TWO - THE CRUCIFIXION AND DEATH

(Google Docs link at the end and in the comment for clickable Bible citations to easily open your Bible App)

Having established that Jesus Christ was the Passover Lamb, I'd like us to explore His death for the sins of the world.

From the inauguration of Passover in the time of Moses, the Passover sacrifice was to occur “at twilight” of the 14th of Nisan/Aviv, the first month of the year (Ex 12:6, 23:15). With this, it ought to be straightforward to infer that the day of Christ’s crucifixion was “twilight” on the 14th of Nisan 30AD, since He came as the fulfillment of the Passover sacrifice. Even though this is absolutely true it gets a bit complicated reconciling Scripture, the Jewish context, and the various calendar systems to determine feast days in Jesus’s time.

In the Jewish context first of all, it should be noted that right from Genesis, a day was reckoned to begin from the “evening” (Gen 1:5, 8…). This is a paradigm shift from our approach of midnight being the start of our calendar day.

Another thing worth noting from the Biblical perspective is that, the term “at twilight” (Hebrew beyn ha’arbaim) in connection to Ex 12:6, more appropriately refers to “between the two evenings”, and that refers to the span of time from past noon to sunset when the shadow begins to go down. As a matter of fact, in the compiled oral traditions of the Jews (the Mishnah and Talmud), the “twilight” sacrifice of the Passover lamb was to occur between eight and a half hours (2:30pm), and nine and a half hours (3:30pm) - (see Mishnah Pesachim 5:1). Clearly this timeframe implies a different meaning from our typical understanding of “twilight”, which is the brief transitory moment of fading light between day and night. Also note that the morning and evening daily sacrifices, were offered around the third hour (9am), and ninth hour (3pm) respectively (Ex 29:38-39,
Mishnah [Tamid 3:7, 4:1]).

So we find that the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ exactly followed the Scriptural and Jewish contextual interpretations. First, Jesus was crucified at the time of the morning sacrifice, i.e. the third hour or 9am (Mark 15:25 NKJV/NIV). Secondly, He died around the ninth hour or 3pm (Mark 15:34-37 NKJV/NIV), which was the time for the evening sacrifice, and also the time for the twilight Passover sacrifice according to Mishnah Pesachim 5:1.

So we see that even the timing of Jesus’s crucifixion and death was in direct fulfillment of Scripture. These details would have otherwise been missed without an appropriate understanding of the Jewish context.

Having established the time of Jesus’s crucifixion and death, let's focus our attention on the day. Going by the evidence of other Scriptures that prove that Jesus Christ came in fulfillment of them all, we can stand on that premise to make the case that He had to have been crucified and died on the day and hour when the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed. Hence, we're referring to the twilight of the 14th of Nisan according to the Passover Law.

However, the debate arises that if Jesus Christ was actually crucified on the day the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed, i.e. the day of preparation as John alludes (John 19:14, 31), then what about the “Last Supper”, which according to the other Gospels was apparently a Passover Seder (Matt 26:17, Mark 14:12, Luke 22:7-8). There are a number of positions that I've looked into to address this question, and I'd like to share my findings with a focus on alignment to Scripture.

You may know this already that in Jesus’s day there were different religious and political sects: Sadducees, Pharisees, Herodians, Zealots, Samaritans, Essenes etc. Even though groups like the Sadducees, Pharisees, and Herodians often ganged up against Jesus, however, among themselves they had diverging religious views (Acts 23:6-8).

On the subject of Passover, there were at least three major views on when to observe it.

The Essenes followed a strict 364-day solar calendar (Qumran Calendar), and their Passover always fell on a Wednesday. In 30 AD, their Passover lamb was sacrificed on Tuesday, April 4, and the meal was eaten that evening. I'd get back to this shortly to reconcile the Wednesday part. I might also add that based on astronomical calculations many scholars have postulated that the 14th of Nisan fell on Thursday, April 6, 30AD. Keep these dates in mind as we'll use them shortly.

The Pharisees and Sadducees followed a lunar-based calendar, which was dependent on literally watching to observe the new moon to mark the commencement of the month. They still used the fixed seven-day weekly cycle, but the number of days in the month was not fixed; it could be 29 or 30 days or whatever depending on when the witnesses sighted the new moon and confirmed it with the priest. Remember, they had to make sacrifices every new moon (Num 28:11-14).

However, Biblically speaking the moon wasn't the only mechanism for telling times and seasons, the solar cycle was also relevant (Gen 1:14-16). The Biblical festivals aligned with the agricultural seasons, like the ripening of the firstfruits (Lev 23:10-11), the harvest at the feast of weeks, i.e. Pentecost (Lev 23:16-17, 22), and the final gathering of all the harvests at the feast of Tabernacles (Lev 23:39), and all these are more attuned to the solar cycle. The sun plays a significant role in the ripening of crops. And as a matter of fact, some seeds would remain dormant in the ground if they do not experience the ideal conditions of moisture and heat.

The lunar cycle for a 12-month year comes short of the number of days for the yearly solar cycle. Hence, what the religious rulers did to determine when the Passover was to begin was that after observing the lunar beginning of the month, they would also go to observe the fields planted with grain. If the stage of growth is acceptable then they will announce the beginning of the year, otherwise, it will be postponed. This is done so as to be able to offer the firstfruit offering, which was required within the week of the Passover and Feast of Unleavened Bread (Lev 23:10-11).

So the Sadducees and Pharisees observed Passover on the 14th of Nisan, the first month of the year, and the Passover can fall on any day of the week. Where both sects differ is in the interpretation of “twilight” (Ex 12:6).

Remember the Biblical reckoning of a day begins at evening and ends at the following evening. Hence, the 14th day of Nisan would begin from the evening bordering 13th/14th to the evening of 14th/15th. I'll elaborate on this shortly. Either-way, both evenings technically can be defined as the “evening” of the 14th.

So the Sadducees believed that the 13/14th of Nisan was the “twilight” time to sacrifice the Passover, hence by 3pm, the ninth hour, on the 13th the lamb was sacrificed and roasted in PREPARATION for the Passover meal later in the evening after sunset, which would then be the 14th.

It should also be noted that the Sadducees were the ones in charge of the Temple. As a sidenote, the Samaritans observed the Passover in alignment with the Sadducees’ interpretation, only that they didn't sacrifice their Passover lamb in the Temple, but rather on Mount Gerizim.

The Pharisees on the other hand subscribed to the evening between the 14/15th of Nisan; hence their PREPARATION begins at 3pm on the 14th, and the Passover meal was eaten after sunset on the 15th. So there is a 24hr difference between the two major sects in their observance of Passover. By the way, modern Rabbinic traditions follow the Pharisaical interpretation, hence they practically eat the Passover Seder on the 15th of Nisan.

Let me briefly prove through Scripture why the 14th, or any other day for instance, starts its count from the evening of the previous day, i.e. the evening between 13/14th.

The answer can be found when studying the festival called the Day of Atonement, which was commemorated on the 10th day of the seventh month (Lev 23:27). This is one of the most solemn festivals, and among other things, every Israelite must assemble before the Lord for this festival, and everyone MUST fast (i.e. deny themselves) on that day (Lev 23:29). God defined the 24hr period of fasting on this 10th day as beginning from the evening of the 9th to the following evening (*Lev 23:32*). Hence, this is the clearest indication of how a day is reckoned in the Biblical sense. Again bear in mind that you begin with the evening bordering the previous day (9/10), and conclude with the evening bordering the next day (10/11), and this defines the 24hr span of that day (10th). This is going to be helpful in our analysis.

So when Jesus Christ was crucified, presumably in 30 AD, there were at least three different days when three notable sects, the Sadducees, Pharisees, and Essenes, would've observed the Passover meal.

Some scholars believed that the Passover meal, or Lord’s Supper, which Jesus took with His disciples according to Matthew, Mark, and Luke (Matt 26:17, Mark 14:12, Luke 22:7-8), was the Passover Seder according to the Essenes. Since Passover for the Essenes always fell on Wednesday, i.e. the 4th day of the week; it meant that the Lord's Supper was prepared by Peter and John from 3pm on Tuesday, the 3rd day of the week, for the meal on the evening of the 4th day, which would start the count for Wednesday. Remember the analysis we did earlier.

So Jesus’s Passover meal with His disciples could be referenced as the Passover of the Essenes. However, His crucifixion aligned with the Passover of the Sadducees, who were in charge of the Temple and followed the Mosaic Law of Sacrificing the Passover lamb on the 14th of Nisan. Again astronomical calculations for 30 AD place the 14th of Nisan to be on Thursday, April 6th. This means that by the interpretation of the Sadducees, the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed and prepared from Wednesday at 3pm, 13th of Nisan, for the Passover meal on the 14th of Nisan which would be considered as Thursday. And this was precisely when Jesus Christ was crucified as the Passover Lamb, it was the preparation day of the Passover (1 Cor 5:7).

John 19:14
And it was now almost noon. And it was THE SAME DAY they were PREPARING to slay the Passover lambs. Then Pilate said to the Jewish officials, “Look! Here is your King!” TPT (The Passion Translation)

The Pharisees used the evening bordering 14th/15th of Nisan, hence 3pm Thursday, as their preparation day for the Passover which was to be eaten on Friday night, the 15th of Nisan. Again, modern-day Rabbinic tradition follows the Pharisaical template.

Anyway, the sum of evidence being presented is that the Lord’s Supper can be viewed as a Passover Seder, even as the Essenes celebrated it on that day. But ultimately, the preparation day referenced in the Gospel of John pointed to the time according to the Law and the Temple protocols of the Sadducees, when the Passover lamb was sacrificed (John 19:14 TPT quoted above ). And it was on this day that Jesus Christ was crucified and died in fulfillment of the Scriptural requirements (Matt 5:17-19, 26:52-54, Luke 24:25-26, 44-47).

Obviously, the differences in the days of observing the Passover show that the Jews of that day were not united. This is a fact that didn't escape the notice of the religious leaders. However, the high priest, Caiaphas, prophesied that the death of Jesus would unite the Jews as one (John 11:49-52). And I believe that is what Jesus Christ accomplished with the Passover.

His Passover Seder, the Lord's Supper, was in accordance to the Essenes (Mark 14:12); His death as the Passover Lamb was in accordance to the day of the Sadducees and Samaritan Passover (John 19:14 TPT); and His burial included the Pharisees, because it was two Pharisees, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, that buried Him (John 19:38-41), thus forfeiting their interpretation of the Passover. In other words, they set aside their traditions to honor Jesus Christ and give Him a befitting burial.

Their involvement as Pharisees is very noteworthy, because their mere contact with the Corpse of Jesus meant that they would be unable to celebrate the Passover that month due to ceremonial uncleanliness that would last for seven days (Num 9:6-11, 19:11). These are Pharisees who by their traditions would dare NOT eat with unwashed hands, considering them unclean (Mark 7:1-5), or even come in contact with living Samaritans, who were half Jews thus their kin; but here they boldly forfeited their chance to observe the Passover because of Jesus Christ. This open sacrifice of theirs was a big statement, saying that they profoundly acknowledged the Person of Jesus Christ, and that indeed He was from God (John 3:1-2, Mark 15:43). In other words, Jesus Christ was worth more than their interpretation and observance of the Passover. So I believe that the involvement of the Pharisees in the burial of Jesus Christ was a significant detail.

So just as Caiaphas prophesied, Jesus Christ united the major Jewish sects through the Passover. His Passover Seder, crucifixion, and death at the time the Passover lamb was to be slain (John 19:14 TPT), and His burial by the two Pharisees, basically involved all the Jews in the Passover season.

And just to add that the examination and cross-examination by Pilate, proving that Jesus Christ was blameless and innocent of anything deserving death (John 18:38), was just as the Passover lamb had to be inspected to ensure that it had no blemishes or defects before it was sacrificed (Ex 12:5-6); thus this involved the Gentile world, because Pilate was a representative of the Roman Emperor, who was essentially the global power of the world then.

And as a member of the black race, which often gets overlooked, it is worth pointing out that Simon of Cyrene, who helped Jesus carry the cross, was an African (Mark 15:21). So we see that God involved all the Jews, Gentiles, and every race, in the sequence of events that led up to the Crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus Christ, the Passover Lamb of God, Who died for the sins of the world (John 1:29, John 3:16-17), to bring to God ALL peoples, nations, tribes and tongues (Rev 5:9).

Now please permit me to briefly touch on the burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ to address a significant issue before we conclude this part.

For the sake of emphasis, Jesus Christ died around 3pm Wednesday, April 5th, 30AD, and He was BURIED just before sunset (Matt 27:57-60). When Jesus spoke about His resurrection, He said He would be in the grave for three days and three nights, just as Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights (Matt 12:40).

So He was put in the grave or buried just before sunset (Mark 15:42 TPT). The count of the FULL three days and three nights from Wednesday sunset would amount to His resurrection being around Saturday sunset, the 7th day, just as it began to transition to the 1st day of the week, Sunday. In other words, the resurrection took place around the evening of the 7th day of the week, which is EXACTLY three days and three nights from His burial on Wednesday evening.

This timeframe comfortably fulfills what Jesus Christ said about Himself regarding the three full days of being in the grave; and it beautifully complements the feast of firstfruits in so many ways:

like how according to the Jewish traditions concerning Firstfruits, the priests would be brought harvested sheaf of grain, and he would place it by the altar in the Temple overnight, and then in the morning of the 1st day of the week, the day after the Sabbath, it was waved and presented to the Lord (Lev 23:11); so also was Jesus Christ resurrected around the evening of the 7th day, thus “harvested from the earth”, and then it was in the morning of the first day of the week that He ascended to Heaven to be officially presented to the Father as "the Firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (1 Cor 15:20); this we can deduce from his discussion with Mary on the morning of the first day of the week, when He was FIRST SEEN by anyone (John 20:1, 17, Daniel 7:13-14). Note that the women went to the tomb WHILE it was still dark, before dawn, and Jesus Christ was NOT in the tomb, meaning He had ALREADY resurrected prior to their coming (John 20:1). It is thus an ASSUMPTION to assert that Jesus Christ resurrected on Sunday morning. “Morning” in the Biblical context BEGINS around SUNRISE, or first light, which is the break of dawn. This is the zeroth hour, meaning that something like the 3rd hour of the day, starting from the morning, corresponds to around 9 AM (Mark 15:25 NKJV/NIV). Hence since the women went to the tomb BEFORE the break of dawn and Jesus Christ was NOT there, then it means that He could NOT have resurrected on Sunday morning, speaking from the Biblical perspective. But rather, it was Sunday morning that He was FIRST SEEN AFTER His resurrection (please read Mark 16:9 TPT).

One other fascinating connection that the feast of firstfruits has in relation to the resurrection regards part of the recitations from Scripture that those bringing the firstfruit would say. If I were to suggest a Passage from the Bible that would naturally tie into the firstfruit agricultural theme, I'd probably choose Proverbs 3:9-10. But when you contextually read one of the chosen Passages recited at the festival you'll find that its subsequent verses speak of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and probably what He would have been reciting or singing after escaping the grave. Bukkirim 3:4, of the Jewish tradition regarding firstfruits, has in it a quotation from Ps 30:1. Now I'd encourage you to read Psalms 30:1-5. Literally, this Passage has NOTHING to do with agriculture, but it thrives in the context of the resurrection, with Jesus Christ being the firstfruit from the grave (1 Cor 15:20, John 12:23-24, 32).

There is much more we could address concerning this, but I'd have to refer you to Chapter Six of my book “Early Steps in Christianity”, and Chapter Three of the other book “The Biblical Festivals of God”, which uniquely explores the Feast of Firstfruits with the remarkable connections to the resurrection, as I've briefly discussed above.

Join me in the last part as I conclude this series.

Thanks for the privilege of your time. Shalom and God bless!

Link for the Full Series:
https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JESUS_CHRIST_THE_PASSOVER_LAMB-FULL_SERIES/

For the Individual Parts in this Series:

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JESUS-CHRIST-THE-PASSOVER-LAMB-PART-ONE/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JESUS_CHRIST_THE_PASSOVER_LAMB-PART_TWO-THE_CRUCIFIXION_AND_DEATH/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/JESUS_CHRIST_THE_PASSOVER_LAMB-CONCLUSION/

For the Free PDF of "Early Steps in Christianity" (E.S.C): https://selar.com/EarlyStepsInChristianity

For Paperback or Hardcover copies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKW4H91N

For the Free PDF of "The Biblical Festivals of God" (TBFG): https://selar.com/TheBiblicalFestivalsOfGod

For Paperback copies:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKPP5N6J

Follow-up Post to the book, TBFG: https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/BIBLICAL_CIPHERS_AND_CODES-FULL_SERIES/

I'd like to also encourage you to go through the following resources:

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_ORIGINS_OF_EASTER/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/HOW_CAN_JESUS_PAY_FOR_THE_SINS_OF_OTHERS/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/THE_OLD_TESTAMENT_IS_THE_SHADOW_OF_THE_NEW_COVENANT/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/What_Paul_Meant_by-The_Law_of_Sin_and_Death-Rom_7and8/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/TO_BE_LIKE_JESUS_FULL_SERIES/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/The_Premise_of_Christianity/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Jesus_The_Redeemer/

https://daniel-olatunji-publications.netlify.app/Building_on_Legacy/

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