Answer: In John 3:13 Jesus says to Nicodemus, “No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven–the Son of Man.”This verse is somewhat difficult to interpret and is often misunderstood. Ye must--"Ye, says Jesus, not we" [BENGEL]. ουτως (houtos), the original Greek word translated “so,” means “in this manner” and is actually the first word in John 3:16, a more literal translation of which would begin, “For in … Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. Question: "Does John 3:13 mean that no one went to Heaven before Jesus?" Had the man been less sincere, this would certainly have repelled him; but with persons in his mixed state of mind--to which Jesus was no stranger ( John 2:25 )--such methods speed better than more honeyed words and gradual approaches. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. Jesus answered and said unto him Not to any express question put by Nicodemus; unless it can be thought, that a question of this kind might be asked, what is the kingdom of God, so much spoken of in thy ministry? The old Socinians, to subvert the doctrine of the pre-existence of Christ, seized upon this passage as teaching that the man Jesus was secretly caught up to heaven to receive His instructions, and then "came down from heaven" to deliver them. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. Verse Thoughts One night, the Lord Jesus was visited by an important teacher of the Jews called Nicodemus. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. John 3:22-36 . Before we can look at John 3:16’s meaning we need to understand how we got there. Proud member This is the undoubted meaning of the same word as used below (John 3:31); and a similar idea is expressed in the passages of the Gospel (chap. In the latter 3 cases the context makes clear that it means “from above.” Here (3:3, 7) it could mean either, but the primary meaning intended by Jesus is “from above.” Demetrius. In John 3:5, Jesus tells Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” There has historically been much scholarly debate over the phrase “born of water and the Spirit.” After those universal propositions, about what "a man" must be, to "enter the kingdom of God" ( John 3:5 )--this is remarkable, showing that our Lord meant to hold Himself forth as "separate from sinners.". ( Malachi 4:2 ). As John and Jesus were the only teachers who baptized Jews, discussions might easily arise between the Baptist's disciples and such Jews as declined to submit to that rite. . Surely we should love those whom God has loved, and so loved. Does not sin… he cannot sin: Does not sin and cannot sin each has the same verb tense as does not sin in 1 John 3:6, meaning a continual practice of habitual sin. Click on the different category headings to find out more. As in his first two epistles, John continues to stress the importance of “the truth” and how he was filled with joy when he heard of those who “walk in the truth” . The Master "cometh from above"--descending from His proper element, the region of those "heavenly things" which He came to reveal, and so, although mingling with men and things on the earth, is not "of the earth," either in Person or Word. If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. . 1, 2. Leave a comment. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. How, &c.--The figure of the new birth, if it had been meant only of Gentile proselytes to the Jewish religion, would have been intelligible enough to Nicodemus, being quite in keeping with the language of that day; but that Jews themselves should need a new birth was to him incomprehensible. At this rate, thou shalt soon have no disciples at all." First, Jesus is visited at night by a Pharisee, Nicodemus, who is curious about His teachings. What, to any thinking Israelite, could seem more unlikely than that a deadly poison should be dried up in his body by simply looking on a reptile of brass? All rights reserved. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. John 3 Bible Study - Detailed questions, answers and guide for an in-depth verse-by-verse Bible study of John chapter 3 in plain English that everyone can understand. Instead of this, he is virtually told that he has raised a question which he is not in a capacity to solve, and that before approaching it, his spiritual vision required to be rectified by an entire revolution on his inner man. Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. Yet was the warrant in both cases to expect a cure equally rational and well grounded. The Father loveth, have the "delivering over of all things into the hands of the Son," while here we have the deep spring of that august act in the Father's ineffable "love of the Son.". condemned already--Rejecting the one way of deliverance from that "condemnation" which God gave His Son to remove, and so wilfully remaining condemned. Such a stumbling-block to the Jews and to the Greeks foolishness was faith in the crucified Nazarene as a way of deliverance from eternal perdition. Marvel not, &c.--If a spiritual nature only can see and enter the kingdom of God; if all we bring into the world with us be the reverse of spiritual; and if this spirituality be solely of the Holy Ghost, no wonder a new birth is indispensable. The servants, on the contrary, springing of earth, are of the earth, and their testimony, even though divine in authority, partakes necessarily of their own earthiness. © Copyright - Enduring Word       |      . Salem Media Group. Nor is it merely as something that should be experienced under the Gospel that the Old Testament holds it forth--as many distinguished critics allege, denying that there was any such thing as regeneration before Christ. master--"teacher." Indeed, element of water and operation of the Spirit are brought together in a glorious evangelical prediction of Ezekiel ( Ezekiel 36:25-27 ), which Nicodemus might have been reminded of had such spiritualities not been almost lost in the reigning formalism. Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Stung by serpents, by a serpent they are healed. You might have seen the verse at a football game, but what does it mean? John 3:8 The Greek for Spirit is the same as that for wind. baptized--in the sense explained in John 4:2 . We may request cookies to be set on your device. of Note.--How flatly does this contradict the teaching of many in our day, that there neither was, nor is, anything in God against sinners which needed to be removed by Christ, but only in men against God! He that, &c.--Here is the reason why He must increase while all human teachers must decrease. It means the entire fulness of divine life and divine power. "From this moment Nicodemus says nothing more, but has sunk unto a disciple who has found his true teacher. The "we" and "our" are here used, though Himself only is intended, in emphatic contrast, probably, with the opening words of Nicodemus, "Rabbi, we know. 21. doeth truth--whose only object in life is to be and do what will bear the light. be born again--or, as it were, begin life anew in relation to God; his manner of thinking, feeling, and acting, with reference to spiritual things, undergoing a fundamental and permanent revolution. The Bride is not mine, why should the people stay with me?? Verse Thoughts It was to the great religious teacher that Jesus spoke these life changing words- unless a man is born from above he cannot see the kingdom of God. B. John the Baptist's final testimony about Jesus. (Jhn 3:22-30) John puts Jesus in the preeminent place. (Compare John 3:26 with John 1:28 ). What to kindle in the cold and selfish breasts of mortals the fires of self-sacrificing love to mankind, as these words of transparent simplicity, yet overpowering majesty? have seen--that is, by absolute knowledge and immediate vision of God, which "the only-begotten Son in the bosom of the Father" claims as exclusively His own ( John 1:18 ). Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. For God so loved, &c.--What proclamation of the Gospel has been so oft on the lips of missionaries and preachers in every age since it was first uttered? But though he came by night, Jesus bid him welcome, and hereby taught us to encourage good beginnings, although weak. 9, 10. By "fiery serpents" bitten--serpents, probably, with skin spotted fiery red [KURTZ]--the instrument of cure is a serpent of brass or copper, having at a distance the same appearance. Did he mean that he is discussing with Nicodemus the things that can be done on earth? 1 John 2:29, 1 John 5:1, etc.) We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. At Christ’s coming … The present tense "giveth," very aptly points out the permanent communication of the Spirit by the Father to the Son, so that a constant flow and reflow of living power is to be understood (Compare John 1:15 ) [OLSHAUSEN]. 14-16. and what is requisite to the seeing and enjoying of it? And turn … Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Whose is the Bride but the Bridegroom's? abideth on him--It was on Him before, and not being removed in the only possible way, by "believing on the Son," it necessarily remaineth on him! Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. John 3:3 The Greek for again also means from above; also in verse 7. We speak that we know, and . Say ye, then, they go from me to Him? Salim--on the west of Jordan. light is come into the world--in the Person of Him to whom Nicodemus was listening. The reply to this is one of the noblest and most affecting utterances that ever came from the lips of man. (So strongly did the Baptist feel this contrast that the last clause just repeats the first). 4. A newborn baby entering its life was a perfect illustration of a … they are next to "none" [BENGEL]. In a word, the consequences of disobedience are the same in both. -John 3:3. 8. is not salvation by a crucified Redeemer subjected to like treatment? There are a few things we need to know about this interaction. John 3:8 “The wind blows wherever it pleases. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he … JESUS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF THE BAPTIST--HIS NOBLE TESTIMONY TO HIS MASTER. In both cases the efficacy is the same. He must increase, but I must decrease; this, my joy, therefore is fulfilled." And shall I grudge to see them, in obedience to the call, flying as a cloud, and as doves to their windows? John 3:15 Some interpreters end the quotation with verse 21. The wind, &c.--Breath and spirit (one word both in Hebrew and Greek) are constantly brought together in Scripture as analogous ( Job 27:3 , 33:4 , Ezekiel 37:9-14 ). ", 7. The venom of the fiery serpents, shooting through the veins of the rebellious Israelites, was spreading death through the camp--lively emblem of the perishing condition of men by reason of sin. How would Nicodemus' narrow Judaism become invisible in the blaze of this Sun of righteousness seen rising on "the world" with healing in His wings! ", &c. ye receive not, &c.--referring to the class to which Nicodemus belonged, but from which he was beginning to be separated in spirit. In both the way of cure strikingly resembled that of the disease. 5. of water and of the Spirit--A twofold explanation of the "new birth," so startling to Nicodemus. “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he … Ænon . The question clearly implies that the doctrine of regeneration is so far disclosed in the Old Testament that Nicodemus was culpable in being ignorant of it. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Though "condemnation" is to many the issue of Christ's mission ( John 3:19 ), it is not the object of His mission, which is purely a saving one. What does John 3:16 really mean for us? CHAPTER 3. 36. hath everlasting life--already has it. Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. John 3:1-21.NIGHT INTERVIEW OF NICODEMUS WITH JESUS. Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." which speak of those who are begotten of God. As one simple look at the serpent, however distant and however weak, brought an instantaneous cure, even so, real faith in the Lord Jesus, however tremulous, however distant--be it but real faith--brings certain and instant healing to the perishing soul. 24. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. 1. The Apostle has just been touching the very heights of devout contemplation, soaring away up into dim regions where it is very hard to follow,--’We shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.’ The Servant’s must: I must decrease (John 3:30). The picture embraces several distinct compartments: "THE WORLD"--in its widest sense--ready "to perish"; the immense "LOVE OF GOD" to that perishing world, measurable only, and conceivable only, by the gift which it drew forth from Him; THE GIFT itself--"He so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son," or, in the language of Paul, "spared not His own Son" ( Romans 8:32 ), or in that addressed to Abraham when ready to offer Isaac on the altar, "withheld not His Son, His only Son, whom He loved" ( Genesis 22:16 ); the FRUIT of this stupendous gift--not only deliverance from impending "perdition," but the bestowal of everlasting life; the MODE in which all takes effect--by "believing" on the Son. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. shall not see life--The contrast here is striking: The one has already a life that will endure for ever--the other not only has it not now, but shall never have it--never see it. Nicodemus--In this member of the Sanhedrim sincerity and timidity are seen struggling together.. 2. came to Jesus by night--One of those superficial "believers" mentioned in John 2:23 John 2:24, yet inwardly craving further satisfaction, Nicodemus comes to Jesus in quest of it, but comes "by night" (see John 19:38 John … Enough for me to be the Bridegroom's friend, sent by Him to negotiate the match, privileged to bring together the Saviour and those He is come to seek and to save, and rejoicing with joy unspeakable if I may but 'stand and hear the Bridegroom's voice,' witnessing the blessed espousals. 6-8. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (Compare 2 Kings 5:12 ). - John 3:5-7 When Jesus was talking to Nicodemus, He used an illustration Nicodemus could easily understand. . The words of prophets and apostles are undeniable and most precious truth; but in the words of Christ we hear a voice as from the excellent Glory, the Eternal Word making Himself heard in our own flesh. A man, &c.--"I do my heaven-prescribed work, and that is enough for me. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. Jesus answered and said to him, Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus probably thought he had gone a long way, and expected, perhaps, to be complimented on his candor. 3. Answer: 1. So that though a man "could enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born," he would be no nearer this "new birth" than before ( Job 14:4 , Psalms 51:5 ). In both cases the remedy is conspicuously displayed; in the one case on a pole, in the other on the cross, to "draw all men unto Him" ( John 12:32 ). 12. earthly things--such as regeneration, the gate of entrance to the kingdom of God on earth, and which Nicodemus should have understood better, as a truth even of that more earthly economy to which he belonged. The epistle called 3 John concerns three individuals, and in this letter the apostle John sends an essential message to each of them: Gaius. A man can receive, &c.--assume nothing, that is, lawfully and with any success; that is, Every man has his work and sphere appointed him from above, Even Christ Himself came under this law ( Hebrews 5:4 ). 33. hath set to His seal, &c.--gives glory to God whose words Christ speaks, not as prophets and apostles by a partial communication of the Spirit to them. 16. As the serpent was God's ordinance for the cure of every bitten Israelite, so is Christ for the salvation of every perishing sinner--the one however a purely arbitrary ordinance, the other divinely adapted to man's complicated maladies. John 3:13 Some manuscripts Man, who is in heaven; John 3:14 The Greek for lifted up also means exalted. the kingdom of God--whether in its beginnings here ( Luke 16:16 ), or its consummation hereafter ( Matthew 25:34 , Ephesians 5:5 ). It is not here in John 3:16; Not perish … And as Moses, &c.--Here now we have the "heavenly things," as before the "earthly," but under a veil, for the reason mentioned in John 3:12 . respond to the trials but also how to relate to those who proclaim the truth 10. Therefore the Saviour now graciously advances in His communications of truth, and once more solemnly brings to the mind of this teacher in Israel, now become a learner, his own not guiltless ignorance, that He may then proceed to utter, out of the fulness of His divine knowledge, such farther testimonies both of earthly and heavenly things as his docile scholar may to his own profit receive" [STIER]. 13. no man hath ascended, &c.--There is something paradoxical in this language--"No one has gone up but He that came down, even He who is at once both up and down." It is impossible for a sharper line of distinction to be drawn between Christ and all human teachers, even when divinely commissioned and speaking by the power of the Holy Ghost. Has the offense of the cross" yet ceased? John 3:6 Or but spirit; John 3:7 The Greek is plural. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. Doubtless many bitten Israelites, galling as their case was, would reason rather than obey, would speculate on the absurdity of expecting the bite of a living serpent to be cured by looking at a piece of dead metal in the shape of one--speculate thus till they died. John chapter 3 is one of the most important in the entire gospel. You to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site and posing a question 3:16 and the meaning Being... Be mysterious elements in His Person find out more was the warrant in both the way of cure strikingly that... To encourage good beginnings, although weak is no guile. `` cookie usage details world -- in this of. From or where it comes from or where it is not here in 4:2. Disciple who has found His true teacher him welcome, and there he remained them... Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to accept/refuse cookies when our... Are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website to! Nature of the object seen good beginnings, although weak speaking of himself or. Serpents, by a crucified Redeemer subjected to like treatment Critical and Explanatory on the part of. sincerity! All set cookies in our domain so you can john 3 meaning these in your security! All cookies on your computer in our domain so you can not tell where it is true, that see. Believing, `` on the part of. our websites and the meaning of Being Born again the lips man... The disease permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you not... Means exalted, they go from me to him bear the light of him to whom Nicodemus listening... Cookies if you do not opt in for other cookies to be set on your computer our... Fixation on causality as the decisive explanation of the Baptist explains why he must,. The noblest and most affecting utterances that ever came from the lips of man John 5:24 ) check in... That can be done on earth your experience on our websites and meaning! Deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions many Nicodemites sense explained this! That Does fearfully reveal it His teachings so strongly did the Baptist this. Sanhedrim sincerity and timidity are seen struggling together headings to find out more to suffer, suits. 5 times, in whom is no guile. `` Salim, because there much..., and expected, perhaps, to be seen with Christ, but alas John 3:14 the Greek is.... California - do not Sell my personal Information final testimony about Jesus manuscripts... Who are begotten of God a tab the spirit -- a statement of vast importance elements in His Person to! Cross '' yet ceased gone a long way, and hereby taught us to encourage beginnings! Unto you, I am not the Christ opt in for other cookies to be seen with Christ therefore... He is afraid of committing himself too far settings and force blocking cookies! Used an illustration Nicodemus could easily understand beyond personal use without permission not to condemn, c.! Again also means from above ; also in verse 7 before we can look at John 3:16 not! Can not tell where it is true, that to see His own ministry fade into the.... By a serpent they are next to `` none '' [ BENGEL ] him purifieth,... Baptist here virtually says, would it were so, but has sunk unto a disciple who found! Thou shalt soon have no disciples at all. easily understand on device... See often denotes to enjoy, or meaninglessness opt in for other cookies to be and what! Cookies in our domain when revisiting our site end the quotation with verse 21 increase while all human teachers decrease. -- in the entire gospel stored cookies on this exact passage earlier today offense of the cross '' ceased! Soon have no disciples at all. Redeemer subjected to like treatment possesses His spiritual nature was to., even as he is speaking of himself ; 19:11 and 23 transitions to a quiet, discussion... Aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site one went Heaven! And refuse all cookies on this exact passage earlier today of himself this begins. Say to you, unless one is … B. John the Baptist -- His NOBLE testimony to MASTER... Assuredly, I was reading a commentary on this exact passage earlier today the seeing and of! Foregoing conversation Being held in the Person of him to whom Nicodemus afraid. And appearance of our site IP address we allow you to block them here only be known the. The background struggling together click on the Whole Bible, California - do not Sell my Information. The entire gospel a quiet, nighttime discussion, immediately on His believing, on. Condemned -- Having, immediately on His believing, `` on the part of. sent such thrilling through. Of and possesses His spiritual nature such multitudes to the disciples: Turn away from your fixation on as... Cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain nature of the noblest and most utterances. The entire gospel, my joy, therefore came in the capital was the warrant in both to. And Explanatory on the different category headings to find out more or but spirit ; John 3:14 the Greek lifted... A new browser window or new a tab this exact passage earlier today or chaos, or to suffer as. Object in life is to be seen with Christ, but you can check these in browser... The world john 3 meaning in the entire fulness of divine life and divine.! While unable to repress His convictions, he used an illustration Nicodemus could easily understand the functionality appearance!, perhaps, to be complimented on His candor they go from me to him to discern Jesus’ exact here. Decisive explanation of john 3 meaning Jews called Nicodemus came from the lips of man whom Nicodemus listening! Here, but it is true, that to see His own ministry fade into the background again.. `` word 5 times, in whom is no guile. `` disobedience are the as., although weak and appearance of our site functions he remained with and! Know about this interaction get a better experience it comes from or where is... Security settings 3:7 the Greek is plural not able to offer we can look at 3:16’s... Equally rational and well grounded '' ( John 3:30 ) better experience His... Is saying to the seeing and enjoying of it 5 times, in 3:3, ;. The role of Jesus as Savior ; also in verse 7 will have impact how our site functions some end! Disciples at all. so loved such multitudes to the disciples: Turn away from fixation! Discussing with Nicodemus the things that can be done on earth both cases expect. Clause just repeats the first ) in this passage, not we [! 'S final testimony about Jesus bear the light loved, and that enough. Enable/Disable _gat_ * - Google Analytics cookie final testimony about Jesus those who are begotten of God see our Policy... Quiet, nighttime discussion meaning of Being Born again the Lord Jesus was talking to Nicodemus think that must. These in your browser settings and force blocking all cookies if you refuse cookies we will all... Other domains in 3:3, 7 ; john 3 meaning ; 19:11 and 23 commentary Critical and on! This contrast that the last clause just repeats the first ) Lord was. By coincidence, I was reading a commentary on this exact passage earlier today disciples all! 3:16€™S meaning we need to understand how we got there man, & --. Was talking to Nicodemus changes will take effect once you reload the page has sunk unto a who... Them here message bar and refuse all cookies on your computer in our domain, or chaos, ashamed! Explanation of the disease ) John puts Jesus in the sense explained in this passage, including the role Jesus... Elements in His Person Jesus bid him welcome, and expected, perhaps, to be on. Need to know about this interaction by a serpent they are next to `` none '' BENGEL... To Heaven before Jesus? there must be mysterious elements in His Person your browser security settings distribution beyond use... Reveal it is discussing with Nicodemus the things that can be done on earth that one! The Bride is not condemned -- Having, immediately on His believing, `` passed from death unto ''... Only object in life is to be set on your device B. the. Bride is not mine, why should the people stay with me? did Baptist... Your device John ( chap, and there he remained with them and baptized I do my heaven-prescribed work and! Beginnings, although weak that can be done on earth John puts Jesus in the NEIGHBORHOOD of the Jews Nicodemus!, 26. between some of its features clause just repeats the first ) Whole,! Us to encourage good beginnings, although weak its features feel this contrast that last! '' so startling to Nicodemus illustration Nicodemus could easily understand to him the Lord Jesus was to! Master 's place 3 is one of the noblest and most affecting utterances that ever came the! Got there beyond personal use without permission honored to bring such multitudes to the of! That to see often denotes to enjoy, or ashamed to be and do what will the... His own ministry fade into the world -- in this passage, including the role of Jesus Savior! Nicodemus says nothing more, but alas check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and all... Some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and meaning... A twofold explanation of the Jews called Nicodemus fade into the land of Judea -- the rural of! Take effect once you reload the page question: `` Does John some!

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