4. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

Transcription

1 Lesson 7 April 16, 2017 Victorious Love Lesson: John 19:38-42; John 20:1-10; I Peter 1:3-9 Devotional Reading: Luke 24:1 12 Key Verse: "Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed." (John 20:8) LESSON AIMS: After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to: 1. Summarize what happened on the first day of the week after Jesus crucifixion. 2. Describe why Jesus resurrection is the victory of God s love over death. 3. Explain to a new Christian or an unbeliever the importance of Christ s resurrection. DAILY BIBLE READING John 20: The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. 2. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. 3. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. 4. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. 5. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. 6. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, 7. And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. 8. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.

2 9. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. 10. Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. I Peter 1: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7. That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8. Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9. Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Introduction A. When Did the Victory Begin? If you listen to the post-game analysis of a sports event, you are likely to hear discussed, in one form or another, this question: What was the key to the winning side s victory? The key may have been one particular play that shifted momentum decisively, the play in question becoming a turning point. The same question can be modified to inquire of the grand storyline of our world. The question in that case is this: What event is key to God s victory in and over the world? The Bible s answer to that question is the resurrection of Jesus. In that event, God turned the tide of history decisively toward his goals. Jesus resurrection fulfilled promises of the past, addresses the needs of the present, and anchors hope for the eternal future. We study two texts today in that regard. The first concerns eyewitnesses of Jesus empty tomb as

3 recorded in the Gospel of John. There Jesus resurrection serves as the greatest of His signs. These are the events that proved Him to be the divine Son of God, the events that provide yet today the impulse for the faith in Him that gives life (John 20:30, 31). The second text is from 1 Peter. This book, actually a letter, was addressed to several churches in regions of Asia Minor (modern Turkey) that faced social pressure and persecution because of faith in Christ. To readers living in fear and uncertainty, this book served to remind them that Jesus resurrection meant that they were participants in Christ s life, His sufferings, His resurrection, and the eternal victory. B. Lesson Background We can appreciate that message better when we understand the background to belief in the New Testament s presentation of resurrection. Although the Old Testament ascribes to God the power of life and death, it is remarkably quiet about what lies beyond the universal human experience of death. Faithful people in the Old Testament era expressed confidence that God was reliable always, even as His people faced death (examples: Job 19:25; Psalm 56:13). Some of the prophets spoke briefly and mysteriously of God s raising the dead (Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:2). But their messages focused mostly on the restoration of Israel after exile. Belief that God would one day raise the dead became stronger among the Jews during the centuries between the testaments. As they faced generations of disappointment, hardship, and persecution, people of faith came to understand that God would surely be faithful to all His people when He fulfills promises to remake the world. Those Jews reasoned that since many of God s people will be dead when He fulfills those end-time promises, then surely He will raise the dead at that time. As a result, all God s people those who have already died and those still alive will experience the fulfillment of God s blessings together. Jesus, the New Testament writers, and some of Jesus opponents affirmed belief that God will raise the dead (examples, respectively: Luke 20:35; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Acts 23:6-8). But the New Testament describes something more radical yet: that God began to fulfill His end-time promises by raising the Messiah from the dead. No one anticipated this preparatory step (Luke 24:25-27; etc.). Jesus resurrection means that God s promised gifts of the end time truth, peace, justice, and mercy were and are becoming reality. I. The Risen Christ (John 20:1-10) A. Empty Tomb Discovered (vv. 1, 2) 1. The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Earlier in the text, readers are introduced to women who witness Jesus death (John 19:25). Three of these are named Mary, so it s easy to get confused. That s undoubtedly why John

4 includes the designation Magdalene here. That is not her last name, as modern convention regarding surnames might tempt us to think. Rather, it indicates that she is from Magdala, a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee. In Luke 8:2 Mary called Magdalene is identified as one from whom Jesus cast out seven devils. She and other women are coming to Jesus tomb at dawn to complete the preparation of His body for burial (Luke 23:55-24:1, 10). That effort had been cut short by the beginning of the Sabbath at sundown on the day of the crucifixion (John 19:31). The tomb s entrance had been sealed with a large, round, flat stone very heavy and difficult to move. Mental alarm bells must go off for Mary Magdalene when she sees that this stone is now moved away from the tomb s entrance. Clearly something unusual has happened. 2a. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them. Alarmed, Mary returns hurriedly to report her discovery to two of Jesus disciples. Simon Peter is often their spokesman, his name appearing first in all four listings of the Twelve in Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:13-16; and Acts 1:13. References to this other disciple (though not always in those words) appear repeatedly in the latter part of this Gospel (John 13:23; 18:15, 16; 19:26, 27). Undoubtedly these refer to the author himself: John, whose name appears among the top four in the four listings above. Some see the phrase whom Jesus loved to indicate a close friendship between John and Jesus. Others believe that the phrase expresses the author s awe that he is personally loved by God s Son. 2b. They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. Mary reports what she has seen or, rather, what she hasn t: Jesus body. Grave robbery, common at the time, would be the first assumption. Regardless, Mary wants to retrieve the body of the Lord (compare John 20:15). That term reflects her deep devotion to Him even after His death. B. Empty Tomb Confirmed (vv. 3-7) 3, 4. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. Peter... and that other disciple react by rushing to the tomb. Given their continuing fear of later this day (John 20:19), they too have no expectation that an empty tomb means that Jesus has been raised to life. The two men arrive at the tomb at different times, take different actions, and manifest different responses. The text supplies these details to challenge readers to move from the evidence of the

5 story to faith in the one who is the subject of the story (John 20:30, 31). 5, 6. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie. The he of verse 5 is John, the other disciple per above. Without entering the tomb, he can see the pieces of fabric that had wrapped Jesus body. These linen clothes must be those of Jesus, since the tomb has been otherwise unused (compare Luke 23:50-54). Arriving after John, the characteristically bold (or rash) Peter steps past him and enters the tomb. Jesus body has not been stolen by grave robbers, since thieves would not take the time to unwrap a body before making off with it. This is a mysterious matter indeed! 7. And the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Being closer to the scene than John, Peter sees the details noted here. Such details reinforce that we are reading the testimony of eyewitnesses. The tomb is undeniably empty, and not because of robbery, the story told by some of the opponents of Jesus (Matthew 28:11-15). C. Empty Tomb Considered (vv. 8-10) 8. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. Now John (that other disciple) enters. What he sees prompts him to believe. The text does not mention what he believes, because that is clear from the context: he believes that Jesus has risen from the dead. This final and greatest of Jesus signs is having its divinely intended effect. 9. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. Although John now believes that Jesus has risen from the dead, John does not yet understand why this has taken place. With time to reflect, however, Jesus followers will conclude that His death and resurrection were God s intention all along and therefore anticipated in the scripture. That conclusion is based not on a single proof text, but drawn from numerous Old Testament passages (see Luke 24:27). Perhaps clearest of these is Isaiah 52:13-53:12, which depicts God s servant willingly giving His life for the guilty, yet being victoriously alive again. 10. Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. As Peter and John exit the tomb, we are left with a sense of expectancy. Indeed, this verse serves as a transition. That which follows narrates Jesus subsequent appearance to Mary Magdalene

6 (John 20:11-18) and then to the gathered disciples on three occasions (20:19-23, 24-29; 21:1-23). These appearances confirm what John, the disciple with Peter, has come to believe: that Jesus is victoriously alive again, even though He had been killed. God s promises are being fulfilled. The era of God s salvation has begun. II. The Empowering Christ (1 Peter 1:3-9) A. Rejoicing in Resurrection Life (vv. 3-5) 3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. After the introductory greetings of verses 1 and 2, the verse before us marks the beginning of the thanksgiving section of 1 Peter. Most letters of this era include a brief statement thanking whatever god or gods the writer worships. New Testament letters turn this convention into an occasion for praise of the one true God. The thanksgiving section opens here with a specific focus: thanks to God for the suffering Christian s relationship with the crucified and risen Jesus. Indeed, the letter as a whole emphasizes this relationship. Similar to what Jesus says in John 3:3, Peter describes that relationship in terms of being born again (1 Peter 1:23). That points to the new beginning to life as brought about by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Because He was raised from the dead, so are those who are united with Him (Romans 6:3-11; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21; etc.). In this new life, Christians have a lively hope a confident expectation about the future. 4. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. Peter portrays the experience of the new life as an inheritance. That term reminds us of the Old Testament s description of God s gift of the promised land to Israel (Numbers 34:2). But the realization of the promise of which Peter writes is more certain than that one. Israel s disobedience meant exile from the land of promise; by contrast, the Christian s inheritance is assured. Peter describes this assurance by piling up terms that stress its utter permanence (compare Matthew 6:19, 20). Unlike any earthly inheritance, it cannot fail because it is reserved in heaven. That expression also indicates that the Christian s inheritance is to be experienced beyond the limits of life on earth. The hardships in the world cannot touch that blessing, for it is kept safe by God, who rules from Heaven. The gift of new life that Christians experience now, they shall have forever.

7 The Only Threat Huguette Clark inherited her father s fortune, which he made in copper mining. When she died at age 104 in 2011, her last will and testament specified that 75 percent of her $300 million estate was to go to charity. The remaining 25 percent was to be divided among various nonrelatives and a foundation. Then, of course, came the civil lawsuits and criminal investigations. When the dust had settled two years later, distant relatives ended up receiving substantial amounts. By contrast, someone originally designated to receive about $30 million ended up with nothing. No earthly inheritance can be considered totally sure! By contrast, Peter assures us that our eternal inheritance is secure. We need not worry that others may steal it. No court action can revoke it. No power of darkness can prevent us from receiving it. Even so, Peter also warns of one threat to this certain inheritance. You can read about it in 2 Peter 3:17. C. R. B. 5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Jesus followers, though threatened on all sides, are nevertheless secure in every situation. Their security rests in the power of God, which is greater than any force the hostile world can muster. Already experiencing God s salvation in the present (1 Peter 1:3), Christians look forward to that aspect of their salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time the time when God s victory will be completed at Christ s coming. Then the world will see what Christians already know: that God is victorious in Christ, and so are those who are united with Christ by faith. B. Rejoicing in Fiery Trials (vv. 6-9) 6. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations. The Christians standing before God is in sharp contrast with their standing with the world. In a hostile world, they face many temptations. These are tests of the Christian s faith in God s victory through Christ s resurrection. Such testings come in many ways, each bringing a new challenge. They are no light matter: they cause deep sorrow (heaviness), like the grief of death. Yet they do not overcome the joy that lives in the heart of the person who belongs to God in Christ. As Christ s resurrection has overturned His followers grief at His death, so it empowers them in the midst of testings. 7. That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

8 Put to the test, true faith witnesses to the power of God s victory in Christ (compare Psalm 66:10). As gold is refined with fire, separated from the less precious minerals mixed with it, so the faith of Christians is made purer and stronger by the challenges they experience (compare Zechariah 13:9; James 1:12; Revelation 2:2, 3, 13, 19; contrast Ezekiel 22:18; Matthew 13:20, 21). God s plan reached its climax and His victory was secured as Christ underwent His own fiery trial. Believers whose faith is refined by trial show their unity with Christ in suffering and their empowerment by Christ s resurrection. At the appearing of Jesus Christ, when He returns to reveal himself to all as the world s true king, the faithfulness of suffering believers will be testimony to His victory over evil. The result of that testing is ultimately God s glorification. 8. Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Peter is known to his readers as having been an eyewitness of the events of Jesus earthly ministry (2 Peter 1:16-18). But the readers are not eyewitnesses (having not seen). Even so, they believe in Jesus because of the testimony of those who were there (compare John 20:29). Peter s audience trusts his testimony, so they put their confident trust in the invisible Christ. They express a deep, heartfelt joy that He has made them His and now rules over them. Now these believers are under social pressure for their faith. This is pressure they experience firsthand. The question for them is whether what they see on earth will be more powerful than what they do not see, that is, Christ s triumphant rule from Heaven. The day will come when they do indeed see Christ s rule, a day when all will see it. In the meantime, Christians express their belief in the unseen victory of Christ, present and future, with joy that is almost as difficult to express as Christ s glory is difficult to see. As they live this way and express this joy that is full of glory, Christians are the seen manifestations of the unseen victorious power of Christ at work in our lives. Our joy while enduring suffering testifies to the world that the Christ who died is the Christ who rose and rules. 9. Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. This whole process believing in the unseen, risen, glorified Christ and rejoicing in suffering because of Him naturally and inevitably accompanies the saving work that God is doing in our lives. The end of your faith here is not when faith comes to an end. Rather, it speaks to the goal or purpose of our faith. To receive that end does not speak merely of something that lies in the future. The sentence structure in the original language shows that this receiving happens along with the believing and rejoicing of verse 8. The salvation of your souls is indeed life beyond the grave, but it is also the remaking of our lives in the present. Because God s love is victorious in Christ, you and I are already living in the salvation that God has for us forever. The blessed life we have now as God s people will only become greater when Christ appears.

9 Conclusion A. The Christ of the Empty Tomb Christ s resurrection is the turning point of all history. On that incomparable day, God defeated death for all time. He turned the tide of human life, bringing the evil one and those who serve him to their knees. He brought the fullness of his undeserved blessing to all who put their faith in the risen Christ. Look to the empty tomb. Look to the lives of those who declare the Christ of that empty tomb to be Lord. As you do so, you will see God s victory. Thought to Remember See Christ s victory again for the first time. Additional Notes John Chapter 20 Mary comes in the sepulchre Notes For Verse 1 a [first day of the week] Literally, the first day of the sabbaths, referring to the seven sabbaths to Pentecost (Lev. 23:15-17). b [early, when it was yet dark] Before it became light on Sunday morning, which day began at sunset Saturday and ended sunset Sunday. Mary is mentioned in particular here because she was the one who left the women to get Peter and John (Jn. 20:2). Notes For Verse 2 a [disciple, whom Jesus loved] John (Jn. 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7,20-25). b [they have laid him] Mary thought Joseph and Nicodemus had removed the body of Jesus. Notes For Verse 4 a [did outrun Peter] No proof that John was younger than Peter. He could have simply been faster at running. Notes For Verse 7 a [wrapped together in a place by itself] These things were lying in place as they were when they were wrapped about Him. He had merely passed out of them without disturbing them, not needing as Lazarus to be loosed (Jn. 11:44). It was proof that a resurrected body could come out without disturbing material objects. The door was opened, not to let Him out, but to show the disciples that He had risen. He later went through closed doors (Jn. 20:19). Notes For Verse 9 a [that he must rise again from the dead] The 16th and last Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in John (Jn. 20:9; Ps. 16:10-11). Notes For Verse 10

10 a [own home] That is, places where they were temporarily residing. I Peter Chapter1 Peter praises God for His many mercies Notes For Verse 3 a [God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ] God is both the Father and God of Jesus Christ. He is not Jesus Christ. It is clear in Scripture that there are three separate and distinct persons in the Godhead. See The Trinity. b [begotten us again] Begotten Again Greek: anagennao (GSN-<G313>), to beget anew. Used both times by Peter. Translated "begotten again" (1Pet. 1:3) and "be born again" (1Pet. 1:23). It certainly teaches a begetting more than once. The word "again" proves this fact (1Pet. 1:3; Jn. 3:3,7; note, Gal. 4:19). Man was created in union with God and in God's grace and favor. He fell from this position and has to be born again to get back into God's grace (Jn. 3:3,7). After one is born again he is warned not to build again the things he once destroyed (Gal. 2:18); not to turn again to sin (Gal. 4:9); not to be entangled again with the yoke of bondage (Gal. 5:1); not to be overcome again with the pollutions of the world (2Pet. 2:20-22); and not to lay again the foundation of repentance and service to God (Heb. 6:1). If man does not heed these warnings and does these things again, then what happens? Is he still saved? Is he still born of God? Is he still in grace? See note, Gal. 4:19. a [travail] Greek: odino (GSN-<G5605>), birth pangs; travail (Gal. 4:19,27; Rev. 12:2). Paul had labored in preaching, prayer, and tears to win them to Christ, so he considered them his children. They were very dear to him. Now he had to travail in birth again until they would come back to God and Christ be formed in them again. They had fallen from grace (Gal. 1:6-8; 3:1-5; 4:19; 5:4) and had to be renewed in Christ again. This is not a physical birth, but the travail of the soul in prayer causing physical and spiritual sufferings which are very real. b [again] Greek: palin (GSN-<G3825>), again; restore once more; anew. It refers to something which could not be done again if it had not been done once before. The New Birth 1. A moral and spiritual change, not a physical one (Gal. 4:29; Jn. 3:1-8) 2. A change of heart, will, motives, desires, life and conduct, and not an organism (2Cor. 5:17-18) 3. A change of masters, not of constitutional makeup of body, soul, or spirit (Rom. 6:11-23; 8:1-4) 4. An adoption of one from the satanic family into the family of God (Rom. 8:14-16; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5) 5. Not a coming into existence of the body, soul, or spirit, as in the natural birth, but a consecration of them to serve God and holiness instead of Satan and sin (Rom. 6:16-22; 8:1-13; Col. 3:5-10; Gal. 5:16-26) 6. Not a begetting by the Holy Spirit in the sense that Jesus became and is the only begotten Son of God (Jn. 1:14,18; 3:16), but a renewal in righteousness and true holiness of one who is already in existence (Eph. 4:23-24; Col. 3:10; Ps. 51:10) 7. A change of nature, but not the coming into existence of that nature (Rom. 3:24-25; 2Cor. 5:17; Tit. 3:5)

11 8. A change of favor, a new standing before God (Rom. 5:1-2; Eph. 2:1-9; Tit. 2:11-14; 2Pet. 3:18; 1Jn. 3:8-10) 9. A change of character, state and service (Gal. 5:22-23; 1Cor. 13; Rom. 3:24-31; 5:1-11; 2Tim. 2:21; Tit. 2:11-14) 10. There is no comparison between the natural and spiritual birth as to choice in the matter, conception, embryo, process, and actual birth. The very moment one is grown enough to recognize he is a sinner and when he repents and believes the gospel a moral and spiritual change takes place (Mk. 1:15; 2Cor. 5:17-18; Rom. 1:16; 10:9-10; Eph. 2:8-9; 1Jn. 1:9). The very moment he decides to sin again he has a moral fall, incurs the penalty of the broken law again and comes under the sentence of death again (Jas. 1:13-15; 5:19-20; Rom. 6:11-23; 8:1-13; Jn. 8:34; 2Pet. 2:19-22; Heb. 6:4-9; 10:26-29; Gal. 5:4,19-21; 2Cor. 6:9-11; 1Jn. 3:8-10; Ezek. 18:4; etc.). If person sins, he must be forgiven and restored or pay the death penalty as in Gal. 6:7-8 and in the above scriptures. c [lively hope by the resurrection] Hope of living again by resurrection. Notes For Verse 4 a [To an inheritance incorruptible...] The first New Testament prophecy in 1Peter (1Pet. 1:4-5, unfulfilled). Next, 1Pet. 1:7. b [inheritance] Greek: kleronomia (GSN-<G2817>), a possession (1Pet. 1:4; Mt. 21:38; Mk. 12:7; Lk. 12:13; 20:14; Acts 7:5; 20:32, note; Gal. 3:18). c [incorruptible] Greek: aphthartos (GSN-<G862>), immortal (note, 1Pet. 3:4). d [undefiled] Greek: amiantos (GSN-<G283>) (See Fivefold Character and Position of Christ). e [fadeth not away] Greek: amarantos (GSN-<G263>), unfading. Only here. f [reserved] Greek: tereo (GSN-<G5083>), to guard from injury or loss. Translated "reserve" (1Pet. 1:4; Acts 25:21; 2Pet. 2:4,9,17; 3:7; Jude 1:6,13); "preserve" (1Th. 5:23; Jude 1:1); "hold fast" (Rev. 3:3); "keepers" (Mt. 28:4); to watch (Mt. 27:36,54); "observe" (Mt. 23:3; 28:20; Acts 21:25); and "keep" 52 Times (Eph. 4:3; Jas. 2:10; 1Jn. 2:3-5; etc.). Notes For Verse 5 a [kept] Greek: phroureo (GSN-<G5432>), garrison; guard; keep; defend. See Ten Secrets for the Cure of Worry. b [salvation] Threefold Salvation 1. The believer now has salvation and is saved from all sin (Lk. 19:9; Acts 4:12; Rom. 1:16; 10:9-10; 2Cor. 6:2; 2Th. 2:13; 1Jn. 1:9; Eph. 1:14). 2. The believer is being kept from sin as he walks in the light (Php. 2:12; 2Tim. 3:15; Tit. 2:11-12; Heb. 2:3; 6:9; 1Jn. 1:7). 3. The believer will eventually be saved from all the fall (Rom. 13:11; 1Th. 5:9; Heb. 5:9; 9:28; 1Pet. 1:5,9,13), c [ready to be revealed in the last time] Ten Future Blessings of Salvation 1. Redemption of the body (Rom. 8:23) 2. Redemption of all creatures (Rom. 8:19-24; Acts 13:47; Isa. 11:6-9) 3. Unforfeitable eternal life (Mt. 19:29; Mk. 10:30; Lk. 18:30; Gal. 6:7-8) 4. Final defeat of Satan (Rev. 12:10; 20:1-10; Isa. 24:21-22; 25:7-8) 5. All rebellion put down and cancellation of the curse (Rev. 22:3; 1Cor. 15:24-28)

12 6. Uniting of heaven and earth (Eph. 1:10) 7. Complete removal of sin, sickness, death, and all effects of rebellion (Rev. 21:3-5; 1Cor. 15:24-28) 8. Renewal of the heavens and earth to a perfect state (Rev ; 2Pet. 3:10-13; Rom. 8:19-25; Heb. 1:10-12; 12:25-28) 9. Eternal continuation of natural people, animals, and all things as would have been if man had not sinned (Gen. 8:22; 9:12; Isa. 11:6-9; 65:20-25; Rom. 8:20-25) 10. Eternal kingdom of Christ and of God on earth (Isa. 9:6-7; Dan. 2:44-45; 7:13-14; Lk. 1:32-33; Rev. 11:15; 22:4-5) Notes For Verse 6 a [Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season] In which salvation you rejoice, but once in a while it is needful for you to go through manifold temptations to test your faith that it be found genuine and thus be rewarded (1Pet. 1:6-7). b [heaviness through manifold temptations] Grieved with many kinds of trials. c [temptations] See notes, Jas. 1:2,13. a [fall into] Greek: peripipto (GSN-<G4045>), to fall into; to be caught by. Here; Lk. 10:30; Acts 27:41. b [divers temptations] Different trials. Greek: peirasmos (GSN-<G3986>), trial; attack; put to proof; examine; question (note, Gal. 4:14). A trial of any kind, not necessarily temptation to sin (vv. 2-4,12; 1Pet. 1:7). a [let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man] After using the word temptation in the sense of trial, James now uses it in the sense of solicitation to sin. God cannot be tempted with evil, neither does He tempt any man with it. Evil temptations come from evil, not from good. Notes For Verse 7 a [That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ] The 2nd New Testament prophecy in 1Peter (1Pet. 1:7, unfulfilled). Next, 1Pet. 1:13. b [gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire] Fire only separates all the foreign and impure materials from gold. It loses nothing of its nature, weight, color, or any other property. Gold has been kept in a state of fusion for months without the smallest change. Genuine faith also will be proved by trials. c [at the appearing of Jesus Christ] At this time it will be manifest what rewards men will have in the eternal kingdom (Mt. 16:27; 25:21,23). Notes For Verse 8 a [Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory] Faith in Christ makes one a new creature and instills in him a personal living confidence as strong as the faith of those who have seen Him and known Him personally (2Cor. 5:17-18; Rom. 5:5). This faith produces joy (1Pet. 1:8-9). a [end of your faith] Notes For Verse 9 To the End Greek: telos (GSN-<G5056>), the end of a thing. It could also mean the consummation of being

13 admitted or initiated into religion, marriage, etc. If this is what Peter has in mind it refers to believers being initiated into salvation by their faith (1Pet. 1:8-9). He could also have had in mind the end of salvation itself, which is at the end of a life of faith (see Ten Future Blessings of Salvation). Translated "end" (1Pet. 1:9; 4:7,17; Mt. 10:22; 24:6,13,14; 26:58; Mk. 3:26; 13:7,13; Lk. 1:33; 21:9; 22:37; Jn. 13:1; Rom. 6:21-22; 10:4; 1Cor. 1:8; 10:11; 15:24; 2Cor. 1:13; 3:13; 11:15; Php. 3:19; 1Tim. 1:5; Heb. 3:6,14; 6:8,11; 7:3; Jas. 5:11; Rev. 2:26; 21:6; 22:13); "ending" (Rev. 1:8); "finally" (1Pet. 3:8); "to the uttermost" (1Th. 2:16); "continual" (Lk. 18:5); and "custom" (Mt. 17:25; Rom. 13:7).