What then does the Prophet mean here, and what does he understand by the pronoun this, זאת,zat? Question from a Site Viewer What does baptism do for us according to the context of I Peter 3:21? Whoever does the truth comes to the light so that it can be seen that their actions were done in God. 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. John 3:21 (TYN) We speak that we know, and . The Baptist here virtually says, Would it were so, but alas! Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12; 14:6). which men can do nothing; for it is God that works in them both A good man acts truly and sincerely in all he does. 9, 10. This is the situation when our hearts do not condemn us. Verse Thoughts Many self-righteous Christians take this verse out of its Biblical context to mean that God has effectively signed a blank check, which allows His children to fill in a simple prayer request to ensure that they get whatever they want - in order to fulfil their fleshly lusts. 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. Read also the doom of those that would not know Christ. ", &c. ye receive not, &c.--referring to the class to which Nicodemus belonged, but from which he was beginning to be separated in spirit. But he whose life is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his acts have been done by the help of God. All rights reserved. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit which he has given us. John 1:19b: “… men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil.” This phrase contains several significant truths about sin. Something is wrong, whereby such a life begins as shall last for ever. Jesus, the Light—Sum of All Truth. and the Jews--rather (according to the best manuscripts), "and a Jew," about purifying--that is, baptizing, the symbolical meaning of washing with water being put (as in John 2:6 ) for the act itself. Birth is the beginning of life; to be born again, is to begin to live anew, as those who have lived much amiss, or to little purpose. Rabbi, &c.--"Master, this man tells us that He to whom thou barest such generous witness beyond Jordan is requiting thy generosity by drawing all the people away to Himself. 1 John 3:19-24. Our Saviour spoke of the necessity and nature of regeneration or the new birth, and at once directed Nicodemus to the source of holiness of the heart. In both the way of cure strikingly resembled that of the disease. But those who do what is true come to the light in order that the light may show that what they did was in obedience to God. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. 22-24. land of Judea--the rural parts of that province, the foregoing conversation being held in the capital. John 3:21 (RSV) And who does not perceive it? 21. doeth truth--whose only object in life is to be and do what will bear the light. John 3:21. ὁ δὲ ποιῶν … “On the other hand, he who does the truth” … This is one of John’s comprehensive phrases which perhaps lose by definition. heavenly things--the things of the new and more heavenly evangelical economy, only to be fully understood after the effusion of the Spirit from heaven through the exalted Saviour. 1 Corinthians Commentary > chapter 3. John 3:21 (JUB) The words of Jesus were the words of God; he had the Spirit, not by measure, as the prophets, but in all fulness. He did not talk with Christ about state affairs, though he was a ruler, but about the concerns of his own soul and its salvation, and went at once to them. It means that something is done in us, and for us, which we cannot do for ourselves. If we look at the context of John's Gospel as far as chapter 3, the only water we've seen is the water of John's baptism and the water that Jesus turned to wine in Cana. 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. This is the "Israelite, indeed, in whom is no guile.". The love of God is shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Ghost, and is become the commanding principle of his actions. But the real meaning underlying this word, as understood by us today, is found in the word worth. 35, 36. Everlasting life could only be had by faith in Him, and might be thus obtained; whereas all those, who believe not in the Son of God, cannot partake of salvation, but the wrath of God for ever rests upon them. In 1 John 3:19-24, John reminds me here that God is at work and my feelings are not always (or maybe even often) capable of telling me the truth about who I am in Christ. ", John 3:21 (NLT) But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. Verses 22-36 John was fully satisfied with the place and work assigned him; but Jesus came on a more important work. It is then further explained by the Lord Jesus. But he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. . Christ is plainly set forth to us in the gospel. 8. In whatever our heart condemns us - Converse stated in 1Jn 3:21 "if your heart does not condemn us." But everyone who does what is true comes to the light, so that all may see that his actions are accomplished through God. Copyright © 2021, Bible Study Tools. Though he has been a great sinner, yet he is not dealt with according to what his sins deserve. He does this so that it will be easy to see that what he has done is with God's help.". John 3:21 (GNT) 14-16. Said I not unto you, I am not the Christ? But he who does what is honest and right comes to the light, in order that his actions may be plainly shown to have been done in God. The wrath of God now fastens upon them; and their own hearts condemn them. 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. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.". But he that doth truth commeth to the light that his dedes might be knowen how that they are wrought in God. How great is the misery of unbelievers! 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! Certainly we have duties and responsibilities, both before and after our sins are forgiven. God", as the Ethiopic version renders it; for the glory of God, Question: "Does John 3:5 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?" But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. and him may be known"; that such deeds may be discovered, which Jesus does. Jesus in His conversation with Nicodemus, (John 3:3; 5-7); Peter in his first epistle, (1 Peter 1:3, 23) a… But he that doth truth cometh to the light, that his works may be made manifest: because they are done in God. Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. John 3:21 (KJV) See the powerful remedy against this fatal malady. (1 John 3:21-24 RSV) You will notice that this is the other side of the case. (So strongly did the Baptist feel this contrast that the last clause just repeats the first). Christ's stating of the doctrine and the necessity of regeneration, it should seem, made it not clearer to Nicodemus. they are condemned already; which speaks a certain condemnation; a present condemnation. Copyright © 2021, Bible Study Tools. NIGHT INTERVIEW OF NICODEMUS WITH JESUS. And though now he came by night, yet afterward he owned Christ publicly. 26. Paul is referring to the opposing groups in the church at Corinth, which he mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:12. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in God.". Isaiah 26:2. At this rate, thou shalt soon have no disciples at all." First, John informs us that He is superior to John because of where He has come from. On the other hand, renewed hearts bid this light welcome. to Christ, and to his word, and ordinances: that his deeds may be made manifest; Has the offense of the cross" yet ceased? (Compare 2 Kings 5:12 ). 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. John 1:29-35 – John testified about Jesus. “Men loved darkness.” The past tense (Greek aorist) could be translated, “Men set their love on darkness” (Morris, p. 233). Spurgeon rightly says that "Sometimes our heart condemns us, but, in doing so, it gives a wrong verdict, and then we have the satisfaction of being able to take the case into a higher court, for 'God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.'" Matthew 14:3-12 – Story of John’s arrest and murder. Jesus Christ is every way able to reveal the will of God to us; for he came down from heaven, and yet is in heaven. of Ye must--"Ye, says Jesus, not we" [BENGEL]. John 3:16, Jesus faith love) KJV. But he that doeth the truth cometh to the light, that his works may be made manifest, that they have been wrought in God. But he that doth truth But the one doing HaEmes comes to the Ohr that his ma’asim hamitzot may be manifested, that they have been wrought in Hashem. While the preacher is inevitably tempted to focus in this sermon on John 3:16, rightly called the world’s most famous Bible verse, it would be good to remember that the single verse of John 3:16 — or any other verse, for that matter — is not canonical in and of itself. It is not wrought by any wisdom or power of our own, but by the power of the blessed Spirit. John 3:21 (NKJV) We cannot otherwise expect any benefit by Christ; it is necessary to our happiness here and hereafter. Here it is still further veiled--though to us who know what it means, rendered vastly more instructive--by reference to the brazen serpent. King James Version 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. But the confidence we have in God's approval is conditional. 16. ", John 3:21 (CJB) If they had not hated saving knowledge, they would not sit down contentedly in condemning ignorance. John 3:21 (WNT) JESUS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF THE BAPTIST--HIS NOBLE TESTIMONY TO HIS MASTER. What does it signify though we are well able to act our parts in life, in every other respect, if at last we hear from the Supreme Judge, "Depart from me, I know you not, ye workers of iniquity?". 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 ). But he that does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. 1:13 , and its tendency is to heaven. 32. what he hath seen and and no man receiveth, &c.--John's disciples had said, "All come to Him" ( John 3:26 ). 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. . But people who do what is true come to the light so that the things they do for God may be clearly seen. 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 ). God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, and so saving it. 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. But he that doeth truth, cometh to the light, that his works be showed, that they be done in God. John 3:21 (MSG) But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest , that they are wrought in God. ", John 3:21 (NAS) There should be no question on this fact. Mine it is to point the burdened to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world, to tell them there is Balm in Gilead, and a Physician there. This phrase often occurs as the character of a good man: compare. Christians do not belong to their church leaders 1 Corinthians 3:21-23. The reason why John records Nicodemus’s conversation with Jesus, is that in spite of … 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. A man, &c.--"I do my heaven-prescribed work, and that is enough for me. John 3:21. Jesus speaks in simple terms, but His message has great power. The same word signifies both the wind and the Spirit. We are saved when and if God chooses to save us. 34. for God giveth not the Spirit by measure--Here, again, the sharpest conceivable line of distinction is drawn between Christ and all human-inspired teachers: "They have the Spirit in a limited degree; but God giveth not [to Him] the Spirit by measure." is not salvation by a crucified Redeemer subjected to like treatment? That which is true, right and good: "he whose work is just", as Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. We are shapen in iniquity, which makes it necessary that our nature be changed. To a Jewish ecclesiastic, so familiar with the symbolical application of water, in every variety of way and form of expression, this language was fitted to show that the thing intended was no other than a thorough spiritual purification by the operation of the Holy Ghost. Salim--on the west of Jordan. 24. Ask awakened consciences, ask damned sinners, they will tell you, that how charming soever the allurements of sin may be, at the last it bites like a serpent. John Stott - John does not mean to imply that God hears and answers our prayers merely for the subjective reason that we have a clear conscience and an uncondemning heart. ὁ δὲ ποιῶν τὴν ἀλήθειαν ἔρχεται πρὸς τὸ φῶς, ἵνα φανερωθῇ αὐτοῦ τὰ ἔργα ὅτι ἐν θεῷ ἐστιν εἰργασμένα. if after a few mornings and evenings spent in unthinking mirth, carnal pleasure, and riot, we die in our sins, and lie down in sorrow? So long as he continues under a load of unforgiven guilt, there can be little else than slavish fear of God; but when his doubts are done away, when he sees the righteous ground whereon this forgiveness is built, he rests on it as his own, and is united to God by unfeigned love. There is an objective, moral reason, namely because we keep his commandments, and, more generally, do those things that are pleasing in his sight. Even that being oppressed with evils, he was almost lost, and was also nearly persuaded that no hope of good anymore remained. First, sin is far deeper than outward deeds; sin is a matter of our affections or desires. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest , that they are wrought in God. Commentary on John 3:22-36 (Read John 3:22-36) John was fully satisfied with the place and work assigned him; but Jesus came on a more important work. In both cases it is by directing the eye to the uplifted Remedy that the cure is effected; in the one case the bodily eye, in the other the gaze of the soul by "believing in Him," as in that glorious ancient proclamation--"Look unto me and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth," &c. ( Isaiah 45:22 ). Proud member of Christ is hated, because sin is loved. John 3:1-21 . But he that doth truth commeth to the light that his dedes might be knowen how that they are wrought in God. John 3:21 But he who practices truth comes to the light, so that his deeds may be shown to have been produced [formed and powered] through God. 11-13. ", "But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God. 25, 26. between some of--rather, "on the part of." Stung by serpents, by a serpent they are healed. Many think that cannot be proved, which they cannot believe. We must have a new nature, new principles, new affections, new aims. Whoever does the truth comes to the light so that it can be seen that their actions were done in God. 6-8. Here is God's love in giving his Son for the world. But he that doeth truth, cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Though the causes are hidden, the effects are plain, when the soul is brought to mourn for sin, and to breathe after Christ. is spirit--"partakes of and possesses His spiritual nature. Jhn 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Jesus Christ came to save us by healing us, as the children of Israel, stung with fiery serpents, were cured and lived by looking up to the brazen serpent, ( Numbers 21:6-9 ). But those who follow the true way come to the light, and it shows that the things they do were done through God. They were far readier to receive himself, and obliged him to say, I am not the Christ, and he seems pained at this. From all this is shown the happiness of true believers; he that believeth in Christ is not condemned. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God. 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 ). 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? Our confidence in His love is unconditional, and for all people (John 3:16), regardless of what we do. 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. 4. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done with God.". But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is. Psalms 119:30. But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants. Please enter your email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue. When you put your total faith in God and become a born again Christian, you no … But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been wrought in God. but he that practises the truth comes to the light, that his works may be manifested that they have been wrought in God. John 3:21 (RSVA) condemned already--Rejecting the one way of deliverance from that "condemnation" which God gave His Son to remove, and so wilfully remaining condemned. Unbelief is a sin against the remedy. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is. 10. What does John 3:21 mean? But those who do what is true come to the light in order that the light may show that what they did was in obedience to God. He shows the Author of this blessed change. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.". 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 ). ", But those who follow the true way come to the light, and it shows that the things they do were done through God. John 3:21 (RHE) 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. It springs from the enmity of the heart of man to God, from love of sin in some form. 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. Feel this contrast that the things they do for ourselves said, “ I am the. 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