The New Birth John 3:1-36 [1] There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: [2] The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. [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. [4] Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? [5] Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. [6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. [7] Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. [8] The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. [9] Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? [10] Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? [11] Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. [12] If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? [13] And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. [14] And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: [15] That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. [16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. [17] For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. [18] He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [19] And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. [20] For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. [21] But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. [22] After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. [23] And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. [24] For John was not yet cast into prison. [25] Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. [26] And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. [27] John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. [28] Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. [29] He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. [30] He must increase, but I must decrease. [31] He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. [32] And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. [33] He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. [34] For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. [35] The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. [36] He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
See All... (Continued)

1. THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS (John 3:1-21 [1] There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: [2] The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. [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. [4] Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? [5] Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. [6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. [7] Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. [8] The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. [9] Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? [10] Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? [11] Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. [12] If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? [13] And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. [14] And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: [15] That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. [16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. [17] For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. [18] He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [19] And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. [20] For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. [21] But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
   See All...) (Continued)
4. The Provision of the New Birth (John 3:14-17 [14] And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: [15] That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. [16] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. [17] For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
   See All...) (Continued)
2. The use of typology in scripture
1. Definition: a type is a divinely designed object lesson or picture that anticipates a later truth, known as the antitype.
2. Scriptural evidence for the use of types
1. The lifting up of the brasen serpent as a type of the crucifixion of Christ (John 3:14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
   See All...): Note: this is only one of many designated types in the New Testament.
2. Adam as “the figure of him that was to come” (Romans 5:14Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
   See All...)
3. The faults of the children of Israel as examples to us (1 Corinthians 10:6-11 [6] Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. [7] Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. [8] Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. [9] Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. [10] Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. [11] Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
   See All...)
4. The tabernacle, the priesthood, and the offerings as:
1. Examples (Hebrews 8:5Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
   See All...)
2. Shadows (Hebrews 8:5Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
   See All...; Hebrews 10:1For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
   See All...)
3. Figures (Hebrews 9:9Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;
   See All...)
4. Patterns (Hebrews 9:23It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
   See All...)
5. The veil removed in the Old Testament (2 Corinthians 3:12-16 [12] Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech: [13] And not as Moses, which put a vail over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: [14] But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. [15] But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. [16] Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.
   See All...)
3. Classes of types found in the Bible
1. People (Adam, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, etc.)
2. Events (deliverance of Noah in the ark, redemption from Egypt, passing through the Red Sea)
3. Things (tabernacle, laver, lamb, oil, Jordan River, city of refuge)
4. Institutions (priesthood, kingdom, the sabbath)
4. Guidelines for the use of types
1. True types are designed by God to be types, though some are directly indicated and others are simply obvious to the spiritually minded.
2. Types point to something in the future. However, they are not strictly prophecy. Prophecy clearly predicts future events. Types picture them in such a way that the design can be seen only after the fulfillment (the antitype) occurs.
3. The primary purpose of types is to illuminate or illustrate truth. Types are not to be used to establish doctrine not clearly taught elsewhere in scripture.
5. Bible students disagree on how far to develop types. Some only use types that are identified as such in scripture. Others find typology in every detail of an Old Testament passage. Some of this typology can become quite speculative. One way to help in safely identifying types is to classify types according to clarity. Though Bible students will still disagree on how to classify the various types, the very act of classifying will help us put varying weights to different interpretations.
1. Designated types: these are types that are clearly said to be types in scripture. See John 3:14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
   See All...; 1 Corinthians 5:7Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
   See All...; 1 Corinthians 10:4And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
   See All...; Revelation 8:3And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
   See All....
2. Supported types: these types have indirect but strong evidence for their use. These types are often built from evidence found in several Bible passages.
1. Oil as a type of the Holy Spirit. Just as a prophet was anointed with oil, so Jesus Christ was anointed with the Spirit (Isaiah 61:1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
   See All...).
2. The table of showbread as a picture of the part the word of God plays in our approach to the presence of God; taken from the comparison of the word with bread (Deuteronomy 8:3And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
   See All...)
3. Speculative types: these types are developed by comparing certain characteristics in the type with those in the antitype. Although they are valuable in study and teaching, they do not have the scriptural backing of the other two classes of types. Often, it might be best to refer to these as parallels or resemblances in order to avoid confusing people into thinking that they have equal weight with other types.
3. Eternal and everlasting
1. Eternal and everlasting are synonyms. They both refer to that which endures in time without end. The following distinctions are very subtle and refer to connotation (emphasis) and not to denotation (exact meaning).
2. Everlasting
1. Used 93 times in the Bible; 67 times in the Old Testament and 26 times in the New Testament
2. Emphasizes quantity: something that has no ending, duration, length without end
3. Everlasting life or life everlasting (found 15 times in the Bible) refers to a life that will never have an end.
3. Eternal
1. Used 47 times in the Bible; 2 times in the Old Testament and 45 times in the New Testament
2. Emphasizes quality: designates the special nature of that which has no end.
3. Eternal is often used in the English language to refer to those things that have no beginning or ending (like the eternal God); everlasting usually refers only to those things that have no ending.
4. Eternal life or life eternal (found 31 times in the Bible) refers to the quality of life possessed by one who has a unending life with prospect of spending an unending future with God.
4. In His first coming, Christ did not come:
1. Of Himself (John 7:28Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.
   See All...)
2. To do His own will (John 6:38For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
   See All...)
3. To condemn the world (John 3:17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
   See All...)
4. To judge the world (John 12:47And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
   See All...; compare John 5:22For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
   See All...; Acts 17:31Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
   See All...)
5. The Rejection of the New Birth (John 3:18-21 [18] He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [19] And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. [20] For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. [21] But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
   See All...)
1. The condemned state of man (John 3:18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
   See All...)
1. He is condemned already (John 3:18He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
   See All...); that is, he presently exists in a state in which he stands condemned before God as guilty and worthy only of hell.
2. The wrath of God presently abides on him (John 3:36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
   See All...).
3. He is cursed because of his disobedience to the law of God (Galatians 3:10For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
   See All...).
4. He is dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
   See All..., 5).
5. As such, he does not need to become lost to go to hell, but only fail to become saved.
2. The relationship of light to darkness (John 3:19-21 [19] And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. [20] For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. [21] But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
   See All...)
1. The light of God came into the darkness of the world (John 3:19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
   See All...).
1. The world is a place of darkness (Ephesians 6:12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
   See All...; 1 John 5:19And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
   See All...).
2. Jesus Christ is the light of the world (John 1:9That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
   See All...; John 8:12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
   See All...; John 12:46I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
   See All...).
2. Men chose (loved) darkness in preference to the light (John 3:19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
   See All...).
1. Because their deeds were evil (John 7:7The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.
   See All...)
2. Because the light would reprove their deeds (Ephesians 5:13But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.
   See All...)
3. Men rejected the light (John 3:20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
   See All...).
1. They hated the light.
2. They refused to come to the light.
4. Some exceptional men choose light over darkness (John 3:21But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
   See All...).
1. Because their deeds are deeds of truth
2. Because they wish their deeds to be revealed as wrought in God
3. The application of light in our lives (John 3:19-21 [19] And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. [20] For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. [21] But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
   See All...)
1. Recognize the true sources of light in the world.
1. Jesus Christ
2. The word of God
3. Believers (Matthew 5:14-16 [14] Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [15] Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
   See All...; Philippians 2:15Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!
   See All...)
2. Examine your own reaction to the light.
1. Are you drawn to it?
2. Are you repulsed from it?
3. Observe the secret portions of your life.
1. The danger of secret sins (Deuteronomy 27:15Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.
   See All...; 2 Kings 17:9And the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the LORD their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.
   See All...; Psalm 10:8He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor.
   See All...; Psalm 19:12Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
   See All...; Psalm 44:20-21 [20] If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; [21] Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.
   See All...; Psalm 90:8Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.
   See All...; Proverbs 9:16-18 [16] Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, [17] Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant. [18] But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.
   See All...; Jeremiah 23:24Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.
   See All...; Daniel 2:22He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.
   See All...; Luke 8:17For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.
   See All...; Romans 2:16In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
   See All...; Ephesians 5:12For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
   See All...)
2. Are you willing to shine the light of God on every portion of your life?
3. Do you strive to keep your life in the light?
4. Do you avoid secret places or times that could be special opportunities for temptation? (2 Samuel 12:11-12 [11] Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. [12] For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.
   See All...)
2. THE TESTIMONY OF JOHN (John 3:22-36 [22] After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. [23] And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. [24] For John was not yet cast into prison. [25] Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. [26] And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. [27] John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. [28] Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. [29] He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. [30] He must increase, but I must decrease. [31] He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. [32] And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. [33] He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. [34] For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. [35] The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. [36] He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
   See All...)
1. The Counting of Baptisms (John 3:22-26 [22] After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. [23] And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. [24] For John was not yet cast into prison. [25] Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. [26] And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
   See All...)
1. The baptizing of Jesus (John 3:22After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
   See All...)
1. In the land of Judaea
2. In numbers exceeding John (John 4:1When therefore the LORD knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
   See All...)
3. Through His disciples (John 4:2(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
   See All...); Note: What is done by the authority of Christ is as though Christ had done it directly (see 2 Corinthians 5:20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
   See All...).
2. The baptizing of John (John 3:23-24 [23] And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. [24] For John was not yet cast into prison.
   See All...)
1. In a place of “much water” (John 3:23And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.
   See All...)
1. Would not be a requirement for sprinkling or for pouring
2. Would be a requirement for immersion
1. Jesus, at His baptism, “went up straightway out of the water” (Matthew 3:16And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
   See All...).
2. Philip took the eunuch down into the water and they came up out of the water (Acts 8:35-39 [35] Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. [36] And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? [37] And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. [38] And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. [39] And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
   See All...). This is totally unnecessary for sprinkling or pouring.
3. Baptism is compared to a burial (Romans 6:3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
   See All...). This requires immersion.
3. When his time was running short (John 3:24For John was not yet cast into prison.
   See All...)
1. He was not yet cast into prison.
2. But he would be soon (Matthew 4:12Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;
   See All...).
3. The struggles of John (John 3:25-26 [25] Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. [26] And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
   See All...)
1. A doctrinal question (John 3:25Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
   See All...)
1. Between John’s disciples and the Jews
2. Concerning the doctrine of purifying – a matter of tradition and not of law (Matthew 15:1-9 [1] Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, [2] Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. [3] But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? [4] For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. [5] But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; [6] And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. [7] Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, [8] This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. [9] But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
   See All...; Mark 7:1-16 [1] Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. [2] And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. [3] For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. [4] And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. [5] Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? [6] He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. [7] Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. [8] For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. [9] And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. [10] For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death: [11] But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free. [12] And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother; [13] Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye. [14] And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand: [15] There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. [16] If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
   See All...)
2. A practical question (John 3:26And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
   See All...)
1. John bare witness to Jesus.
2. Now the crowds are going to Jesus.
3. The warning against comparison (2 Corinthians 10:12-18 [12] For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. [13] But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you. [14] For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: [15] Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly, [16] To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man's line of things made ready to our hand. [17] But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. [18] For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
   See All...)
4. The example of John in refusing to envy (Galatians 5:26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
   See All...; 1 Timothy 6:3-5 [3] If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; [4] He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, [5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
   See All...)
1. The example of Moses (Numbers 11:26-29 [26] But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp. [27] And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp. [28] And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them. [29] And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD's people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!
   See All...)
2. The example of Paul (Philippians 1:14-18 [14] And makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, that have no ruler over them? [15] They take up all of them with the angle, they catch them in their net, and gather them in their drag: therefore they rejoice and are glad. [16] Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag; because by them their portion is fat, and their meat plenteous. [17] Shall they therefore empty their net, and not spare continually to slay the nations?
   See All...)
2. The Comparison of the Two (John 3:27-31 [27] John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. [28] Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. [29] He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. [30] He must increase, but I must decrease. [31] He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
   See All...)
1. Concerning the gifts of heaven (John 3:27-28 [27] John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. [28] Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
   See All...)
1. The precept: each man received what he has from heaven (John 3:27John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
   See All...; Romans 12:6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
   See All...; 1 Corinthians 4:7For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
   See All...).
2. The contrast (John 3:28Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him.
   See All...)
1. John was sent before the Christ as a forerunner (Mark 1:1-3 [1] The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; [2] As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. [3] The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
   See All...).
2. Jesus came as the Christ.
2. Concerning the marriage of the groom (John 3:29He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
   See All...)
1. Precept: he that has the bride is the bridegroom.
2. Contrast
1. John is the friend of the groom.
1. He stands beside the groom.
2. He hears the voice of the groom.
3. He rejoices because of the groom’s voice.
4. His joy is fulfilled in the marriage of the groom.
3. The identity of the bride
1. The work of the friend; that is, the best man
1. To ask the hand of the young woman in marriage
2. To serve as an intermediary between the couple during the time of betrothal
3. To officiate at the marriage feast
2. The application in this passage
1. Cannot refer to the body of New Testament believers. John does not bring the grace age believers to Christ.
2. Must refer to the Jewish believers in Christ as Messiah (see Isaiah 54:5For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.
   See All...; Hosea 2:19And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.
   See All...)
3. The marriage was postponed because of the refusal of the bride to accept her call to the marriage.
3. Different scriptural uses of the bride as a type
1. The body of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-32 [25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; [26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, [27] That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. [28] So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. [29] For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: [30] For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. [31] For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. [32] This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
   See All...)
2. The local church (2 Corinthians 11:1-3 [1] Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. [2] For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. [3] But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
   See All...)
3. Israel (Isaiah 54:5For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.
   See All...; Hosea 2:19And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.
   See All...; John 3:29He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.
   See All...)
4. The land of Israel (Isaiah 62:1-5 [1] For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. [2] And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. [3] Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. [4] Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married. [5] For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.
   See All...; this passage also refers to the people)
5. The New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
   See All..., 9-10)
3. Concerning the blessings of their work (John 3:30He must increase, but I must decrease.
   See All...)
1. Precept: He must increase but we must decrease.
2. Contrast
1. John is decreasing.
2. Jesus is increasing.
4. Concerning the source of their existence (John 3:31He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
   See All...)
1. Precept: He that cometh from above is above all.
2. Contrast (1 Corinthians 15:47The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven.
   See All...)
1. John is from below.
1. He is of the earth: earthy.
2. He speaks of the earth; Note: The message of John pointed to an earthly kingdom for an earthly people.
2. Jesus is above all.
1. He comes from above.
2. He comes from heaven.
3. The Case for Jesus (John 3:32-36 [32] And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. [33] He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. [34] For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. [35] The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. [36] He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
   See All...)
1. He was confirmed by His words (John 3:32And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.
   See All...).
1. He spoke of what He had seen and heard (John 8:26I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.
   See All...).
2. Though men rejected His testimony
2. He was confirmed by true believers (John 3:33He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.
   See All...)
1. There were those who received His testimony.
2. These true believers confirmed the truth of His words.
3. To “set to his seal”
1. A seal of wax was often used to close a letter or document.
2. The seal was set by pressing the mark of the seal in the wax. This identified the maker of the seal as would a signature on a letter today.
3. True believers in Christ confirm the truth of His words by their own faith. Their testimony makes an impression in the seal (2 Timothy 2:19Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
   See All...).
4. The Father has set His own seal on the Son (John 6:27Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
   See All...).
3. He was confirmed by the Spirit of God (John 3:34For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
   See All...).
1. He spoke the words of God (John 6:63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
   See All...; 1 Corinthians 2:13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
   See All...).
2. He had the Spirit without measure (Isaiah 11:1-2 [1] And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: [2] And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD;
   See All...; Colossians 2:9For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
   See All...).
4. He was confirmed by the Father (John 3:35The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
   See All...).
1. He was loved by the Father (John 17:24-26 [24] Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. [25] O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. [26] And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
   See All...).
2. He was given all things by the Father (John 5:19-27 [19] Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. [20] For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. [21] For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. [22] For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: [23] That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. [24] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. [25] Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. [26] For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; [27] And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
   See All...).
5. He was confirmed by the division He made among men (John 3:36He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
   See All...).
1. Those who believe on the Son – have everlasting life.
2. Those who do not believe the Son
1. Shall not see life
2. Have the wrath of God abiding on them