Examining Different Passages

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Examining Different Passages

Let’s summarize what we have learned. English translators have sometimes been able to accurately discern the intended meaning in the Greek. Sometimes they have not.

We need to examine some correct and incorrect translations of certain verses. Before we do, understand what is at stake.

The Roman Catholic church believes that their church is the kingdom of God. The Protestants have generally accepted their assumption, but believed that the kingdom is primarily Protestantism. Others believe that the kingdom is something established “in men’s hearts.” All of these ideas reinforce the assumption that one can be “born again” in this life—and, therefore, “enter into” the kingdom now. Most of these problems have arisen because of improper translation of verses in which “born” should have been rendered “begotten.”

The following verses should be translated begotten, not born:

“Which were born [begotten; American Revised Version or American Standard Version], not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:13).

The ARV correctly translates I John 2:29 as “everyone that does righteousness is begotten of him,” while the King James Version (or Authorized Version) incorrectly renders it “is born of him.”

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born [begotten; ARV] of God, and knows God” (I John 4:7). The ARV correctly uses the word “begotten.”

“Whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born [begotten; ARV] of God: and every one that loves Him that begat loves Him also that is begotten of Him” (I John 5:1). This verse contains gennao three separate times. The first time it is incorrectly translated born, and the second and third times is properly translated begat and is begotten. The ARV has it correct.

“For whatsoever is born [begotten; ARV] of God overcomes the world” (I John 5:4).

Here are some examples of where gennao is correctly translated in the King James Version.

I Corinthians 4:15 states, “For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have you not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.”

Hebrews 1:5 also contains another correctly rendered passage using gennao: “For unto which of the angels said he at any time, You are My Son, this day have I begotten you? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to Me a Son?”

The Resurrection—Christ’s Second Birth

Romans 1:3-4 states of Christ, “Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.”

Most have heard that Christ was the Son of God, but He was only “declared to be” the Son of God, in the fullest sense, “by the resurrection from the dead.” Certainly He was already the begotten Son of God prior to His birth into the kingdom at the time of His Resurrection. But He was only fully “declared to be Son of God” at the resurrection—after He was born! Grasp this!

Romans 1:1-32 shows that Christ was physically born of Mary, descending from David “according to the flesh,” and spiritually born a Son of God “according to the Spirit…by the resurrection of the dead.” Plainly, Christ was born twice, once of Mary, and the second time as the “firstborn from the dead.”

By returning to Romans 8:1-39, we will better understand why. Recall what we learned about Christ’s second birth, and how other sons follow Him: “For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Rom 8:29).

The birth of a firstborn son does not preclude the birth of additional sons (and daughters) to the same family. I have two sons—only one could be firstborn—and am myself a firstborn son, having a younger brother. My father was a secondborn son, having an elder brother and so on. This should make the point clear.

Christ is merely the first born again Son of God. “Many brethren” (all true Christians) will join Him at His Return. This absolutely astonishing understanding is known to only the few called today (John 6:44, 65).

To Inherit “ALL THINGS”

The book of Hebrews reveals God’s awesome purpose with crystal clarity. The context begins in Chapter 1. The picture that unfolds is truly awesome!

Examine the introduction to Hebrews: “God, who at sundry times and in diverse manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, by whom also He made the worlds…For unto which of the angels said He at any time, You are My Son, this day have I begotten you?” (Heb 1:1-2, 5).

These verses set the stage by revealing that God has made Christ “heir of all things.” But there are other things to be understood before continuing.

First, understand that God created angels to be “ministering spirits” to assist the “heirs of salvation” (Heb 1:14). This is their role within God’s Plan. While they are spirit beings, angels are not born sons of God. They are not offered membership in the family of god.

This is why Satan (as a fallen angel) so hates the idea that puny, fleshly man can receive what he has never been offered, nor can ever achieve. Therefore, deceiving humanity about the real meaning of being “born again” is of paramount importance to him.

Paul quotes from two places in the Psalms: “For unto which of the angels said He at any time, you are My Son, this day have I begotten you? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to Me a Son?” God states that He has never said these things to an angel! (Heb. 1:5). (Hebrews 2:5 describes the earth under the “subjection of angels” now, but makes clear that these angels will not rule over “the world to come.”) Paul then quotes from another Psalm, explaining what has always been God’s Purpose: “Your throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom” (Heb 1:8).

A scepter is a rod or staff used as a symbol of rulership or authority—and in His kingdom, God holds all power.

Finally, Paul re-frames the same question about angels: “But to which of the angels said He at any time, Sit on My right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool?” The answer—none! Why? “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (Heb 1:13-14). This sets the stage for what we must understand! Let’s really grasp the future that God has prepared for His sons (and daughters).

This amazing series of verses continues in chapter 2—and builds in understanding and impact. Paul quotes Psalm 8:4-6. There, David asked the all-important question, “What is man, that You are mindful of him?” (Heb. 2:6). Since God is eternal, and sits over the entire universe, controlling all power, no wonder David asked, and Paul repeated, this question.

The astounding answer is in the next verse: “You made him [man] a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor, and did set him over the works of Your Hands.”

Paul further explains that God plans to give immense power and authority to His Sons: “You have put ALL THINGS in subjection under his feet. For in that He put ALL in subjection under him, He left NOTHING that is not put under him. But now we see not yet ALL THINGS put under him” (Heb 2:8).

This has not yet happened—but soon will, at the Return of Christ.

When God says that “all things” will be put under the feet of man, this is what He means. The vast universe, with all of its quadrillions of stars and one trillion galaxies, will be put under the authority of men who have been born into the Family of God. In fact, the Moffatt translation renders the Greek word for “all things” as “the universe.”

This is staggering knowledge! Take time to truly grasp it. Savor what can be your future, if you choose to seek and obey God. It is the reason you exist—it explains why you were born! (Read our free book The Awesome Potential of Man.)

Take time to read the following verses. They remove all doubt about whether God is going to give ALL POWER to Christ and all of the other of the “many brethren” of whom Christ is firstborn.

“ALL THINGS are delivered unto Me of My Father: and no man knows the Son, but the Father; neither knows any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him” (Matt. 11:27).

“And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, ALL POWER is given unto Me in heaven and in earth” (Matt. 28:18).

“The Father loves the Son, and has given ALL THINGS into His hand” (John 3:35).

“Jesus knowing that the Father had given ALL THINGS into His hands, and that He was come from God, and went to God” (John 13:3).

“ALL THINGS that the Father has are Mine” (John 16:15).

“For he has put ALL THINGS under his feet. But when He said ALL THINGS are put under him, it is manifest that He [the Father] is excepted, which did put ALL THINGS under Him. And when ALL THINGS shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the Son also Himself be subject unto Him [the Father] that put ALL THINGS, that God may be all in all” (I Cor. 15:27-28).

This last verse mentions “ALL THINGS” five separate times. All of these verses together leave absolutely no room for misunderstanding. The final inheritance of God’s future sons will be truly staggering!