The Reception and Rejection of the Light
John 1:10-13

Lesson 4

background notes

doctrinal / teaching points
1. Mankind has rejected both general revelation and special revelation.

2. Life in the family of God does not come naturally.

 

practical application
Have you really become a Christian?

 

questions
1. Discuss the three ways the word, “world,” is used in the New Testament.

2. What is God’s general revelation to mankind? How has mankind responded to this revelation?

3. What is God’s special revelation to mankind? How has mankind responded to this revelation?

4. Does life in the family of God come naturally? Explain.  How does it come?

5. If you stood outside the gates of heaven, how would you answer the Lord’s question to you, “Why should I let you into My heaven”?

 

answers
1.

1. In reference to the created world, the material universe (Acts 17:24 and John 1:10)
2. in reference to the world of people (John 3:16 and the end of John 1:10, where sometimes both the material world and people are in view)
3. in reference to the evil and Satanic system that is opposed to God (1 John 2:15; John 15:18-19; John 16:11; and John 17:16).

2. General revelation is the way God has revealed Himself through nature, through providence and in the moral conscience of people. Mankind has rejected God's general revelation.

3. God’s special revelation is Christ and the Bible. Mankind has rejected God's special revelation.

4. No. To the Jews, it did not come by being born a Jew, a descendant of Abraham. For non-Jews, it is not by being born into a Christian home or having Christian parents. Nor is it by the will of the flesh (human effort, sacrifices or good works). It is not by the will of man (the prophets and priests could only point the way). Life comes when Christ is received and the truth about Him is believed. Then God gives a person the right to enter His family. It is a gift from God. See John 1:12.

5. If you try to enter by your own merit, even having done works in His name, but you are without Him as your Savior, you could not enter heaven. It is by receiving Christ as your personal Savior that you are welcomed into heaven.

 

discuss / consider
1. Explain to someone the differences in the word, “world,” as used in the New Testament.

2. Be able to explain the difference between God’s general and special revelations to mankind. Back your explanation with Scripture.

 

challenge
Could you explain to an unbeliever what it means to become a child of God? Role play with a Christian friend, taking turns being a Christian and an unbeliever, using your Bible.

memorize

• “He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:10-13