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Dying to Live—Lesson from the Seed

Dying to Live—Lesson from the Seed

Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me” (John 12:23–26 NIV84).

What are the lessons of the kernel falling to the ground and dying?

It is an object lesson about Jesus, as our Savior, dying and being buried in the grave only to come forth in a new and perfected humanity, as the Second Adam, who provides the remedy to sin and, thereby, brings forth much fruit—the saved throughout history who have partaken of Jesus’ victory and been saved from sin.

But the seed also applies to us individually. We are required to “die” to sin, to selfishness, to the old carnal nature, and rise again with a new heart and right spirit, living a new life with new motives that come from Jesus. Thus, the object lesson likewise applies to us individually—we are to die to the survival drives, the fear-driven, me-first, self-advancement motives of this world and live to love God and others more than self, sacrificing self for the good of others.

And another lesson from the seed falling to the ground and dying is that of the resurrection from the first death to immortal life in an earth made new.

Paul wrote:

So also is the resurrection of the dead. It [our body] is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power (1 Corinthians 15:42, 43 KJV).

Jesus said:

I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? (John 11:25, 26 NIV84).

Is dying to live confusing? Does it seem contradictory to say that in order to live, we must die?

I use this concept in marriage counseling when dealing with a toxic marital situation that is damaging to both parties, yet both parties want to save the marriage but don’t want to go on as they have.

What do they want? They want the old way of relating to one another to die. They want to have a new relationship with new motives, practices, and principles that bring forth fruits of joy, love, kindness, health, and wellness. They don’t want to return to the old ways, the old relationship; they want to “kill” it so that they can have a new relationship in which new and healthy ways of living are employed.

And what would be required for them to have such a new and healthy marriage? Healthy relationships require healthy people, so the only way for them to kill the dysfunctional marriage and bring forth a new and vibrant one is for each of them to die to fear, sin, and selfishness and be reborn with godly principles, for them to have God’s living law active and functioning in their hearts and minds.

This is what the Bible is teaching—dying to the ways that are harmful, the fear-based, self-centered motives that break the very protocols that life and health are built upon, so that we can live new lives with God’s living law written upon our hearts.

 

Death Unto Life

So, as we consider this idea of dying in order to live, we now ask: Was the death of Christ an event that brought an end to life, or was it an event that brought an end to death and the death-causing principle, opening the way for eternal life for all who trust Jesus?

This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 Timothy 1:9, 10 NIV84, emphasis mine).

Jesus’ death wasn’t the death that ends life; it was the death that ends the cause of death, that destroys sin, that destroys rebellion, that destroys Satan and Satan’s power of death (Hebrews 2:14), and that fully restores God’s living law of love into the species human, which means Jesus’ death perfectly restores the species to God, the source of life, and, thus, brings life and immortality to light.

When we think about the seed falling to the ground and “dying,” we know that seed still has the life-causing principle in it, it doesn’t cease to exist but dies to what it was so that it can live to what it can be in God’s purpose. Jesus died as our Savior in order to destroy the infection of sin: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV84). Jesus died to destroy sin, Satan, death, Satan’s power (Hebrews 2:14), and Satan’s work (1 John 3:8) and to restore God’s law and character back into the living temple, the showcase where God created it to be—the human being—and this is why He rose again. His resurrection in a perfected humanity was the predictable, inevitable, and unavoidable result of His completing His mission of restoring the law of life back into humanity.

And when we are united through faith with Jesus, then His life, His love, His victory is reproduced in us through the indwelling Spirit and the infection of fear and selfishness is displaced as the motivating power of our actions. We are still tempted in this world, but our motivation is our love, trust, and devotion to God; we choose to align ourselves with God and choose His methods, relying on His power to overcome and succeed. This is how we die to the old fear-based, selfish ways and live the new life in Christ.

Then this dying, metaphorically taught by the seed falling to the ground, isn’t the cessation of life—it is something else; it is dying to what causes death. And what causes death? Does sin itself cause death, or does God cause death as a punishment for sin?

 

What Kills the Unrepentant Sinner?

I recently had a conversation with an intelligent and sincere Christian gentleman who takes the position that God, for justice’s sake, is the cause of death of the wicked. He suggested that God takes the action that causes the death of the wicked in the end. He argues that God, by revealing His glory, kills the wicked and that this is justice and the punishment for sin.

It is a very subtle but telling misinterpretation of reality that comes from the imposed-law view, the idea that God’s law functions like human law and that God as Sovereign must use power to inflict the pain, suffering, and death upon the wicked for justice’s sake.

But the facts are being interpreted backward: As soon as Adam sinned, God, in mercy, acted; He began using power, intervening, interceding in ways that are artificial, that are not natural to His universe, in order to stop sin and save His children. What action did God take that was artificial but an act of grace to save sinners? God veiled Himself. He withdrew His infinite life-giving glory from planet Earth in order to prevent the destruction of humanity that would have naturally occurred had He not.

After they sinned, Adam and Eve suddenly found themselves naked and cold; they sought to cover themselves. Why? Because God’s life-giving glory was no longer their covering. The natural state in God’s universe is for intelligent beings to be filled with God’s life-giving presence and be bathed in a covering of His fiery glory, like Elijah and Moses were on the Mount of Transfiguration—like the millions described in Daniel 7:10 who stand in that fire when the Ancient of Days takes His throne and rivers of fire come out from Him.

After Adam sinned, God in mercy withdrew His full presence; His sustaining power didn’t flow over the planet any longer in its fullest sense, and nature began to decay, mutations entered, things began to wither and die, including human beings. Aging and the first death—the sleep death—occurred. Aging and the sleep death are not inflicted punishments by God for sin; they are a result of God’s grace working, of God veiling His presence to allow the plan of salvation to be carried out, to give time for Messiah to come and destroy sin and Satan (Genesis 3:15).

Remember, God said to Moses, “No one may see me and live” (Exodus 33:20 NIV84). Why? Would it be because God would be forced to kill anyone caught peaking—or would it be because unrenewed minds cannot tolerate the full revelation of God’s character of truth and love? This is why God veils Himself, to give time for our sinful minds to be healed, for us to be renewed to be like Jesus so that we can live in His unveiled presence. As the Bible says, “We know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2 NIV84).

But for those who have not been renewed to have God’s living law of love written upon their hearts (Hebrews 8:10), what does the Bible say destroys the lawless in the end? Is God the source of death, or is sin?

  • “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23 NIV84).
  • “Sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (James 1:15 NIV84).
  • “The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction” (Galatians 6:8 NIV84).

The Bible teaches that sin is the cause of eternal death. God is not the source of death; death does not come out from God! God is the source of life, and death is the unavoidable result of breaking away from God and refusing the reconciliation and healing that God freely offers. In other words, death results from unremedied sin, which severs the connection with God, the source of life, and occurs when God stops using His power to protect the wicked and returns the universe to its normal state, a universe filled with His glory.

So praise God for “the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:10 NIV84).

 

 

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You have helped make sense of thirty two years of confusion. The material you freely provide reorganized so much of my life into such a beautiful pattern that has always been hinted at from within, but misguided with my training and what I was experiencing externally. My filipno parents, who were converted from Catholicism to SDA, were sincere and did their best to raise me the right way and I have deep respect for them. However, being immigrants and not understanding the language made for a difficult transition as I was growing up, which also applied to my spiritual growth as I learned the patterns of religion. I have been listening to as many bible study classes and reading blog posts as my time in a work truck will allow, searching for the practical applications of where spirituality and reality meet, and I thank you for helping me find that. You have helped me reach a point in which I can truly say that I love God, that I believe He loves me, and, like David, I delight in His law. God bless.

Emmanuel V., Calgary, AB Canada

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I can’t even begin to thank you and your ministry enough for introducing me to the Truth about a loving and merciful God! I have my daughter and her in-laws to thank for sharing with me “The God-Shaped Brain” as well as your website. I listen to the Bible study class lessons on my daily walk. May God continue to bless your thirst-quenching ministry!

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I Love This Ministry!!!!!!! I see first hand how this message is desperately needed, how erroneous beliefs about God and His Character negatively affect humanity at every level. I thank God for your ministry, as I was searching on my own and was discovering some of your same beliefs and was blown away when I found your ministry. I know you hear it all the time, but it is truly life changing. May God continue to reveal His Will to you and Bless you!

Eric S., Sanford, FL, USA

 

Testimony 50

After coming into contact with Come And Reason Ministries, I can finally say that many of my unanswered questions have fallen into place. I discovered that my view of God’s Law was “imposed laws and rules” with “imposed punishments” and that this was the major culprit of my many unanswered questions. Thanks be to God for using you and those around you to help us who have struggled with this “infection” of thought. I have now rejected the “imposed law” concept to fully embrace “Design Law”… to look thru “Design Law,” instead of “imposed law,” is a relief.

Viliami L., Australia

 

Testimony 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

Jeff D., Reading, MA, USA

 

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I just wanted to personally thank you for your teachings and insight into scripture. I came across your website via my cousin who suggested I look into “Healing the Mind” information. My youngest daughter has been struggling over the last couple of years and it all came to a head this spring. When I started listening to the “Healing the Mind” lectures my own life began to be transformed. I began sharing with all my daughters the concepts you laid out so clearly. I ordered your book and soaked it up. I just want to say “Thank You!” My walk with the Lord has been refreshed and renewed. Your obedience to the Lord is a blessing to so many.

R. K., Anderson, SC, USA

 

Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

Testimony 46

Over the past couple of years God has been expanding my view of Himself and His character. Along my approximately 40-year journey, I have often had questions, but was hesitant to voice these and step outside the traditionally accepted thinking, for fear of admitting that I may in fact be eternally lost. In the recesses of my thinking has been the thought – if one blindly accepts (which is widely regarded as “real faith”) and does not question, is this really ‘truth?’ I often find it challenging to grapple with very theological ‘speak,’ but Dr. Jennings has a real gift of explaining spiritual concepts with clear practical examples. The weekly discussions are growing my Christian experience and slowly changing my view of how to live as a child of God in today’s complex world. Finally the whole Old Testament sanctuary teaching moved in my mind from fantasy to reality!

Beverly S., South Africa

 

Testimony 49

I came into the church at 21, but that is as far as it went. I was so confused about what love is. I couldn’t find it in the bible, because I am not a person that can read between the lines. I have no logic. I have read many, many books; trying to figure out the crux of the matter. They were helpful, but something was still missing. I have become very frustrated to the point of crying out to God, “Where can I go?”  I needed some basics.

I found two books, written by Timothy Jennings, MD, to be very helpful. God showed me that I had lived my whole life in fear. I didn’t even see it. Now, I do. God is so good.  I discovered the “The Remedy”  Dr. Jennings new book, “The God-Shaped Heart!” Oh, I was so excited, I purchased them right away.

I can get rid of most of my books, because “The Remedy” brings the Love of God out so clearly, even I can’t miss it. Now, I want to sit and read my Bible. Wow, what a revelation! It is just simply Awesome! I am so grateful to Jehovah Almighty for hearing my prayer for more understanding! I am so encouraged!

Jackie S.

 

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Testimony 56

I cannot thank you enough for opening my understanding to the beautiful truth of God’s Law of Love and how it applies to everything. I have been a Christian for over forty years, but I feel like I am only now seeing with my eyes open. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Tammy Cinzio, Australia

 

Testimony 26

Your teachings about our heavenly Father have changed my life. Thank you sooooooo very very much! I know He’s doing some serious healing in my heart and life and I look forward to each new day to learn something new about Him and to just hear you speak about Him. Thank you, forever.

Nancy S.

 

Testimony 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

Jill L., Midwest, USA

 

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I just want to say thank you so much for your conversations via YouTube. I regularly tune in to your lectures, “Let’s Talk” sessions, and many others. Through these I’ve found greater depth and meaning to God’s word. Thanks for all that you do and please continue. I’m currently working in the middle of Silicon Valley at Stanford University. I feel like God really has me in the right place right now and I’m sensing that your teachings might be part of it.

B. F., Silicon Valley, CA, USA