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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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Testimony 67

I was introduced to Come And Reason by a friend of my mother-in-law, who gave me several CD’s of Dr. Jennings. The clarity of the message and recognition that God’s is a God of love was so clear, advancing beyond Dr. Maxwell’s message. However, grappled with Maxwell saying God used emergency measures for the fallen world. Now after several years of being a regular listener of the Come And Reasoning bible study class and attending Jennings’ meetings in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, things are becoming clearer for me. Design law versus imposed law has added so much to my personal understanding of theology. This message has really impacted my work in counseling so many people miserable because they are searching for and trusting human governments to create order and peace or believing in a God who says love Me or I will kill you. I am grateful that I have an alternative view to offer my clients that makes sense. I teach a bible study class on a semi-regular basis and I value the materials that Come And Reason so freely offers to aid me in presenting this vital message. Thank you for continuing to provide advancement in our very limited understanding of a Infinite God that is rational and believable.

Dr. Roger D, Arlington, TX, USA

 

Testimony 27

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 57

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

Testimony 18

The Healing the Mind DVD set tarted me on a journey that has changed my relationship with our loving God more significantly than any other study, and brought me to your book and Bible study podcasts, which I now listen to daily, thanks to the availability of archived content on your site and on iTunes.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 54

I had a lot of pressure, as a pastor’s kid, to conform and be “good.” I was good at being “good.” I thought my life was going along well until it all started falling apart and I could not figure out why! In my search for “why is this happening to me, God?” I came across your book, “Could it be this Simple,” and God started revealing to me the many distortions I held about His character, His principles, and how He has designed His universe to operate. I remember thinking, “Wow, I have had this all backwards.” I was happy and angry all at the same time. Happy to have the light of truth break through the darkness, revealing a wonderful, beautiful way of understanding God and His plan for His children, and angry, because I felt deceived and cheated by the church, my family, and myself!

My heart thrills when I listen to your bible study lessons. Literally I have gone from death to life. It is a journey I look forward to every day, as God reveals areas this distortion affects. Praise GOD! I will ever be grateful to God for this ministry and your cooperation with the Spirit!

Karen S., Portal, AZ, USA

 

Testimony 28

I have been following your Bible study class for about a year now. I must say I am impressed with how your ministry has grown. I took it upon myself to listen to all your lesson podcasts from the past and they have both enriched me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have learnt a lot from this class. I have also noticed how the class has grown in spiritual strength. One of the things that benefited me is that now I am not afraid of God. I use to be, but now it has melted away. The second thing is that you helped me to have a real life relationship with God. Now He is my friend that was always there and I love having him with me all the time. Thirdly, because of this class, it inspired me to take over and lead a class. I have called it “Let Us Reason Together,” adapting your inquisitive style and creating a class of free thinkers.

T. Banda, Malawi, Africa

 

Testimony 11

I would love to have a copy of “Healing the Mind” DVDs to have in my therapy office. I enjoy having clients check out materials to enhance their therapy experience. I have sat under Dr. Jennings’ teaching at an American Association of Christian Counselors convention and respect his work greatly.

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Testimony 55

I was born [into the church], then I left it for many years. 10 years ago, I came back, but I could not take the hypocrisy and the lack of answers to the missing pieces. I struggled, but I did not abandon my commitment to know the truth. God is leading me to the simple understanding of his relevance and I am relearning what the church taught me as a youth… that he loves me, that he has led me to a knowledge of him such as I have never known. He is using Dr. Jennings to connect the dots that are now so apparent and hiding in plain sight!

Dean P., Arlington, TX, USA

 

Testimony 41

I have been blessed by your ministry. I have experienced personally, and deeply resonate with, the God of love and the beautiful picture of God’s character that you present. I have seen your seminar series on YouTube, read ‘The Journal of the Watcher’ book, used your mobile app, and also listen/study the bible study lesson with you each week. I concur with many of the thoughts and perspectives that you share. I understand your conclusions on natural laws vs imposed law and the legal/penal substitution (incorrect diagnosis). This makes perfect sense to me.

Bless you for all you do.

Melissa L.

 

Testimony 70

I have been watching you for many years and have learned to love God with all my heart. I was raised by a loving Christian mother that had been lied to about who God really was, so our religious upbringing was hell fire and damnation. As soon as I was old enough and moved out, I not only left the church, I ran as fast as I could to get away from it. Sad to say, it wasn’t until the past couple of years that I learned and understand who my Father really is and how much He loves me. I understand God’s Design Laws (which make sense) and when I’m teaching my church Bible study class, I’m able to really put to use the things I’ve been learning and Holy Spirit is leading. Thank you for introducing me to my Father of true, pure love. Everyday with Him is new and exciting. One thing that breaks my heart is that I didn’t know Him sooner. God Bless you and your ministry!

Judy Phelps, Reno, NV, USA

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I’m a youth leader in South Africa. We as a youth group are currently using a lot of the material on the Come and Reason site. Since we’ve started using the material, our youth group has grown.

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I got the book “Could It Be This Simple?” a few months ago and the reading was wonderful and I was fascinated. I lent the book to a friend at work. She is having a difficult time and the book is helping her to find Jesus and I found this very exciting. She has asked me questions and I can see her life changing.

H. S., Australia

 

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 32

The message [of Come And Reason Ministries is] for all Christians (and those who may become Christians) and not just Adventists or any other group. It is difficult to imagine why any [anyone] with intellectual and spiritual honesty could find fault with the way you explained the healing substitution concepts and the truth about God’s character, though I know some will reject and criticize. On behalf of those in our group near Tacoma, WA, thank you and your staff for all of the hard work and for sharing the Gospel in this manner. God’s message of healing love will be carried to the whole world and then Jesus will come – He promised it.

Terry U., Tacoma, WA, USA

 

Testimony 24

I wanted to thank you very much for presenting your understanding of God. I’ve always been troubled by this question: Why did Jesus have to die? Since my conversion I understood that The Father & Jesus are one, I did not have issues with that. But was there not any other way to save us than for Jesus to die? I guess I actually had a question about God – if He is so wise, how come He did not find another way? I did not see the real ‘beauty’  in the cross. Only when you explained the picture in the medical context, Jesus providing medicine for my selfishness, have I started to finally ‘see the light’. Thank you so much. Your seminar, “Healing the Mind,” are absolutely marvelous & have shared them with my family and many other people, including colleagues at work. Thanks, thanks, thanks. May God bless you abundantly in your ministry.

M. W., Australia