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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 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

 

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

Testimony 40

I was brought up in a different faith and have been petrified my whole life of God. I believed that I would burn in hell for eternity. When I was 12 I started pursuing the things of this world, but for the next 45 years the Spirit was always calling me, as I knew there was a God through nature. I could see the vast sea of stars in the universe and knew there was something bigger out there. Five years ago, through a Revelation seminar, I was blessed to learn about God’s character and government.

Then I found Come and Reason Ministries and have come under some extreme pressure when I speak about the ministry. One time a member sent me an internet article titled “Whats wrong with Tim Jennings?” I asked her what she thought of it and she said “I don’t know, I didn’t read it.”

I have always wanted to find out for myself the truth about God, so I stayed with the Design Law construct and have been liberated to understand the big picture. Once we consider Design Law, all other Bible stories and prophecies seem to fit perfectly. It is truly beautiful to see people grasping how God operates this Universe of Love and the liberation it has provided in their lives. It blows my mind to see how consistent Design law is with what our founders believed. I hear statements like “This makes so much sense.”

Tom W., Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA

 

Testimony 19

I truly believe that to know who God really is the first step to understand ourselves in a balanced and kind way, so the healing can take place. Your approach really makes sense – Thank you for your ministry!

A.M., Pittsburg, PA, USA

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 15

I have been sharing Come And Reason Ministries Bible study lessons with several folk. You have such a beautiful view of the plan of salvation. If we had this message preached when I was young, my generation would still all be in church.

H. R., New Zealand

Testimony 69

After reading your book, ‘Could It Be This Simple,’ someone was explaining Christianity in a way that made sense to me for the first time in my life. One morning, I simply prayed “I’m sorry and I love you.” As soon as I silently said that, I could literally feel God’s presence and light flood down on me from above and fill me up with love and joy. I sat there crying my eyes out, because I was so overpowered with this feeling of love and joy. It was just so incredible. I hope that more people can read this book and get a blessing from it. It’s really amazing.

Rachael H.

Testimony 52

Your unique way in spreading the truth is what we all need today. Most of us don’t recognize the contamination coming from all the lies and selfishness in the world. Because of our fear of death, we forgot how to live. Lies left and right. I was losing hope and faith, because of so many ideas that are always contradicting each other – so many questions answered by other, more complicated, questions – until I found your channel on YouTube.

You did not just give me answers, you also taught me how to answer new questions that arise in my mind. Now I see things differently. I see God’s mercy, grace, and Love everywhere, in spite of all the chaos that we all have done as humans. I don’t fear death anymore. Accepting the Truth and Love about God is truly a genuine Freedom from all the confusions, sufferings, selfishness, pain, and death.

I just wanted to say, thank you, sooooo much for revealing the real Remedy for our infected life. I have a new hope and now see the world in a different perspective!

Wheinny P., University Place, WA, USA

 

Testimony 7

Ok, so last night I listened to “The Law of Liberty” and “How to Achieve Victory: Freedom, Truth and Spirtual Warfare.” These are both MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITES so far! The logic is just soooooo beautiful. I had to re-listen to them a couple of times. I just want to EXPLODE! (<< we assume with joy and happiness)

N. B., Canada

 

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 72

I am blown away by the truth that you present. God’s Design Law makes so much sense! You have validated my impression that, if God is love, He would not kill those who don’t want to know him. If God gives us choice, then how can He destroy us if our choice is not to follow him. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to the pure love of God seen through Jesus. The love I now have for Jesus is deeper and free from condemnation. My heart has been opened to love others as Jesus loves me. May God continue to bless your God-given insight into His word and your ministry. The truth has set me free!

H. Miller, Centereach, NY

Testimony 48

I just want to tell you how blessed I have been reading “The Remedy!” It has become a daily part of my devotional relationship with God. In it I have found a God of love and a God that loves me! The bible has come alive for me! It is the first time that I can say that I have felt hope fill my heart as I have read God’s word. This is good news I can share! Thank you, Dr Jennings! Thank you for your heart for others. I can’t put into words how this has set me free! It has strengthened my trust and love for God.

Jason H.

 

Testimony 36

Thank you and may God continue to bless you as you share with others the intricacies of how we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made”. I must share that you have opened a whole new world to me, and I have found tremendous healing through what you have shared in two of your books, “Could It Be This Simple?” and “The God Shaped Brain.” I praise God for what you shared, what I have learned, and how I have grown and healed! My prayer is that My Precious Jesus will be seen by others in the way I live, act, talk, etc. and they may be encouraged to know He is truly a GREAT God of LOVE, desiring that no one should perish! God Bless you in your continued endeavors to present Him as He really is!

Joleen H. GA, USA

 

Testimony 39

[This ministry is the] biggest blessing I have ever received! Your DVDs and lessons could not have come at a better time in my life. I have experienced in the past year many difficulties that, if it wasn’t for this wonderful view of God that I have discovered through this ministry, I would not have been able to respond in love and forgiveness. My heart is being transformed everyday by the Calvary-looking God you teach. Hallelujah!! I have tears in my eyes as I write, because my life has taken a complete turn from where I was heading.

I am from Central America. Most of my family is scattered in different parts of the world and all have the same view of God that I had growing up; a distant, exacting, and ready-to-punish-us-with-tragedy type of God. So, I have been translating lessons for my family and, to my surprise, they have also been sharing them with others! I can already see the difference. My brother has often said, “Thank you for sharing, I have never heard it this way!” My other family members are taking an amazing turn from a message of “repent or burn” towards a loving God, pleading to us that we won’t reject him because he loves us eternally.

Bless you for all you do.

Sofia S., Ashfield, MA, USA

 

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA