A. Main Scripture for this study: John 14:6
1. Jesus answered: I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me. (NIV)
*** Too bad! This time NIV has the best translation!
2. The word ‘through’ (1223) in Jn.14:6 and the ‘through’ in Heb.10:20 is the same word!
By a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body. Heb.10:20
*** His body is the body of Christ. The body of Christ is the church of Christ!
3. Therefore: The way to the Father is through the church of Christ!
*** Who on earth except church of Christ can know this truth!?
4. Once these two puzzle pieces are found and fitted together everything else is clear!
B. Now we know why Jesus did these!
1. Jesus said: On this rock I will build my church. Matt.16:18
2. The gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Matt.16:18
3. The Lord added the saved into the church of Christ. Ac.2:47
4. Jesus bought the church with his own blood. Ac.20:28
5. All saved people fit together as the one body of Christ. Ro.12:4-5
6. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God;
that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 1Cor.2:12
*** Note: Who are the ‘we’ and ‘us’ in this verse!
They were all members of the church of Christ!
7. God’s intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the
rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,
according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. Eph.3:10-11
*** Note: “Through the church”. What was the name of the church?
C. God will do these for people in church of Christ!
1. Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more. Heb.10:17
2. Their sins have been forgiven at time of water baptism!
They no longer need to offer animal’s blood for forgiveness of sins! Heb.10:18
3. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. Jn.10:28
4. When they fall short of the glory of God they can pray to God for forgiveness! 1Jn.1:9
D. What people in church of Christ do?
1. Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again
the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God. Heb.6:1
2. Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse
us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Heb.10:22
3. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Heb.10:23
4. Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Heb.10:24
5. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one
another— and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Heb.10:25
6. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses.
Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Heb.12:1
7. Let us run with perseverance the race set in front of us. Heb.12:1
8. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him
endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Heb.12:2
9. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.
Let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Heb.12:28
10. Through Jesus, therefore,
Let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-- the fruit of lips that confess his name. Heb.13:15
E. Conclusion:
1. Seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses.
2. Let us lay aside every weight, and sin which does so easily beset us.
3. Let us run the race set before us with patience!
4. Let us flee lusts of the flesh!
5. Let us pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
6. Let us be thankful that we are chosen to be on the way to the Father! Written January 9, 2021.