John 7:39-42

39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

40 Therefore many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, “Truly this is the Prophet.” 

41 Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Will the Christ come out of Galilee? 

42 Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?”

“Confusion over Jesus…Some Things Never Change”

Remember in John 7:38 when Jesus said that whoever believes in Him would have rivers of living water flowing out of him? Well, John, the writer, goes on to explain what Jesus means by “living water”. He said that Jesus was speaking about the Spirit. Anyone who believed in Him would receive the “living water” or Spirit, but not yet, because Jesus hadn’t been glorified yet. The Spirit, or living water, that Jesus referred to was not about miraculous spiritual gifts, since not all believers received them (Acts 8:16-17; 1 Corinthians 12-14). But, after the death and resurrection of Jesus, the apostles preached that anyone who repented and was baptized would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). It makes sense that the writer would explain this to us since Jesus would not be glorified until his death and resurrection. The “living water” that Jesus spoke of in verse 38 is the Holy Spirit. Jesus and the Spirit are the same. The Spirit, or the “Helper” as Jesus called it in John 14:16-17, would come after Jesus ascended back to heaven. 

Listen to Titus 3:4-6 where Paul speaks of the Holy Spirit, “But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior….” When is the Holy Spirit poured out on us today? When do we, as Christians today, receive the living water?” When we are baptized into Christ! Belief leads to obedience. Obedience is confession, repentance, and baptism into Christ. The Holy Spirit for us today is accessed through the written word of God. God’s Word is our “Helper”, our “Comforter”. We feed ourselves the Holy Spirit when we feed ourselves with God’s Word. We need to be in His Word so much that the Word is actually “in us” even when we are not actually “in it,” if that makes sense. We are living it and breathing it. It is within us, and it shows in how we live. 

In verses 40-42, there was a division among the people about who Jesus was. “He’s the Prophet.” “No, He’s the Christ.” “But, could the Christ actually come from Galilee?” “Don’t the Scriptures say that the Christ will come from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, like David?” They were completely divided about Jesus. What they didn’t realize was that Jesus was from the seed of David and was born in Bethlehem. They were basing their assumption on where Jesus was from at that time. I wonder… if they had asked Jesus the question, “Where were you born?”, and He had told them He was born in Bethlehem, would they then have believed He was the Christ? Probably not. They would have probably talked themselves out of believing in Him in some other way. They did not want to believe that Jesus of Nazareth, a lowly carpenter’s son, was the Messiah. He did not meet their expectations, and they could not get past that. 

Jesus was resurrected and ascended back to heaven more than 2000 years ago to sit at the right hand of God. But people are still confused about Him to this day. Some believe and obey Him. Some believe in Him, but don’t obey Him. They say belief is enough. Some believe He existed, but was just a man, not the Son of God. There may even be some who don’t believe He existed at all. So, see… the confusion is still here. That hasn’t changed. The doubt and confusion are Satan’s way of keeping people trapped in the darkness. He did it back during Jesus’ time on earth, and He is still hard at it today… still keeping people in doubt about who the Messiah really is. 

God means for everyone to learn what the Bible teaches about being saved. It only takes an open heart for Jesus and a willingness to put away what we’ve been taught in the past, and truly read what God’s Word says for ourselves… and then accept what it says and obey it. If I can help you in any way, I would love to! Are you walking in the light? Are you in Christ? Are you saved? If you aren’t, or if you’re not sure if you are, I’d love to help you. Are you a member of the Lord’s church, but are struggling spiritually in your walk with Christ? If you are… believe me, I’ve been there many times, and I’d love to help you. If you have any questions, please reach out. 

I love God’s Word. It challenges me to be better… to do more in His service. It is interesting and keeps me on the edge of my seat, wondering what will happen next. It gives me confidence and builds me up, and it brings me to my knees when my soul needs convicting! Thank you, Father, for the wonderful gift of Your Word!

God’s Plan of Salvation

Below is the plan God has outlined in His Word for humankind to receive His grace, which leads to salvation and an eternity with God in heaven. This plan is straight from the Bible. 

We have to hear His word. (Romans 10:17) 

Upon hearing the message of Jesus, we believe it. (Mark 16:16) 

Then, we confess Jesus’ name before men. (Matthew 10:32) 

Next, we repent of our sins. (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19) 

Finally, we are baptized into Christ for the remission of our sins.  (Acts 2:38, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:16, Romans 6:3-4, Acts 22:16, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:26-27) After baptism, God adds us to His church. (Acts 2:47)