Church of the Sovereign God 2

If you would like to participate in the Certificate of Completion program, please CONTACT US .  Just let us know you would like to be included in the program.

On this page you will find

Lesson ONE  OT Bible Series/Genesis 

Lesson TWO OT Bible Series/Exodus

Lesson THREE OT Bible Study/Leviticus

Lesson FOUR OT Bible Study/Numbers

Lesson FIVE OT Bible Study/Deuteronomy

Lesson SIX OT Bible Study/Joshua

Lesson SEVEN OT Bible Study/Judges

Lesson EIGHT OT Bible Study/Ruth

Lesson NINE OT Bible Study/1 & 2 Samuel

Lesson TEN OT Bible Study/! & 2 Kings

Lesson ELEVEN OT Bible Study/1 & 2 Chronicles

Article 1 Studying the Old Testament

Article 2 Purposes of Old Testament 

Article 3Think on the Positive - Eliminate    the Negative

Article 4 Preparing to Rule as Kings

Article 5 Replace Evil With Good

Article 6 To Answer a Fool or Not

Article 7 God's Purpose For Man

LESSON ONE 

GENESIS

TITLE

The Hebrew title is Bereshith, "In the beginning." The Greek, or Septuagint (LXX) title is Genesis, "Origins."

AUTHOR

Moses. Ezra 6:18 states Moses wrote God's instructions in a book. Jesus Christ refers to Moses as the author of the first five books of the Old Testament, known as the Pentateuch or "the law" (John 1:17; 5:47; 7:19). Another New Testament authority shows Moses is the author of these books (Romans 10:5,19). Jewish tradition also recognizes Moses as the author.

DATE

@ 1486-1446 BC. Moses probably wrote the book of Genesis during the early portion of the wilderness journey of the Israelites. The Masoretic text defines the time span of Genesis as 2369 years ending with the death of Joseph in Egypt (50:26).

THEME

• The creation of man (chapters 1-11).

• Beginning of the patriarchal history of the Hebrew people (chapters 12-15).

• The sovereignty of God over all He has created.

• The story of salvation.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (1:1).

TITLE

The Hebrew title is We'elleh Shemoth, "Now these are the names." The LXX title is Exodus, "Departure," or "Exit."

AUTHOR

Moses. According to Jewish tradition Moses is the author. Moses names himself as a central figure in all the action of the book (17:14; 24:4; 25:9; 36:1).

DATE

@ 1486-1485 BC. The book was probably written soon after the completion of the tabernacle (chapters 35-40), @ 1485 BC (40:17).

THEME

• God redeemed the nation of Israel. Under the human leadership of Moses, He delivered the nation from Egypt (chapters 1-18).

• God made Israel His covenant people (chapters 19-24).

• God established His tabernacle, giving emphasis to His presence with His people (chapters 25-40)

TITLE

The Hebrew title is Wayyiqra, "Now the LORD called." The LXX title is "Levitikon." Leviticus is a title from the Latin Vulgate. Leviticus means, "That which pertains to the Levites." Rabbinical Jews refer to the book as either "The law of the Priests," or "The law of the offerings."

AUTHOR

Moses. Ezra 6:18 states Moses wrote God's instructions in a book. The book of Leviticus is the third book of Moses. In Matthew 8:2-4 Jesus made reference to Moses and the book of Leviticus (Leviticus 14:1-4). Nehemiah, Luke, and Paul also ascribed authorship to Moses (Nehemiah 8:14; Luke 2:22; Romans 10:5).

DATE

@ 1486-1485 BC. Leviticus was written in the wilderness of Sinai by Moses when he received instructions from God regarding the priesthood (Exodus 40:17). All the instructions regarding the Levites would have been completed no later than two years after the exodus, (Spring 1486 BC) since the duties of the priests were linked to the tabernacle.

THEME

• The beginning of "Church government" (congregation in the wilderness).

• A detailed and intricate "prophecy of things to come" (Hebrews 10:1-14; Colossians 2:16-17). (The rituals picture the meaning of Jesus Christ's total, complete sacrifice.)

• The laws of Leviticus teach the people holiness (Leviticus 19:2,18).

NOTE:

Israel was called out of Egypt by God as the New Testament Church is called out of the world (John 6:44,65). God chose the tribe of Levi as His priesthood. Today, God calls individuals as ministers under His New Testament Church government (Hebrews 2).

______________________

LESSON FOUR 

NUMBERS

TITLE

The Hebrew title is Benidbar, "In the wilderness."  The LXX title is "Arithmoi," or Numbers, because of the weight given to the census figures provided in the book.

AUTHOR

Moses.  The New Testament quotes the book and alludes to events in the book (John 3:14, the bronze serpent; Jude 11; 2 Peter 2:15-16, Revelation 2:14, Balaam; Jude 11, Korah's rebellion).

DATE

@ 1446 BC.  The book spans nearly 40 years, from the Israelites leaving Sinai (second month of the second year after the exodus) until their arrival at the plains of Moab, near the border of the promised land, Canaan (tenth month of the fortieth year of their journeying).  This chronicle, probably a daily record in diary form, was completed by Moses in the fortieth year of the wandering.

THEME

• Testing or training by God.
• Faith.  The Apostle Paul sums up the lesson of the book (Hebrews 3:8-13; 4:2).
• History.  It is the history of how Israel walked with God.  Israel kept the Passover (picturing Christ's shed blood), left Egypt (sin), crossed the Red Sea (baptism), but then lacked the faith necessary to enter into the promised land (God's Kingdom) until they had wandered (being tested/trained) 40 years.

___________________

LESSON FIVE

DEUTERONOMY

TITLE

The Hebrew title is Elleh Haddebarim, "These are the words."  The LXX title is "Deuteronomion," meaning "Second law-giving."  It is a restatement of the law contained in the first four books, along with further instructions, to the generation about to leave the wilderness and enter a permanent homeland in the "promised land."

AUTHOR

Moses.  (31:9,24-26.)  Jesus Christ quoted from the book (especially Matthew 4; Luke 40) for His scriptural authority. (8:3; 6:13,16.)

DATE

@ 1446 BC.  Moses gave the messages of the book in oral form, only two months and ten days prior to Israel 's crossing over the Jordan River  (1:3; 31:9,24-26).  Moses wrote Deuteronomy during the last 60 days of the 40 years, covering the 40 years of Israel after leaving Egypt.   The book ends with the death of Moses.

THEME

Restatement of God's laws, with an exhortation to live by them, along with how to live by them and an explanation of why they were given.

___________________

LESSON SIX  

JOSHUA

TITLE

The Hebrew title is Yehoshua, "Eternal is Saviour," or "Salvation."  The LXX title is "Yesus," or "Jesus."  Joshua was first called Oshea or Hoshea (Numbers 13:16) which means "salvation." 

AUTHOR

Joshua (24:26).  Jewish tradition states that Joshua wrote the book (Talmud, Baba Bartra 14b).

DATE

@ 1445-1420 BC.  The book spans about twenty-five years from the death of Moses to the death of Joshua (24:29).

THEME

• Be strong and of a good courage (1:5-7,9,18; Deuteronomy 31:1-4; 6-7).
• Recounting of Israel's battles against seemingly overwhelming odds.

NOTE: 

The book of Numbers shows Israel did not have faith to gain the promised land at first.  Now, in the book of Joshua, God commands this second generation to have courage, a physical type of faith, to go in and take the land and possess it.  Israel met the enemy "face-to-face," "weapon-to-weapon," trusting God to give the victory, though the odds looked overwhelmingly against them.

______________________

LESSON SEVEN 

JUDGES

TITLE

The Hebrew title is Shophetim, and the LXX is "Kritai."  Both titles are derived from the book's content, judges. 

AUTHOR

Jewish tradition and the Talmud (Baba Bathra 14b) state Samuel wrote the book.

DATE

@ 1000 BC.  The book was compiled and completed during the reign of King Saul from various records written during the period of the Judges.  The time span is @ 1420-1088, covering from Joshua's death at age 110 (Joshua 1:1) through the end of the Judges of Israel. 

THEME

• History of Israel during the period of the Judges (recording results of disobedience and breaking the covenant).
• "Doing your own thing" (17:6; 18:1; 19:1; 21:25) brings about confusion and anarchy.

NOTE:

The Judges were executive leaders, governors, and military men God used to lead and deliver Israel from foreign threats.  These men and women "judged" day-to-day matters of the nation of Israel.  Judges had authority only over limited geographical areas, not over all of Israel.

______________

LESSON EIGHT  

RUTH

TITLE

The Hebrew title is Reeiut, "Friendship," "Association," or "Companion." "Ruth" is probably a Moabite derivation.

AUTHOR

Unnamed. Jewish tradition states Samuel was the probable author.

DATE

@ 1007 BC. The book is set during the time of the judges (Ruth 1:1), but was probably written during the reign of King David. (David's genealogy is mentioned in 4:17,22 but Solomon is not mentioned, therefore, it was probably written before the time of Solomon and after David was ordained king.)

THEME

• Historical recording of the ancestry of King David to account for the introduction of non-Israelite blood into the royal line as a type of Gentiles access to God, showing God's grace.
• Introduction to function of the "Goel" kinsman-redeemer as a Messianic type.

 __________________

LESSON NINE

1 & 2 SAMUEL

TITLE

The Hebrew title is Shemuel, "Name of God," or "Asked of God." Both 1 and 2 Samuel are titled after the prophet Samuel, the book's main character.

AUTHOR

Unknown. 1 Chronicles 29:29 shows Samuel wrote at least part of the book. Jewish tradition states Samuel wrote 1 Samuel 1-24; Nathan and Gad were the other probable authors.

DATE

@ 1097-967 BC. The book spans about 130 years from the birth of Samuel to the death of King David.

THEME

• History of Israel during the latter judges.
• Government from the judges to the monarchy.
• Israel becomes a Theocratic Kingdom.
• Significant episodes in lives of Saul and David.
• Background of the people through whom Messiah would come.

NOTE:

Samuel, used to anoint Saul and David, was known as the "King-maker." The two books were originally combined into one. The probable reason for the LXX considering the book as two separate books was the necessity of two scrolls to hold all the material. This was also the case with 1 and 2 Kings , and 1 and 2 Chronicles.

______________________

TITLE

The Hebrew title is Sepher Melachim, "Book of Kings," or "And the King."  These books were originally only one book.  The LXX divided 1 and 2 Samuel into 1 and 2 Kings and Kings became 3 and 4 Kings. 

AUTHOR

Unknown.  Jewish tradition names Jeremiah as the author.  The author must have been living at the end of the monarch reign of Judah (@ 585 BC).  Several records of the events in Kings were available to the author including The Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah (1 Kings 14:19), The Chronicles of King David (1 Chronicles 27:24), and The Chronicles of Samuel the Seer (1 Chronicles 29:29).  Isaiah was probably the chief recorder (2 Chronicles 32:32).

DATE

@ 970-560 BC.  The book spans the approximate four hundred and ten years from the end of King David's reign to the captivity of Judah.

THEME

Chronicle of the height of Israel's monarchial period, the division of the kingdom, fall of Samaria (Israel, Northern Kingdom), history of Judah (Southern Kingdom), and fall of Jerusalem (Judah).

_________________ 

LESSON ELEVEN 

1 & 2 CHRONICLES

TITLE

The Hebrew title is Dibre Hayyamim, "The words of the days," or loosely, "The events of the times."  The LXX derives its title from the Latin Vulgate, titled, "Liber Chronicorum," meaning "Events of days," or "Annuals."  The LXX divided the one book into two books in @ 294-289 BC.

AUTHOR

Jewish tradition states Chronicles was started by Ezra (credited with compiling the public records kept during Kings) and completed by Nehemiah. 

DATE

@ 537 BC.  The book spans from @ 1279-461 BC.  2 Chronicles concludes with Cyrus' proclamation, issued in the first year of his reign.  The book could not have been written prior to that year (@ 537 BC). 

THEME

• Genealogical overview of Israel's leaders.
• Partial history of the Kingdom of Judah

NOTE: The book is recorded from a religious or priestly point of view.  The traditional view is that Ezra is the author or final compiler of the public records kept during the reign of the Kings. 

             _________________

ARTICLE 1

STUDYING THE OLD TESTAMENT

Study of anything takes work.  This statement is also true for studying God’s Word.  There are no quick and easy ways or methods by which we can grasp the Word of God.  We must study it to really understand the content, the meaning, and the purpose.  And, it takes time, lots of devoted and consistent time.

There is the story about one famous Bible teacher who was asked by one of his students, "How can I come to know the Bible as well as you do?"

The teacher replied.  "That is easy, it just takes studying the Bible every day for fifty years."  The point is well taken.  It does take time and effort to come to really know and understand the Word of God.

In 2 Timothy 2 we can read a clear command for all of us to study God’s Word; whether we are new at it or if we have been studying it for fifty years.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The reason why we study is stated for us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (16)All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17)that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 

It should very clear to us we cannot reach any real significant degree of spiritual maturity without obeying this simply stated command: study to show yourself approved unto God!  Bible study is an absolute MUST for spiritual life!

In Romans, chapter 15, the Apostle Paul tells us the scriptures were written for our learning.

Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were  written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

When these powerful words here in the book of Romans were written, the scriptures being referred to are what we call the Old Testament.  Therefore, we need to study and understand the teachings of the Old Testaments books.

We will study these books in the order as they appear in the King James Version (KJV); also known as the Authorized Version (AV).  All quoted verses will be from the KJV, unless otherwise stated.

PURPOSES OF OLD TESTAMENT

   Part of inspired Word of God (God breathed), 2 Timothy 3:16-17

   Old Testament is profitable for (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

•  Doctrine (teaching)

•  Reproof

•  Correction

•  Instruction (training) in righteousness

   Israel's history was recorded so it could be used as examples for admonition of New Testament Christians, 1 Corinthians 10:11.

   The Old Testament is needed to help fully understand the New Testament.  For example, one cannot fully understand the book of Hebrews unless the book of Leviticus is first understood.  Both explain the priesthood.

   Prophecies of first and second coming of Messiah

•  @ 333 dealing with first coming

•  @ 59 dealing with the last week of His life

•  Many dealing with His second coming

   Can make one wise unto salvation, 2 Timothy 3:15

NOTE: Old Testament books and a few "Christian" letters were the ONLY scriptures available to New Testament Christians when Paul wrote to Timothy.  The New Testament was canonized @ 400 years later.

   Reveals a code of conduct sanctioned by Jesus Christ in the New Testament.  For example, compare the Beatitudes of Matthew 5 with Psalms.

• Matthew 5:3      Psalm 40:17

• Matthew 5:4      Psalm 119:136

• Matthew 5:5      Psalm 37:11

• Matthew 5:6      Psalm 42:1-2

• Matthew 5:7      Psalm 41:1

• Matthew 5:8      Psalm 24:4; 73:1

• Matthew 5:9      Psalm 133:1

• Matthew 5:10     Psalm 37:39-40

ARTICLE 3

 THINK ON THE POSITIVE - ELIMINATE THE NEGATIVE

(1) Even though we all will have trials, God desires that we always stay in a positive, thankful attitude.

1 Thessalonians 5:18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Ephesians 5:20  Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(2) When we are tempted or discouraged, we are to put on the opposite thought because this will push the wrong ones out.  We overcome evil with good.  Here is a procedure you may find helpful.

     (A) Pray over the issues, asking God to set you free.

     (B) Open your Bible and read.  The book of Psalms contains many  positive teachings on overcoming temptation and discouragement.

     (C) Choose to think on positive things.

Philippians 4:8   Finally, brethren, whatsover things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

     (D) Set your mind on things above.  Set it, and do not let it move away.

Colossians 3:2  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

(3) Make it a goal to bring every thought under control.

2 Corinthians 10:5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

(4) Stay alert and vigilant.  Do not give into Satan's negative broadcasts.

1 Peter 5: 8-9 (8) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: (9) Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

(5) Rule your spirit and attitude.

Proverbs 25:28  He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

(6) Spend time with positive people.  Avoid those who always complain, criticize, or are ungrateful and unthankful.  Enjoy the company of those who will speak of God's goodness and His glory.

1 Corinthians 15:33  Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Proverbs 13:20  He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. 

______________________

ARTICLE 4

 PREPARING TO RULE AS KINGS

According to Revelation 20:6, God's children will reign with Christ a thousand years.   

Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

We can learn and prepare to rule as kings by examining some of the things we have in common with the Old Testament kings. 

(1) They were anointed...set apart, and we, too, have been anointed...set apart for the eventual purpose of living forever and ruling with Jesus Christ.  After our baptism, we received the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands.  This is how God provided us with the power to overcome and grow in grace and knowledge.  This is how God provided us with the seed of His divine nature that must grow and produce fruit.  This is how God provided us with the mind of Christ.  We need all of these to rule with Christ.

Philippians 2:5 Let this mind be in your which was also in Christ Jesus.

(2) The ancient kings of Israel were clothed in kingly clothing,  We need to be clothed with the same righteousness as Jesus Christ, the King of Kings.  Our "righteous" attire will be obvious to others who see our choices, our actions, and our mannerism reflecting the beauty of God's way of life.

Isaiah 61:10 ...for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness....

(3) Israel's kings were to be educated in the law of God.  They were to write out a copy of the law of God and read out of their copy every day.  All of their judgments and decisions were to flow from this law

Deuteronomy 17:18-19 (18) And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book, aut of that which is before the priests the Levites: (19) And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life; that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

______________________

ARTICLE 5

 REPLACE EVIL WITH GOOD

Coming out of sin or being delivered out of sin is great.  Is this enough in and of itself to please God? 

There has to be more.  God does His part, and we must also do out part.  Our part is allowing God to deliver us out and then we must replace the sin, the evil, with good!  And, this is done only through faith and the righteousness of our Savior.

We find this principle of replacing evil with good in various places in scripture.  Let’s turn to Matthew 12.

Matthew 12:43-45 (43) When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. (44) Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. (45) Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

A parallel account is found in Luke 11:24-26. 

 Luke 11:24-26 (24) When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.  (25) And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.  (26) Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.

In this account, we see an empty space that had been swept and garnished.  The evil was removed from this person’s life; but he did not replace the evil with good! 

In the original Exodus from Egypt which is used as a type of sin, or evil, God’s Plan was not to only remove the Israelites from sin, which He did; it was also to bring them into His Promised Land!  It was a land flowing with milk and honey.  God was replacing the evil with good in the lives of His people!! 

So we are to do the same in our lives.  How do we accomplish this process of replacement in our lives?

We need to realize sin begins in the mind, in our thought processes.  Let’s see this point in James.

James 1:14-15 (14) But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. (15) Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

This is stating the process of sin!  How are we to control this; keeping it from happening? 

2 Corinthians 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

We are to bring every thought into captivity.  We have been in captivity to sin partly because of our thoughts.  So it follows, since sin begins in the thinking, and we are to bring every thought into captivity, then it logically follows, we are to be replacing our evil thoughts with good thoughts, where it all begins!

And God is so loving and merciful, He has even told us how to do this; by telling us what to think about.

Philippians 4:4-9, 13 (4) Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. (5) Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (6) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (9) Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. (13) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 2:5 tells us to let this mind be in you which is in Christ Jesus!

Where does this begin!  It begins with, Think on these things!

______________________

ARTICLE 6

SHOULD WE ANSWER A FOOL OR NOT?

Proverbs 26:4-5 (4) Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.  (5) Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

The Bible does not contradict itself.  These two verses do not contradict each other, but, rather, they complement each other. Let‘s see the circumstances when to use these verses.

Verse 4 states, answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you also be like him.  To answer the fool’s question or statement, you would be lowering yourself to his level.  This could end up in a pointless argument.

In Luke 20:1-8 we can read an example where Jesus was asked by whose authority He did certain things. The Pharisees were not trying to learn anything.  Jesus did not answer their question. Because He did not want to be like them, a fool.  So, He asked them a question which they could not answer without condemning themselves. Therefore, since the Pharisees could not answer His question, the discussion was dropped.

Verse 5 states, answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.  There are times to answer a fool by a foolish answer.  This would show just how ridiculous the fools question or statement is.  In other words, he would be shown to be wise in his own conceit.  2 Corinthians 11:23 shows an example for us.                                                                                            

2 Corinthians 11:23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.

There were some men in Corinth who were claiming to be true apostles, but they were not apostles.

2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

Remaining silent would have given a kind of approval of these men, even though there were actually leading the Church astray. They would have appeared wise in their own conceit. Therefore in Verse 23 Paul said, Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool.) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths ofts. 

Paul was exposing these men for what they were by answering their false claims so they would not appear wise.

These scriptures are not contradictory.  They are two different ways of answering questions and statements of fools. Wisdom is needed to know when and how to apply the principles of these verses.  And, wisdom comes from God.

______________________

ARTICLE 7

GOD'S PURPOSE FOR MAN

If someone asked you if you knew the real purpose of life, could you answer them?  Do you really know and know that you know the real purpose of life?

Before we proceed any further, let me offer the answer.  The purpose for human life is that God is literally reproducing Himself through man!  God created man to be His sons in His Family! 

We have been destined to become literal sons of the literal family of God!  Not many people on this tiny blue earth know, nor understand this answer! 

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Since Jesus, and we who are converted have the same Father (God), He is "not ashamed" to call us brothers.

Hebrews 2:11For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

Is this saying we will be like Jesus Christ?  Yes!  We will be His brothers like brothers and sisters.

Philippians 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

We will be like Him (Jesus).  We will not be like the angels or any other being of inferior type.                                                                                    

Hebrews 2:5-11 (5) For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. (6) But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that thou visitest him? (7) Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: (8) Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. (9) But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. (10) For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (11) For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

We will be the literal sons of God and part of His Family.  Therefore, since God is a Family name we will be members of this Family.

Here are some key verses.

Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

We can also see that the Father and Son have a literal family relationship.  Let’s go to Matthew 3.

Matthew 3:17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

We can also see that this relationship is not limited to Jesus and the Father.  It is also extended to include us.

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Romans 8:15-16 (15) For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (16) The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

It becomes very clear that our destiny, yes, our destiny is to be spiritual sons of God!

Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

We can see that our physical bodies will be changed from this fleshly body to become a glorious spiritual body like Jesus Christ!

Philippians 3:21 Who shall change our vile body ,that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.                

It should be plain that we will look like Jesus.

1 John 3:1-2 (1) Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (2) Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

The fact that we believe and teach that God is reproducing Himself so we will become literal sons and daughters as members of the Family of God should not seem strange to those who read and study the Word of God.  Jesus told the Jews that all people have the potential to become a member of the God Family.  Let’s go John 10.

John 10:29-39 (29) My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. (30) I and my Father are one. (31) Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. (32) Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? (33) The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. (34) Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? (35) If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; (36) Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? (37) If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. (38) But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. (39) Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand.

They did not believe nor accept this truth at the time of Jesus Christ, and most people do not believe nor accept this truth today.

In Psalm 8:4, King David asked an important question.  Do you know the answer?

Psalm 8:4 What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

God has this awesome plan of salvation for all mankind.  God created us to become literal, spiritual DNA sons in His literal Family!

What is man?  Potential sons in the Family of God! 

I am sure you agree with me in praying, Thy Kingdom Come!  Even so, come, Lord Jesus!