Key Verse

• John 1:17: "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."

Main Scriptures

• Exodus 20, Deuteronomy 7, John 1:1-17, Romans 8:1-3, Hebrews 9:13-14 & 10.

Understanding “Born Again”

• Apostle John's Insight: In his introduction (John 1:1-11), John explains what it takes to truly believe in Jesus and receive new life—this is what being “born again” means.
• Power to Become: Being born again is not just a label. It’s a powerful change that happens when you believe in Jesus as the Son of God. This belief gives believers authority and purpose (John 1:12-13).
• The Judgment Seat: Everyone will stand before Christ one day. Jesus explained to Nicodemus that to be part of God’s kingdom, you must be born again (John 3:1-16). This rebirth is essential to entering God’s presence.

1. What Was the Law?

• Definition: The law was a set of commandments given by God to Moses and the Israelites (Exodus 20).
• Purpose: It highlighted the Israelites as God's chosen people, distinct from other nations with different beliefs (Deuteronomy 7).
• Guidance: God wanted Israel to avoid mixing with other cultures that worshiped false gods (Joshua 23:11-13).
• Strict Rules: The law included many rules and required animal sacrifices to cover sins (Hebrews 10; Leviticus 1).
• Works-Based: Following the law was about actions, not beliefs. You just did what was commanded (Romans 9:32, Leviticus 11:44).

2. Consequences of Breaking the Law

• Guilty of All: Breaking one commandment was like breaking the whole law (James 2:10).
• Failure of Priests: Even the priests who explained the law sometimes failed to follow it.
• Penalties: Severe sins could lead to stoning or death (Leviticus 20:2).
• Constant Condemnation: The law highlighted people’s sins, making them feel condemned (Romans 8:1-3).

3. What the Law Could Not Do

• No Justification: The law couldn’t make people right with God (Galatians 2:16).
• Didn’t Clean the Conscience: It couldn’t fully clear people’s minds from their mistakes (Hebrews 9:13-14).
• Could not Remove Condemnation: The law constantly reminded people of their faults.

4. What is Grace?

• Definition: Grace is God’s unearned love and acceptance of us through Jesus (John 7:38).
• Jesus’ Sacrifice: Jesus died once, covering all sins for everyone with His blood (Hebrews 10:10).
• Atonement for All: Jesus’ sacrifice removes our separation from God (Romans 5:11).

5. How to Receive Grace

• Belief in Jesus: Accepting Jesus gives us access to grace (John 1:1-12).
• Repentance: Sincere regret and repentance open the door to grace (Acts 3:19).
• Freedom from Sin: Through faith in Jesus, we are free from the weight of sin (Romans 5:11).