END TIMES: SUMMER

The “End Times” or “Eschatological” prophecies, based on passages from the Book of Gospels, outline several key signs that will precede the end of the world and the return of Christ, such as:

Beginning of the End Times.
The rise and manifestation of False Messiahs and False Prophets
The Great Tribulation
Distress is marked by the darkening of the sun and the moon failing to give light.
Appearance of the Sign of the Son of Man.
The Generation.
The Lesson of Fig Tree Twigs with Fresh Budding and the Nearer of Summer
Mark 13:37.

TWO GREAT SIGNPOSTS
Worth highlighting that in these Synoptic Gospels, Jesus outlines two major signs of impending tribulations and the onset of the End Times:

1) In answering His disciples, Jesus foretells the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem as a sign marking the beginning of the End Times and a period of tribulation (Matthew 24:1-3, Mark 13:1-4, and Luke 21:5-8).
2) Jesus also uses the parable of the fig tree to illustrate this event. In this metaphor, the budding of the fig tree symbolizes the approach of the End Times, akin to the arrival of summer (Matthew 24:32, Mark 13:28-29, and Luke 21:2-31).

Indeed, the Second Temple was destroyed in AD 70, just as Jesus had predicted.

Hence, these passages foretell the tribulation will commence with the destruction of the second temple and the “Twigs of the Fig Tree” in summer. This tribulation will continue until the return of the Son of Man, who will come to rescue His followers after they have faced significant suffering.

Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 vividly describe a period of great tribulation, characterized by trials, famines, wars, pestilences, and earthquakes that believers will endure before the coming of Christ. The imminent event of Christ’s coming is “the sun darkening, the moon losing its light, and the stars falling from the sky” (Matthew 24:29-31) a sign of Christ’s coming.

THE OPENING OF SIXTH SEAL
In some translations, this is depicted as happening “Immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven” (Matthew 24:29 NKJV).

The Bible uses the word “Tribulation” in describing these events. This prophecy echoes the message from Hebrews 12:26-27 and Haggai 2:6, which reminds believers that “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.”

Many prophetic verses describe events such as “the sun darkening and the moon losing its light.” A parallel can be found in Revelation 6:12-14:

12 I watched as the Lamb broke the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake; the sun turned black like coarse cloth, and the moon became as red as blood. 13 The stars fell to the earth like unripe figs shaken from a tree by a strong wind. 14 The sky vanished like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its place (GNT).

This passage is part of the opening of the sixth seal, a significant and distressing event in John’s apocalyptic vision. It highlights that believers will experience the tribulations associated with the first six seals (Revelation 6:12-14). Therefore, those who adhere to a pre-tribulation theology might face difficulties reconciling this perspective with the events described. However, this post does not suggest that believers are experiencing the ‘Post Tribulation.’ That topic will be addressed in a separate post at End Times: Daniel’s 70.

In Revelation 6:12-14, the falling of stars is akin to the falling of unripe figs blown by a strong mighty wind. If the interpretation of the “fig tree twigs” as a symbol for Israel, in Matthew 24:32 as referring to the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 or the Six-Day War in 1967, then Revelation 6:12-14 might be seen as prophesying the fall of Israel, likened to unripe fruit.

However, the text specifically mentions the falling of the fruit, not the tree itself. This suggests that the prophecy is actually about the downfall of unspiritual or false believers during the tribulation, characterized by the intense trials and upheavals described under the first six seals.

Whether considering the first or second coming of Christ, God’s plan does not include establishing an earthly Israel as His Kingdom. Thus, distinctively, the metaphor of the “fig tree twigs” should not be interpreted as referring to the modern State of Israel. Instead, the bud of the Fig Tree should represent Christianity or the Body of Christ. The “Bud with new leaves” is the birth of the Church. Thus, the fall of the Second Temple coincided with the emergence of the Church Age, marked by these “twigs.”

Besides, Ephesians 2:14-22 underscores that a church or body of Christ consists of Jews and Gentiles. If the year 1948 or the 6 days of war in 1967 were the mark of “Fig Tree Twigs” in Matthew 24:32, then God’s Kingdom would be represented by Israel alone (Without Gentile Christians).

Furthermore, on one hand, Jesus was indicating that the fall of the second temple signifies the beginning of the End Times, but on the other hand also suggested that the “Twigs” refer to the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 as the beginning of the end, that would imply a gap of 1948 years for the beginning of end times. A significant discrepancy in the timeline.

In considering the above, the “Fig Tree Twigs” can only be referring to the “Birth of Church (or Church Age)

SUMMER IS NEAR
Next, it’s helpful to consider a significant verse that reads:

“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.” (Mark 13:28, Matthew 24:32, and Luke 21:30)

As explained above, this metaphor is commonly interpreted as another metaphor used by Jesus to indicate the signs of the approaching end times.

However, what catches believers’ eyes should be the second part of Matthew 24:32 “YOU KNOW THAT SUMMER IS NEAR” as of now.

Typically, the Fig Tree in Israel experiences distinct growth and fruit-bearing stages throughout the year. During the “Dormant Stage” in winter, the tree rests and produces very little fruit. As early spring arrives, the Fig Tree begins to bud and leaf out, entering the “Early Fruit” phase. By late spring or summer, the tree will produce a new set of leaves and twigs, leading to a second, more abundant fruiting period known as “Later Fruit” before entering its winter rest again.

Essentially, the Old Covenant would represent the “Early Fruit,” which yielded less fruit, while the New Covenant, or the church age, symbolizes the “Later Fruit,” anticipated to produce much more.

SUMMER AS SCORCHING HEAT
King David described that should he not confess his sins, God should punish him. His strength was completely drained, as moisture was dried up by the “SUMMER HEAT” (Psalm 32: 3-5). That means summer in Israel is extremely hot.

By the way, King David counted himself “Blessed” and sins not being imputed to him was because he confessed his sins. (Psalm 32). It contradicts modern teaching that advocates King David was living by grace.

ANTS STORING FOR WINTER
In Proverbs 6:7-9, ants, even without leaders, instinctively gather and store food during the summer to prepare for the winter. When applied to the birth of the Church or the metaphor of the “Fig Tree Twigs,” the prophecy indicating that “SUMMER IS NEAR” might hint at an impending period of intense difficulty, conflict, and persecution.

It symbolizes a time for preparation and accumulation (Food Storage) for the harsher winter, adversities, and scarcity. The beginning of the Church age in summer could be the metaphor seen as a call for “HEAT“—spiritual readiness and vigilance during times of hardship.

While some modern interpretations see the “Fig Tree Twigs” as a sign of imminent and glorious redemption or rapture for believers, the biblical parable of the fig tree offers a different perspective. It suggests that the budding of new leaves, or the beginning of the Church Age, is marked by a period of “Summer Heat” or an intense challenge.

Scriptural, “Later Fruit” symbolizes that believers will first endure intense trials, like summer’s heat, before receiving divine deliverance and salvation. This reflects Jesus’ prophecies in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21, which describe severe tribulations before His return. Jesus warns that without divine intervention, survival would be impossible, but for the elect’s sake, these days will be shortened (Matthew 24:22, Mark 13:20).

CURRENT WORLD EVENTS
Given the current world events, Israel and the believers are facing an unparalleled level of conflict, wars, and persecution. The scale of these occurrences is unprecedented and exceeds anything recorded in the Old Testament, such as in Genesis, Exodus, etc.

As Jesus said in Matthew 24:21, “THERE WILL BE GREAT DISTRESS, UNEQUALED FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE WORLD.” Therefore, it’s important for believers not to draw direct comparisons and figurative between current events and those described in earlier scriptures. The reality is that none of the past events can be equated with the trials of the end times; this level of distress is truly unprecedented.

SUMMARY
In summary, Jesus’ prophecy about the destruction of the Second Temple (Matthew 24:2, Mark 13:2, Luke 21:6) and the “Bud of the New Fig leaves,” as the birth of the Church Age in summer signifies the onset of the end times and the beginning of a period of great tribulation. This prophecy also foretells the rise of many false messiahs and prophets.

This period calls for spiritual readiness and purification among believers. The term “Generation” in this context refers to the Church Age or the era of tribulation, rather than to people born in or after 1948.

Finally, in Mark 13:37, Jesus commands: “What I say to you, then, I say to all: Watch!” This indicates that the End Times events described in the Synoptic gospels are meant not just for the Old Israelite, but for all current believers. The word “Watch” includes “watch up for false messiahs and prophets that perform many miracles, signs, and wonders that deceive many (Matthew 24:24, and Mark 13:21-22). Amenbible

To recap, the apocalyptic and eschatology timeline according to Gospel Books and Revelation 6 is as below:-

RECENT POSTS:-
I Will Be Your God
Nephilim
Kingdoms
New Spirit And New Law
2 Gospel
End Times: Summer
The Day Jesus Was Crucified
Feet Washing
Believe – John 3:16

TOP POSTS:-
3 John (Prosper In All Things)
As He Is, So Are We In This World
Arise, Shine
Cast Your Net On The Right Side
Earnest Prayer
End Times:- The Book Of Life Opens
See Jesus: (1 Corinthians 10)

Back to Main Page

As a Christian, I have been asking:-
– What to believe in?
– What is the gospel?

Of course, different Christians believing God differently. For instance:-
– Some belief in godly career direction.
– Some looking for a godly life partner
– Some are struggling in finance and need a godly financial breakthrough.
– Some are seeking peace
– Some just inspire to worship God, etc.

Should we continue with the list, perhaps we can safely and surely say that at different stages in life, we are having different needs or checklists.

THE CRUCIAL QUESTION

But, when Christians are saying that they believe in the bible or Jesus, what does it mean exactly? If we are believing in the gospel, what exactly to believe in? What are the gospel and baptism? And what is their interrelationship then?

Before we look into the “Crucial Question”, let’s look at how and what apostle Paul warned the Corinthians churches in Second Corinthians chapter 11.

According to Paul, Eve fell, lured away because she entertained the smooth tongue of slightly seductive words from the snake. Paul continued by saying that should the believers tolerate the snake’s clever lies as Eve was, is like accepting:-
– a different Jesus
– a different Spirit
– a different Gospel.

The full context is as below:-

2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3‬-4 ‭GNT
‬‬3 I am afraid that your minds will be corrupted and that you will abandon your full and pure devotion to Christ—in the same way that Eve was deceived by the snake’s clever lies.
4 For you gladly tolerate anyone who comes to you and preaches a DIFFERENT Jesus, not the one we preached; and you accept a spirit and a gospel completely different from the Spirit and the GOSPEL you received from us! (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3-4 ‭GNT‬‬)

2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3-4 ‭GNT | amenbible.com

Apparently, Eve only tolerated the snake slightly. She might never have thought of being fallen away from God’s presence with just a slight belief being deviated from His word.

Paul was making a compare and contrast in the Book of Second Corinthians. A slight twist in God’s word or a slight difference in believing God’s word is treated as:-
– minds being corrupted
– being abandoned from pure devotion to Christ
– deceived by Satan.

And, to Paul, a slight difference is not God’s word at all but it is Satan’s truth. Similarly, a slight unbelieving is total devastation and destruction.

With that in mind, we shall then look into “The Crucial Question”, on what exactly the gospel, baptism, and belief are and their interrelationship.

Of course, modern-day teaching is saying:-
– the gospel is “GOOD NEWS.”
– any preaching on poverty, suffering for Christ, or the wrath of God is not “Good News”. Thus, that teaching is not from God.
– the gospel is the “Gospel of Grace.”
– whatever believers need, Christ has not just paid it all, but also fully supplied it all. It only needs faith for the believers to take from God all the blessedness and good gifts.
– baptism is merely a public declaration that they are Christ’s followers. It is just symbolism. Nothing significant.

There are many verses talking about baptism, the gospel, and belief. However let’s look at Mark 1:1-5 and Matthew 3 below:-

Mark 1:1-5, GNT
1 This is the GOOD NEWS about JESUS CHRIST, the Son of God. 2 It began as the prophet Isaiah had written: “God said, ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you to open the way for you.’ 3 Someone is shouting in the desert, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!’” 4 So John appeared in the desert, baptizing and preaching. “TURN AWAY FROM YOUR SINS and be baptized,” he told the people, “and GOD WILL FORGIVE YOUR SINS.” 5 Many people from the province of Judea and the city of Jerusalem went out to hear John. THEY CONFESSED THEIR SINS, and he baptized them in the Jordan River. (Mark 1:1-5, GNT)

Matthew 3:1-3 GNT
1 At that time John the Baptist came to the desert of Judea and started preaching. 2 “Turn away from your sins,” he said, “because the Kingdom of heaven is near!”
3 John was the man the prophet Isaiah was talking about when he said, “Someone is shouting in the desert, ‘Prepare a road for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!’” (Matthew 3:1-3, GNT
—
6 They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan. (Matthew 3:6, GNT)

Mark 1:1-5 and Matthew 3:1-3 | amenbible.com

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS?
What do these two portions of scripture highlight?
Firstly, from Mark’s account, the gospel begins or starts from John the Baptist in preparing the path for Jesus’ earthly ministry.

That means the gospel is not just merely a simple verse or phrase of “GOOD NEWS” that can be covered. In brief, the gospel covers the entire life of Jesus and His mission to release the Holy Spirit for mankind.

Secondly, in any case, the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are known as the Gospel Books. It involves the story of the entire life of Jesus, His callings, His way of doing things, and His mission.

Thus, believers/ preachers have to draw the integrated meaning from all four gospel Books, look at different angles and perspectives to understand the purpose of Christ, and comprehend His gospel.

Should we just take a verse or half a verse to draw its definition, we would say:-

The thief who was crucified with Jesus never went through water baptism. He never produced any good work/ fruit after believing in Christ at the cross.
Romans 10:8-9 only requires the mouth to declare and the heart to believe that God raised Jesus from death and shall be saved.
John 3:16. Just believe alone.
Don’t need evidence of fruits and good work for full salvation.
Water baptism is insignificant.
Once saved, always saved, by reciting the sinner’s player alone.
Similarly, there are many disputes and wrong teaching of cessationism of prophesying, tongues, and healing.
Bible readers will discover many of the scriptures, verses can never identify or even against each other and etc
Should that be the case, the bible is full of contradictions, errors, and disputable.
People like to cover up those disputes by suggesting not just 4 Gospel books but need to add in some more books like “The Gospel from Thomas” etc

THE BOOKS OF THE GOSPELS
Nevertheless, based on past studies, prove that fruits, good works, and conduct of believers are paramount for full salvation. Do revisit these studies, if needed:-
– END TIMES:- THE BOOK OF LIFE OPENS
– JESUS IS MY FRIEND – PART 1

There again, if we go back to both Matthew and Mark’s accounts, the gospel is a call for non-believers to turn away from their sins by confessing them and be baptized subsequently. The scripture continues by telling us “AND GOD WILL FORGIVE YOUR SINS.”

Putting Mark 1 and Matthew 3 into perspective, it is never the case for non-believers to declare all their sins are being forgiven at the salvation call prior to admitting and confessing their sins first.

And, baptism is not just symbolism or mere public declaration as Christ’s followers alone. It has to turn away from its sins first.

Besides, Jesus was commanding His disciples to baptize those who want to give their lives to Jesus in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

Perhaps, this is the only commanding verse in the entire bible where three Names (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit) appear at the same time. It shows the seriousness and importance of baptism. That suggests baptism is not just symbolic. It is renouncing sinful living.

Please do not read that verse by saying believers are protected by the trinity God. Because they have to abandon their sins first. And the next verse, in Matthew 28:20, is saying, “AND TEACH THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING I HAVE COMMANDED YOU.” This is another commanding verse for the obedience of God’s people after they have received baptism. It is not a protection verse.

Should we take the Great Commandment from Mark’s account, it states clearly that:
– Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved (Mark 16:16, GNT)
– It is a “AND” condition for believing and baptism in order to be saved.

The scripture reference as below:-

Matthew 28:19-20, GNT
19 Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: BAPTIZE THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT,
20 and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, GNT)

Mark 16:15-18, GNT
15 He said to them, “Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all people.
16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved; whoever does not believe will be condemned.
17 Believers will be given the power to perform miracles: they will drive out demons in my name; they will speak in strange tongues;
18 if they pick up snakes or drink any poison, they will not be harmed; they will place their hands on sick people, and these will get well.” (Mark 16:15-18, GNT)

Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15-18 | amenbible.com

BE BAPTIZED
Let’s look at another verse to confirm Mark’s teaching below:-

‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭4-5; 8‬ ‭GNT
‬‬4 And when they came together, he gave them this order: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift I told you about, the gift my Father promised.
5 John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

8 But when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you will be filled with power, and you will be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭4-5; 8‬ ‭GNT‬‬

Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭4-5; 8‬ | amenbible.com

Obviously, some scholars are saying Mark 16 was added in verses. They are saying the original manuscript comes without those verses. Nevertheless, these verses are in line with Acts 1:8 which says the power of the Holy Spirit will manifest until “THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.”

And we saw many spiritual powers and breakthroughs happen in the book of Acts. Unless we believe that “THE ENDS OF THE EARTH” is already over if not, the spiritual power will continue to manifest.

That is not in line with cessationism theology that says all the healing, prophecy, and speaking in Tongues are over. Besides, our next and future generations do need those manifestations to believe and witness Him too. Spiritual powers and wonders had not ended in the first century and are not going to end in our generation. Rather, it has to be till “THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.”

On one extreme, people are saying that God/ Jesus never comes to prosper believers. Prosperity is a bad word, to some denominations.

Nevertheless, apostle John did pray for Gaius to be prospered in 3 John 1:2 [Recap: 3 JOHN (PROSPER IN ALL THINGS)]

Besides, God did prosper Abraham, Isaac, King David, and King Solomon in the Old Testament.

On top of that, in Deuteronomy, Moses reminded God’s people that He was the one who gave power for them to become rich. We are serving the same God, regardless of the old or New Testament. Those blessings and prosperity are not just spiritual, but tangible ones.

SEEK YE FIRST
Of course, on the other extreme, it is wrong to camp on prosperity and guarantee all believers to be wealthy and healthy universally.

At least we don’t see monetary prosperity for all first-century apostles. Indeed, the apostle Paul was living by tents-making to earn his living (Acts 18:3).

There again, there are many verses talking about how God provides for His people. One of the famous scriptures is known as “Seek Ye first.”

Matthew 6:33, GNT
33 Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with WHAT HE REQUIRES OF YOU, and he will provide you with all these other things.

Matthew 6:33, NIV
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Matthew 6:33, AMPC
33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.

Matthew 6:33 | amenbible.com

Modern teaching likes to camp the above verse on Christ’s righteousness. It is not about believers’ righteousness, they said. According to their teaching should the believers behold His glory, His imputed righteousness, God will give them all things.

On the other hand, some interpret Matthew 6:33 as spiritual blessings, got nothing to do with bodily, earthly blessings.

But the context is talking about the physical beauty of those flowers and the earthly edible food for those birds.

Furthermore, it is saying “Do not worry about what you eat, or wear.” It is not about spiritual beauty and spiritual food. Jesus did not talk about spiritual beauty and food. Rather, Jesus was referring to physical wellness and not future spiritual glory.

In addition, the context is not referring to God shall provide for the “Need and not the want” of the believers. The author was comparing and contrasting to a super wealthy King Soloman, who was living not just in need but a luxurious life. The fact is, rich or poor, God is their provider.

THE TRUTH ABOUT MATTHEW 6:33
From “CAST YOUR NET ON THE RIGHT SIDE”, shows that the resurrected Jesus was concerned about the continuity of His earthly evangelism and mission. Jesus was beseeching His people to continue in the propagation of God’s kingdom. Personally, I believe this is the meaning of “Seek first His kingdom.”

And based on GNT and AMPC, the second part of the context talk about His requirements for the believers. It is not about His imputed righteousness. It is about believers’ right doing. [Further reading about the word righteousness can be found here]

SLIGHT UNBELIEVING IS NOT BELIEVING. SLIGHT TWISTED TRUTH IS NOT THE TRUTH
In summary, scripture does not contradict itself. Should believe need to paraphrase, alter the bible’s original context, interpret every verse with the lens of grace, and see Jesus fulfilled or supplied in every verse, that is not believing. THAT IS SELECTIVELY BELIEVED.

And should we need to interpret verses by saying cessation; all the healing, prophecy, and speaking in Tongues are over, that is not inclined with God’s word. That is not just doubt, but strips Church’s power and reduces it to be like any earthly social community; without godly, spiritual powers. That is partial believing and constitutes unbelieving.

CONCLUSION
May the Lord help me/us in believing Him and His word absolutely, simply like a child/ Children.

By upholding and endorsing paraphrasing or cessation theologies, it will bring ruin to God’s words, and strip His spiritual powers and His truth. Let God be God. He is having personal assignments, plans, and purposes for each and every one. He is holding on to every believer’s destination.

Certainly, God is the One who blesses and prospers all His people. Nevertheless, Jesus’ primary first earthly mission was to point the way for believers to seek God’s kingdom, live a godly life, and bear witness to His kingdom with His spiritual powers till the ends to come.

Yes, the bible does mention of “Gospel of Grace.’ It means by grace people are giving the gospel. It doesn’t mean Jesus came to pour out His financial blessings for nothing. Jesus also said, “Come follow me; take up your cross, etc.”

Jesus’ primary role is not here to bless and bless; supply and supply His people for nothing. His spiritual powers are manifesting with a purpose.

In conclusion, the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are known as the Gospel Books. The gospel is not just merely a simple verse or phrase of:
– GOOD NEWS
– Gospel of Grace
that can be covered. Truly, the gospel is covering the entire life of Jesus and His mission to release the Holy Spirit for mankind. Believers have to embrace His heart to seek God’s kingdom in witnessing His glory.

Again, Eve might not know that she could be fallen away from God’s presence with just a slight belief deviating from His word. Nevertheless, her story is written to forewarn believers from adopting her step.

Believe absolutely. And not selectively or partially. Amenbible.
Read:-
RIGHTLY DIVIDE HIS WORD (1)
BALAAM
AS HE IS, SO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD

Back to Main Page

September 8, 2024

Uncategorized

CAST YOUR NET ON THE RIGHT SIDE

Back to Main Page
There is a beautiful story on miraculous catches of fish in John 21:2-11.

BACKGROUND IN JOHN CHAPTER 20
Perhaps, it is good to look at the background of the story a chapter prior to the miraculous catches of fish; in chapter 20, before drawing a conclusion. Because of space, I shall not attach any verse from John 20. Individuals are encouraged to read their own bible in John chapter 20. A short outline of the story of John 20 unveils below:

– Early in the morning, Mary Magdalene visited the tomb. But she found that the tomb’s entrance was open. She ran to inform Jesus’ disciples (Peter and John) in John 20:1-2.

– The disciples went to the tomb. And the bible records verses 8 to 10 as below:-

(John 20:8-10, GNT)
8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in; he saw and believed.
(9 They still did not understand the scripture which said that he must rise from death.)
10 Then the disciples went back home.

John 20:8-10, GNT | Amenbible

– Ironically, those disciples believed Jesus wasn’t in the tomb. In other words, it was an emptied tomb.

– Let me repeat again that yes, they believed the tomb was emptied. But after believing that it was an empty tomb, they chose to go home (John 20:8-10). Their hearts weren’t warmed by the fact that Jesus was being resurrected.

– Apparently, after being with Jesus for 3 ½ years, they did not know His way of teaching. They had not understood from Jesus’ sharing that He must rise from death.

– Indeed, Mary Magdalene returned with those disciples a second time. But she remained there and wept outside the tomb even when the disciples went back to their home.

– Obviously, from John 20:13 to 16, Magdalene couldn’t recognize the resurrected Lord who appeared to her.

– Jesus revealed Himself and wanted Mary Magdalene to inform His disciples that: ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ (John 20:17, NIV). Magdalene took heed of Jesus’ instruction in verse 18, by informing His disciples. This time around, she told them not only that the tomb was emptied, but that she had seen the resurrected Jesus physically.

– The following verses on John 20:19 to 29 tell us that Jesus went and appeared twice to His disciples. However, Thomas wasn’t with them in the first round then. On His second visit, Jesus allowed Thomas to put his finger into His wounded hands and told Thomas: “Stop your doubting, and believe!” In a matter of fact, He was clearing Thomas’ doubt.

– Without a doubt, the above demonstrated that the resurrected Jesus:-
1) was very much concerned about His disciples and the continuity of His earthly mission work.
2) wasn’t recognized by Magdalene and His disciples. That means the resurrected Jesus could be totally different bodily.

– Based on John 21:14, the miraculous catch of fish was the third time Jesus appeared to His disciples.

John‬ ‭21‬:‭12-‭14‬ ‭GNT‬‬
12 Jesus said to them, “Come and eat.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord.
13 So Jesus went over, took the bread, and gave it to them; he did the same with the fish.
14 This, then, was the THIRD TIME Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from death.

John‬ ‭21‬:‭12-‭14‬ ‭GNT‬‬ | Amenbible

With that, we should have completed the short exposition in John 20.

Just to highlight that there are numerous sermons saying that the resurrected Jesus came to declare peace not just to Jesus’ earthly disciples but it includes new covenant believers.

Thus, believers should have all the peace needed in life no matter whatsoever circumstances they are undergoing, they said. Furthermore, they are saying should you are receiving the right gospel, it shall be living troubleless, carefree lives.

However, let’s look at Luke’s account, below:-

(Luke 24:36-46, GNT)
36 While the two were telling them this, suddenly the Lord himself stood among them and said to them, “PEACE BE WITH YOU.”
37 They were TERRIFIED, thinking that they were SEEING A GHOST.
38 But he said to them, “Why are you alarmed? Why are these doubts coming up in your minds?
39 Look at my hands and my feet, and see that it is I myself. Feel me, and you will know, FOR A GHOST DOESN’T HAVE FLESH AND BONES, as you can see I have.”
40 He said this and showed them his hands and his feet.
41 They still could not believe, they were so full of joy and wonder; so he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”
42 They gave him a piece of cooked fish,
43 which HE TOOK AND ATE IN THEIR PRESENCE.
44 Then he said to them, “These are the very things I told you about while I was still with you: everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the writings of the prophets, and the Psalms had to come true.”
45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,
46 and said to them, “This is what is written: the Messiah must suffer and must rise from death three days later,

Luke 24:36-46, GNT | Amenbible

Prominently, Luke’s account tells us that Jesus was there to claim His dismayed disciples that He was not a ghost by saying “Peace be with you” and by eating with those disciples.” A ghost doesn’t have flesh and bones”, said Jesus. In any case, a ghost can’t eat. The idea of eating with the disciples was to demonstrate that He wasn’t a ghost

Jesus did not tell the believers peace from all the troubled, tribulations, and the unwanted world, as what the modern-day teaching like to claim. He said “Peace be with you” to claim the terrified disciples that He wasn’t a ghost.

From there, the story of miracle catches of fish unfolding in chapter 21 as below:

‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭2‬-‭11‬ ‭GNT‬‬
2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael (the one from Cana in Galilee), the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples of Jesus were all together.
3 Simon Peter said to the others, “I am going fishing.”
“We will come with you,” they told him. So they went out in a boat, but all that night they did not catch a thing.
4 “As the sun was rising, Jesus stood at the water’s edge, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.
5 Then he asked them, “Young men, haven’t you caught anything?” “Not a thing,” they answered.
6 He said to them, “Throw your net out on the RIGHT SIDE of the boat, and you will catch some.” So they threw the net out and COULD NOT PULL IT BACK in, because they had caught so many fish.
7 The DISCIPLE WHOM JESUS LOVED said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Peter heard that it was the Lord, he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken his clothes off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples came to shore in the boat, pulling the net full of fish. They were not very far from land, about a hundred yards away.
9 When they stepped ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there with fish on it and some bread.
10 Then Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”
11 Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net ashore full of big fish, A HUNDRED AND FIFTY-THREE in all; even though there were so many, STILL THE NET DID NOT TEAR.”

John‬ ‭21‬:‭2‬-‭11‬ ‭GNT‬‬ | Amenbible

Indeed, this is not just a lovely but a marvelous, candid story. Jesus appeared to them a third to reinstate His identity and strengthen their faith. As a matter of fact, after appearing to them a second time, they had yet to revive their vision and mission of spreading His gospel. They setback to their old habit as fishermen rather than their call as fishers of men (Mark 1:17).

RECEIVE GOD’S WORD WITH REVELATION
Nevertheless, I am very puzzled by some of the modern-day teachings. Among those, there is a teaching saying that believers need to “Receive God’s word with revelation (Let’s give a short name as RGWR)”.

The meaning of “RGWR ” is not the same as “Rhema Word”. It is not the same as God giving Spiritual revelation with certain insight, inspiration, vision, and dreams for upcoming events ahead either.

Rather, the “Receiving God’s Word with Revelation (RGWR)” is focusing on certain words or verses in the bible to draw their meaning.

For instance, in ‭‭John‬ ‭21‬:‭4‬-‭11, the “RGWR” is citing 4 Revelation Words as below:-

1) Right Side
The “Right Side” is deemed as the key to the miraculous catch of fish (Verse 6). To RGWR, the right side speaks for God’s favor, honor, etc, they say.
2) Empowerment
The appearance of Jesus empowered Peter to pull the net on the seashore (verse 11) that few strong guys couldn’t drag in the fishing net from the sea (Verse 6)
3) 153
Not only that, the other Revelation Word for RGWR is “153 fishes”, in verse 11. To them, in Greek/ Hebrew, “153” represents:
# victory,
# I am God,
# I the God,
# wisdom, etc
4) The disciple whom Jesus loved
The next Revelation Word for RGWR is “The disciple whom Jesus loved” (verse 7).
It is a form of self-boosting and self-declaring the love of Jesus. Based on this verse, many teachings and believers are self-declaring that they are “THE DISCIPLE WHOM JESUS LOVED” among the Christian community.

MY PERSONAL FINDINGS AND SUMMARY
In the light of seeking His truth, my personal study on this RGWR is as follows:-

(1) RIGHT-SIDE
Truly, there are quite many verses talking about the “Right Hand” in the bible. Some of the verses of “Right Hand” speak for God’s favour and honour”. But John 21 is talking about “Right SIDE”, not “Right HAND”.

And there aren’t any connecting elements on the “Right Side” as God’s favour or honor in the bible.

However, there is a similar or parallel event in the miraculous catches of fish in Luke 5: 1-6. The context in Luke 5:4-6 as follows:

(Luke 5:4-6, NIV)
4 When He (Jesus) had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “PUT OUT INTO DEEP WATER, and let down the nets for a catch.”
5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”
6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. “

Luke 5:4-6, NIV | Amenbible

Should we compare and contrast both scriptures in John 21 and Luke 5, we would find out that there are commonalities and differences between these two events, as below:

There isn’t any mention of the “right side” in Luke’s story.
In Luke 5, those people were not Jesus’s followers yet.
Whereas, John 21, was about the downcast of Jesus’ earthly disciples after Jesus was crucified on the cross.
There were miraculous catches of fish in both stories.
In Luke 5, Jesus told the pre-disciples to “put out into deep water and let down the nets” (Verse 4).
Whilst in John 21 verse 6, Jesus told His disciples “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.”
With two different instructions given by Jesus, both stories resulted in miracle catches of fish.
And in Luke 5, there wasn’t recorded the exact number of fish caught.

(2) 153
Neither do I comprehend Greek nor Hebrew. Thus, I can’t really explain the meaning of 153. However, I am skeptical about those explanations of the figurative of 153 as victorious, I am God, I the God or wisdom, etc. The Bible doesn’t show another 153 for further study and comparison.

Nevertheless, in Genesis 14:14, it is recorded that Abram rescued his nephew with 318 trained men. I don’t hear any consistent explanation of the meaning of 318 from those same group of bible teachers who teach 153. Thus, no comment.

On the other hand, it seems that Jewish should be the ones demonstrating higher proficiency in the Hebrew language. But most of them have not come to know Jesus as their personal savior.

Since Jewish can master the Hebrew language greater than any non-Jewish but have not come to know the Lord, is the bible originally written in Hebrew that important?

Furthermore, those bible teachers who come up with the explanation of 153 might not be able to communicate and command the Hebrew language in day-to-day conversation. Can they really teach the Hebrew language correctly?

Besides, many scholars are saying that there are differences between modern Hebrew and ancient (Biblical) Hebrew. It is just like modern English versus ancient English. There were drastic differences between the two in terms of grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and spelling.

Hence, I can only say that the bible is very precise in small detail. Even the exact number of 153 fish being caught and 318 trained men are being recorded.

(3) THE DISCIPLE WHOM JESUS LOVED
Should we continue the story in John 21:15-19, we would notice that Jesus appeared to Peter first after the miraculous catch of 153 fishes. Importantly, Jesus did not appear to the “disciple whom Jesus loved” first. And Jesus appointed Peter as the chief of those disciples. Not John.

The point here is, we can self-declare or proclaim “I am the disciple whom Jesus loved”. But Jesus did not appoint John as the chief. Three times, Jesus did not entrust His sheep/ lamb to “THE DISCIPLE WHOM JESUS LOVED”. In life, usually, we entrust important tasks to our closest friend, especially as the will’s executor or an administrator.

And the resurrected Jesus could be so different bodily that all His disciples and Mary Magdalene can’t recognize Him. That includes “The disciple whom Jesus loved.”

When Peter knew it was Jesus, he was the first to react and jump into the sea and not John… “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” That speaks for his heart for Jesus rather than John.

(4) EMPOWERMENT

Physics would suggest that it is easier to drag a fishing net on the seashore than in the sea that is subject to gravity force and sea tiding. It is not the appearance of Jesus that empowered Peter with physical strength per se.

CONCLUSION
Personally, I believe it is not the “Right Side” or left side that is paramount in life. The most important thing in life is to hear the instruction from Jesus and the Holy Spirit. They know where the fishes are in the river and ocean.

The Holy Spirit might be revealing and asking individuals to move into the “Right side” or “launch their vessel into the deeper ocean.” Similarly, the Holy Spirit might want individuals to switch careers, change ministry, or relocate to another country. Pure obedience to His instructions is the key to success. I pray that I would take heed and be attentive to His calling.

In conclusion, personally, I believe the “Receiving God’s Word with Revelation (RGWR)” teaching alters the meaning of John 20 and 21. At least, it does not portray these two chapters of scripture rightly.

I would describe John 20 and 21 as Jesus’ appearance to those eye-witnessed disciples:-
– to reinstate His identity,
– strengthen the disciples’ faith,
– focus on His written word and
– urging them to continue spreading His gospel on the earth.

Those disciples were with Jesus physically for 3 ½ years, but they weren’t recognized His way from the bible. Much more can happen to new covenant believers. We can be very familiar with the stories but without knowing the Savior’s heart. I pray that may the Lord unveils my and our eyes to Him from the written word.

Last but not least, it is good to check the biblical meaning by reading the bible, chapter by chapter; verse by verse on the whole portion of the entire message rather than trying to draw His truth with just a few so-called Revelation Words.

Jesus always spent time in His earthly ministry alone with God the Father was an example for believers. Private devotion to Jesus and the Holy Spirit is paramount as a Christian. Hear Him daily.

We all want the presence of the Lord to help us, prosper us, and guide us. But altering the biblical meaning by replacing it with a few so-called Revelation Words might be diluting His truth. Amenbible

THE DAY JESUS WAS CRUCIFIED

Did Jesus crucify on the Preparation Day or the Sabbath? This question is crucial for believers to explore.

One contemporary teaching posits that “The New Is In The Old Concealed; The Old Is In The New Revealed.” This concept suggests that the Old Testament holds foreshadows and types that are fully unveiled in the New Testament. In essence, Jesus is seen as fulfilling all the sufferings, punishments, and redemption described in the Old Testament.

THE DAY OF CRUCIFIXION
For instance, under this teaching, Jesus’ crucifixion can be seen as a parallel to the Passover lamb described in Exodus 12, which was burned as a sacrificial offering.

While it’s clear that Jesus is the Lamb of God sacrificed for humanity, nevertheless, the day of His crucifixion doesn’t align with the day described in Exodus 12.

Indeed, Jesus was crucified on a Friday, known as “Good Friday” of the Holy Week, the period leading up to “EASTER” that celebrates His resurrection. This crucifixion occurred on the “Day of Preparation”, which falls on Friday; the day before the Jewish Sabbath i.e. on Saturday.

The verses that indicate Jesus was crucified on the Preparation Day are found in John 19:31, Mark 15:42-43, and Matthew 27:62-63.

Exodus 12:6-7 describes the instructions for the Passover lamb: it is to be selected on the 10th day of the month and kept until the 14th day when it is to be slaughtered. This passage establishes the timing for the Passover but it does not explicitly identify that the 14th day was a “Sabbath”.

However, Numbers 28:9-10, and Numbers 28:18-20 outline offerings and sacrifices related to the Sabbath and the Passover Festival in honor of the Lord that are to be held on the “fourteenth day” of the first month. The feast of unleavened bread commerce from the 15th to the 21st, for 7 days.

Additionally, Mark 16:9 indicates that Jesus was resurrected on the first day of the week. Some translations, such as the Good News Translation, render this as ‘Rose from death early on Sunday.’ This aligns with the traditional understanding of Jesus’ crucifixion 3 days ago, which was on Friday.

Hence, it established that the Passover in Exodus 12 was on the Day of the Sabbath.

In summary, these two events, the crucifixion of Jesus occurred on the Day of Preparation, a Friday, that Christians traditionally observe as Good Friday. However, this timing presents a discrepancy when compared to the Passover event described in Exodus 12. Unlike the Passover Lamb sacrificed on a Sabbath, Saturday, Jesus’ crucifixion took place on a different day.

PURPOSE
The Passover, as detailed in Exodus 12, was a pivotal moment in the Israelites’ history. Instituted as a deliverance from Egyptian bondage, the application of blood to doorposts and lintels signified divine protection. The Lord “passed over” Israelite households, sparing them from the devastating plague that claimed the lives of Egyptian firstborn sons and livestock. This event marked the last plague.

In contrast, the crucifixion of Jesus, often referred to as the Passover Lamb but the blood did not spare and protect His people. Instead, many of His people were dispersed, martyred, and prosecuted and the Temple was subsequently destroyed in AD 70. Primary, at the cross, Jesus as the Passover Lamb speaks more on forgiving sin and releasing His Spirit that gives life to the believers.

Obviously, the Passover in Exodus 12 and the crucifixion, yielded vastly different results. One brought jubilant freedom, while the other initiated a path of suffering, dismay, and tribulation.

PALM SUNDAY
Certain interpretations of Scripture suggest that an additional Sabbath may have occurred during that sacred week, leading to the possibility that the crucifixion of our Lord was not on Friday. However, the Scriptures recount that Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey, ONE WEEK before HIS RESURRECTION (Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19, John 12). Therefore, it is consistent that Jesus glorified God on the Day of Preparation, which is known as Good Friday.

If Jesus was not crucified on Good Friday, believers would have commemorated this sacred event incorrectly for centuries.

UNLEAVENED BREAD
The third and final discrepancy between Exodus 12 and the New Testament pertains to the concept of Unleavened Bread.

Exodus 12 mandates a seven-day observance of unleavened bread annually as part of the Passover Feast, commencing on the fifteenth day of Nisan and concluding on the twenty-first. In contrast, the New Testament shows “Unleavened Bread” metaphorically to signify a continuous, lifelong pursuit of moral and spiritual purity.

Paul, in 1 Corinthians 5:6-8, exhorts the Corinthians to eliminate the “old leaven” of sin from their lives, drawing a parallel between clean living and the physical removal of leaven from bread.

Paul’s reference to “unleavened bread” signifies the imperative of expelling “THE OLD LEAVEN” of sin from their lives and adopting a new, sinless existence.

This metaphor is not merely about consuming bread without yeast. Indeed, 1 Corinthians 5 stands in contrast to contemporary teachings that suggest partaking of the Holy Communion bread, seeing Jesus being “ROASTED” at the cross, will bestow upon believers God’s favor, blessings, and complete restoration.

This idea of “ROASTED” bread is rooted in Exodus 12:8. However, the true meaning of Unleavened Bread, as presented in 1 Corinthians 5, calls for a life of thorough sinlessness. It does not imply that the sins judged upon Jesus at the cross will absolve believers from the consequences of their ongoing transgressions.

SUMMARY
In summary, the assertion that Exodus 12 foreshadows the crucifixion of Christ through typology, as both concealed and revealed, presents several contradictions. These discrepancies are:

The day of the Passover occurrence
Outcome of Passover
Duration of Unleavened Bread
Purpose of Unleavened Bread

CONCLUSION
Given the substantial disparities and contradictions, identifying Exodus 12 as a direct prophetic foreshadowing of Christ’s crucifixion is problematic. While parallels exist, the concept that the Old Testament prefigures the New is challenging to reconcile in this instance.

Furthermore, it contradicts the modern teaching that claims that partaking communion with the REVELATION in seeing Jesus “Roasted” likens the description in Exodus shall bestow upon believers God’s favor, blessings, healing, and complete restoration.

The Passover sacrifice described in Exodus 12 is confined to the judgment of the firstborn. While Christ’s second coming will judge all who reject and disobey Him. It’s crucial to remember that even though Jesus is the Passover Lamb, His sacrifice did not exempt early believers from scattering, martyrdom, and intense persecution. How, then, can believers assert that consuming the Bread can shield them from all adversity and suffering?

Jesus’ primary role as the Passover Lamb bestowed sin forgiveness and imparted His Spirit as a gift to Christians. Whereas, the Passover in Exodus 12 is for the delivery of His people from slavery.

Undoubtedly, Christ is the Lamb of God, the Redeemer and Passover Lamb; yet His redemptive work differs from how redemption was wrought in the days of Exodus 12. Amenbible

RECENT POST:-
I Will Be Your God
Nephilim
Kingdoms
New Spirit And New Law
2 Gospel
End Times: Summer
The Day Jesus Was Crucified
Feet Washing
Believe – John 3:16

TOP POSTS:-
3 John (Prosper In All Things)
As He Is, So Are We In This World
Arise, Shine
Cast Your Net On The Right Side
Earnest Prayer
End Times:- The Book Of Life Opens
See Jesus: (1 Corinthians 10)

Back to Main Page

As a Christian, I have been asking:-
– What to believe in?
– What is the gospel?

Of course, different Christians believing God differently. For instance:-
– Some belief in godly career direction.
– Some looking for a godly life partner
– Some are struggling in finance and need a godly financial breakthrough.
– Some are seeking peace
– Some just inspire to worship God, etc.

Should we continue with the list, perhaps we can safely and surely say that at different stages in life, we are having different needs or checklists.

THE CRUCIAL QUESTION

But, when Christians are saying that they believe in the bible or Jesus, what does it mean exactly? If we are believing in the gospel, what exactly to believe in? What are the gospel and baptism? And what is their interrelationship then?

Before we look into the “Crucial Question”, let’s look at how and what apostle Paul warned the Corinthians churches in Second Corinthians chapter 11.

According to Paul, Eve fell, lured away because she entertained the smooth tongue of slightly seductive words from the snake. Paul continued by saying that should the believers tolerate the snake’s clever lies as Eve was, is like accepting:-
– a different Jesus
– a different Spirit
– a different Gospel.

The full context is as below:-

2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3‬-4 ‭GNT
‬‬3 I am afraid that your minds will be corrupted and that you will abandon your full and pure devotion to Christ—in the same way that Eve was deceived by the snake’s clever lies.
4 For you gladly tolerate anyone who comes to you and preaches a DIFFERENT Jesus, not the one we preached; and you accept a spirit and a gospel completely different from the Spirit and the GOSPEL you received from us! (‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3-4 ‭GNT‬‬)

2 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭3-4 ‭GNT | amenbible.com

Apparently, Eve only tolerated the snake slightly. She might never have thought of being fallen away from God’s presence with just a slight belief being deviated from His word.

Paul was making a compare and contrast in the Book of Second Corinthians. A slight twist in God’s word or a slight difference in believing God’s word is treated as:-
– minds being corrupted
– being abandoned from pure devotion to Christ
– deceived by Satan.

And, to Paul, a slight difference is not God’s word at all but it is Satan’s truth. Similarly, a slight unbelieving is total devastation and destruction.

With that in mind, we shall then look into “The Crucial Question”, on what exactly the gospel, baptism, and belief are and their interrelationship.

Of course, modern-day teaching is saying:-
– the gospel is “GOOD NEWS.”
– any preaching on poverty, suffering for Christ, or the wrath of God is not “Good News”. Thus, that teaching is not from God.
– the gospel is the “Gospel of Grace.”
– whatever believers need, Christ has not just paid it all, but also fully supplied it all. It only needs faith for the believers to take from God all the blessedness and good gifts.
– baptism is merely a public declaration that they are Christ’s followers. It is just symbolism. Nothing significant.

There are many verses talking about baptism, the gospel, and belief. However let’s look at Mark 1:1-5 and Matthew 3 below:-

Mark 1:1-5, GNT
1 This is the GOOD NEWS about JESUS CHRIST, the Son of God. 2 It began as the prophet Isaiah had written: “God said, ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you to open the way for you.’ 3 Someone is shouting in the desert, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!’” 4 So John appeared in the desert, baptizing and preaching. “TURN AWAY FROM YOUR SINS and be baptized,” he told the people, “and GOD WILL FORGIVE YOUR SINS.” 5 Many people from the province of Judea and the city of Jerusalem went out to hear John. THEY CONFESSED THEIR SINS, and he baptized them in the Jordan River. (Mark 1:1-5, GNT)

Matthew 3:1-3 GNT
1 At that time John the Baptist came to the desert of Judea and started preaching. 2 “Turn away from your sins,” he said, “because the Kingdom of heaven is near!”
3 John was the man the prophet Isaiah was talking about when he said, “Someone is shouting in the desert, ‘Prepare a road for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!’” (Matthew 3:1-3, GNT
—
6 They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan. (Matthew 3:6, GNT)

Mark 1:1-5 and Matthew 3:1-3 | amenbible.com

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS?
What do these two portions of scripture highlight?
Firstly, from Mark’s account, the gospel begins or starts from John the Baptist in preparing the path for Jesus’ earthly ministry.

That means the gospel is not just merely a simple verse or phrase of “GOOD NEWS” that can be covered. In brief, the gospel covers the entire life of Jesus and His mission to release the Holy Spirit for mankind.

Secondly, in any case, the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are known as the Gospel Books. It involves the story of the entire life of Jesus, His callings, His way of doing things, and His mission.

Thus, believers/ preachers have to draw the integrated meaning from all four gospel Books, look at different angles and perspectives to understand the purpose of Christ, and comprehend His gospel.

Should we just take a verse or half a verse to draw its definition, we would say:-

The thief who was crucified with Jesus never went through water baptism. He never produced any good work/ fruit after believing in Christ at the cross.
Romans 10:8-9 only requires the mouth to declare and the heart to believe that God raised Jesus from death and shall be saved.
John 3:16. Just believe alone.
Don’t need evidence of fruits and good work for full salvation.
Water baptism is insignificant.
Once saved, always saved, by reciting the sinner’s player alone.
Similarly, there are many disputes and wrong teaching of cessationism of prophesying, tongues, and healing.
Bible readers will discover many of the scriptures, verses can never identify or even against each other and etc
Should that be the case, the bible is full of contradictions, errors, and disputable.
People like to cover up those disputes by suggesting not just 4 Gospel books but need to add in some more books like “The Gospel from Thomas” etc