Part 2: Part 1 Part 3

THE PURPOSE OF THE STUDY GUIDE

Because of the things mentioned above, the Lord has sent this revelation to reinform His people concerning the truth about salvation that they may begin to walk in His true intent for them

- holiness.

Activity 1.2

What was your perspective of salvation before you read Chapter 1?

THE POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST IV

The Making of the Body

P a r t 1

THE ERRONEOUS CONCEPT

Salvation is for man’s benefit only.

We were stuck in sin and destined to hell – so Jesus died for our sins allowing us to go to heaven despite how we live.

THE ERRONEOUS CONCEPT

Jesus is the only true son of God, Jesus is unique as it pertains to sinlessness.

GOD’S INTENT

Salvation benefits man and God.

It benefits man because it brings forth redemption from sin and the captivity of the enemy. However, it benefits God because it literally changes mankind into His children.

These children of God are free from sin, and naturally walk in sinlessness.

GOD’S INTENT

Jesus Christ is the first of many others who are the same as He is.

(Romans 8:29, 1 John 4:7)

What strengthened the erroneous perspective?

1. Jesus was the one chosen to die for the sins of the world. He was the only one worthy to do so. Therefore, to say that anyone else can be as holy as He was, is an effort to exalt flesh - taking the glory from Christ.
2. Constant failure and sin even after salvation.
3. Misinterpretation of scriptures.

These things caused us to miss God’s true intent for the church.

THE LIE VS THE TRUTH

Salvation not only brings about the redemption of mankind, but it also allowed the procreation, reproduction, and glorification of Jesus Christ.

1. PROCREATION: The production of offspring – to have children that are the same type of being as the parent is.
2. REPRODUCTION: Multiplication – the mass production of the same thing.
3. GLORIFICATION: To reveal the true splendor of a thing. Once this revelation occurs, it will inspire praise and honor. To be increased.

GOD’S CONCEPT OF SALVATION

1. Therefore, salvation allows God to procreate.

• We become the children of God, in the same manner that Jesus was (John 17:11).

2. It allows Jesus Christ to reproduce.

• Jesus was the first begotten son, with many others like Him (Romans 8:29).

3. It brings about the glorification of Jesus Christ.

• The church is the splendor of Jesus Christ. Because of salvation, the man Jesus is a body part - the head of His body the Church. Thus He has increased.

CORN OF WHEAT

What approach does the lesson take in addressing the false concept of salvation?

To teach the procreation, reproduction, and glorification of Jesus Christ, Apostle Mary Banks takes us to John 12:20-24.

Overview and Context of the scripture After Jesus rose Lazarus from the dead, many believed on Him – even the Gentiles. In the scripture, some Gentiles came to worship and Jesus responded by saying; The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

Why did Jesus say this?

Jesus was speaking from the concept that salvation would bring about procreation, reproduction, and glorification. Jesus was aware the Body of Christ was soon to be revealed. This Body would have all manner of people – Jew and Gentile - and all would be a part of His body.

What approach did Jesus take to teach this?

He uses a parable of a seed and explains how seeds multiply. He explains that a seed must die in order to multiply.

Activity 2.1

What scriptures prove that the church is the body of Christ?

Scripture 1

PARABLE Corn (Grain) of Wheat - Seed

Jesus is the seed After Jesus died, He went into the lower parts of the earth.

Jesus died on the cross then went into the lower parts of the earth (called death) and suffered 3 days and nights.

Fall into the ground (planted)

It dies

REVELATION

PARABLE

The seed changes into a plant. (1 Corinthians 15:36-38)

After the penalty of sin was paid for, God went for His son in hell. He received the Holy Spirit. However, others who had died in faith also received the Holy Spirit.

At that point, Jesus changed from being one man into a body of people. Even as the seed changes into a plant.

The new Body of Christ (Jesus and the saints) ascended out of the lower parts of the earth. The bodies that they had before they arose were changed into celestial vessels, even as Jesus’ in the tomb.

After receiving their glorified bodies, these individuals showed themselves to those that were living on earth. (Matthew 27:50- 53)

The fruit began in the lower parts of the earth. However, even as a plant constantly produces fruit, so will Christ produce more sons of God as time continues. These sons, however, receive the Holy Spirit on earth.

The plant ascends out of the ground and shows itself.

The plant produces much fruit.

REVELATION

BODY

1. The physical structure of a living thing (including flesh, bones and organs)
2. A group of people.

• The Body of Christ refers to the group of people that make up the physical structure of the man Jesus Christ.

Even as the seed procreated, reproduced and multiplied - so has Christ. Jesus went down as one body, and then became the true vine with many branches.

• Jesus is now many members, but one body.

What should this knowledge achieve?

It should clarify the redemption plan.

We should now see salvation as a transformation into who Christ is, rather than a mere covering for sins. Being transformed into the body of Christ means we are as free from sin as Christ is.