LESSON 3: JESUS, THE HOLY ONE

This lesson explores the central role of Jesus Christ as the Holy One, highlighting key Biblical themes that reveal God's eternal plan for redemption. It emphasizes that God's plan for salvation through Jesus was not a response to sin, but part of His eternal purpose from the beginning.

Learners will explore the prophecy of the Seed of the Woman in Genesis 3:15, which symbolizes God's hidden plan for redemption through Jesus. This prophecy points to Christ's ultimate victory over sin and death, demonstrating the depth of God's wisdom in planning salvation from the start. The lesson concludes by focusing on Jesus’ role as the Life-Giving Spirit, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him.

OBJECTIVES

During this lesson, you should be able to:

1. Discuss some key scriptures that show the depth of God’s wisdom and intent to save before creation:

Students should be able to use scriptures, such as Genesis 3:15, Ephesians 1:4-5; and Ephesians 3:9-11 as proof of how far God went in planning for man’s redemption and how His prophetic Words reveal how wise He is .

1. Use given situations and support scriptures to illustrate God’s desire to be loved and have a family:

Students should be able to identify from Biblical accounts and a given family situation, examples of behaviors that show God’s intent to have a family who loves Him.

1. Explore why Jesus is important as the Seed of the Woman and how this reveals God's secret plan to save humanity:

Students should be able to identify the prophecy spoken by God when man sinned and explain why it is a fundamental truth in God’s salvation plan.

1. Compare the spiritual make-up of Jesus with that of Adam (before and after the fall):

Students should be able to identify the distinctive difference between Jesus and humanity as a part of God's redemption plan.

1. Explain why Jesus is the Life-Giving Spirit that has power over death:

Students should be able to use the meaning of the term, life-giving to articulate how God ensured that Jesus would defeat death and give eternal life to those who believe in Him.

ACTIVITY 3.1 - PREPARATION ACTIVITY - Self-Check

How does the case below reveal that God cares about family? Record your response in the table below.

The Case of Love, Family, and Forgiveness

Barry had been distant from his family for years, cutting off contact due to misunderstandings and even blaming God. His mind wrestled with, “Why did God allow sin if He is loving?” Despite their pain, his family never stopped praying for his return.

One day, Barry met Christians who shared stories of Jesus’ love and forgiveness. Realizing the need for forgiveness, he decided to reconnect with his family. Like the prodigal son, they welcomed him back with love and gratitude to God. Their bond was restored, and they committed to growing closer through Christ.

Theme from the Case

Examples

Proof that God cares for family.

GOD’S DESIRE FOR A FAMILY

When we consider the extent of the degradation man fell into, some may wonder why God allowed it to happen. Questions arise, such as: Why did God create the tree of knowledge? Why did He allow Lucifer and the serpent to do what they did? Why didn’t He stop Eve? While it is not our place to speculate on these matters, because the scriptures serve as a safe haven—a place where our questions find answers.

Ephesians 1:4-5

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

The scripture above enlightens us that before God ever formed the world, He desired children—He wanted a family. Notice how it says that His children would stand before Him in love? As we covered in the previous course, love is not something that should be forced; it must be a decision of one’s own heart. Moreover, love is not truly love if there are no options to choose from.

This is but one of the number of reasons God allowed the fall of man - He wanted love.

Luke 7:47

Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

The scripture above holds a powerful principle. It shows the power of forgiveness on the heart of one that is forgiven. He that is forgiven of little will love little; thus, the inverse is true; he that is forgiven of much will love much. This reveals one of the reasons God allowed the fall. Though it grieved Him to see us fall, He knew that when He came to us with mercy, our love for Him would abound. Thus, mercy, grace, and forgiveness cause the recipient to feel emotions of gratitude and love.

Ephesians 3:9-11

9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

Another reason God allowed the fall was to demonstrate His manifold wisdom to principalities and powers—angelic beings of high rank. After the devil had done his utmost to lead mankind astray, he would come to realize that God's wisdom far surpasses his own. The plan of redemption is so perfect and unshakeable, that when it was carried out, the devil ultimately regretted his actions, as he had been completely outwitted by God.

THE SEED OF THE WOMAN: GOD’S WISDOM & HIDDEN PLAN

Even before the devil acted, God had already formed a plan—one that would not only bring Him the children He desired, but also destroy the works of the devil. When the serpent was judged, God prophesied to him, giving both mankind and the principalities a glimpse of His redemptive plan.

Genesis 3:15

And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

The phrase “her seed” is highly significant because, biologically, it is not natural for a woman to produce seed. In humanity, it is the male who carries the seed and passes it to the woman. However, the scripture refers to the woman having a seed, which is a prophecy concerning the birth of Jesus by a virgin. Jesus was the seed planted in Mary's womb, fulfilling this divine prophecy.

This concept is crucial because when Adam sinned, both he and his descendants became corrupted by the spirit of iniquity. Exodus 1:5 teaches that the souls of the children reside in the loins of the father, meaning the entire human race existed in Adam's loins. Therefore, when Adam was corrupted, so was the whole world. Through the law of seed, sin passed from parent to child and from generation to generation.

Sin was transmitted through the man’s seed, which is why it was essential for Jesus to be the Son of God. By having God as His Father, Jesus was safeguarded from inheriting the spirit of iniquity. God planted Jesus in Mary’s womb and sanctified her by overshadowing her during the pregnancy, ensuring that Jesus would be born holy and without corruption. Thus, The Father welcomed the first born of His Family - Jesus the first of many brethren. Our God of all wisdom orchestrated the plan of salvation for the Holy Lamb to come to earth, fit to be the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world.

Activity 3.2 - Even though she gave birth to Jesus and was overshadowed by God, Mary still needed to receive the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, just like everyone else.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why shouldn’t Mary be worshiped?
2. Why do you think Mary, despite her unique role, still needed the Holy Spirit?

Luke 1:35

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore, also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

In contrast to Adam's descendants, Jesus was not born in sin or shaped by iniquity—He was born in holiness, fashioned by the Holy Spirit. While Adam, along with his body, soul, and spirit, was infiltrated by the spirit of iniquity, notice the stark difference in Jesus' makeup mentioned in John 17:21.

THE SPIRITUAL MAKEUP OF JESUS

John 17:21

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us:that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

Jesus came forth with God dwelling in His body. He was the living, breathing temple of God—Emmanuel, God in the flesh.

Jesus uses two distinct phrases: “Father, art in me” and “I in thee.”

“Father, art in me” refers to the fact that the Spirit of God resided within His body, while “I in thee” indicates that His inner man (soul and spirit) dwelt in God. The diagram below depicts Jesus’ spiritual makeup alongside innocent and fallen Adam.

Activity 3.3

1. How is Jesus’ spiritual make-up similar and/or different from Adam’s before the fall? Respond using the diagram below.

1. What does Jesus’ spiritual makeup tell us about God’s plan of salvation?

Take special note of God’s wisdom in the divine makeup of Jesus. Unlike Adam, Jesus was not considered to be “in the flesh.” His soul was concealed within the Holy Ghost, which dwelled in His body. As described in Romans 8:9, He was not “in the flesh” but “in the Spirit.” This allowed God to work through Christ, using His vessel to bring glory to Himself.

This made Him distinct from Adam. What is this distinction?

JESUS, THE LIFE-GIVING SPIRIT

1 Corinthians 15:45-47

45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.

Jesus is a spiritual being sent from heaven. Everything it took to make Adam came from the earth, however, Jesus was made from the Holy Spirit. This made Him a quickening or life-giving Spirit - totally unaffected by the power of sin and death. Even His human body, supplied by Mary, was sanctified and pure. It was the house of God - a righteous vessel.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT - It was crucial for Jesus to be made a life- giving Spirit if He was to reverse the effects of death.

Activity 3.4 – Find three scriptures that highlight Jesus’ holy and divine nature, as well as Adam or mankind’s carnal and earthly nature.

Scriptures on Jesus’ Divinity

Scriptures on Adam’s earthly nature

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Jesus, being the holy Son of God and without sin, was the only one in all existence worthy to die for the sins of the world. Through His death and resurrection, He gives life to all who believe in Him, as the scripture declares. All praise and glory to Jesus Christ, the Holy Lamb of God.

MAIN POINTS

Here are some key points to remember from this lesson:

God’s Desire for a Family: God’s plan of salvation through Jesus was not an afterthought, but a part of His divine design. His desire to have a family born of His seed is seen in scriptures, such as 2 Corinthians 6:18, and Ephesians 1:5 that emphasize His relational nature.

The Seed of the Woman: God’s Wisdom & Hidden Plan: Genesis 3:15 foretells the coming of Jesus, the Seed of the Woman, as part of God’s secret plan to save humanity. This prophecy is fundamental to the entire salvation plan.

The Spiritual Makeup of Jesus: In fulfilling prophecy, God sanctified the human body of Mary and hid Jesus’ soul and spirit in Himself. This divine (holy) nature of Christ made Him unlike a natural man (Adam). .

Jesus, The Life-Giving Spirit: Because of His holy life, Jesus was given the power to grant spiritual and eternal life to those who believe in Him. In 1 Corinthians 15:45, He is called the "last Adam" and the "quickening (life-giving) spirit." His resurrection proves He defeated death, and is the source of life that transcends physical death.