John 3:31-36

31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: He that cometh from heaven is above all.

32 And what He hath seen and heard, that He testifieth; and no man receiveth His testimony.

33 He that hath received His testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.

34 For He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him.

35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into His hand.

36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

He that cometh from above (v.31) — Jesus. He is deity, therefore His words are true. He knows heavenly things.

He that is of the earth (v.31) — John the Baptist. His words are imperfect, as are all things on earth.

what He has seen and heard (v.32) — of and from the Father

No man receiveth (v.32)  — anticipates the rejection of Christ (Romans 3) — the natural man unaided by grace

Anyone who believes declares that he believes that God is true. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made Him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of His Son (1 John 5:10).

set his seal (v.33) — identified with it. It belongs to me. I accept God’s truth and have made it mine.

To refuse Christ’s testimony is to treat it as a lie.

Spirit by measure — In Him (Christ) the fullness of the Godhead dwells (Colossians 2:9). John was the greatest prophet, but Christ has the fullness of the Spirit. He wasn’t anointed for a time as the Old Testament prophets were.

all things in His hands (v.35) — the Divine plan. These words spake Jesus, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify Thy Son, that Thy Son also may glorify Thee: As Thou hast given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as Thou hast given Him. And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent. I have glorified Thee on the earth: I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do (John 17:1-4). Therefore … whoever believes has eternal life.

hath everlasting life (v.36) — present tense

Faith is believing that God means what He says.

believeth (verse 36, 2nd usage) = obey

wrath of God abideth on him (v.36) — eternal suffering

Every person is born under God’s wrath. Whoever does not believe remains there.

Christ was different from all other messengers from God. In all things, He had pre-eminence.

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