14. Teaching

.... In preparing sinners to approach Himself, God teaches among mankind universally: "They shall all be taught by God" (John 6:45). But in saying this, Jesus made a clear distinction between those who were being ‘taught’ (universal) and those who ‘have heard and learned’ (specific ones- same verse). Therefore the same passage indicates a graduation, leading to ‘Phase 2’ which we will return to later.

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.... For now, let’s limit our discussion to the universal way in which all men are taught by God. What form does this teaching take? Apparently, God’s lessons involve a two-pronged approach, both inward and outward, working together:

.... First, the inward aspect: "(Jesus Christ) was the true Light, which gives Light to every man who comes into the world." (John 1:9). In some sense, God has placed within every man an inner knowledge pertaining to Jesus Himself (The fact that it happens when they come into the world, or when Christ came into the world, as different translations render the passage, is immaterial to the fact that it happens universally.)

.... Second, the outward aspect: God teaches all men through the witness of nature, revealing even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse (see Romans 1:18-23). "But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: 'Their sound has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.'" (Romans 10:18; compare Psalm 19:1-4).

.... As the inward and outward lessons are joined together in their testimony of God to the sinner, an overall concept emerges. It is very similar, in fact, to the description of prophecy that is provided in 1 Corinthians 14:24-25.

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.... In that passage, an unbeliever hears the word of prophecy going forth (an outward testimony), and the thought of his heart is revealed (an inward witness). The two match, so his immediate conclusion is: "falling down on his face he will worship God and report that God is truly among you." (v 25).

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.... In a similar way, as the eternal power and Godhead is made known through the witness of creation (an outward testimony), it should stir in the heart of an unbeliever, touching upon the knowledge of Christ with which God enlightened him when he came into the world (an inward witness). The two should match again; and as the thought of his heart is revealed, he should acknowledge God and glorify Him. (Romans 1:19-21). Paul says that he would be without excuse for not doing so (vs 20).

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.... Please note also, that every bit of this initiative is born from God Himself, in His own efforts, and is at no point a device of man, except to acknowledge it.