There has never been a statue erected to the memory of someone who let well enough alone.
- Jules Ellinger
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Searching the Scripture
Lesson 11 The Humanity of CHRIST
Part 2
JESUS was subject to the laws of human development.
1. HE grew.
Luke 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
2. HE asked questions.
Luke 2:46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
3. HE increased in wisdom.
Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
4. HE learned to be obedient.
Hebrews 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
5. HE suffered.
Hebrews 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
6. HE worked as a carpenter until the age of thirty.
Mark 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
HIS age is given in Luke 3:23 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,
7. HE was tempted.
Matthew 4:1-11 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
Part 2
JESUS was subject to the laws of human development.
1. HE grew.
Luke 2:40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.
2. HE asked questions.
Luke 2:46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.
3. HE increased in wisdom.
Luke 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
4. HE learned to be obedient.
Hebrews 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
5. HE suffered.
Hebrews 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
6. HE worked as a carpenter until the age of thirty.
Mark 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
HIS age is given in Luke 3:23 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,
7. HE was tempted.
Matthew 4:1-11 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,
And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.
Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.
Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
A Quote to Ponder
Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others, and the delight in the recognition.
- Alexander Smith
- Alexander Smith
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Searching the Scripture
Lesson 11 The Humanity of CHRIST
Part 1
Certain things were required of CHRIST in order that HE be our SAVIOUR. It was necessary for JESUS to not only be Divine and virgin-born, but HE had to be a true man as well. HE was like us in every respect except one. HE was sinless.
I Timothy 2:5 For there is one GOD, and one mediator between GOD and men, the man (human) CHRIST JESUS.
JESUS had to be made like us in order to be a “faithful high priest in things pertaining to GOD.
Hebrews 2:17. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
JESUS was born under the law so that HE might redeem us from the law.
Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
The first Adam brought sin and death. CHRIST, the second Adam, brought resurrection and life.
I Corinthians 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
In this lesson we will look as some scriptural proof of CHRIST´s humanity.
JESUS was given human names
Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
In I Timothy 2:5 (quoted above) JESUS is called a man.
The phrase “Son of man” emphasizes HIS humanity. It occurs 77 times in the Scripture.
Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
As he was dying, Stephen saw JESUS and called HIM “Son of man”.
Acts 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
JESUS had human ancestry
To get a puppy you must have dog parents. In order that JESUS be human HE must have had a human parent. HE had a human parent in the person of HIS mother, Mary.
Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
JESUS was born of the seed and lineage of David.
Acts 13:23 Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
In Matthew 1:1-16 the genealogy of CHRIST is traced from Abraham to CHRIST.
The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;
And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;
And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:
And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;
And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Hebrews 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
JESUS possessed a physical nature.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
To deny that JESUS CHRIST is a man is a mark of antichrist.
I John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
Part 1
Certain things were required of CHRIST in order that HE be our SAVIOUR. It was necessary for JESUS to not only be Divine and virgin-born, but HE had to be a true man as well. HE was like us in every respect except one. HE was sinless.
I Timothy 2:5 For there is one GOD, and one mediator between GOD and men, the man (human) CHRIST JESUS.
JESUS had to be made like us in order to be a “faithful high priest in things pertaining to GOD.
Hebrews 2:17. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
JESUS was born under the law so that HE might redeem us from the law.
Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
The first Adam brought sin and death. CHRIST, the second Adam, brought resurrection and life.
I Corinthians 15:21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
In this lesson we will look as some scriptural proof of CHRIST´s humanity.
JESUS was given human names
Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
In I Timothy 2:5 (quoted above) JESUS is called a man.
The phrase “Son of man” emphasizes HIS humanity. It occurs 77 times in the Scripture.
Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
As he was dying, Stephen saw JESUS and called HIM “Son of man”.
Acts 7:56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
JESUS had human ancestry
To get a puppy you must have dog parents. In order that JESUS be human HE must have had a human parent. HE had a human parent in the person of HIS mother, Mary.
Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
JESUS was born of the seed and lineage of David.
Acts 13:23 Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
In Matthew 1:1-16 the genealogy of CHRIST is traced from Abraham to CHRIST.
The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;
And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon;
And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;
And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;
And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;
And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;
And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;
And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:
And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;
And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;
And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;
And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;
And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.
Hebrews 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
JESUS possessed a physical nature.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
To deny that JESUS CHRIST is a man is a mark of antichrist.
I John 4:3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Searching the Scripture
Lesson 10 The Relationship of the SON to the FATHER
Part 2
JESUS CHRIST as man is subordinated to the FATHER
When JESUS CHRIST became man HE voluntarily took a lower position. This position was one of humility and obedience to GOD the FATHER.
John 14:2 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater
than I.
JESUS the human is speaking to GOD eternal.
When JESUS was conceived of the HOLY SPIRIT, CHRIST entered into a new relationship with GOD.
Hebrews 1:5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Here JESUS is referred to as the “only begotten SON”. This was prophesied in Psalm 2:7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
The begetting of JESUS does not refer to the origin of the eternal GOD, the LORD JESUS. As GOD, HE was never born. HE has always existed.
Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
The begetting refers to what happened in the book of Luke when the HOLY SPIRIT came upon the Virgin Mary and the human JESUS was conceived.
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.
Let´s take a look at the ways in which the SON was subordinated to the FATHER.
1. JESUS lived because of the FATHER
John 6:57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
The FATHER sustained the SON.
2. JESUS couldn´t do anything without the FATHER.
John 5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
3. JESUS was sent by the FATHER.
John 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
4. The Father gave authority and direction to the SON.
John 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
5.JESUS received HIS messages from the FATHER.
John 8:26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.
6. The FATHER gave the SON specific work to accomplish.
John 5:36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
7. The FATHER assigned a kingdom to the SON.
Luke 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
8. During the present Church age, JESUS is subjected to the HEADSHIP of the FATHER.
II Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
9. CHRIST became the way by which men could approach GOD.
Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
10. JESUS became the way to GOD, to salvation. HE is the only WAY.
John14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
11. JESUS referred to the FATHER as “My GOD”
How long with the subservience of CHRIST last?
Luke 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
The FATHER gave the SON a kingdom. It is clear that the SON will return it to HIS FATHER.
The time of subordination goes beyond the consummation of this present age and even beyond the Great White Throne Judgment.
I Corinthians 15:17-18 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
There is no conflict here if we understand the Scripture as they should be understood. The pre-incarnate CHRIST is and will forever be equal to GOD the FATHER.
Part 2
JESUS CHRIST as man is subordinated to the FATHER
When JESUS CHRIST became man HE voluntarily took a lower position. This position was one of humility and obedience to GOD the FATHER.
John 14:2 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater
than I.
JESUS the human is speaking to GOD eternal.
When JESUS was conceived of the HOLY SPIRIT, CHRIST entered into a new relationship with GOD.
Hebrews 1:5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Here JESUS is referred to as the “only begotten SON”. This was prophesied in Psalm 2:7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
The begetting of JESUS does not refer to the origin of the eternal GOD, the LORD JESUS. As GOD, HE was never born. HE has always existed.
Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
The begetting refers to what happened in the book of Luke when the HOLY SPIRIT came upon the Virgin Mary and the human JESUS was conceived.
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.
Let´s take a look at the ways in which the SON was subordinated to the FATHER.
1. JESUS lived because of the FATHER
John 6:57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
The FATHER sustained the SON.
2. JESUS couldn´t do anything without the FATHER.
John 5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
3. JESUS was sent by the FATHER.
John 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
4. The Father gave authority and direction to the SON.
John 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
5.JESUS received HIS messages from the FATHER.
John 8:26 I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him.
6. The FATHER gave the SON specific work to accomplish.
John 5:36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
7. The FATHER assigned a kingdom to the SON.
Luke 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
8. During the present Church age, JESUS is subjected to the HEADSHIP of the FATHER.
II Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
9. CHRIST became the way by which men could approach GOD.
Hebrews 7:25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
10. JESUS became the way to GOD, to salvation. HE is the only WAY.
John14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
11. JESUS referred to the FATHER as “My GOD”
How long with the subservience of CHRIST last?
Luke 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
The FATHER gave the SON a kingdom. It is clear that the SON will return it to HIS FATHER.
The time of subordination goes beyond the consummation of this present age and even beyond the Great White Throne Judgment.
I Corinthians 15:17-18 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.
Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
There is no conflict here if we understand the Scripture as they should be understood. The pre-incarnate CHRIST is and will forever be equal to GOD the FATHER.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
A Quote to Ponder
A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. - Tenneva Jordan
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Hand-made Gift of Love
This is the afghan I made for my husband as a Christmas gift. I love giving things that I make myself.Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Searching the Scripture
Lesson 10 The Relationship of the SON to the FATHER
Part 1
The relationship of the SON to the FATHER is a controversial point with many cults who deny the deity of CHRIST. They say that JESUS is a son of God just like us, but that HE is not GOD. They say that HE is a son who is subservient to the FATHER and use Scripture to prove their point. As evangelicals, how do we answer?
Personally, I believe that as GOD, JESUS in HIS pre-incarnate state was, is, and shall ever be equal with GOD the FATHER. However, in HIS incarnate state JESUS was most definitely subservient to GOD the FATHER. A study of the pre-incarnate CHRIST will help us to appreciate and be grateful of what the SON did for us when HE chose to become our SAVIOUR.
Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
JESUS CHRIST as GOD is equal to the FATHER
I John 2:23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
John 5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
The Jews recognized only one GOD. “The LORD our GOD is one LORD” and they considered CHRIST´S claims as blasphemy and felt it was worthy of death by stoning.
John 10:30 I and my Father are one.
This is surely proof of CHRIST´S equality with GOD.
John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
They are one and indivisible.
Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
CHRIST is the visible reflection of the invisible GOD. Remember, GOD is SPIRIT and is therefore invisible to our physical eyes.
John 10:33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
JESUS was trying to prove to them that HE was GOD, but they refused to believe.
Philippians 2:5-6 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
John 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
JESUS is referring to HIS pre-incarnate glory.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
I John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
John, in the Gospel of John as well as in the epistles, states repeatedly that JESUS is GOD.
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Referring to one person only.
Hebrews 1:8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
Jude 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
To say that HE, JESUS CHRIST, is only “a” son of GOD is to insult and blaspheme the SAVIOUR. At the Transfiguration we get a glimpse of the glory of the pre-incarnate CHRIST. Matthew 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
Anyone who refuses to accept JESUS as GOD and equal to the FATHER is guilty of the terrible sin of rejecting the WORD of GOD. Questioning or denying the eternal pre-existence and pre-incarnation of CHRIST does not change the fact that JESUS is and has always been GOD.
Let us glory in the fact that even though JESUS is true GOD and equal to the FATHER, HE loved us so much that HE put aside HIS garments of majestic deity and became sin for our sakes. We need to fall down at HIS feet in worship and praise and adoration of HIS great sacrifice.
Part 1
The relationship of the SON to the FATHER is a controversial point with many cults who deny the deity of CHRIST. They say that JESUS is a son of God just like us, but that HE is not GOD. They say that HE is a son who is subservient to the FATHER and use Scripture to prove their point. As evangelicals, how do we answer?
Personally, I believe that as GOD, JESUS in HIS pre-incarnate state was, is, and shall ever be equal with GOD the FATHER. However, in HIS incarnate state JESUS was most definitely subservient to GOD the FATHER. A study of the pre-incarnate CHRIST will help us to appreciate and be grateful of what the SON did for us when HE chose to become our SAVIOUR.
Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
JESUS CHRIST as GOD is equal to the FATHER
I John 2:23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.
John 5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
The Jews recognized only one GOD. “The LORD our GOD is one LORD” and they considered CHRIST´S claims as blasphemy and felt it was worthy of death by stoning.
John 10:30 I and my Father are one.
This is surely proof of CHRIST´S equality with GOD.
John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
They are one and indivisible.
Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
CHRIST is the visible reflection of the invisible GOD. Remember, GOD is SPIRIT and is therefore invisible to our physical eyes.
John 10:33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
JESUS was trying to prove to them that HE was GOD, but they refused to believe.
Philippians 2:5-6 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
John 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
JESUS is referring to HIS pre-incarnate glory.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
I John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
John, in the Gospel of John as well as in the epistles, states repeatedly that JESUS is GOD.
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Referring to one person only.
Hebrews 1:8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
Jude 25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
To say that HE, JESUS CHRIST, is only “a” son of GOD is to insult and blaspheme the SAVIOUR. At the Transfiguration we get a glimpse of the glory of the pre-incarnate CHRIST. Matthew 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
Anyone who refuses to accept JESUS as GOD and equal to the FATHER is guilty of the terrible sin of rejecting the WORD of GOD. Questioning or denying the eternal pre-existence and pre-incarnation of CHRIST does not change the fact that JESUS is and has always been GOD.
Let us glory in the fact that even though JESUS is true GOD and equal to the FATHER, HE loved us so much that HE put aside HIS garments of majestic deity and became sin for our sakes. We need to fall down at HIS feet in worship and praise and adoration of HIS great sacrifice.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
A Quote to Ponder
Recall call it as often as you wish; a happy memory never wears out. - Libbie Fudim
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)