| GOD THE SON |
| The Scriptures present the Lord Jesus Christ as being at the same time perfectly human and perfectly devine. Because of this He was both alike and unlike other men. According to John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; and Hebrews 2:14-17. Jesus was revealed to be a man among men who was born, who lived, who suffered, and died. Scripture is equally clear that He was unlike man in that He was eternally preexistant, He was intirely sinless in His human life, His death was a saccrifice for the sins of the whole world, and He manifested His divine power in His glorious resurrection and ascention. On the human side, He had a beginning and was conceived by the Holy Spirit and was born of the virgin Mary. On the divine side, He had no beginning because He was from all eternity. In Isaiah 9:6 the prediction was given: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a child is given." The distinction is obvious between a child who was born and the Son who was given. In like manner, it is stated in 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." Accordingly, the eternal Son became on His incarnation "made of a woman." Although stating that Christ was preexistant merely claims that He existed before He was born, for all practical purposes it is also affirming that He existed from all eternity past. The idea that He was preexistant only in the sence of being the first of all created beings ( the so-called Arian Heresy from the fourth century), is not a modern teaching. Thus proof of His preexistance and proofs for His eternity may be grouped together. It is also evident that if Christ is God, He is eternal, and if He is eternal, He is God, and the proofs of His eternity and deity support each other. The eternity and deity of Jesus is established by two lines of revelation: 1. direct statements, and 2. implications from scripture. DIRECT STATEMENTS The eternity and deity of Jesus Christ are asserted in an extensive body of Scripture which affirms His infinite person and His eternal existence coequal with the other persons of the Godhead. This fact is not affected by His incarnation. Scripture states in John1:1-2, " In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginnng with God." Accordng to Micah 5:2, "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be lttle among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whos goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." Other direct statements are found in Isaiah 7:14, which affirms His virgin birth and gives Him the name Emmanuel, which means "God with us" also "The mighty God." Christ Himself stated that "Before Abraham was, I am." The Jews understood this to be a claim for dety and eternity. With the followng scriptures , John 17:5;Phillipians 2:6-7; Colossians 1:15-19 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:2-3 and 13:8 affirm the eternity and deity of Jesus Christ. IMPLICATIONS THAT THE SON OF GOD IS ETERNAL The Word of God constantly and consistently implies the preexistence aand eternity of the Lord Jesus Christ. Among the obvious proofs of this fact several may be noted: 1. The works of creation are ascribed to Christ. John 1:3; Col 1:16; Heb 1:10. He therefore antedates all creation. 2. The titles of the Lord Jesus Christ indicate His eternal being. He is precisely what His names inply. He is "The Son of God," "The only begotten Son", "The first and the last", The Alpha and the Omega", "The Lord", "Lord of All", Lord of Glory","The Christ", "Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God," "The Father of Eternity, "God," "God With Us","our Great God", and "God Blessed Forever." 3. He had the attributes of God and was worshiped as God. ( John 5:26;Hebrews 13:8;John 14:6;1 John 3:16; Hebrews 7:26 Col 1:17; Matthew 28:20; 1 Cor 4:5; Colossians 2:3: Matthew 28:18 and Revelation 1:8) |
| ALPHA AND OMEGA A title of Christ, meaning "First and Last" and "Beginning and End" (Rev 1:8, cf. 17; 21:6; 22:13; cf. Isa 41:4; 44:6; 48:12). Called everlasting Father (Isa 9:6). Was before creation (Jn 1:1-2, 15; 17:5,24; Col 1:17; 2Ti 1:9). Was from the beginning (1Jn 2:13). Was from everlasting (Mic 5:2). Continues forever (Ps 102:24-27 w Heb 1:10-13; Ps 110:4; Eph 3:21; Heb 7:16,24-25; Rev 5:13-14). The same yesterday and today and forever (Heb 13:8). Spirit equally with the Father (Jn 14:16, w Jn 15:26). As unsearchable equally with the Father (Pr 30:4; Mt 11:27). As Creator of all things (Isa 40:28; Jn 1:3; Col 1:16), supporter and preserver of all things (Ne 9:6, w Col 1:17; Heb 1:3). Acknowledged by Old Testament saints (Ge 17:1, w 48:15-16; 32:24-30, w Hos 12:3-5; Jdg 6:22-24; 13:21-22; Job 19:25-27). Is one with the Father (Jn 5:17-18,23; 10:30,33,38; 12:45; 14:7-11; 17:11,21-22). Sends the Holy Spirit equally with the Father (Jn 14:16). Identical with the Adonay (Lord) of the Old Testament (Jn 12:40-41, w Isa 6:8-11), and the Yahweh (LORD) of the Old Testament (Jn 19:37, w Zec 12:10). Has power to forgive sins (Mt 1:21; 9:6; Mk 2:5; Lk 5:20; Col 3:13). Paul's apostleship from (Gal 1:1). Invoked with the Father and the Spirit in benedictions (Ro 1:7; 1Co 1:3; 2Co 1:2; Gal 1:3; Eph 1:2; 6:23-24; 1Th 1:1; 3:11; 2Th 1:1-2; 2:16-17; 2Ti 1:2). All power given to (Mt 28:17-18). Eternity ascribed to (Jn 1:1-2; 1Jn 1:1). See below, Eternity of. Is judge (2Co 5:10). See below, Judge. Testimony Concerning His Deity-- By the Father (Jn 5:32,34,37; 6:27; 8:18; Ac 13:33; 1Jn 5:9), at his baptism (Mt 3:16-17; Mk 1:11; Lk 3:22), at his transfiguration (Mt 17:5; Mk 9:7; Lk 9:35; 2Pe 1:17). By Jesus concerning himself (Jn 5:18,31,36; 8:18,42; 10:33,36, 38; 12:45; 14:11-13; 16:27-28; 17:5,8,24-25; 19:7), to Peter and other disciples (Mt 16:16-17; Mk 8:29-30; Lk 9:20-21), to the Jews (Mt 22:43-44; Jn 5:23; 10:30,33,36,38; 12:45), to his disciples (Jn 16:27-28), to the restored blind man (Jn 9:35-37), to Philip (Jn 14:7-11,20), to Caiaphas (Mt 26:63-64; Mk 14:61-62; Lk 22:67-70), to Pilate (Jn 18:36-37; 1Ti 6:13). By the angel, to Joseph (Mt 1:23), to Mary (Lk 1:32,35). John the Baptist (Jn 1:29-34; 5:33). John, the apostle (Jn 1:14,18; 13:3; 1Jn 2:22-24). The disciples (Jn 16:30). Paul (Ac 9:20). The author of the epistle to the Hebrews (Heb 11:26). The Scriptures (Jn 5:39). Thomas (Jn 20:28). Demons (Mt 8:29; Mk 1:23-24; 3:11; 5:6-7; Lk 4:34, 41). Deity of: Indicated by the Titles Ascribed to Him-- Immanuel (Isa 7:14, w Mt 1:23). First and Last (Rev 1:17; 22:13). God (Ps 102:24-27, w Heb 1:10-13; Jn 1:1; 20:28; Ro 9:5; 1Jn 5:20-21), God and Savior Jesus Christ (2Pe 1:1). God our Savior (Tit 2:13). Holy One (Ac 3:14). Lord of lords and King of kings (Rev 17:14). Lord (Ps 110:1 w Mt 22:42-45; Isa 40:3 w Mt 3:3; Ac 20:28). Lord Almighty (Isa 8:13-14; 1Pe 2:8). My Lord and My God (Jn 20:28). Lord of all (Ac 10:36; Ro 10:12). Mighty God (Isa 9:6). Only born of the Father (Jn 1:14,18; 3:16,18; 1Jn 4:9), Son of God (Mt 26:63-67; Mk 1:1; 15:39; 1Co 1:9; 2Co 1:19; Gal 2:20; Eph 4:13; Heb 1:2; 2Pe 1:17; 1Jn 1:2-3; 3:23; 5:10,12-13,20), Son of Man (Da 7:13-14; Mt 11:19; 12:8). See above, Divine Sonship of; below, Son of God; Son of Man. Addressed as Yahweh (LORD)-- (Isa 40:3 w Mt 3:3). King or LORD of glory (Ps 24:7,10; 1Co 2:8; Jas 2:1). The LORD our righteousness (Jer 23:5-6; 1Co 1:30), The LORD all (Ps 97:9; Jn 3:31), The First and the last, the Alpha and the Omega (Isa 44:6, w Rev 1:17; Isa 48:12-16, w Rev 22:13). Yahweh's fellow and equal (Zec 13:7; Php 2:6). LORD Almighty (Isa 6:1-3 w Jn 12:41; Isa 8:13-14 w 1Pe 2:8). LORD (Ps 110:1; Mt 22:42-45). Yahweh the Shepherd (Isa 40:10-11; Heb 13:20). LORD, for whose glory all things were created (Pr 16:4; Col 1:16). Lord the messenger of the covenant (Mal 3:1; Lk 7:27). Invoked as LORD (Joel 2:32; 1Co 1:2). Equality With God-- As the eternal God and Creator (Ps 102:24-27; Heb 1:8,10-12). The Mighty God (Isa 9:6), the great God and Savior (Hos 1:7, w Tit 2:13), God over all (Ro 9:5), God the Judge (Ecc 12:14, w 1Co 4:5; 2Co 5:10; 2Ti 4:1), Immanuel (Isa 7:14, w Mt 1:23), Lord of lords and King of kings (Da 10:17, w Rev 1:5; 17:14), the Holy and Righteous One (1Sa 2:2, w Ac 3:14). The Lord from heaven (1Co 15:47). Lord of the Sabbath (Ge 2:3, w Mt 12:8), Lord of all (Ac 10:36; Ro 10:11-13). Son of God (Mt 26:63-67), the only born Son of the Father (Jn 1:14,18; 3:16,18; 1Jn 4:9). His blood is called the blood of God (Ac 20:28). One with the Father (Jn 10:30,38; 12:45; 14:7-10; 17:10). As sending the Creator: (Jn 1:3,10; 1Co 8:6; Eph 3:9; Col 1:16-17; Heb 1:2,10; Rev 3:14). INCARNATION(taking on flesh). The doctrine that the eternal son of God became human, and that he did so without in any manner or degree diminishing his divine nature (Jn 1:4; Ro 8:3; 1Ti 3:16). See Jesus the Christ, Incarnation of. Isaiah 14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Matthew 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 1 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. Topic: JESUS, THE CHRIST Category: IMPORTANT MALE, SUPERNATURAL-BEING SubTopic: THE DIVINITY OF JESUS CHRIST: Text: -As Jehovah [Yahweh], (Isa.40v3,) with (Matt.3v3;) -Jehovah [Yahweh] of glory, (Ps.24v7,10,) with (1Cor.2v8; Jas.2v1;) -Jehovah [Yahweh] our righteousness, (Jer.23v5-6,) with (1Cor.1v30;) -Jehovah [Yahweh] above all, (Ps.97v9,) with (Jn.3v31;) -Jehovah [Yahweh] the first and the last, (Isa.44v6,) with (Rev.1v17; Isa.48v12-16,) with (Rev.22v13;) -Jehovah's [Yahweh's] fellow and equal, (Zech.13v7; Php.2v6;) -Jehovah [Yahweh] of hosts, (Isa.6v1-3,) with (Jn.12v41; Isa.8v13-14,) with (1Pet.2v8;) -Jehovah [Yahweh], (Ps.110v1,) with (Matt.22v42-45;) -Jehovah [Yahweh] the shepherd, (Isa.40v10-11; Heb.13v20;) -Jehovah [Yahweh], for whose glory all things were created, (Prov.16v4,) with (Col.1v16;) -Jehovah [Yahweh] the messenger of the covenant, (Mal.3v1,) with (Lk.2v27.) -Invoked as Jehovah [Yahweh], (Jl.2v32,) with (1Cor.1v2;) -as the eternal God and Creator, (Ps.102v24-27,) with (Heb.1v8,10-12;) -the mighty God, (Isa.9v6;) -the Great God and Saviour [Savior], (Hos.1v7,) with (Tit.2v13;) -God over all, (Rom.9v5;) -God the Judge, (Ecc.12v14,) with (1Cor.4v5; 2Cor.5v10; 2Tim.4v1;) -Emmanuel [Immanuel], (Isa.7v14,) with (Matt.1v23;) -King of kings and LORD [Yahweh] of lords, (Dn.10v17,) with (Rev.1v5; Rev.17v14;) -the Holy One, (1Sam.2v2,) with (Ac.3v14;) -the Lord from heaven, (1Cor.15v47;) -Lord of the Sabbath day, (Gen.2v3,) with (Matt.12v8;) -Lord of all, (Ac.10v36; Rom.10v11-13;) -Son of God, (Matt.26v63-67;) -the one and only Son of the Father, (Jn.1v14,18; Jn.3v16,18; 1Jn.4v9.) -His blood is called the blood of God, (Ac.20v28.) -One with the Father, (Jn.10v30,38; Jn.12v45; Jn.14v7-10; Jn.17v10.) -As sending the Spirit equally with the Father, (Jn.14v16,) with (Jn.15v26.) -As unsearchable equally with the Father, (Prov.30v4; Matt.11v27.) -As Creator of all things, (Isa.40v28; Jn.1v3; Col.1v16;) -supporter and preserver of all things, (Neh.9v6,) with (Col.1v17; Heb.1v3.) -Acknowledged by Old Testament saints, (Gen.17v1,) with (Gen.48v15,16) (Gen.32v24-30,) with (Hos.12v3-5) (Judg.6v22-24) (Judg.13v21-22) (Jb.19v25-27) Christ Text: anointed, the Greek translation of the Hebrew word rendered "Messiah" (q.v.), the official title of our Lord, occurring five hundred and fourteen times in the New Testament. It denotes that he was anointed or consecrated to his great redemptive work as Prophet, Priest, and King of his people. He is Jesus the Christ (Acts 17:3; 18:5; Matt. 22:42), the Anointed One. He is thus spoken of by Isaiah (61:1), and by Daniel (9:24-26), who styles him "Messiah the Prince." The Messiah is the same person as "the seed of the woman" (Gen. 3:15), "the seed of Abraham" (Gen. 22:18), the "Prophet like unto Moses" (Deut. 18:15), "the priest after the order of Melchizedek" (Ps. 110:4), "the rod out of the stem of Jesse" (Isa. 11:1, 10), the "Immanuel," the virgin's son (Isa. 7:14), "the branch of Jehovah" (Isa. 4:2), and "the messenger of the covenant" (Mal. 3:1). This is he "of whom Moses in the law and the prophets did write." The Old Testament Scripture is full of prophetic declarations regarding the Great Deliverer and the work he was to accomplish. Jesus the Christ is Jesus the Great Deliverer, the Anointed One, the Saviour of men. This name denotes that Jesus was divinely appointed, commissioned, and accredited as the Saviour of men (Heb. 5:4; Isa. 11:2-4; 49:6; John 5:37; Acts 2:22). To believe that "Jesus is the Christ" is to believe that he is the Anointed, the Messiah of the prophets, the Saviour sent of God, that he was, in a word, what he claimed to be. This is to believe the gospel, by the faith of which alone men can be brought unto God. That Jesus is the Christ is the testimony of God, and the faith of this constitutes a Christian (1 Cor. 12:3; 1 John 5:1). |
| More Scriptures and Proofs of the Deity of Jesus Christ |
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| THE LAMB OF GOD - THE VITAL FOCUS-POINT J. Sidlow Baxter "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" -John 1: 29. IF ever-Christian believers needed to echo and re-echo these words of John the Baptist, they do today. We are not fond of flinging aspersions; yet we cannot help openly lamenting that many so-called Christian pulpits and churches are doing anything except exhorting men and women to behold Jesus as " the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world". In many places Jesus is preached merely as an idealist, a standard-bearer of high morals; or as a kind of pioneer in things spiritual. His significance is ethical rather than redemptive. His death on the Cross-is either left out, or else its true nature as a substitutionary sacrifice for human sin is hidden under the drapery of aesthetic adulations of His pathetic heroism. His death is exemplary rather than expiatory. The Lamb of God The inner glory of the Cross-is missed, because its outer ugliness is shunned. The lingering presence of Jesus in His church is a mystical vagary rather than the actual personal presence of the Living One who rose bodily from the grave. Meanwhile, new-fangled Unitarian cults are everywhere around us, preaching a spurious demi-god Christ stripped of His real deity. It is the sacred business of every true Christian to help uplift the real Jesus again as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world"! Let these words of John the forerunner remind us that whatever other offices belong to our Lord Jesus, He is first and foremost "the Lamb of God". We do not forget that He is The Lion of Judah. The "Star of David The "True Vine The "Wonderful Counsellor. Not to mention His many other illustrious titles; but before everything else He is "the Lamb". He is Prophet, Priest, and King; yet even before these He is "the Lamb". He did not become incarnate merely as Prophet to teach, or as Priest to pray, or as King to rule. No, before all else, He became incarnate as "the Lamb" to save us. His first significance is not ethical or religious, but redemptive—as He Himself taught (Matt. 18 :11; 20: 28; 6:28). Undoubtedly, when He is called "the Lamb", there is a reference to His character. In His meekness, guilelessness, innocence, gentleness, harmlessness, purity, simplicity, He is indeed the "Lamb". There is nothing harsh or haughty or retaliative about Him. Nor is there the slightest blemish in His nature. His character is that of the Lamb. Yet though this is so, the fact remains that when He is called "the Lamb of God", the first reference is net to His character, but to His substitutionary sacrifice as the race's Sin bearer. Everything is subordinate to that. John the Baptist flings his emphasis on the words, "Takes away the sin of the world". That is the supreme feature: Jesus is the Saviour. That is why John pointed to Him. That is why we must point to Him. He is the substitutionary guilt-bearer. He took our place. He bore our sentence. He was offered for our sakes. "He is the propitiation for our sins", yes even for "the whole world" (I Jn. 2: 2). A doubter once said to a Christian worker, "I cannot believe in the virgin birth of Jesus; there has never been any other such birth in all history." The Christian replied, "That is quite true: there is no other such in all history, simply because there is only the one Saviour." J.Sidlow Baxter. Awake my heart – Daily Devotional. Marshall, Morgan & Scott (Out of Print) |
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| THE LAMB OF GOD- THE FOCUS POINT |
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