WHO IS JESUS? Evidence For The Deity Of Christ

Transcription

1 Introduction WHO IS JESUS? Evidence For The Deity Of Christ 1. Jesus once asked His disciples, Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am? (Matthew 16:13). The disciples told Jesus of the various views: Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets (Matthew 16:14). Jesus then asked who they believed Him to be and they answered, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). Jesus question is just as relevant for us today, and the answer we give is essential to our salvation. 2. There are three basic views regarding the nature of Jesus: (i) Many believe that Jesus was nothing more than a good man, (ii) Some believe that He is a created being, an angel, and inferior to God, and, (iii) Others believe that He is God. 3. Some might ask, Does it matter what we believe concerning the nature of Christ as long as we believe He died for our sins? a. The following scriptures reveal that what we believe about Jesus is essential. 1) Only those who believe in His name have the right to become sons of God (John 1:12; cp. 12:36). 2) Only those who believe in the name of the only begotten Son of God are not condemned (John 3:18). 3) Only those who believe in the Son have everlasting life (John 3:36). 4) A person will die in his sins unless he believes that Jesus is I AM (John 8:24). MacArthur says, He is not part of the original statement. Jesus' words were not constructed normally but were influenced by OT Hebrew usage. It is an absolute usage meaning I AM which has immense theological significance. The reference may be to both Exodus 3:14 where the Lord declared His name as I AM and to Isaiah where the phrase I am occurs repeatedly (especially Isaiah 43:10, 13, 25; 46:4; 48:12). In this, Jesus referred to Himself as the God (Yahweh - the Lord) of the OT, and directly claimed full deity for Himself, prompting the Jews' question of verse John 8:25. b. It s vitally important to understand who Jesus is because we must confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9) and, at our baptism, that He is the Son of God (Acts 8:36-37). Do we fully understand what these terms mean? 4. In this study we shall reveal what the scriptures teach concerning Jesus identity. I. THE PRE-EXISTENCE OF CHRIST Jesus pre-existed His physical birth. Lesson Outline I. The Pre-Existence Of Christ II. The Divinity Of Christ By Name III. Jesus Is Equated With Jehovah! IV. Only God Is To Be Worshipped V. Jesus Is The Son Of God VI. The Gospel Of John A. Jesus existed in the form of God; He was not a man, but became a man (Philippians 2:5-8); He existed before man was created (John 1:1-2, 14). B. Jesus created the universe (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:2, 8-12). Two obvious facts: (i) In order to create the universe, He must have existed before it was created, and, (ii) He Himself is not a created being because He created all things. C. Jesus made the extraordinary statement that, Before Abraham was, I AM (John 8:56-58). This term, I AM, is the name of God (Exodus 3:14) and it highlights God s eternal existence. God never was He has simply always existed. Jesus identifies Himself as I AM. The Jews perfectly understood what He was claiming and so they sought to stone Him because, in their eyes, He was blaspheming (John 8:59). 1

2 II. THE DIVINITY OF CHRIST BY NAME Jesus is Divine in name and is called God directly (John 1:1-3). A. Jesus is unquestionably called God: 1. Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be called Emmanuel (i.e., God with us) (Isaiah 7:14). 2. Isaiah refers to the coming Messiah as Mighty God and Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6). 3. The Father addresses the Son as God (Hebrews 1:8). 4. John declares that the Word (Christ) was God (John 1:1). 5. Paul says He existed in the form of God (Philippians 2:6-8). 6. Thomas called Jesus My Lord and my God (John 20:28). 2 B. The following passages speak to the deity of Christ, but it could be argued, due to the Greek wording, that the Father is being addressed as God, not Jesus. Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works (Titus 2:13-14 NKJV). However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen (1 Timothy 1:16-17 NKJV). That you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ's appearing, which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen (1 Timothy 6:14-16 NKJV). Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:1 NKJV). III. JESUS IS EQUATED WITH JEHOVAH Jesus is called Jehovah. A. There are several Old Testament passages that speak of Jehovah that are quoted in the New Testament and applied to Christ. These prove, then, that Jesus is God; the everlasting Father; Jehovah. 1. The psalmist says that Jehovah is the creator (Psalms 102:24-27). This passage is applied to Jesus (Hebrews 1:8-12). 2. John the Baptist was to prepare the way of Jehovah (Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1). This passage is applied to Jesus (Matthew 3:3; John 1:23, 30). 3. Jehovah says that He Himself would be pierced (Zechariah 12:8-10). This passage is applied to Jesus (John 19:37). 4. Speaking of the day of the Lord, Joel says that those who call on the name of Jehovah shall be saved (Joel 2:32). This passage is applied to Jesus (Acts 2:21, 36; 4:10-12). B. God has a number of titles ascribed to Him, which are also ascribed to Christ; proving He is Jehovah. 1. I AM (Exodus 3:13-14). Also ascribed to Christ (John 8:57-59). 2. Lord of Lords (Deuteronomy 10:17). Also ascribed to Christ (Revelation 17:14). 3. Lord of glory (Psalms 24:10; 29:3). Also ascribed to Christ (1 Corinthians 2:8). 4. First and the last (Isaiah 41:4; 44:6; 48:12). Also ascribed to Christ (Revelation 1:17; 2:8; 22:13).

3 C. Jehovah is spoken of as possessing distinct and unique attributes. Yet we find that these qualities are directly and plainly attributed to Jesus Christ proving He is Jehovah. 1. Through Isaiah, God declared He is the one that makes all things (Isaiah 44:24), and yet the same is said of Jesus (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17). 2. God said that He alone is God and there is no other God or Rock (Deuteronomy 32:4; Isaiah 44:8), and yet Jesus is said to be the Rock that was with the fathers in the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:4). 3. Only God knows what is in the heart of man (1 Samuel 16:17; 1 Kings 8:22-23, 39; Jeremiah 17:10), and yet Jesus was able to see into men s hearts (Mark 2:5-8; John 2:24-25). 4. Jehovah does not share His glory with anyone (Isaiah 42:8), and yet Jesus had glory with the Father before the world was created (John 17:5; cp. 1:14). 5. Jehovah is the only Savior and besides Him there is no Savior (Isaiah 43:11), and yet Jesus is our Savior (Mark 2:7; Titus 2:13). D. It is because of all that has been said in the above points that we can say that Jesus is divine in substance, essence or nature. Hence the following verses: For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Colossians 2:9 NKJV). Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:3 NKJV). Philip said to Him, Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us. Jesus said to him, Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works (John 14:8-10 NKJV). IV. ONLY GOD IS TO BE WORSHIPPED Jesus is worshipped by angels and men. A. It is clear from the scripture that only God must be worshipped (Matthew 4:10) and that it is forbidden to worship anything in creation (Exodus 20:1-6; Deuteronomy 4:19), including idols (Deuteronomy 8:19; 11:16-17; Psalms 81:9; 97:7), angels (Colossians 2:18; Revelation 19:10; 22:8-9) and men (Acts 10:26). B. So, with this clear teaching in mind, we see that both angels and men worshipped Jesus. The inescapable conclusion is that Jesus is God. 1. God commands the angels to worship Jesus (Hebrews 1:6). 2. All creation worships both the Father and the Lamb (Revelation 5:11-14). 3. During Jesus ministry, Jesus did not rebuke those who worshipped Him: a. The wise men worshipped Jesus (Matthew 2:11). b. A man with leprosy worshipped Jesus (Matthew 8:2). c. A ruler of the synagogue worshipped Jesus (Matthew 9:18). d. Jesus disciples worshipped Him (Matthew 14:33). e. A Canaanite woman worshipped Jesus (Matthew 15:25). f. A man born blind worshipped Jesus (John 9:38). g. Jesus was worshipped by certain women and other disciples following His resurrection (Matthew 28:9, 17). h. Jesus disciples worshipped Him following His ascension (Luke 24:52). 3

4 V. JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD What the term Son of God signifies. A. The expression Son of God is an analogical term; it indicates origin, a close association, or identification. In Christian theology it describes the relationship of two persons of the triune God. It expresses an intimate relationship between two persons: God the Father and God the Son - Jesus the Messiah. Here are several scriptures illustrating this facet of their relationship: 1. In this verse Jesus stated that He was with the Father before the world began. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was (John 17:5 NKJV). 2. In these verses we see the term Son of God somewhat defined: the image of the invisible God. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross (Colossians 1:13-20 NKJV). 3. In these verses we see the relationship between the Father and the Son disclosed: the exact representation of His being. God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Hebrews 1:1-3 NKJV). 4. In these verses Jesus is said to be God, and anyone who has seen Jesus has seen the Father. The term Son of God does not mean that God had intercourse with Mary, or created sons for Himself, but that Jesus, as God, is the image of God, made manifest to men. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made (John 1:1-3 NKJV). Philip said to Him, Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us. Jesus said to him, Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works (John 14:8-10 NKJV). B. From these verses it is clear that in Christ, the invisible God is revealed. Jesus was with the Father before the world began. Christ, as God the Son, is the Creator of all things. God in all His fullness, dwelt in Christ, reconciling the world. We see that Christ, as the Son of God - God's representation, is God manifest and revealed to the world. In the following passage we can see that the Jews clearly understand Jesus when He claimed to be God s Son: 4

5 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father's name, they bear witness of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand. I and My Father are one. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me? The Jews answered Him, saying, For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, 'I said, you are gods'? If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken), do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' because I said, 'I am the Son of God'? If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him. Therefore they sought again to seize Him, but He escaped out of their hand (John 10:24-39 NKJV). VI. THE GOSPEL OF JOHN Theme of the book of John: Jesus taught He is divine. A. Overview of John: 1. The gospel of John begins with a plain statement of fact that Jesus is God (John 1:1). 2. It then traces the process of Jesus teaching this fact of His divinity to mankind in various settings. 3. The book closes with another plain statement of the fact of Jesus' divinity (John 20:24-28). B. Basic outline of John: I. The deity of Jesus in John: A. Jesus is the Word that was God (1:1). B. Jesus had a part in creating the world (1:2). C. Jesus, as the Word, became flesh (1:14, 29-30). D. Nathanael confesses the deity of Christ (1:49). E. Jesus performed faith producing signs and many believed that He was deity (2:1-11, 23). F. Jesus reveals His deity to the Samaritan woman at Jacob s well (4:26). G. The Samaritans confess the deity of Jesus (4:39-42). H. Jesus was equal with God (5:18). I. Jesus is the divine King that was foretold of coming in the OT (1:49; 6:14-15). J. Jesus never sinned (8:46). K. Jesus is the great I Am (8:58) (see all I am statements in John). L. Martha confesses the deity of Jesus (11:27). M. John quotes Isaiah 6:10 & 53:1 and makes the application of God to Jesus thus proving His deity (12:38-40). N. Jesus proclaims the oneness between He and the Father to Philip (14:8ff). O. The disciples confess the deity of Jesus in the upper room after the Passover Feast meal (16:30). P. Thomas proclaims the deity of Jesus (20:28). II. Jesus professes His deity: A. To the Samaritan woman (4:26). B. To the unbelieving Jews (8:58; 10:24, 25, 30). C. To the blind man that was healed (9:37). D. To Philip (14:8ff). E. To Caiaphas the high priest (Mark 14:62). F. To Pilate (18:37). 5

6 Conclusion 1. Jesus asked His disciples, Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am? (Matthew 16:13). After the disciples had related to Him the various opinions of men, Jesus asked, But who do you say that I am? (Matthew 16:15). Peter, speaking for all of them, answered, without hesitation, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). We, too, must come to believe these great truths and be able to proclaim them with understanding and conviction. 2. There are three basic views regarding the nature of Christ (i) He was just a man, (ii) He is a created being (like an angel), and, (iii) He is the Son of God. Some take the view that it doesn t matter what we believe regarding the nature of Christ as long as we believe that He died on the cross for our sins. However, Jesus Himself said, Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I AM, you will die in your sins (John 8:24), and, He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him (John 3:36). We can see, then, that it does matter what we believe regarding the nature of Jesus it is essential to believe that Jesus is I AM and the Son of God. 3. In this lesson we have expounded on these two terms ( I AM and Son of God ) and seen that they both reveal Jesus to be divine Jesus is God! Believing and confessing these facts are essential to our salvation: If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9 NLT) Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized? Then Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him (Acts 8:35-38 NKJV). 6