The Incomparable Christ, 2

~ Just The Facts ~

Multiple millions of people have testified to the uniqueness of Jesus Christ.  Their convictions have led many to suffering, torture, even death.  Others paused to honor Jesus and give Him the glory as they themselves stood in the spotlight.  Statesmen artists, athletes, scientists, peasants, and martyrs have held one thing in common—the transforming power of God through Jesus Christ. 

Most of those who don’t, or won’t, believe in Him at least acknowledge that He was a very good man, or even a prophet or teacher.  However, that doesn’t begin to describe Him.  Perhaps the Nicene Creed, formulated by church leaders in a.d. 325, best articulates His uniqueness: “Jesus, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God.”

If the New Testament is clear about anything, it is this:  Jesus Christ was truly God and truly man.  He is not “a” god, or related to God in some purely ethical sense.  He is called the gate, the true vine, the bread of life, the good shepherd, and the way and the truth and the life.  He is called the bright Morning Star, the chief cornerstone, and the light of the world.  He is the great physician, and the Rock of Ages.  He is the author and completer of our faith, the first and the last, healer of the sick, lover of the poor, matchless teacher, King of kings and Lord of lords.  Above all, He is the Savior of humanity.

Born of a virgin and conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ birth was like no other.  Keeping His divine nature as the eternal Son of God, He took on humanity through His mother.  Fourteen prophecies concerning His birth were perfectly fulfilled.

Jesus said, “Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).  He was and is all wise, as God the Father is.  The disciples and all who heard Him were amazed because He taught with such authority.  With divine power He performed miracles of healing, drove out demons, and raised people from the dead.  Like God His Father, He is immortal; He rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and now sits at the Father’s right hand.

Although Jesus was fully human, He never sinned.  He was crucified, died, buried, and rose again three days later, conquering sin and death, becoming the Savior of humanity.  He will return as King and Judge.

No other prophet or holy man was born of a virgin.  None of them voluntarily died for the world’s sins, none rose from the dead, none displayed miraculous power of such magnitude, and none claimed to be fully divine and fully human.  In Jesus Christ, God reached down to humanity, becoming a man to bring salvation for our sins.

The Scriptures that answer the question “Who is Jesus?” make enormous claims.  Those claims are either true, or they constitute one horrendous lie.  After honestly examining the Scriptures, “no man can entertain an opinion of indifference regarding Jesus.  If he has considered the subject at all, he must worship Christ or crucify Him” (the last quote is from The Inner life of Christ, by Joseph Parker).

The above was taken from The Starting Point Bible and is slightly modified.    

comment:  You may appreciate the earlier ALN blog entitled The Incomparable Christ (March 30, 2010).  

the key question: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). This is the most important question you will ever answer. If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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