This article is written to let you know that Jesus Christ is unlike any man. Jesus Christ is incomparable, there is no other can compare with Him. Jesus Christ is One and Only Son of God, and Savior of mankind. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Anyone who compares Jesus with any OTHER famous or great man in history is indicative of his ignorance of who really Jesus Christ is. Needless to say, the eternal and incomparable Jesus is the most famous and the most influential and most revered in history and on Earth for good reasons:
FIRSTLY, even the secular world recognizes and counts the history of the world by the birth of Jesus Christ as B.C. or A.D. B.C. is an abbreviation for “Before Christ.” A.D. is an abbreviation for “anno Domini,” which is Latin for “in the year of our Lord.” So B.C. and A.D. are universally used to count years in time. The birth of Jesus Christ is used as the starting point to count historical years that existed before (B.C.) and after (A.D.) He was born. There is no one else in history like Jesus.
SECONDLY, the life of Jesus recorded in the New Testament, mostly the Gospels and Acts, is so unique, incomparable, matchless, immortal, glorious, noble, unforgettable, unusual, righteous, faultless, blameless, peerless, sinless, flawless, holy, and perfect that is one and only. Act 10:38-43, “You know of Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. We are witnesses of all the things He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They also put Him to death by hanging Him on a cross. God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He become visible, not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is, to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins .”
Luk 24:19-27, “And He said to them, “What things?” And they said to Him, “The things about Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to the sentence of death, and crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened. But also some women among us amazed us. When they were at the tomb early in the morning, and did not find His body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that He was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just exactly as the women also had said; but Him they did not see. And He said to them, “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures .”
Note: Most people know that the New Testament records all the mighty deeds and words of Jesus Christ, while Jesus beginning with Moses and with all the prophets explained the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. By that time the New Testament has not been written yet, all the Scriptures refer to the Old Testament. The authentic and consistent writings of the New Testament more exactly explain all the things concerning Jesus, His divinity and humanity, His work of redemption, His words and deeds, etc.
Heb 7:25-26, “ Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For it was fitting for us to have such a High Priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens .”
Note: To be able in Greek is dynamai which means can; to be capable, strong and powerful; to have power to do; – which occurs 211 times in the New Testament. Save in Greek is sōzō which means to to rescue from danger or destruction ; to make whole or well; to heal; to make one a partaker of the salvation by Christ; to deliver from the penalties of sins and judgement; – which occurs 123 times in the New Testament. Jesus Christ is able to save all sinners who come to Him. Jesus always lives. I will live because My Redeemer lives forever. Fit in Greek is prepō which means to be becoming; to stand out; to be eminent; to be right; to be suitable; – which occurs 7 times in the New Testament. High Priest in Greek is archiereus which means chief priest; used of Christ because by undergoing death on the cross He offered Himself as an expiatory sacrifice to God, and has entered into the Heavenly Sanctuary where He continually intercedes on behalf of all believers; – which occurs 242 times in the New Testament. Holy in Greek is hosios which means undefiled by sin, free from wickedness, religiously observing every moral obligation, pure holy, pious ; (Strong’s Concordance); divine; a peculiar and pre-eminent character of the Messiah the Holy One; – which occurs 11 times in the New Testament. Innocent in Greek is akakos which means harmless; pure; without guile or fraud; free from guilt or sin; unsuspecting; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. Undefiled in Greek is amiantos which means not defiled; free from that which is deformed or debased; unsoiled; pure from sin; without defect; without blemish; incorrupt; untainted; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. Separate in Greek is chōrizō which means to depart; to put asunder; to separate oneself from; to keep apart; – which occurs 13 times in the New Testament. Exalted in Greek is hypsēlos which means highly esteemed; lofty; exalted on high; eminent; – which occurs 12 times in the New Testament. Jesus is the most fitting High Priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens who always lives and intercedes for Christians before God.
THIRDLY, the words and deeds of Jesus Christ are so amazing and wonderful that are unprecedented, having no antecedent or subsequent.
The following are just a sample of the Words of Jesus:
Jhn 8:32, “and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free .”
Mat 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. ”
Mat 7:7, “Ask, and it will be given to you ; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ”
Mat 5:44, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you .”
Mat 11:28, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. ”
Luk 23:34, “But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them ; for they do not know what they are doing.”
Jhn 8:12 , “Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I AM the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness , but will have the Light of life. ”
Jhn 14:6, “Jesus said to him, “ I AM the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. ”
Jhn 8:24,“Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”
The Pharisees heard many of the crowd believed in Jesus, the chief priests and the Pharisees sent officers to seize Him. The officers returned without arresting Jesus. The chief priests and the Pharisees then asked the officers why they did not bring Him.
Jhn 7:46 , “The officers answered, “Never has a man spoken the way this Man speaks.”
Mar 7:37, “They were utterly astonished, saying, “He has done all things well; He makes even the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”
Note: Utterly in Greek is hyperperissōs which means beyond measure; exceedingly; super-abundantly; scarcely found elsewhere; totally; absolutely; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. Astonish in Greek is ekplēssō which means to be amazed; to be pleasantly surprised; to be struck with great wonder; to strike with astonishment; – which occurs 13 times in the New Testament. The people who were eyewitnesses said, Jesus has done all things well. Well in Greek is kalōs which means good; full well morally; beautifully; excellently; finely; nobly; commendably; rightly so that there is no room for blame; fitly; truly; uprightly; – which occurs 41 times in the New Testament. Even is Greek is kai which means and specially. Jesus has done all things beautifully, excellently, nobly, etc. and specially He makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak. Honestly, you cannot say about anyone in history who has done all things well. Can anyone honestly say he has never done anything wrong or stupid even unintentionally? Up to the present, even in the future, except Jesus, no one ever raised a person who was dead four days, etc. The miracles that Jesus did no one has ever done before.
FOURTHLY, Jesus Christ made claims to be the Son of God, the Lord’s Anointed, the Messiah, the Savior of the world, and rose again from the dead the third day to prove it.
Mat 1:21, “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
Mat 1:25, “but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus. ”
Note: The birth of Jesus is the most unusual and unprecedented in the history of mankind. Never before and never will a virgin give birth. Because Mary was conceived by the Holy Spirit to give birth to Jesus, the Son of God, or God became Man. The virgin Mary will bear a son, not just any son, but the Son of God. His name is Jesus for He will save His people from their sins. Jesus in Greek is Iēsous which means “Jehovah is salvation”; the Son of God, the Savior of mankind, God incarnate ; – which occurs 914 times in the New Testament.
According to Online Etymology Dictionary – https://www.etymonline.com/
Jesus personal name of the Christian Savior, late 12c.; it is the Greek form of Joshua, used variously in translations of the Bible. From Late Latin Iesus (properly pronounced as three syllables), from Greek Iesous, which is an attempt to render into Greek the Aramaic (Semitic) proper name Jeshua (Hebrew Yeshua, Yoshua ) “Jah is salvation.”
Jesus is not an average or ordinary man. Jesus is not only a good and great man. If Jesus were only a good and great man, then there would be no hope for mankind and the world. Secular academics and unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers do not know Jesus Christ. In whose case the god of this world (the Devil) has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. Therefore their opinions about the historical Jesus are empty and not worth a dime. These are my observations of those impostors, you can verify for yourself. They are vain persons who shamelessly speak vain words, utter vain knowledge, imagine vain things and vain thoughts, live vain lives, labor in vain, walk after vanity and have become vain. They speak a vision of their own heart , they desire vain glory, they deceive the public with vain words. They spoil people through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, they practice vain jangling; and make profane and vain babblings, and propositions of science falsely so called. Beware, there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, seeking fame and fortune under many disguises and pretexts. After studying their works, I discover secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers are enemies of the truth.
The only authentic source of facts and information and the fundamental elements about the historical Jesus Christ can be found only in the New Testament of the Holy Bible. They are clear and plain truths which cannot be debated or doubted. Luk 1:1-4 , “Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the Word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught. ”
Note: Theophilus in Greek is Theophilos which means “friend of God” ; the person to whom Luke addresses in the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts; apparently a high ranking official worthy of the title Most Excellent who was a Christian convert; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. Investigate in Greek is parakoloutheō which means to follow closely; to know fully; to have understanding; to follow up a thing in mind so as to attain to the knowledge of it; to examine thoroughly; to trace out; to follow a matter up; to observe by close study or examination; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. Carefully in Greek is akribōs which means diligently; perfectly; circumspectly; exactly; accurately; – which occurs 15 times in the New Testament. From the beginning in Greek is anōthen which means from above; from the very first; from a higher place; from the top; from origin; – which occurs 14 times in the New Testament. In consecutive order in Greek is kathexēs which means one after another, successively; consecutively; by or in order; in a consecutive manner; with each following the other without interruption; – which occurs 8 times in the New Testament. The New Testament were written by eyewitnesses and servants of the Word concerning the exact truth about Jesus Christ. Exact truth in Greek is asphaleia which means undoubted truth; truth of certainty; absolute truth; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. Having investigated everything carefully from the beginning Luke wrote it out in consecutive order so that you may know the exact truth about Jesus Christ. You can know the exact truth about Jesus Christ from the only authentic source – the Holy Bible, and no other; not from apocrypha or false gospels or speculative literature. Luke wrote two books in consecutive order from historical point of view.
Jhn 20:28-31, “Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” Many other miracles Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name. ”
Note: The internal evidence proved the integrity and authenticity of the Scriptures. It did not say all the disciples just believed it. The doubting Thomas after he saw in Jesus’ hands the imprint of the nails, and put his finger into the place of the nails, and put his hand into His side, he said to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to Thomas, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed. ” The Apostles and the early disciples all saw Jesus and believed. Since then all disciples of all generations do not see and yet believe. Jesus Christ performed many other miracles which are not written, and there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written. We believe and know the Holy Bible is complete, 39 books in the Old Testament and 27 books in the New Testament. The Christian faith rests on the Word of God, no more no less.
Jhn 21:24-25, “This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written. ”
Also in the Old Testament as Jesus explained: Luk 24:27, “Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures .” Not many have the knowledge of the Old Testament; it is easier to start with the New Testament which is plain and clear historical record of Jesus Christ, especially the Gospels; but not the false gospels outside of the Bible. All the known facts, all you need to know, about Jesus Christ you can find by and for yourself, you do not need the opinions and speculations of impostors and deceivers. May I suggest you start with the Gospel of John.
Jesus is not only the PERSON at the center of Christianity, He is the founder of Christianity. Jesus Christ is Christianity. Without Jesus Christ there is no Christianity. Jesus Christ is the Alpha and the Omega of Christianity, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
Who was Jesus? Or rather, Who is Jesus? Jesus Christ is the only ONE who is the same yesterday and today and forever. Jesus Christ is the same, and His years will not come to an end.
No man can be said he is the same yesterday and today, not to say forever. You can ask who was Abraham? You cannot ask Who is Abraham? Abraham was yesterday, several thousand years ago. Abraham is not today because Abraham is no more.
The question was actually raised by Jesus Christ Himself in two aspects.
Who do people say that I am?
Who do you say that I am?
1Jo 1:1-4, “What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands , concerning the Word of Life —and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us—what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. ”
Luk 10:22-24, “All things have been handed over to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.” Turning to the disciples, He said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see, for I say to you, that many prophets and kings wished to see the things which you see, and did not see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and did not hear them. ”
Note: The Apostles and early disciples of Jesus Christ were supremely blessed because they heard the things and saw the things that many prophets and kings wished to see the things which they saw and did not see them, and to hear the things which they heard and did not hear them. Therefore, what the people said about Jesus was quite different from what the disciples said about Jesus. The disciples were supposed to have intimate knowledge of Jesus Christ because they followed and lived with Him. They knew everything Jesus said and watched every miracle Jesus performed. What they had heard, seen, and touched no others had.
Mat 16:13-17, “Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in Heaven.”
The Son of Man, according to Strong’s Concordance, used by Christ Himself, doubtless in order that He might intimate His Messiahship and also that He might designate Himself as the head of the human family, the Man, the one who both furnished the pattern of the perfect M an and acted on behalf of all mankind. Christ seems to have preferred this to the other Messianic titles, because by its lowliness it was least suited to foster the expectation of an earthly Messiah in royal splendor. I personally do not think this is a satisfactory explanation, but I do not have a better explanation. For me, I always prefer to use, the Son of God.
I also find the explanations of theologians inadequate and insufficient. The Son of Man is not a kind of circumlocution. I can honestly say after much deliberation and study, I do not know why Jesus called Himself, the Son of Man. I do not believe any man knows why. The same way I do not know why Jesus is referred to in the Bible as Jesus Christ and also referred to as Christ Jesus. This is indicated the limit of human intelligence or knowledge outside of revelation. What is not explained in the Word of God, no man should speculate. I do not like people who pretend to know what they actually do not know. No Apostle or disciple ever addressed Jesus as the Son of Man. I habitually and properly call Jesus Christ, the Son of God, my Lord and Savior.
It is interesting that the Jewish people then said Jesus was one of the prophets. We do not know what other Apostles said who Jesus was. Simon Peter was quick to confess that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God. Christ in Greek is Christos which means the Lord’s “anointed”; the Messiah; the Son of God; – which occurs 531 times in the New Testament. For Gentiles, the meaning of the epithet of Christ may not be apparent to everyone. For the Jews, the Christ was the One sent by God, the coming King whom the Jews expected to be the Savior of their nation, and the Author of their highest felicity and prosperity. Christ is the Messiah.
Blessed in Greek is makarios which means happy; supremely blest; fortunate; well off; holy; – which occurs 50 times in the New Testament. Flesh and blood means the totality of human beings, the natural man, no matter whether they are scientists, theologians or philosophers, who by nature do not and cannot know the divine truth. Peter knew that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, because the Holy Father in Heaven revealed this truth to him. This truth is of great importance that no human being by nature can by his own wisdom or scientific inquiry to discover the knowledge of God. Reveal in Greek is apokalyptō which means to uncover; to take off the cover; to disclose what before was unknown; to make known; to make manifest; to lay open what has been veiled or covered up; is used of God revealing to men things unknown; – which occurs 27 times in the New Testament. So the Christian religion is the Revealed religion, not the opinions, views, traditions or imaginations of flesh and blood. Thus the Christian faith rests completely and absolutely on the Word of God.
The Apostle Paul would have you know, would have the world to know:
Gal 1:11-12, “For I would have you know, brethren, that the Gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Note: Know in Greek is gnōrizō which means to make known; give to understand; declare; certify; to gain knowledge of; to have thorough knowledge of; to become known; to recognize; – which occurs 50 times in the New Testament. Gospel in Greek is euaggelion which means good tidings; good news; the Gospel of Christ; the Gospel of God; the Gospel of the Kingdom; the glad tidings of salvation through Christ; the glad tidings of the Kingdom of God soon to be set up, and subsequently Christ the Messiah would reign; good message; the preaching of Jesus Christ as having suffered death on the cross for sinners to procure eternal salvation for believers in the Kingdom of God, and rose from the dead and exalted to the right hand of God, thence to return in great power and glory to consummate the Kingdom of God; – which occurs 77 times in the New Testament. The word evangelization is derived from the Greek word. Preach in Greek is euaggelizō which means to proclaim the Gospel; to bring good tidings; to declare glad tidings; to show good news; to announce glad tidings; in the New Testament it is used especially of the glad tidings of the Kingdom that God sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world to save sinners by grace through faith in Jesus Christ to receive the eternal life; – which occurs 95 times in the New Testament. The Gospel which was preached by Paul was not according to man. Paul did not receive the Gospel from man or transmitted by man. Teach in Greek is didaskō which means to impart instruction; to instill doctrine into one; to explain or expound something; to deliver didactic discourses; to impart the knowledge of; to make known; – which occurs 97 times in the New Testament. The Gospel which Paul preached he was not taught it by man. You cannot be taught in seminary to invent a new gospel. Receive in Greek is paralambanō which means to take; to accept something transmitted; to learn from; acquire; – which occurs 57 times in the New Testament. The original and true Gospel of Jesus Christ was received by the Apostles through the revelation of Jesus Christ, they did not learn it from man or tradition. Revelation in Greek is apokalypsis which means manifestation; enlightenment; a disclosure of truth; instruction concerning divine things before unknown; something to be made visible or known; an uncovering; – which occurs 18 times in the New Testament. The Gospel which Paul preached he received it through the revelation of Jesus Christ. Many secular academics, unbelieving theologians and scientists and philosophers try to distort and pervert the Gospel.
Apostle Paul was making such statement because some false teachers had perverted and distorted the Gospel of Jesus Christ and preached a different gospel ( different from the true doctrine concerning Christian salvation ). The contents of the Gospel of Christ were decreed and revealed by God from eternity.
Gal 2:1-2, “Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the Gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain. ”
What is the nature of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
Rom 16:25-26, “Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my Gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith.”
Note: The origin of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith. The Gospel, the Holy Scriptures, are not subject to be debated by men of vain thoughts and unbelief. According to the commandment of the eternal God, the Gospel leads believers of all generations to obedience of faith. Secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers think they are somebodies because they can vent their private opinions and conceited thoughts and lofty theories against the Word of God.
Eph 3:3-10, “that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel, of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the Church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. ”
Note: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the mystery of Christ and the manifold wisdom of God and the power of God working to bring salvation to those who believe in His name. This great mystery of godliness is beyond the reach of those who have a defiled and evil and unbelieving heart.
1Ti 3:16 , “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. ”
The secular academics claim that after his death Jesus came to be called Jesus Christ. Absolutely wrong. While Jesus was alive on earth, before the Crucifixion, before the Resurrection, He made the prayer to God:
Jhn 17:1-8, “ Jesus spoke these things; and lifting up His eyes to Heaven, He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life. This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I glorified You on the earth, having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do. Now, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. Now they have come to know that everything You have given Me is from You;for the words which You gave Me I have given to them; and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me. ”
Note: Clearly and plainly, here Jesus calls Himself, Jesus Christ. The enemies of truth can misinterpret and distort the Gospel of Christ or the Scriptures to their own destruction.
FIFTHLY, the saving power and positive influence of Jesus Christ manifested in the lives of billions of Christians in more than 2,000 years is immeasurable and inestimable.
1Ti 1:15-16, “It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. ”
Note: Paul was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet he was shown mercy because he acted ignorantly in unbelief. Paul is classic example how Christ Jesus saved and changed people. The following is the confession how Saul was transformed into Paul, two different persons by the power of God.
Act 22:3-15, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated under Gamaliel, strictly according to the law of our fathers, being zealous for God just as you all are today. I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and putting both men and women into prisons, as also the high priest and all the Council of the elders can testify. From them I also received letters to the brethren, and started off for Damascus in order to bring even those who were there to Jerusalem as prisoners to be punished. But it happened that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus about noontime, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me, and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.’ And those who were with me saw the light, to be sure, but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me. And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go on into Damascus, and there you will be told of all that has been appointed for you to do.’ But since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me and came into Damascus. A certain Ananias, a man who was devout by the standard of the Law, and well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, came to me, and standing near said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very time I looked up at him. And he said, ‘The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will and to see the Righteous One and to hear an utterance from His mouth. For you will be a witness for Him to all men of what you have seen and heard.”
Note: Zealous in Greek is zēlōtēs which means one burning with zeal; a zealot; characterized by zeal; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. Saul was persecuting Christians to death and he thought he was zealous for God. There are people who murder thinking they serve God. There are terrorists today who lie, kill, rob, and destroy people and property in the name of God. Persecute in Greek is diōkō which means to pursue or run after with hostility; to harass, punish or molest in any way whatever; to mistreat; to afflict; – which occurs 47 times in the New Testament. Way in Greek is hodos which means a way (i.e. manner) of thinking, feeling, deciding prescribed and approved by God; the Christian faith is a way of life; a journey; Jesus is the Way; used of the Christian religion; by which all who seek approach to God must enter into closest fellowship; – which occurs 100 times in the New Testament. Happen in Greek is ginomai which means to come to pass; of events to appear in history; of events come upon the stage; to come into existence; to occur; come to be; – which occurs 536 times in the New Testament. God controls whatever comes to pass. God is able to cause things or events to take place. No man controls events, events control men. When the Lord or the Holy Spirit speaks to a person, the person understands it, but the people around cannot hear it. There are enemies of Christ who are persecuting Jesus by killing Christians, they are deaf to hear the voice, “Terrorists, terrorists, why are you persecuting Me?” They are in darkness, they do not see the Light. Appoint in Greek is tassō which means to ordain; to choose someone officially to do something; assign; determine; order; addict; set officially; put in place; – which occurs 7 times in the New Testament. I believe the Lord Jesus appointed the Apostles and other disciples like Stephen. I believe even today our Lord appoints each Christian to do something special for Him. If you are a believer, ask the Lord what He wants you to do with your life. Blessed is the person who finds out what the Lord wants him/her to do and do it. Devout in Greek is eulabēs which means pious; committed; circumspect; fearing God; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. Every devout Christian lives to the New Testament standard. Every Christian appointed by the Lord is devout. Ask God the Father to appoint you to know His will. Do you know what a privilege to witness for Christ wherever you are? I witness for Christ AND preach the Gospel through the Internet.
Rom 9:1-8, “I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh, who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises, whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen. But it is not as though the Word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel; nor are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants, but: “THROUGH ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS WILL BE NAMED.” That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants. ”
Note: Paul had great sorrow and unceasing grief in his heart for his kinsmen who are Israelites that they might be saved. Here is a great truth: The Jews who did not believe not as though the Word of God has failed. For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel; nor are they all children because they are Abraham’s descendants. Jesus says to those who do not believe; Jhn 10:26 , “But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. ” Once I was sitting outside a church on a rainy day. I witnessed to an old man there who did not believe. But his wife came along and I witnessed to her, and she gladly accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. You should have a burden for the salvation of your relatives and friends.
One thing is of most importance is the fact that 1Co 2:11 , “ For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. ”
1Co 2:10-14, “For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, comparing spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. ”
Note: God revealed His wisdom and hidden things to His children through the Holy Spirit. Human wisdom is contrary to the wisdom of God. The things of God cannot be taught by human wisdom; for that reason, secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers cannot by human wisdom discover God. They do not have the Spirit of God, but the spirit of the world. The best of science and philosophy are the things taught by human wisdom, tentative, fallible and imperfect. Comparing in Greek is sygkrinō which means to join together fitly; to compare with; to interpret; to judge of one thing in connection with another; to adapt the discourse to the subject; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. One must compare spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. One must interpret spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. One must synchronize spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. The natural man is devoid of spiritual thoughts and spiritual words. Here lies the basic difference between the natural man and the spiritual man. Do you see the difficulty or problem of being a natural man? A natural man includes all who have not been born again by the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers are natural men who do not accept the the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to them. For examples, the Virgin Birth, the Creation of the Universe and mankind, the miracles of Jesus Christ, the infallible and inerrant Word of God, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Kingdom of God, etc. are foolishness to them. They cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. Appraise in Greek is anakrinō which means to examine; discern; search; to investigate, inquire into, scrutinize; to judge of, estimate, determine, evaluate; – which occurs 19 times in the New Testament. The Christian faith is spiritually appraised. You cannot have a blind man to appraise a perfect diamond or the glorious sunset. You cannot have a tone-deaf person to appraise the sound of music. 2Co 4:4, “ in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. ” The minds of secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers are blinded by the god of this world (the devil), so they cannot see the light of the Gospel or understand the Word of God. Not only they are blind, they walk in darkness and they are deaf to the truth. On the other hand, Christians have the mind of Christ.
Act 7:51 , “You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That’s what your ancestors did, and so do you!”
Note: Resist in Greek is antipiptō which means to oppose; to run against; to strive against; to be adverse; to fight against; – which occurs 1 times in the New Testament. God has given man free will and so he can make a choice. Everyone may make a decision. Some resist the Holy Spirit and reject Jesus Christ. It is sad to observe many stubborn people who are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. I hope you are not like that. I am writing this article so that you might have a good and sincere heart to receive the truth in Jesus Christ.
2Co 10:12 , “For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. ”
Note: There are things we should be bold, there are other things we should not be bold. I have never known secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers who are humble. Class in Greek is egkrinō which means to reckon among; to make of the number; to judge one worthy of being admitted to a certain class ; to count among; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. Do you notice that warmongers, aggressors, imperialists, supremacists, militarists, capitalists, monopolists, and terrorists belong to a certain class? Do you take note that secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers belong to another class? Compare in Greek is sygkrino which means to compare with; compare among; to interpret; combine; to judge of one thing in connection with another; collate; to examine to discover differences or similarities; to consider similarities; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. There are people who compare themselves with God, just like an ameba compares itself to man. Commend in Greek is synistēmi which means to approve; to stand with; to set in the same place; to set one with another; to set together; to hold together; to recommend as worthy; to praise; – which occurs 17 times in the New Testament. Pro 27:2 , “ Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth—a stranger, not your own lips. ” The rich and powerful like to blow their own horns. Measure in Greek is metreō which means to mete out to; to judge according to any rule or standard; to estimate; to ascertain in size by a fixed standard; to derive from oneself the standard by which one estimates oneself ; – which occurs 11 times in the New Testament. A five year old boy said to his mother, “I am 7 feet tall.” The mother asked how did he measure himself. The boy answered he used his shoe to measure himself, it is 7 shoes tall, so 7 feet. Those who compare themselves with themselves, measure themselves by themselves and commend themselves are without understanding. Miserable man, do not use your measure to measure God! Microscope cannot be used to observe the stars in the sky.
Paul was a scholar, in contrast to a blind illiterate man. Jesus healed a man born blind. There was a division among the people who witnessed the miracle. The Pharisees were saying Jesus is not from God because He does not keep the Sabbath. Others were saying how can a man who is a sinner perform such miracles? They asked the blind man about Jesus and he said, He is a prophet.
Jhn 9:24-30, “So a second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, “Give glory to God; we know that this man is a sinner.” He then answered, “Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see .” So they said to him, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?” He answered them, “I told you already and you did not listen; why do you want to hear it again? You do not want to become His disciples too, do you?” They reviled him and said, “You are His disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where He is from.” The man answered and said to them, “Well, here is an amazing thing , that you do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes. ”
Note: The man born blind gave an amazing and powerful witness, “One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see. ” Every saved soul has a powerful witness. The Pharisees did not want to know the truth, so they believed a lie to say Jesus is a sinner. They could not and would not answer the challenge, How can a man who is a sinner perform such miracles? The same is true with secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers who do not want to know the truth, because they have the spirit of the world. A man’s reason can be blinded by his bias and prejudices.
Rom 1:20 , “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes , His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. ”
Note: The world was created by God, not by Big Bang. God is Spirit, He is invisible. Invisible in Greek is aoratos which means unseen; that cannot be seen; invisible nature; not perceptible by vision; impossible to see; – which occurs 5 times in the New Testament. God cannot be seen. Power in Greek is dynamis which means mighty work; strength; might; ability; force; – which occurs 124 times in the New Testament. Divine nature in Greek is theiotēs which means divinity; Godhead; divine essence; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. Although God cannot be seen, but His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made. For example, the Universe created by God is immeasurable and continuously expanding, and the stars and planets in heaven cannot be numbered and so we understand how great God is. God creates snowflakes and no two snowflakes are alike, and so we see the wonder of God’s power and perfect nature.
1Co 2:16 , “For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ. ”
Note: Secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers are arrogant that they think they can instruct God, although they have no idea and know nothing about the mind of God or the mind of Christ.
Eph 4:17-19, “So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. ”
Note: Affirm in Greek is martyromai which means to testify; take to record; to declare solemnly; to cite a witness; to obtest; to call to witness; to bring forward a witness; to confirm; to state positively; – which occurs 5 times in the New Testament. How do the Gentiles walk? Walk in Greek is peripateō which means to live; to conduct one’s self; to regulate one’s life; to be occupied with; to behave; to pass one’s life; – which occurs 105 times in the New Testament. The live in futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. Futility in Greek is mataiotēs which means vanity; depravity; frailty; what is devoid of truth and appropriateness; perverseness; inutility ; uselessness; deprivation; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. Darkened in Greek is skotoō which means full of darkness; to cover with darkness; to obscure or blind the mind; to make dark; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. Exclude in Greek is apallotrioō which means to be alienated; to estrange; to be shut out from fellowship; to be non-participant; to expel or bar; used of those who have estranged themselves from God;- which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. Ignorance in Greek is agnoia which means lack of knowledge, especially of divine things; moral blindness; want of knowledge; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. Hardness in Greek is pōrōsis which means blindness; the covering with a callus; dulled perception; blunted mind; obtrusiveness of mental discernment; porosis; stupidity or callousness; obduracy; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. Become callous in Greek apalgeō which means to be past feeling; to cease to feel pain or grief; to become insensible or apathetic; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. Sensuality in Greek is aselgeia which means lasciviousness; wantonness; filthiness; unbridled lust; licentiousness; shamelessness; outrageousness; worldliness; flesh; insolence; – which occurs 10 times in the New Testament. Impurity in Greek is akatharsia which means uncleanliness; immorality; the impurity of lustful, luxurious, profligate living ; – which occurs 10 times in the New Testament. Homosexuality is kind of impurity. Greediness in Greek is pleonexia which means avarice; fraudulency; covetousness; greed; extortion; – which occurs 11 times in the New Testament. Many doctors, dentists, hospital owners, drug makers, lawyers, monopolists, politicians, bankers, imperialists, and terrorists, etc. practice extortion.
The Word of God performs a surgical analysis and describes the character or nature of a natural man:
(a) . Walk in the futility of their mind;
(b) . Being darkened in their understanding;
(c) . Excluded from the life of God;
(d) . Ignorance is in them;
(e) .The hardness of their heart;
(f) .Having become callous;
(g) .Have given themselves over to sensuality;
(h) .Practice of every kind of impurity with greediness.
With these 8 characteristics, the natural man is spiritually dead and buried.
Note: Every element of the cited above is deadly. Take excluded from the life of God, the natural man is spiritually dead; living in this world without God and without hope. Secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers may be so proud of their works or writings, but God says they walk in the futility of their mind. Their mind is vain, depraved, useless and devoid of truth. God sees you may be entirely opposite of what you think of yourself. They are darkened or blind in their understanding. There is ignorance in them. The hardness of their heart becomes callous or apathetic. They have given themselves to sensuality and practice every kind of impurity with greediness. They are slaves of sin, the sinful passions. The whole world is infected with greediness which is especially prominent in capitalistic and imperial nations and entrepreneurs, even among prosperity gospel preachers and followers.
Heb 4:12-13, “ For the Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. ”
Note: Living in Greek is zaō which means quick; alive; lively; in full vigor; strong; powerful; efficacious; having vital power in itself; – which occurs 143 times in the New Testament. Active in Greek is energēs which means effectual; effective, powerful; – which occurs 3 times in the New Testament. Sharper in Greek is tomos which means more keen; more sharp; more cutting or piercing; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. The Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword. The above cited surgical analysis of the natural man by the Word of God is an example. Pierce in Greek is diïkneomai which means to penetrate; to go through; to reach through; to enter or thrust into; to discern; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. Just as there is a division between joints and marrow, so there is also a division between soul and spirit. Soul in Greek is psychē which means life, heart, mind; the breath of life; the vital force which animates the body; the seat of the feelings, desires, affections, aversions (our heart, soul etc.) ; an essence which differs from the body and is not dissolved by death (distinguished from other parts of the body) ; a person’s total self; self-consciousness; – which occurs 101 times in the New Testament. Spirit in Greek is pneuma which means the rational spirit, the power by which the human being feels, thinks, decides ; a human soul that has left the body ; the divine consciousness; the disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of any one ; the power of perceiving and grasping divine and eternal things, and upon which the Spirit of God exerts its influence; Luther calls it “ the highest and noblest part of man, which qualifies him to lay bold of incomprehensible, invisible, eternal things; in short, it is the house where Faith and God’s word are at home ”; – which occurs 380 times in the New Testament. A man is a tripartite being: body, soul and spirit. The Word of God can pierce through a man’s soul and spirit. Able to judge in Greek is kritikos which means fit for judging; skilled in judging; able to discern; able to discriminate; tracing out and passing judgement on the thoughts of the mind; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. Thought in Greek is enthymēsis which means a thinking; consideration; something in the mind; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament. Intention in Greek is ennoia which means intent; meditation; a thought, notion or conception; thoughtfulness; moral understanding; purpose; what one intends to do; an aim; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. The Word of God is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. You can hide nothing from God. Open in Greek is gymnos which means bare; naked; nude; without cover; not covered; completely free from concealment; – which occurs 16 times in the New Testament. Lay bare in Greek is trachēlizō which means to lay open, to make manifest to one, to expose; to uncover; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. Secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers usually think they are special elites, but there is no creature hidden from God’s sight, and all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of God who controls the Universe and with whom we have to do. God especially hates hypocrites because they pretend to be what they are not. Everyone (including you and I) is naked before God, and God knows all our thoughts and intentions.
Jesus Affirms His Deity
Col 2:9, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form. ”
Note: Deity in Greek is theotēs which means the state of being God, godhood, Godhead; – it occurs only once in the New Testament. God became Man in Jesus Christ in human form. Only God could have the mode of existence of God. By creation alone no one can know God; for that reason Jesus Christ, the Son of God came into the world to reveal God. God reveals Himself in His Son. Paul is declaring that in the Son there dwells all the fullness of absolute Godhead; they were no mere rays of divine glory which gilded Him, lighting up His person for a season and with a splendor not His own; but He was, and is, absolute and perfect God; and the Scripture teaches this essential and personal Godhead of the Son in bodily form. The Scripture means Jesus is God in human form. God is in the body of Christ.
For this reason Jesus declares,
Jhn 14:7 , “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also ; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.”
You may know the different etymologies of the Greek words, theiotēs (divinity) and theotēs (deity) and still do not know God and our Savior.
The divinity of Christ means “God was in Christ.” The divinity of Christ means Christ is divine, Christ is God. The divinity of Christ means Christ has divine nature. The divinity of Christ means Jesus Christ is my God and my Lord. Those who do not believe God are without excuse. God’s everlasting power and divinity dwells fully in Jesus Christ.
Unbelieving liberals or modernists, who are crafty in distorting the Bible, claim that in fact, mankind possesses a “spark of divinity,” a spark which relates him to God. If a “spark of divinity” means man was created in the image of God, that is true. If it means everyone can potentially become a son of God by his own efforts, it is false and un-Scriptural. A fallen man cannot perfect himself. A sinful man cannot save himself. The human conscience is NOT the “divine spark.”
Hbr 10:22,“Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”
Note: Conscience in Greek is syneidēsis which means the consciousness of right and wrong, the soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad, prompting to do the former and shun the latter, commending one, condemning the other; moral consciousness, free from guilt; – it occurs 32 times in the New Testament. Sinful man has an “evil conscience.” An unbeliever does not have a good conscience. American leaders violated China’s sovereignty and gave control of China’s Diaoyu Islands in 1971 to the war crime nation of Japan and passed law to defend Japan are liars and killers who have an evil conscience. The leaders of the evil empire of Japan who bought and nationalized China’s Diaoyu Islands and say they belong to Japan, not negotiable, and rely on the protection of the sole superpower and prepare war with China are liars and killers and have an evil conscience.
1Ti 1:19,“Keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.” Liars and killers do not have a “good conscience.”
1 Ti 4:2, “By means of the hypocrisy of liars their own conscience is seared as with a branding iron.” A dead conscience cannot have a “spark of divinity.” The conscience of America and Japan has been seared with a red hot iron. Japanese leaders are pagans and idol worshipers, liars and killers who are sons of the devil defined by Jesus Christ, Jhn 8:44 . Although American leaders and politicians claim to be Christians, they are proven liars and killers and robbers and children of the devil who have an evil conscience. People who have an evil conscience do not know God and Savior.
There is no doubt or debate or division, the divinity of Jesus Christ is clearly and definitely taught and written in the Bible. Let the Word of God explain the Word of God.
Mat 16:16 ,“Simon Peter answered: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Jhn 6:69 ,“And we believe and are sure that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
Cf. Jhn 11:27,“She said to him: Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, He who is coming into the world.”
Jhn 20:31 ,“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”
Act 8:37,“And Philip said: If you believe with all your heart, you may. And he replied: I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
2 Cr 1:19, “For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we preached among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No; but in Him it is always Yes.”
1 Jo 1:3,“That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.”
1 Jo 5:20,“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, to know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”
Note: Christ in Greek is Christos which means the Lord’s “anointed”, the Messiah, the Son of God; – it occurs 569 times in the New Testament. Christ is used in generic sense, unlike prophet, as an appellative, One and Only, the Messiah. There is no other Christ, there are anti-christs. Foolish unbelieving scientists and scholars, don’t you know by your own understanding you cannot know God who is true? You need Jesus Christ, the Son of God to give you understanding, spiritual understanding, not scientific understanding.
It does not matter if you do not know the difference between divinity and deity, it matters if you believe or not Jesus Christ is God. This is the fatal mistake of Unitarianism. Doubting Thomas made the confession after the convincing evidence,
Jhn 20:28-29, “ Thomas answered and said to Him, “ My Lord and my God! ” Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed. ”
Note: After Jesus ascended to the highest Heaven, all subsequent believers did not see, and yet believed. Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.
Jesus Christ says:
Jhn 10:30, “I and the Father are One. ” The Father and the Son are One. The Jehovah of the Old Testament is the Jesus of the New Testament. God and Jesus are One. The unbelieving Jews knew exactly what Jesus said and claimed that He and God are One, for that reason all the more they wanted to kill Him. There is no debate or doubt or division that Jesus Christ claims of His Divinity.
Mat 2:11 , “After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. ”
Note: Wise men from the East were truly wise men, they fell to the ground and worshiped the Child Jesus; unlike the Roman Catholics who worship Mary.
Mat 8:2-3, “ And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.
Note: A leper came and worshiped Jesus even before He cleansed him. The leper’s prayer indicated his faith, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”
Mat 9:18 , “ While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshiped Him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. ”
Note: The ruler worshiped Jesus Christ even before He restored the life of his little girl.
Mat 14:33, “And those who were in the boat worshiped Him , saying, “You are certainly God’s Son !”
Note: After seeing Jesus walking on the sea, the disciples worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son.”
Mat 15:25 , “Then came she and worshiped Him , saying, Lord, help me. ”
Note: A Syrophoenician woman worshiped Jesus to ask the Lord to help her, whose daughter was cruelly demon-possessed. Her daughter was healed at once by the Word of the Lord.
Jhn 9:38 , “And he said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped Him . ”
Note: Jesus healed a man born blind. Because he testified for Jesus, the Jewish religious establishment excommunicated him. Jesus found him and asked him whether he would believe in Him. The former blind man said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped Jesus.
Mat 28:9 , “ And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him . ”
Note: On the day of Resurrection, the women who saw the angel and the empty tomb and ran to report to Jesus’ disciples, Jesus met them. They came up and took hold of Jesus’ feet and worshiped Him.
Mat 28:17, “When they saw Him, they worshiped Him ; but some were doubtful. ”
Note: During the Great Commission, the disciples saw and worshiped Jesus, but some were doubtful. Be doubtful in Greek is distazō which means to waiver mentally; to be fearful; to be uncertain; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. We can know with certainty that 1Pe 1:21 , “who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.”
Luk 24:51-52, “ While He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they, after worshiping Him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy .”
Note: The disciples witnessed Jesus ascending to Heaven, as He blessed them and parted from them. After worshiping Jesus, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. Joy in Greek is chara which means gladness; joyfulness; cheerfulness; blessedness; – which occurs 59 times in the New Testament. Why the great joy? Act 1:10-11, “And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” Cheer up, Jesus Christ is coming again with great power an glory. All Christians in the world, get ready to welcome the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
We may only worship God. Christians do not worship Apostles, Angels, Mary, idols, ancestors, Sun, Moon, Stars, the pope, dead saints, or any man or object. The people cited above all worshiped Jesus. When people worship Jesus they worship God. There is no slightest doubt or debate that the Divinity of Jesus Christ is a clear and sure doctrine taught in the Bible. Disciples universally practiced worshiping of Jesus Christ as God, the Son.
Rev 5:6-10, “And I saw between the throne (with the four living creatures) and the elders a Lamb standing, as if slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth. And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a Kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.”
Note: Lamb in Greek is arnion, which is used of Christ, innocently suffering and dying to expiate the sins of men ; the Lamb of God who is the Son of God; – which occurs 30 times in the New Testament. In Heaven the four living creatures, the twenty-four elders, saints and angels, worship the Lamb. The Lamb purchased for God with His blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. Jesus Christ made them to be a kingdom and priests to God, and they will reign with Him upon the earth. In Heaven, Christians will sing the song of the Lamb.
Rev 5:11-14, “Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.” And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever.” And the four living creatures kept saying, “Amen.” And the elders fell down and worshiped.”
Note: Myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands mean innumerable, too many to be counted. Many angels, the living creatures, the elders, and innumerable number of the Elect, and every created thing which is in Heaven and on the Earth, under the Earth and on the sea, and all thing in them saying, “To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever. They worship God and the Lamb.
Rev 7:9-12, “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.”
Note: No one could count means no one could enumerate or number which is innumerable or countless. The stars in the sky are also innumerable, too many to be counted. So it is a wrong idea to think the numbers of the saved are few. Heaven will be a lonely place. For a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, will stand before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches are in their hands; and they cry our with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Salvation belongs to our God the Father and to the Lamb the Son. The way of salvation is the way of God. Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. Outside of Christ, there is no other salvation. Countless saved believers, all the angels, the elders and the four living creatures fall on their faces and worship God the Father, and Lamb the Son forever and ever.
Debate about Jesus?
If you stand under the sun, do you debate the existence of the sun? If you walk in the light, do you debate about the existence of light? If you are full, do you debate the existence of food? If you know God, there is no debate about the existence of God.
Debate may be applicable to doubtful things. For example, you can debate whether the United State of America is a true democracy or not. One percent of the population rules over the 99 percent cannot be a democracy. Ninety-nine percent of population serve the 1% of the population cannot be a true democracy, for democracy serves the largest number of the population. I prefer to discuss issues with reasonable persons. Once a woman challenged me to prove her sins. Why would I be interested in how many fornication or adulteries, thefts and lies, malice and ill will, etc. she has committed? If I know a person is determined not to believe the truth, I would not waste my time on her/him. Jesus said, Jhn 8:45-47, “But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me. Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.”
In my life experiences, I have encountered a group of people who do not and would not believe the truth, no matter what. I shun this kind of people because I do not want to waste my effort and time on them. I have learned a great truth from Jesus Christ that those who did not believe because they were not of His sheep. The truth strikes me how many deliberately and willfully send themselves to Hell!
Jhn 10:24-28, “The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, “How long will You keep us in suspense? 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, these testify of Me. But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.”
Note: Jesus said to the Jews, “I told you, and you do not believe…But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” This explains why some people will not believe no matter what. Because they are not of Jesus’ sheep. Whether you believe or not will determine whether you are of Jesus’ sheep or not.
Act 17:16-21, “While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply troubled by all the idols he saw everywhere in the city. He went to the synagogue to reason with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and he spoke daily in the public square to all who happened to be there. He also had a debate with some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. When he told them about Jesus and his resurrection, they said, “What’s this babbler trying to say with these strange ideas he’s picked up?” Others said, “He seems to be preaching about some foreign gods.” Then they took him to the high council of the city. “Come and tell us about this new teaching,” they said.“You are saying some rather strange things, and we want to know what it’s all about.”(It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest ideas.) ”
Note: Primitive people still worship idols today. In the Western world, however, people worship money, power and sex as their idols. Reason in Greek is dialegomai which means to dispute; discuss; argue; try to persuade; – which occurs 14 times in the New Testament. The Christian faith is reasonable. Christians are told in 1Pe 3:15 , “But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” Be prepared is to be ready. Defense in Greek is apologia which means an answer; a reasoned statement or argument ; clearing of oneself; making good of a cause; an argument for justification; – which occurs 8 times in the New Testament. The word apologetics is derived from the Greek word. Reason in Greek is logos which means ground; cause; justification; – which occurs 14 times in the New Testament. Paul had a debate with some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. Debate in Greek is zētēsis which means questioning; dispute; investigating; a contention by words or arguments; a formal discussion; – which occurs 9 times in the New Testament. Epicurean philosophers believe that pleasure or happiness is the highest good. So Epicureanism devotes to pleasure, comfort, and high living. Stoicism is somewhat the opposite of Epicureanism which is indifference to pleasure or pain. Stoic philosophers believe virtue as the highest good in life. The two groups of philosophers thought Jesus and His resurrection were strange ideas. Babbler in Greek is spermologos which means an empty talker; a seed-picker as a crow; a sponger, loafer; trifler; an excessive talker; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. These philosophers called Paul a babbler, but they seemed to be interested in this new teaching and wanted to know more about strange things. The footnote is interesting: (It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time discussing the latest ideas.) ” Interestingly, some countries ban Christianity on ground it is a foreign god. Some countries prefer superstitions over truth. Ignorant and superstitious people are easier to control, free people who know the truth cannot be enslaved. Jesus Christ does not belong to the Jews only. Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior of the world.
Act 18:28 , “For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, demonstrating from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah. ”
Note: Apollos was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah. Refute in Greek is diakatelegchomai which means to prove downright; to prove wrong by argument; show to be false; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. Demonstrate in Greek is epideiknymi which means to show; exhibit; prove; to bring forth to view; – which occurs 7 times in the New Testament. The Scriptures prove that Jesus is the Messiah.
The Council at Jerusalem was a result of an important debate, the first debate among early Christians:
Act 15:1-29, “ Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them, the brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue. Therefore, being sent on their way by the Church, they were passing through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and were bringing great joy to all the brethren. When they arrived at Jerusalem, they were received by the Church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses.”The apostles and the elders came together to look into this matter. After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the Gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus , in the same way as they also are.” All the people kept silent, and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul as they were relating what miracles and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. ”
Note: Dissension in Greek is stasis which means a popular uprising; strong disagreement; sedition; uproar; an insurrection against; strife; controversy; contentious quarreling; – which occurs 9 times in the New Testament. Debate in Greek is zētēsis which means a questioning; a subject of questioning; a matter of controversy; a searching for solution; a dispute; a subject of subtle inquiry; – which occurs 9 times in the New Testament. When some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Apostle Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them. The brethren decided to send Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem to the Apostles and elders concerning this issue.
Issue in Greek is zētēma which means a question; debate; a vital or unsettled matter; a matter that is in dispute; a subject or problem of disagreement; – which occurs 6 times in the New Testament. The Jerusalem Church after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ was the presiding Church. The Church received them. Some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed stood up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to direct them to observe the Law of Moses.” Sect in Greek is hairesis which means a body of men following their own tenets (sect or party); dissensions arising from diversity of opinions and aims ; disunion; an opinion varying from the true exposition of the Christian faith (heresy); an opinion, doctrine, or practice which is contrary to the truth of Christian faith; – which occurs 9 times in the New Testament. It is a heresy to insist that Gentile believers necessary to be circumcised and to observe the Law of Moses. Since the early Church, there have been many heresies upon which cults and sects build their denominations. Roman Catholicism is the greatest heresy of them all. The apostles and the elders came together to look into this matter. After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the Gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, testified to them giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He also did to us; and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do you put God to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus , in the same way as they also are.” Peter pointed out that God made no distinction between Jewish disciples and and Gentile disciples , cleansing their hearts by faith . God gave Gentile believers the Holy Spirit just as He also did to the Jewish believers. To demand Gentile believers of circumcision and observance of the Law of Moses is to put God to the test and placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither Jewish fathers and Jewish disciples have been able to bear. Yoke in Greek is zygos which means a yoke that is put on draught cattle; metaphorically used of any burden or bondage as of slavery; as of troublesome laws imposed on one one (commands of the Pharisees); servitude; – which occurs 7 times in the New Testament. All the people kept silent, and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul as they were relating what miracle s and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. Paul and Barnabas testified what miracles and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles. The Pharisees may think only the Jews were privileged to see miracles and wonders God performed.
James’s Judgment
Act 15:13-29, “After they had stopped speaking, James answered, saying, “Brethren, listen to me.“ Simeon has related how God first concerned Himself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name.
With this the words of the Prophets agree, just as it is written,
‘AFTER THESE THINGS I will return,
AND I WILL REBUILD THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID WHICH HAS FALLEN,
AND I WILL REBUILD ITS RUINS,
AND I WILL RESTORE IT,
SO THAT THE REST OF MANKIND MAY SEEK THE LORD,
AND ALL THE GENTILES WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME ,’
SAYS THE LORD, WHO MAKES THESE THINGS KNOWN FROM LONG AGO.
Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are turning to God from among the Gentiles, but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood.
For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who preach him, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.
Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to choose men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas—Judas called Barnabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren, and they sent this letter by them, “The Apostles and the brethren who are elders , to the brethren in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia who are from the Gentiles, greetings.
Since we have heard that some of our number to whom we gave no instruction have disturbed you with their words, unsettling your souls, it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will also report the same things by word of mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these essentials: that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell.”
Note: Gal 2:9 , “ and recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. ” James and Peter and John were reputed to be pillars of the Church. Apparently besides Peter and James others had spoken also, but they were not cited. Obviously, James was the presiding Elder of the Church of Jerusalem and who presided over the Jerusalem Council. At that time it seems the Church of Jerusalem is the headquarters of Christianity (all Christian churches) presiding by the Apostles. While Antioch is the headquarters of the Gentile Church. As the Scripture says, 1Co 12:27-28, “Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the Church, first Apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues.” Collectively, all believers or disciples, both Jewish and Gentiles, form the Body of Christ (the Church), and individually members of it. God appointed in the Church, first Apostles. There was no Gentile apostle. The twelve Apostles include Paul, excluded Judas the traitor. At the Church of Jerusalem there were other leading men also whose names were not mentioned. To judge in Greek is krinō which means to determine, resolve, decree; to be of opinion; to deem, think; to pronounce an opinion concerning right and wrong ; to rule, govern; to decide mentally or judicially; to conclude; – which occurs 123 times in the New Testament. Trouble in Greek is parenochleō which means to annoy; to harass; to cause trouble in a matter; to disturb; to oppress; to afflict; – which occurs 1 time in the New Testament. The sect of the Pharisees wanted to trouble the Gentile believers by demanding that they be circumcised and to observe the Law of Moses. Abstain in Greek is apechō which means to hold back, keep off, prevent; to hold oneself off; to keep oneself away; to choose not to do; – which occurs 23 times in the New Testament. Contamination in Greek is alisgēma which means pollution; defilement; condemnation; impurity; – which occurs 2 times in the New Testament. Fornication in Greek is porneia which means illicit sexual intercourse; adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with animals etc. ; sexual intercourse with close relatives; sexual intercourse with a divorced man or woman; – which occurs 26 times in the New Testament. Strangled in Greek is pniktos which means suffocated; an animal choked to death not bled; an animal deprived of life without shedding its blood ; – which occurs 4 times in the New Testament.
James’s judgment, agreed by all, was to command Gentile believers to abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood. All Christians must abstain from things offered to idols and therefore contaminated, from fornication, from what is strangled, and from blood. Chinese Christians in particular beware, not to eat any kind of blood, not to worship ancestors or any idol. Do well means to act rightly, to be well off, to prosper, considered “Well done!” Christians who abstain from the four things cited above have done we ll. Farewell in Greek is rhōnnymi which means good bye; the usual formula in closing a letter ; – which occurs 1 times in the New Testament.
Pro 13:10 , “A vain man through pride causes debate, but with ones who take advice is wisdom. ”
Note: A vain man through pride causes debate. Secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers are vain by nature, they love debate to show off their worldly and empty arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge” — especially the way they distort the Word of God, or they are not afraid to insult the Glorious One. The most ludicrous and ridiculous is that some argued that Jesus never existed. This one thing is clear and sure, there was no division or debate or doubt by the Apostles and early disciples concerning the Divinity of Christ, and they never argued about the Person and Work of Jesus Christ.
2Pe 1:16-18, “For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”—and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. ”
Note: Do not follow the cleverly devised tales made by secular academics, unbelieving theologians, scientists and philosophers.
The term “Jesus” occurs 1,275 times in the New International Version (NIV) of the Holy Bible. Some pseudo-scholars and unbelieving scholars manufactured the idea of “historical Jesus.” The Jesus of the New Testament is the authentic historical Jesus. Any concept or explanation which is not based on the New Testament is not the historical Jesus, but false Jesus made by unbelievers to discredit the Bible and distort the truth. There is only one Jesus which is written in the New Testament, especially in the Gospels. There are four Gospels, namely, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. There are no discrepancies in the Gospels; there are only misconceptions and distorted interpretations of unbelieving scholars. There are four aspects the Gospel by which Jesus Christ is presented. There are no contradictions in the four Gospels; there is only different emphasis or focus. There are not four kinds of Gospel, there is only one Gospel, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the Messiah.
The Gospel of Mark presents Jesus as the Servant of God.
The Gospel of Luke presents Jesus as the Redeemer.
The Gospel of John presents Jesus as the Son of God.
If Jesus were only a good man and a great man, then there is no hope for the world. Jesus is everything as the Bible says He is.
There are four types of book. Books that indulge you are bad; books that inform you are useful; books that instruct you are good; and books that inspire you are great. All good books and great books are human. If I read a great book several times, it begins to tire me. The Bible is divine, the greatest of all books. I have studied the Bible many times all my life and still it does not make me tired or weary. Every time I read the Bible over again, I receive new revelation and inspiration. The Bible has the most instructive history, the most fascinating biography, the sweetest poetry, the most inspiring message, the most comfortable counsel, the most soul-searching prayer, the greatest sermon, the purest wisdom, the truest knowledge, and the powerful Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Book of all books is God’s Word, the Eternal Word of God. There is no other. You can find out for yourself.
Christianity is neither superstition nor science. Superstition is based on false and unfounded beliefs, rumors and fears. Science is limited by human and empirical and tentative knowledge at a time and place. Christianity is the revealed religion. Only God makes revelation of the ultimate truth and wisdom. Revelation cannot be achieved by human discovery or wisdom. Christianity is the revelation of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was God who became Man to reveal God and spiritual things to human beings.
The Church of Jesus Christ is the pillar of truth.
The Roman Catholic Church is historically false, full of heresies and wrong doctrines and superstitions.
Science cannot provide ultimate truth and wisdom because science at best is human tentative knowledge at a given time and place. Human philosophies cannot provide ultimate truth and wisdom because they are limited human thoughts confined to limited intelligence. All religions except Christianity are man-made.
Christianity – the revealed religion – explains and exalts the Supreme Being, Wisdom and Truth.
Neither science nor religion can save mankind.
Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life – outside of Christ there is no salvation.
The wisdom of the living is to know the Most High rules the universe and over the realm of mankind.
It is of infinite truth and wisdom that human beings must submit themselves humbly to the Will of God.
Jhn 10:35,“If he called them gods, to whom the Word of God came (and the Scripture cannot be broken).” The Bible, the Scripture and the Word of God are synonymous. Word in Greek is logos which means speech, a living voice, a conception or idea, what is said, decree, dictum, mandate, declaration, instruction, reason, revelation, oracle or utterance, the sayings of God, the moral precepts given by God, doctrine, teaching, the essential Word of God, Jesus Christ, the personal Wisdom and Power in union with God; – it occurs 334 times in the New Testament. The Word of God came to holy prophets and apostles.
Luk 3:2,“In the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the Word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness.”
Luk 5:1,“Now it happened that while the crowd was pressing around Him and listening to the Word of God, He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret.”
The Word of Jesus is the Word of God.
Jhn 1:1,“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Mat 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My Words will not pass away.”
To pass away in Greek is parerchomai which means to perish, go out of existence, end, come to an end; – it occurs 46 times in the New Testament. If heaven and earth will pass away, how much sooner the American imperialism, Islamic terrorism and the evil empire of Japan? All things will pass away; the Words of Jesus will never pass away. The Word of God will not pass away.
The Word of God reveals God to mankind. Scripture in Greek is graphē which means a writing, thing written, the book itself, or its contents; a certain portion or passage or section of the Holy Scripture; – it occurs 51 times in the New Testament. To break in Greek is lyō which means to dismiss, break up, annul, subvert, undo, do away with, deprive of authority, demolish, destroy, overthrow, do away with; – it occurs 45 times in the New Testament.
Why does Jesus say, The Scripture cannot be broken?
Psa 119:89, “Lamedh.
Forever, O LORD,
Your Word is settled in Heaven.”
Word in Hebrew is dabar which means speech, saying, utterance, discourse, edict, oracle; – it occurs 1,414 times in the Old Testament. To settle in Hebrew is natsab which means to stand firm, establish, station, set, fix, put, place; – it occurs 79 times in the Old Testament. The Word of God is settled in Heaven where no missile, rocket, warplane, radar, etc. can reach. Whatever the rich and powerful do on earth does not affect the Word of God fixed in Heaven one bit.
To say the Bible says is the same to say the Scripture says. To say in the Bible is the same to say in the Scriptures. To say according to the Bible is the same to say according to the Scriptures. The Holy Bible means the Holy Scriptures. To say the Word of the Lord is the same as the Word of God. When Jesus speaks, God speaks. The Word of Jesus is the Word of God. The Holy Bible is the Holy Scripture and the Word of God.
Luk 24:25-27, “And He (Jesus) said to them: “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.”
Note: All the Scriptures proclaim one central message of the Bible which is Jesus Christ. Foolish in Greek is anoētos which means unintelligible, not understanding, unwise; – it occurs 7 times in the New Testament. To explain in Greek is diermēneuō which means to unfold the meaning of what is said, expound; – it occurs 6 times in the New Testament.
There is no such a thing called a liberal interpretation of the Bible, a broad interpretation of the Bible, or a rigid interpretation of the Bible, a narrow interpretation of the Bible, etc. There is only one correct interpretation of the Bible is to explain it accurately. The Bible interprets itself. Jesus Christ is the central message of the Bible.
There is an irreverent aspect of American culture. Many Americans knowingly or unknowingly take the name of Jesus Christ in vain. Whenever many Americans encounter or experience some disaster, distress, difficulty, discontent, dismay, displeasure, dispute, disappointment, dissatisfaction, etc. they would automatically lash out the name of Jesus Christ as curse words or interjection or exclamation. If you are a Christian, you should repent of your sin and ask God for forgiveness and stop using the name of the Lord in vain. If you are an unbeliever, unless you repent, this will be added to your sins which you will face God on the Day of Judgment.
Once a junior high student could not understand the Einstein’s formula of E=mc2 and boldly declared that the formula was wrong. There are many things in the Bible that no human could fully understand, not because they are wrong, but because they are beyond human capacity to understand. I do not know why the Bible uses the term Jesus Christ more often than Christ Jesus. I do not know if there is significance or not in the usage. For example, in English my name is Willie Wong, in Chinese it should be Wong Willie. That is the difference between two cultures having a different order of names. In English my last name is my surname or family name. In Chinese my first name is my surname or family name. For my name there is absolutely no difference in either order. No one knows for sure the order of Jesus’ name as Jesus Christ or Christ Jesus has any difference or significance. However, this knowledge of the order of Jesus’ name has no effect on your knowledge of Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. We should stress what the Bible stresses，and not to stress what the Bible does not stress.
A pseudo-scholar at Harvard Divinity School (Harvard College was founded by a good minister, his school turned out to be a secular and anti-Bible university) , in seeking fame and publicity, fraudulently announced the so-called finding that Jesus had a wife. Did she look for a virgin in a whore house? Did she consult the father of lies? There are so many false prophets, false teachers and false preachers since the days of Apostles who had fabricated and manufactured many false doctrines and teachings of men damnable. The most shocking about sinful nature of man is the truth people are not interested, lies and falsehoods they are very interested. The twelve Apostles and early disciples confirmed that Jesus never had a wife; the Son of God never had carnal relationship with any woman. Anyone who adds lies to the historical Jesus is an anti-christ. Anyone who sins against the Holy Spirit (I am afraid anyone who makes false claim that Jesus had a wife sins against the Holy Spirit) will never be forgiven. Knowing Jesus Christ is the Son of God, one distorts history by trampling on the truth and by saying things against Jesus Christ is a sin against the Holy Spirit, an unpardonable sin.
Hbr 7:26, “For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the Heavens.”
Note: Jesus Christ lived a life on earth which was holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners. John Harvard would be outraged because his college turned into a university of unbelievers and deniers of the Christian faith, a Modernist bastion of spreading heresy and false doctrine. Harvard Divinity School is a school of the devil. The woman who made fraudulent discovery based on a so-called papyrus is a liar and an anti-Christ. For the Bible says, 1Jo 2:22-23, “Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also.” The daughter of Jezebel will not have a good end.
There are quite a few difficult passages of the Bible, for examples:
(1). Gen 1:1,“In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth.”
Note: It is not said whether this “beginning” was the commencement of time, or far back of the creation of man, and long before the present geological period. I believe the “beginning” refers to the physical beginning of the universe. The beginning was before the starting point of time and space.
(2). Rom 5:1,“Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – justified by faith.
Rom 5:9,“Since, therefore, we are now justified by His blood, much more shall we be saved by Him from the wrath of God.”- justified by His blood.
Jam 2:24,“You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.” – justified by works.
Note: There seems to be a contradiction, but not really. We are justified by Jesus’ blood because of the redemption accomplished by Christ meritoriously on the cross; by faith because in our hearts we believe in the Word of God instrumentally; by works because we confess Jesus our Lord and Savior with our mouths declaratively. Christ’s righteousness is the ground of our justification; faith is the medium or means by which that righteousness becomes ours, and an obedient life is the visible evidence of our acceptance with God and path to happiness.
The only real Jesus is the historical Jesus presented in the New Testament, especially narrated in the four Gospels. The Jesus recorded in the New Testament is the real Jesus and the historical Jesus. The real Jesus was not of human origin, for a man of human origin cannot be sinless and divine. Jesus was divine of a supernatural birth, the true Man and true God, the complete Man and complete God, the perfect Man and perfect God. Jesus is the unity of humanity and divinity. God became Man. There is no other Jesus made in the image or imagination of men. The historical Jesus presented in the New Testament is only and totally relevant to Christian faith. Christians put their faith in Jesus who was born of a virgin, God manifested in human flesh, died on the cross for sinners, rose from the dead for our justification, ascended to heaven to prepare a place for believers, and He is coming again to reign with the saints forever and ever. A reconstructed historical Jesus stripped of His divinity and supernatural power is a denial of faith, a pious fiction or mythology unworthy of acceptance. The Christian faith stands on the person and work of Jesus Christ as it is written in the New Testament. The Word of God does not require the consensus of men.
2Cr 9:15,“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”
Note: Indescribable in Greek is anekdiēgētos which means unspeakable, inexpressible, words fail to describe; – it occurs only once in the New Testament. Jesus is God’s indescribable gift. Jesus is indescribable because He is both human and divine. There is no one like Jesus. The Jehovah of the Old Testament is the Jesus of the New Testament. Jesus is Wonderful, the Wonder of all wonders, the mystery of God.
I. Jesus was born of virgin Mary.
Mat 1:16, “And Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.”
Note: Jesus in Greek is Iēsous which means “Jehovah is salvation”, the Son of God, the Savior of mankind, God incarnate; – it occurs 975 times in the New Testament according to the King James Version (KJV). Jehovah of the Old Testament is the Jesus of the New Testament.
Mat 1:18, “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.”
Note: A historical fact must be stressed that Mary was a virgin when she conceived Jesus, that was before Joseph and Mary had sex. Mary was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
Mat 1:25, “But kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.”
Note: The doctrine of Incarnation and the doctrine of the Virgin Birth are inseparably linked together. Those who believe that Jesus was God who became Man for the purposes of man’s salvation invariably also believe the virgin Mary conceived of sinless Jesus by the Holy Spirit. One doctrine supports the other.
Isaiah 9:6,7, “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, [Father of Eternity], The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”
This prophecy quoted was fulfilled in Christ’s birth in Matthew 1:23.
Note: Virgin in Greek is parthenos which clearly means a young girl who has never had sexual intercourse with a man; – it occurs about 14 times in the New Testament. Both the text and context of the Scriptures clearly lay an emphasis on a word which does mean “virgin.” As testified by Mary herself,
Luk 1:34-35, “Mary said to the angel: How can this be, since I am a virgin? The angel answered and said to her: The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.”
A real event took place in a real place. It was not a fable or legend.
In Bethlehem of Judea, as Micah had foretold, was born of a virgin mother, He whose “goings forth” were “from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:6). In detailed history, that Jesus, conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, was born of a pure virgin, Mary of Nazareth, espoused to Joseph, who later became his wife. The birth took place at Bethlehem, where Joseph and Mary had gone for enrollment in a census that was being taken. The announcement was made to Mary beforehand by an angel, and the birth was preceded, attended, and followed by remarkable events that are narrated (birth of John the Baptist, with annunciations, angelic vision to the shepherds, visit of wise men from the east, etc.). The narratives should be carefully read at length in order to understand the background material. Matthew tells about Joseph’s difficulties and action. Luke tells much about Mary—even her inmost thoughts. The narratives, in short, are independent and complementary. The one supplements and completes the other. Both together are needed to give the whole story. They bear in themselves the stamp of truth, honesty, integrity and purity, and are worthy of all acceptation, as they were evidently held to be in the early Church. The birth of Jesus was not, as in ordinary births, the creation of a new personality. It was a divine Person—already existing—entering on this new mode of existence. The pre-existence of Christ and the Virgin birth of Jesus fit together.
II. Jesus was born a Jew.
Mat 1:1, “A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
Note: Genealogy in Greek is genesis which means source, origin, a book of one’s lineage, i.e. in which his ancestry or progeny are enumerated; – it occurs only 3 times in the New Testament. According to the flesh, that is according to human genealogy, Jesus was born a Jew.
Mat 2:1-2,“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying: Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East, and have come to worship Him.”
Note: Bethlehem is a real historical place, and Herod the king was also a real historical person. The time and place that Jesus was born was real time and real place. The first group of people who worshiped Jesus was wise men from the East, not from the West. The chronology of the history of mankind is counted from the birth of the historical Jesus as B.C. and A.D. B.C. means before Christ, and A.D. means anno Domini, “in the year of the Lord.” Most scholars believe the birth of Jesus was counted a few years short.
Jhn 18:37, “Therefore Pilate said to Him: So You are a king? Jesus answered: You say correctly that I am a King. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”
Note: Recently I came across something most absurd and abnormal that a black man claims that he can prove from the Bible that Jesus was a Black man. There are too many false teachers, false prophets, and anti-christs already in the world. I do not know whether this black man has committed the unpardonable sin against the Holy Spirit or not. What he claims is false, untrue, and deceptive. The Jews are the ancient Hebrews, the descendants of Abraham. This is a historical fact of about 4,000 years old. Jesus was a public figure, known and recognized by millions of peoples in His country. Even a Samaritan woman knew and recognized Jesus,
Jhn 4:9, “
Therefore the Samaritan woman said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)
Jesus came into the world as no one ever came. For Jesus came into the world to die for sinners and to testify to the truth of God. Everyone who is of the truth believes in Jesus’ word.
Beware in these last days there are many anti-christs, false prophets, false teachers, and false brothers. Even the children of the devil may quote and use the Bible to serve their unholy purposes. For your information, in Heaven there are no black angels or black children of God. Do not get the wrong idea. I do not mean a black person cannot enter Heaven; a black child of God on earth in Heaven he will receive a glorious and immortal body which is not black anymore. And no one wears black in the Paradise of God.
III. Jesus was born the Savior.
Luk 2:11,“For today in the city of David there has been born for you the Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Note: Savior in Greek is sōtēr which means deliverer, preserver, the author of our salvation through Jesus Christ; – it occurs about 24 times in the New Testament. Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior of the world, through whom God gives salvation.
Mat 1:21,“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
Note: The first advent of Jesus was to save people from their sins.
Mar 2:17,“And hearing this, Jesus said to them: It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Note: Those who think they have no sin cannot be saved. The first thing to be saved you must realize you are a sinner. Only sinners need the Savior, just as the sick needs a physician. There is no hope for self-righteous people. Self-righteous people cannot be saved because they will not repent of their sins and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Jesus is the Savior of the world; there is no other savior whereby we can be saved.
IV. Jesus existed before He was born a Man.
Mar 12:35-37,“Then Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple: How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David? For David himself said by the Holy Spirit: The LORD said to my Lord, Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool. Therefore David himself calls Him ‘Lord’; how is He then his Son? And the common people heard Him gladly.”
Note: This can only be explained that Jesus had pre-existence. That means Jesus existed eternally with God before He became Man. According to flesh, Jesus is the Son of David based on human genealogy. According to Jesus’ divinity, Jesus is David’s Lord. Jesus is also the Lord of Abraham just as David was the son of Abraham. Often the common people are closer to the Kingdom of God than the arrogant scientists and scholars, the rich and powerful people. The elect is composed of most common people.
Luk 10:21, “In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said: I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.”
Note: Pharisees and the scribes thought they were wise and prudent, and yet the pre-existence of Jesus was hidden from them. They did not know to know Jesus is to know God. Unbelieving scientists think they are wise and prudent, and yet they do not know the Scriptures and the power of God. So they spread the myth of science called the evolution theory and the irrational theory of big bang. Jesus Christ is the only Man who had pre-existence. We exist the moment we are born. Before a man is born, he is nothing, he has no pre-existence. True, the history of the world begins counting with the birth of Jesus Christ, so we count the time and event as B.C. or A.D. But Jesus Christ did not begin to exist some 2,000 years ago. True, God became Man in Jesus Christ about 2,000 years ago. However, God existed before time and space eternally. God is Self-Existent from the eternal past to the eternal future, time without end, forever and ever. Thus, it is clear that Jesus Christ had pre-existence. The pre-existence of Jesus Christ means He existed before He came into the world. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. Jesus Christ was born so that He may die for sinners and save us from eternal punishment. One thing that makes Jesus Christ different from all humans was the fact He had preexistence or prior existence before He was born (Incarnation). When a human being was born, that moment was the beginning of his or her existence. No human being has preexistence or prior existence. Reincarnation is a Hindu religious belief of the rebirth of the soul in another body. Such a belief is a myth, contrary to fact and Biblical teaching. Jesus Christ was, is, and will be the only Person who existed before His birth on earth.
Jhn 8:58, “Jesus said to them: Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”
Note: Historically speaking, the first man Adam could say: “Before Abraham was, I was.” It was a correct statement in time and place. But Adam could not say: “Before Abraham was, I am.” Because by the time of Abraham, Adam was no more. Time and place define everything, except God. Truly, Jesus is before Abraham was, before Adam was, before the universe was.
Jhn 17:5, “And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. ”
Note: Glory in Greek is doxa which means divine honor, radiance, magnificence, preeminence, dignity; – it occurs about 168 times in the New Testament Before in Greek is pro which means prior to, in front of, earlier than; – it occurs about 48 times in the New Testament. Christ had glory with the Father prior to the existence of the universe. This Scriptural statement alone covers both Christ’s divinity and preexistence with absolute certainty and clarity. “Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal.” (2Ti 1:9) Before times eternal in Greek means before the times of the ages. Although the Bible does not say when the world began, Jesus Christ was before the world began, before the existence of time and space. For Jesus Christ was God from the beginning, from eternity.
Jhn 1:1,“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” James Ussher (1581-1656) said, “According to our chronology, the creation of the world fell upon the entrance of the night preceding the twenty third day of October in the year of Julian Calendar, 710 [4004 B.C.].” The Ussher’s statement was both serious and presumptuous; serious because of an attempt to calculate the date of the creation of the world, presumptuous because no one has the full knowledge of complete chronology. Chronology is the scientific measurement of time and the arrangement of events in their order or proper sequence of occurrence. The Bible does not record all the events of creation in their chronological order. For example, the Bible does not provide any geological chronology of the planet earth, nor the solar system. God’s purpose and grace to call and save the elect was in Christ Jesus before the world began.
1Cr 2:7-8,“ But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”
Note: Jesus is the Lord of glory who existed before everything and before everyone.
V. Jesus was testified by the Spirit.
Mat 3:16-17, “When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying: This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Note: God testified that Jesus is His beloved Son.
Jhn 1:33, “I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me: Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.”
Note: John saw the Spirit descending and remaining on Jesus, and knew Jesus was baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Hbr 2:3-4, “How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard Him, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His own will.”
Note: God bore witness of Jesus by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit. If your heart is open, the Holy Spirit is testifying that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior.
Luk 24:46-49, “Then He said to them: Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.”
Note: The Holy Spirit is the power from on high; the disciples received the power from on high in order to witness for the Lord.
1Jo 4:14, “And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son as the Savior of the world.”
Note: God sent Jesus His Son as the Savior of the world. There is no other savior. There is no other way. There is no other truth.
Act 18:5,“When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.”
Note: Compel in Greek is synechō which means to urge, impel, press; – it occurs about 12 times in the New Testament. Paul was compelled by the Holy Spirit to testify to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah).
1Pe 1:11,“Searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.”
Note: The sufferings of Christ were necessary to redeem mankind, and the glories that would follow exalted Jesus Christ above all in the highest heavens.
VI. Jesus was tempted by the devil.
Mat 4:1, “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.”
Note: Tempt in Greek is peirazō which means to solicit to sin, the solicitations and suggestions of Satan intended to break one down under the proof; – it occurs about 39 times in the New Testament. Jesus overcame the tempter.
1. The first temptation.
Mat 4:2-3,“And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said: If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”
Note: Jesus fasted forty days and forty nights. You cannot follow Jesus’ step to do the same because you would die. The devil uses the human basic need to tempt people. Notice, the devil assailed the person and challenged the deity of Jesus Christ, “if you are the Son of God.” Believers must never doubt the faith or do what the devil asks. The answer of Jesus is based on the Word of God.
Mat 4:4,“But He answered and said: It is written, Man does not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
Eph 6:17,“And take the helmet of salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”
Note: Take up the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God – the most powerful weapon to fight the devil and his agents.
Hbr 4:12,“For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
2. The second temptation.
Mat 4:5-6,“Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him: If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: He shall give His angels charge over you, and, in their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.”
Note: When you reach the pinnacle of your life, that is the most dangerous point; beware lest you fall. The devil assailed Jesus’ position again, “if you are the Son of God.” Christians do not need to prove what they are by doing the bidding of the devil.
Mat 4:7,“Jesus said to him: It is written again, You shall not tempt the LORD your God.”
Note: Jesus again used the Sword of the Spirit to cut down the devil.
Do not put God to the test. Do not test God’s justice and patience by impious and wicked conduct.
3. The third temptation.
Mat 4:8-9,“Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him: All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”
Note: The weakest point of mankind is the prevailing Western values of money, power and sex, or what the Chinese call 荣华富贵. Many sell their souls to the devil for money, power and sex as Wall Street and Washington and Hollywood have demonstrated. For money, power and sex many kiss the devil’s ass like a dog licking its master’s hand. The rich and powerful people fall down and worship the devil.
Mat 4:10-11,“Then Jesus said to him: Away with you, Satan! For it is written: You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve. Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.”
Note: Once more time Jesus cut down the devil by the Sword of the Spirit.
Worship in Greek is proskyneō which means to do homage to one or make obeisance, whether in order to express respect or to make supplication; kiss like a dog licking his master’s hand; homage rendered to God and the ascended Christ; – it occurs about 60 times in the New Testament. Serve in Greek is latreuō which means do the service; – it occurs about 21 times in the New Testament. To serve God is the duty of all believers, children of God. Sinners cannot serve God. The saddest thing is many of Wall Street and Washington think they are Christians, but in fact they worship and serve the devil who is the ruler of this world. Preachers and followers of prosperity gospel also worship and serve the devil because they love money, power and sex. Corrupt officials everywhere love money, power and sex. The scandals of politicians are well-known all over the world.
Luk 4:1,“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness.”
Note: To be led by the Spirit is the life surrendered to God.
JESUS WAS TEMPTED BY THE DEVIL, BUT JESUS IS FREE FROM ALL SINS.
VII. Jesus’ threefold ministry.
Luk 3:23,“When He began His ministry, Jesus Himself was about thirty years of age, being, as was supposed, the son of Joseph, the son of Eli.”
Note: Begin the ministry in Greek is archō which means to discharge the Messianic office; – it occurs only 2 times in the New Testament. This does not mean every servant of God has to begin serving God at 30 years of age. We cannot follow in His step. God had a specific plan for Jesus’ life on earth according to His schedule.
The ministry of Jesus was multifold, but the main focus was preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom. Jesus did not come just to preach, He came to die for sinners and rise from the dead to redeem believers.
Mat 2:11,“On coming to the house, they saw the Child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.”
Note: Some think there was a significance in their gifts; they offered Him gold, as a king, paying Him tribute, to Caesar, the things that are Caesar’s; frankincense, as God, for they honored God with the smoke of incense; and myrrh, as the Savior that should die, for myrrh was used in embalming dead bodies. Frankincense was an aromatic used in sacrificial offerings; myrrh was used in perfuming ointments. These, with the gold which they presented, seem to show that the wise men from the East were persons of affluence. That the gold was presented to the infant King in token of His royalty; the frankincense in token of His divinity, and the myrrh, of His sufferings; or that they were designed to express His divine and human natures; or that the prophetical, priestly, and kingly offices of Christ are to be seen in these gifts; or that they were the offerings of three individuals respectively, each of them kings, the very names of whom tradition has handed down–all these are suppositions. But that the feelings of these devout givers are to be seen in the richness of their gifts, and that the gold, at least, would be highly serviceable to the parents of the blessed Child in their unexpected journey to Egypt and stay there–that much at least admits some significance. Anyway, gold signifies Jesus is the King, incense the great High Priest, and myrrh the Prophet sent by God to die as the Savior. Gold representing royalty, frankincense representing priesthood, and myrrh representing death.
The Person and work of the Savior has three aspects.
A. Prophet-Messiah.
Mat 9:35,“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the Kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.”
Mat 11:4-5,“Jesus answered and said to them, Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the Gospel preached to them.”
Note: As the Word of God, Jesus was unlike all other prophets. When Jesus spoke, God spoke. All other prophets spoke for God, and spoke what God spoke using the famous formula: Thus says the Lord.
The term “Messiah” is the translation of the Hebrew term mashiyach, which is derived from the verb masah, meaning to smear or anoint. When grease or oil was applied to objects by Israelites and non-Israelites, they were said to be anointed. The term “Messiah” is not used to refer to “anointed” objects that were designated and consecrated for specific purposes but to persons only. Persons who were anointed had been elected, designated, appointed, given authority, qualified, and equipped for specific offices and tasks related to these. The Messianic concept also has a wider dimension than the royal, priestly, and/or prophetic person. Included in this wider view are the characteristics, tasks, goals, means, missions and consequences of the Messianic person. Isaiah was the prophet of Messianic gospel in the Old Testament and his prophetic proclamations are of great significance:
Isa 7:14,“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”
Note: Immanuel in Hebrew is `Immanuw’el which means “God with us” or “with us is God”, the prophetic name of the Messiah; – it occurs only twice in the Old Testament.
Isa 9:6,“For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
Note: Jesus is Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. These titles indicate the divinity of Jesus proclaimed by Prophet Isaiah even in the Old Testament before God became Man.
Isa 11:1,“There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.”
Isa 49:6,“Indeed He says: It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a Light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.”
Note: Jesus is God’s Servant, the Light to the Gentiles, and God’s Salvation to the whole world.
Isa 52:13,“Behold, My Servant shall prosper, He shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high.”
Note: This prophecy was fulfilled when by the power of God Jesus rose from the dead and ascended to the highest heavens.
Isa 53:12,“Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul to death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.”
Note: This prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled in the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.
Isa 61:1-3,“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
Note: This prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled in Jesus as the Prophet-Messiah proclaiming the good tidings (Gospel) to the poor.
The hope for the Messiah is central to the life of the observant Jewish believer. The prayers of the faithful and the teachings of the rabbis down through the ages have focused on this promise. The hope for the Messiah actually predates the promise recorded by Moses in Deuteronomy chapter 18. For thousands of years the rabbis have recognized that the promise of a Redeemer for mankind goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden and is thereafter woven throughout the Tanakh, even up to the last prophet Malachi.
Mat 16:21,“From that time on Jesus began to explain to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”
Note: Every man is born to live. The mission of Jesus was unlike any prophet or any man. Jesus was born to die for sinners. That was the topic on the Holy Mount of Transfiguration when Moses and Elijah appeared talking with Jesus. (Mat 17:1-3)
Jhn 1:29,“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said: Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”
Note: Jesus was the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the word, for this reason He is the Savior of the world.
The following Scripture sums up the ministry of Jesus as the Prophet:
Luk 24:19,“And He said to them: What things? So they said to Him: The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people.”
Jesus was the Prophet unlike all prophets. All prophets spoke what God told them to speak. When Jesus speaks, God speaks. Jesus is the Word of God. Jesus is the Messiah because He was sent by God to become the Savior of the world. What Moses and all prophets could not do, Jesus came to save sinners.
B. Priest.
Hbr 2:17-18,“Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.”
Note: High Priest in Greek is archiereus which means chief priest, used of Christ because by undergoing a bloody death on the cross He offered Himself as an expiatory sacrifice to God, and has entered into the heavenly sanctuary where He continually intercedes on behalf of believers; – it occurs 123 times in the New Testament. The chief duty of the high priest was, once a year on the day of atonement, to enter the Holy of holies (from which other priest were excluded) and offer sacrifice for his own sins and the sins of the people. Make atonement in Greek is hilaskomai which means to become propitious, expiate, make reconciliation, make propitiation for; – it occurs only twice in the New Testament.
Hbr 4:15,“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.”
Note: From Aaron down, all human priests have their own sins; only Jesus the High Priest is without sin. Catholic priests have sins too; it is a folly to confess sins to people who are as sinful as we are.
Hbr 7:26-27,“For it was fitting for us to have such a High Priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.”
Note: Jesus the High Priest is unlike those high priests who had to offer up sacrifices for their own sins and then for the sins of the people.
Jesus offered Himself once for all on the cross. Our High Priest is holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens. Jesus, not Mary, not apostles, not angels, not any mediator, is interceding for His believers at the right hand of God.
Hbr 9:14-15,“How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? For this reason He is the Mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.”
Note: The eternal inheritance of believers was paid by the precious blood of Christ. Jesus inaugurates the new covenant, who serves as the Mediator between God and men, which supersedes the old. Jesus the High Priest continues in the presence of God, and His blood cleanses our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Christians now have confidence to come to the throne of mercy for help.
Hbr 9:28,“So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for Him.”
Note: The saving of the second coming of Jesus has to do with the body, transforming the bodies of saved souls into glorious and spiritual bodies fit for heaven and eternity.
C. King.
Mat 19:28,“Jesus said to them: I tell you the truth, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”
Note: Jesus was born in the time of Herod king of Judea (Mat 2:1; Luk 1:5) and Caesar Augustus who reigned over the Roman world (Luk 2:1), Magi from the East came to Jerusalem looking for “the one who has been born King of the Jews” (Mat 2:2).
After Jesus fed the 5,000, the crowd wanted to force Him to become their king (Jhn 6:15). Jesus entered Jerusalem like a King, riding on the colt of a donkey (Mat 21:5; Luk 19:38; Jhn 12:13,15; cf. Zec 9:9). The governor Pilate asked Jesus: “Are you the king of the Jews?” To which Jesus answered: “Yes, it is as you say”(Mar 15:2). Throughout the New Testament Jesus is described as the Son of David, the King.
After receiving the divine anointing at His baptism (Mark 1:9-11), Jesus begins to proclaim the inauguration of the Kingdom in Galilee:
Mar 1:15,“And saying: The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” This becomes the central theme in all that Jesus preaches, and He defines its nature in response to Pilate. Jhn 18:36,“Jesus answered: My Kingdom is not of this world. If My Kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be handed over to the Jews; but now My Kingdom is not from here.” The disciples, however, misunderstood the nature of the Kingdom to the day of crucifixion. Although the Kingdom is not a political, temporal or visible kingdom; it is eschatological and will be consummated when Jesus returns with power and glory to reign with the saints.
Jhn 1:48-49,“Nathanael said to Him: How do You know me? Jesus answered and said to him: Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you. Nathanael answered Him: Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.”
Note: Nathanael confessed not only Jesus is the Son of God, but also the King of Israel.
Luk 23:38, “And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. ”
Note: When Jesus was crucified, the accusation against Him was: This is the King of the Jews.
Rev 15:3,“They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the saints!”
Note: Jesus is the King of the saints.
Rev 17:14,“These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.”
Note: Jesus is the Lord of lords and King of kings who will overcome Satan and his agents. The Kingdom of God is not democracy that serves 1 percent at the expense of 99 percent. The Kingdom of God is absolute theocracy with absolute justice and joy.
VIII. Various forms of Jesus’ ministry.
Jesus’ ministry not only having the three-office of Prophet-Messiah, Priest and King, it involves many aspects.
A. Preaching.
Mat 4:17,“From that time on Jesus began to preach: Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is near.”
Note: Preach in Greek is kēryssō which means to proclaim openly, used of the public proclamation of the Gospel and matters pertaining to it; – it occurs about 61 times in the New Testament. Preaching is always with a suggestion of formality, gravity, and authority which must be listened to and obeyed.
Mat 4:23,“Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.”
Note: The subject of preaching is always the good news of the Kingdom.
Preaching of Jesus was accompanied by calling people to become His disciples.
Mat 4:18-20,“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. Come, follow Me, Jesus said, and I will make you fishers of men. They immediately left their nets and followed Him.”
Mat 4:21-22,“Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.”
Mar 3:14,“Then He appointed twelve, that they might be with Him and that He might send them out to preach.”
Luk 9:6,“So they departed and went through the towns, preaching the Gospel and healing everywhere.”
Note: Preaching here in Greek is euaggelizō which means to bring good news, to proclaim glad tidings specifically concerning the things that pertain to Christian salvation; to bring to one the good news concerning Jesus as the Savior (Messiah); to evangelize; – it occurs about 55 times in the New Testament. So many pastors today do not know how to evangelize or preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They like the Scribes teaching people how to live a Christian life without first getting out the message how to be born again, how to receive a new life. It is like teaching a drowning person the importance of swimming. A man must have the Spirit of Christ in him/her before he/she can live a spiritual life. There are so many dead sermons in many dead churches today like Selah used as a topic. The thing that shocked me most is that cathedrals in European nations are actually cemeteries of dead kings and queens and famous people. They are not centers of evangelization or proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus.
Mat 8:22, “But Jesus told him: Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”
Note: Impotent pastors like to stress on rituals, even manifested in the way they read the Scriptures and sing lifeless hymns and pray long prayers or hold the Lord’s Supper. They like to call a church building the Temple of God or the Holy Sanctuary. They hypnotize the congregations by their lifeless and useless sermons.
Mat 9:9,“As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. Follow me, He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him.”
Mar 1:14,“Now after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Gospel of God.”
Mar 6:34,“When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things.”
B. Teaching.
Jesus has taught many doctrines unknown and unrevealed before.
Mar 1:27,“Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying: What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.”
Note: New in Greek is kainos which means as respects substance of a new kind, unprecedented, novel, uncommon, unheard of; – it occurs about 44 times in the New Testament. New should be viewed under the aspects of time and quality. Doctrine in Greek is didachē which means teaching, that which is taught, instruction; – it occurs about 30 times in the New Testament.
Jesus often says, Mat 5:27-28,“You have heard that it was said to those of old: You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” The crux of new doctrine is Jesus’ authority “I say to you” as no other prophets could or would dare to say. The new doctrine of Jesus puts all men and women under the condemnation of committing adultery in the heart. No one can escape the guilt and condemnation.
Mat 7:28,“When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at His teaching.”
Mar 1:22,“And they were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.”
Note: Let me make a poor comparison. You can clearly see the difference between a preaching empowered by the Holy Spirit with those occupational preachers who put their congregations to sleep Sunday after Sunday. Even the Spirit-filled preachers are no comparison with Jesus who taught with authority.
Just a few new doctrines are mentioned here:
(1). Render to God the things that are God’s.
Mar 12:17,“And Jesus said to them: Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they were amazed at Him.”
Note: Western nations and Japan and other nations had robbed and looted China’s national treasures in the last 200 years or so. It is time they return China’s national treasures belonging to China worth market value of US$100,000 trillion dollars not counting the interest.. Corrupt preachers render church offerings as their own. I have known the head of a mission who used offerings to the mission to pay for higher education of all his children in America while the children of his missionaries in the field did not get one penny and lived in abject poverty. I have known preachers who used offerings to build universities in their names as inheritance for their descendants. Some evangelists built spiritual empire or cathedral for their children. A world-famous evangelist left $10 million dollars for his children at his death.
(2). You are mistaken because you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God.
Mar 12:24,“Jesus said to them: Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God?”
Note: All false doctrines and heresies were born due to ignorance of the Scriptures or the power of God.
(3). You must be born again.
Jhn 3:5, “Jesus answered: Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.”
Note: Water symbolizes the Word of God. Eph 5:26,“That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the Word.” A person is born again by believing in the Word of God and through the regenerative power of the Holy Spirit. When Jesus speaks, God speaks. Jesus is the Word of God.
(4). God is working.
Jhn 5:17, “But Jesus answered them: My Father has been working until now, and I have been working.”
Note: This Scripture rejects the idea propounded by unbelieving scholars that God created the universe like winding a clock and then let it go; and God is not doing anything ever since. Our heavenly Father is working according to His plan and will, although no one is wise enough to know the detail.
Some of the works God had done are written in the Scriptures, such as the creation, the calling of Abraham, the leading of Jewish nation, etc. There is one thing that no one knows what God is actually working.
Rom 8:28, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Note: According to this Scripture, we know that God causes all things to work together. No one knows how many are children of God alive today. Say one billion. God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, and to those who are called according to His purpose. No one knows how marvelous and wonderful the way God causes all things to work together it is due to His Omnipotence and Omniscience. Man is so helpless and powerless, cannot even make a few things to work together. No one can control time and events. My journey of life is not finished yet, so I do not know what and how God causes all things to work together for my good. Of course I also do not know at all how and what God causes all things to work together for my dear ones. But Jesus tells us that God has been working. It is wonderful to know that my Heavenly Father is working to cause all things work for my good.
As William Cowper said,
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.
God rules the universe and history is marching as God is directing. The end of the world is near. Jesus is coming again soon.
(5). Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Jhn 14:6,“Jesus said to him: I AM the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but by Me.”
Note: Truth is exclusive, not inclusive. Christianity is the only revealed religion, all others are man-made religions. Truth is not narrow-mindedness. This is exactly what Jesus Christ claims to be. There is only one way to God, Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. It is up to you whether you believe or not, but do not fool yourself in believing there are many ways to God.
(6). Wise man building his house on the rock.
Mat 7:24-29,“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall. And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”
Note: Wall Street, Washington, and Hollywood represent the love of money, power and sex – they are building on the sand. They are falling. The American way of life is falling. Those who believe in faith, hope and love are building on the rock.
(7). You will die in your sins.
Jhn 8:23-24,”And He was saying to them, “You are from below, I AM from above; you are of this world, I AM not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”
Note: Jesus was from above who came down to be the Savior of the world. Unless you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, you will die in your sins. Sinners cannot save themselves, only Jesus Christ can save sinners.
C. Healing.
Mat 9:35,“Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.”
Note: Every in Greek is pas which means each, any, all, of every kind, all manner of, the whole; – it occurs about 1,243 times in the New Testament. Sickness in Greek is nosos which means infirmity, illness, unsound condition; – it occurs about 12 times in the New Testament. Disease in Greek is malakia which means malady, debility, bodily weakness, infinity; – it occurs only 3 times in the New Testament. When Jesus was on earth, He healed every kind of disease and illness, not just some sickness. All who came to Him were healed and healed immediately unlike some faith healing performed by charismatic people.
Mat 12:15,“Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed Him, and He healed all their sick.”
Note: Unlike faith healers, Jesus healed all their sick.
(1). Healing ten lepers.
Luk 17:12-17,“Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said: Jesus, Master, have mercy on us! So when He saw them, He said to them: Go, show yourselves to the priests. And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said: Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?”
Note: The vast numbers of human beings are ungrateful people.
(2). Healing the man born blind.
Jhn 9:1-3,“Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying: Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered: Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.”
Jhn 9:6-7,“When He had said these things, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva; and He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. And He said to him: Go, wash in the pool of Siloam (which is translated, Sent). So he went and washed, and came back seeing.”
Jhn 9:11,“He answered and said: A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, Go to the pool of Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and I received sight.”
Note: Do not be confused, clay does not have power to open the eyes of the blind. Jesus healed with or without means. Jesus can heal by just His word.
Jhn 9:16-17,“Therefore some of the Pharisees said: This Man is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath. Others said: How can a man who is a sinner do such signs? And there was a division among them. They said to the blind man again: What do you say about Him because He opened your eyes? He said: He is a prophet.”
Jhn 9:20-25,“His parents answered them and said: We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but by what means he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for himself. His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said: He is of age; ask him. So they again called the man who was blind, and said to him: Give God the glory! We know that this Man is a sinner. He answered and said: Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see.”
(3). Healing the impotent man at Bethesda.
Jhn 5:2-11,“Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him: Do you want to be made well? The sick man answered Him: Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me. Jesus said to him: Rise, take up your bed and walk. And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath. The Jews therefore said to him who was cured: It is the Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed. He answered them: He who made me well said to me: Take up your bed and walk.”
(4). Healing the dumb demoniac.
Mat 9:32-33,“As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a man, mute and demon-possessed. And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke. And the multitudes marveled, saying: It was never seen like this in Israel!”
(5). Healing the deaf and dumb man.
Mar 7:32-37,“Then they brought to Him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech, and they begged Him to put His hand on him. And He took him aside from the multitude, and put His fingers in his ears, and He spat and touched his tongue. Then, looking up to heaven, He sighed, and said to him: Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly. Then He commanded them that they should tell no one; but the more He commanded them, the more widely they proclaimed it. And they were astonished beyond measure, saying: He has done all things well. He makes both the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”
Note: Putting fingers in the ears of a deaf person does not cure him. The Lord cures by all means or no means. By command Jesus can heal any illness or disease. Jesus can do anything with a word. Jesus has done all things well.
(6). Healing Peter’s mother-in-law.
Mat 8:14-15,“Now when Jesus had come into Peter’s house, He saw his wife’s mother lying sick with a fever. So He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and served them.”
Note: The Catholic church teaches the pope is the sole representative of Jesus on earth and the pope must be celibate. Both doctrines are false, the Holy Spirit is the Sole Representative of Jesus Christ on earth. The Bible does not recognize pope. Secondly, Peter the so-called fist pope, had a wife, and his mother-in-law was sick with a fever. Jesus touched her hand and the fever left her. Peter’s mother-in-law arose and served Jesus and the disciples.
D. Performing miracles.
Act 2:22,“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know—”
Note: Here is this Scripture sums up the supernatural acts that Jesus did, they were miracles, wonders, and signs. Miracle in Greek is dynamis which means outcoming of that mighty power of God, outcoming of the greatness of God’s power and glory, the supernatural work wrought by Christ; – it occurs about 120 times in the New Testament. Wonder in Greek is teras which means something of extraordinary character is wont to be watched and observed; – it occurs about 16 times in the New Testament. Sign in Greek is sēmeion which means an unusual occurrence, transcending the common course of nature; a thing which is distinguished from others and known; – it occurs about 77 times in the New Testament. They are not so much to represent different kinds of miracles, as miracles contemplated under different aspects and from different points of view. A miracle is a wonder, a wonder may not be a sign, and a sign may not be a miracle. The translation of using the term “miraculous sign” is misleading and confusing.
The miracles Jesus performed were not only healing all kinds of diseases, although healing illness is a kind of miracle.
Jhn 21:25,“And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written.”
The miracles that Jesus did were innumerous. There are many things including miracles that Jesus did were not recorded in the Gospels.
Arbitrarily, only a few miracles are selected for our edification:
(1). Raising Lazarus after had been dead four days.
Jhn 11:39-45,“Jesus said: Take away the stone. Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him: Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days. Jesus said to her: Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said: Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me. Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice: Lazarus, come forth! And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them: Loose him, and let him go. Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him.”
(2). Raising the widow’s dead son.
Luk 7:11-16,“Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her: Do not weep. Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said: Young man, I say to you, arise. So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother. Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying: A great prophet has risen up among us; and, God has visited His people.”
(3). Raising Jairus’ dead daughter.
Luk 8:41-42,“And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying. But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him…”
Luk 8:49-56,“While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him: Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher. But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying: Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well. When He came into the house, He permitted no one to go in except Peter, James, and John, and the father and mother of the girl. Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said: Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping. And they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead. But He put them all outside, took her by the hand and called, saying: Little girl, arise. Then her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given something to eat. And her parents were astonished, but He charged them to tell no one what had happened.”
(4). Feeding the five thousand.
Jhn 6:9-14,“There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many? Then Jesus said: Make the people sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. So when they were filled, He said to His disciples: Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost. Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said: This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.”
Feeding the five thousand is no big deal, but feeding the five thousand with five barley loaves and two small fish is a big miracle.
(5). Calming the winds and the sea.
Mat 8:24-27,“And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying: Lord, save us! We are perishing! But He said to them: Why are you fearful, O you of little faith? Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marveled, saying: Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”
(6). Walking on the sea.
Mat 14:25-33,“Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying: It is a ghost! And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying: Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid. And Peter answered Him and said: Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water. So He said: Come. And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying: Lord, save me! And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him: O you of little faith, why did you doubt? And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying: Truly You are the Son of God.”
E. Casting out demons.
Mar 1:39,“And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.”
Note: Cast out in Greek is ekballō which means to drive out, compel one to depart, command or cause one to depart in haste; – it occurs about 82 times in the New Testament.
(1). The legion of demons.
Luk 8:27-35,“And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said: What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me! For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness. Jesus asked him, saying: What is your name? And he said, Legion, because many demons had entered him. And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the abyss. Now a herd of many swine was feeding there on the mountain. So they begged Him that He would permit them to enter them. And He permitted them. Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned. When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled and told it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.”
Note： Demons are afraid to be tormented by Jesus. Unbelievers out of ignorance are not afraid to be tormented in hell. Ignorance may embolden the wicked to do evil.
(2). Demons came out of many.
Luk 4:41,“And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying: You are the Christ, the Son of God! And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ.”
Note: Apparently demonic knowledge is superior to scientific knowledge because many unbelieving scientists do not know Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.
(3). Deaf and dumb spirit came out of the boy.
Mar 9:20-27,“Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth. So He asked his father: How long has this been happening to him? And he said: From childhood. And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us. Jesus said to him: If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes. Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears: Lord, I believe; help my unbelief! When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more! Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said: He is dead. But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.”
(4). Seven demons came out of Mary Magdalene.
Luk 8:2-3,“And certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.”
(5). The unclean spirit came out of the child.
Luk 9:42-44,“And as he was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him. Then Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the child, and gave him back to his father. And they were all amazed at the majesty of God. But while everyone marveled at all the things which Jesus did, He said to His disciples: Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.”
Note: They were all amazed at the majesty of God because Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit and the boy was healed.
(6). A man with an unclean spirit.
Mar 1:23-27,“Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, saying: Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God! But Jesus rebuked him, saying: Be quiet, and come out of him! And when the unclean spirit had convulsed him and cried out with a loud voice, he came out of him. Then they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying: What is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him. ”
Note: Jesus has power over nature, illness, demons and unclean spirits.
IX. Jesus’ Dual Nature.
Jesus had dual nature because He was human and divine. Jesus was perfect Man and perfect God.
(A). Jesus’ humanity.
Luk 1:31,“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.”
Note: The only difference was the fact the virgin Mary conceived of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Luk 2:21,“And when eight days had passed, before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.”
Luk 2:27,“And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law.”
Luk 2:52,“And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”
Note: The Child Jesus kept growing indicates His humanity. This is a model of child development: grow in wisdom (intellectual and moral) and stature (physical), and in favor with God (spiritual) and men (social).
Luk 20:34, “Jesus answered and said to them: The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage.”
Note: Jesus never married and never had a woman. It is a sin against the Holy Spirit for those who lied that Jesus had a bunch of women.
Luk 8:22-25,“Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them: Let us cross over to the other side of the lake. And they launched out. But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying: Master, Master, we are perishing! Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. But He said to them: Where is your faith? And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another: Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”
Note: There is nothing that more fully illustrates the dual nature of Jesus than the Scriptures cited above. The fact that Jesus fell asleep in a boat tells of His humanity. The fact that Jesus could sleep in the midst of the windstorm speaks clearly of His divinity. The fact the winds and waves obeyed the commands of Jesus tells His divinity.
Jhn 4:6,“Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.”
Note: The fact that Jesus was thirsty, hungry and tired, etc. prove He was human. The big difference is the fact Jesus was both human and divine.
Mat 27:54,“Now the centurion, and those who were with Him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said: Truly this was the Son of God!”
Note: The death of Jesus was so different because of the earthquake and the things that were happening that convinced the centurion that Jesus was truly the Son of God.
Luk 23:46,“And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said: Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit. Having said this, He breathed His last.”
Note: Jesus died a physical death for the sins of the world. He rose from the dead was a bodily resurrection.
(B). Jesus’ Divinity.
Mat 16:15-18,“He said to them: But who do you say that I am? Simon Peter replied: You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered him: Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in Heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the he gates of Hades will not prevail against it.”
Note: Rock in Greek is Petra which means a large stone; – it occurs about 16 times in the New Testament.
1Cr 10:4,“And all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.”
Note: The Rock was Christ, upon the Rock revealed by the Father that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God – Jesus builds His church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. This Scripture is often misquoted by Catholics to refer to Peter; Peter was only a stone, not the Rock. The church of Jesus Christ could not be built on a man who denied Jesus three times. Jesus builds His church on the rock solid revelation of God that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah), the Son of the living God. The divinity of Jesus is the foundation of the church.
Mar 1:1,“The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”
Note: Jesus, the Son of God, is the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no Gospel outside of Jesus.
Luk 3:21-22,“When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said: You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”
Note: God and the Holy Spirit testified for Jesus the Son of God.
Mar 9:2-7,“Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led them up on a high mountain apart by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His clothes became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. And Elijah appeared to them with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus: Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah—because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid. And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying: This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!”
Note: Jesus transfigured to show His glory before He became Man. God called Jesus His beloved Son, we must hear Him.
Jhn 2:24,“But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men .”
Note: You may not even know your friend only after you have known him for 30 years. You may not know your spouse only after you have lived with him/her a lifetime. How many marriages broke up after 30 years! Jesus knew all men from the beginning because He was God.
Jhn 4:28-30,“The woman then left her waterpot, went her way into the city, and said to the men: Come, see a Man who told me all things that I ever did. Could this be the Christ? Then they went out of the city and came to Him.”
Note: Jesus knew all things that you and I ever did because He is omniscient. Jesus knew the end from the beginning of everything.
Mar 5:25-34,“Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. For she said: If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well. Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction. And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said: Who touched My clothes? But His disciples said to Him: You see the multitude thronging You, and You say: Who touched Me? And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. And He said to her: Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”
Note: Only Jesus who is the power of God can heal people simply by touching His clothes.
Mar 10:32,“Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him.”
Note: The smartest people do not know what is going to happen to them.
Luk 23:34,“Then Jesus said: Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. And they divided His garments and cast lots.”
Note: Here comes the famous saying, “To err is human, to forgive is divine.” Jesus asked the Father to forgive those who crucified Him, for they did not know what they did. As a human, I probably would ask to send the angel of death to slaughter them all.
Jesus’ power is displayed over nature（wind and sea), over demons， over illness, over the devil, over difficulties， etc.
X． Crucifixion.
Mat 27:1,“Now when morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus to put Him to death.”
Note: The chief priests and the elders represent the religious establishment. Why were they against Jesus and wanted to put Jesus to death?
Mar 15:10, “For he knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy.”
Note: Pilate knew that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy. Envy in Greek is phthonos which means displeasure at another’s good, a mean passion used only in evil significance; – it occurs only 9 times in the New Testament. The chief priests envied Jesus because they could not preach or teach as Jesus did with authority, and they had no power to perform miracles, and people followed Jesus not them. By the same token, some Western powers and Japan envy of China’s rise and spectacular successes, plot to “divide and destroy” China using Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang and Hong Kong and under the pretexts of democracy, religious freedom, human rights, etc. White supremacists expressed their malice and ill will and hatred without cause overtly and covertly more against China since 1949.
Mat 27:26,“Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he handed Him over to be crucified.”
Note: Roman injustice not only scourged the innocent but handed Him over to be crucified. The criminal justice systems of many nations serve the rich and powerful at the expense of justice. When the corrupt officials violated the laws, they were called mistakes. When people made mistakes not understanding the laws, they were considered violations.
Mat 27:38,“Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and another on the left.”
Note: The Chinese character “come” 來 has prophetic and historic significance. 十 is the cross. There was a cross, a small man 人 who was a robber crucified on the left, and another small man 人 who was a robber crucified on the right. The big Man 人 was crucified in the center. So two robbers were crucified with Jesus, one on the right and another on the left, it forms the word 來. The Chinese have the character 來 a few thousands years B.C. – so it was prophetic. Jesus was crucified among two thieves as the character 來 says, so it was historic. Jesus died on the cross was an invitation of God to mankind:
Isa 1:18,“Come now, and let us reason together, says the LORD: Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
Note: Reason in Hebrew is yakach which means to prove, decide, judge; figuratively to be in the sunshine, to be clear; to dispute; – it occurs about 59 times in the Old Testament. The Christian faith is reasonable, not superstitious.
Isa 55:3,“Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you— The sure mercies of David.”
Mat 11:28,“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Jhn 7:37,“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying: If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.”
Mar 15:34,“At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice: ELOI, ELOI, LAMA SABACHTHANI? which is translated: MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?”
Note: Bearing the sins of the world, Jesus cried out as if God had forsaken Him.
Luk 23:34,“Then Jesus said: Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. And they divided His garments and cast lots.”
Note: The most compassionate words ever spoken: Father, forgive them!
Jhn 19:30,“So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said: It is finished! And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”
Note: The most important words Jesus uttered on the cross: It is finished. The redemptive work of Jesus was finished.
Mat 27:58,“This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him.”
Mar 15:43,“Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who himself was waiting for the Kingdom of God; and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.
Note: Jesus died a physical death, not a spiritual death. Joseph of Arimathea asked for the dead body of Jesus.
XI． Resurrection
Every time Jesus spoke about His death invariably He also stressed His resurrection on the third day. Empty tomb is the proof that differentiates Christianity from all other religions.
Mat 16:21,“From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”
Mat 17:23,“And they will kill Him, and the third day He will be raised up. And they were exceedingly sorrowful.”
Note: The disciples were exceedingly sorrowful because they did not expect the Messiah to be killed.
Mat 20:19,“And deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.”
Mar 9:31,“For He taught His disciples and said to them: The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day.”
Mar 10:34,“And they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.”
Luk 9:22,“Saying: The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day.”
Luk 13:32,“And He said to them: Go, tell that fox, Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.”
Note: The redemptive work of Jesus was perfected when He rose from death.
Luk 24:7,“Saying: The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.”
Luk 24:46-48,“Then He said to them: Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things.”
Note: The work of disciples is to testify the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ so that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in Jesus’ name to all nations.
Act 10:40,“Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly.”
1Cr 15:4,“And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.”
Luk 24:1-8,“Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them: Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, saying: The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered His words.”
Mat 28:9,“And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him.”
Jhn 20:27-29, “Then He said to Thomas: Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing. And Thomas answered and said to Him: “ My Lord and my God! Jesus said to him: Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Note: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is based on the death of Jesus on the cross for sinners and the resurrection to perfect the redemption. The early disciples had seen the resurrected Lord; we the latter believers have not seen and yet have believed. I know my Redeemer lives, and I will live because He lives forever.
1Pe 1:3,“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
XII． Ascension
Jhn 16:28,“I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father.”
Note: Jesus came forth from the Father and came into the world, that is Incarnation, God became Man. Jesus left the world and went to the Father, that is ascension.
Jhn 20:17,“Jesus said to her: Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.”
Note: By ascension Jesus also elevated the position of His believers to ‘My God and your God.’
Mat 28:16-20,“Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying: All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.”
Note: The resurrected Jesus is glorified and received all authority in Heaven and on earth. The disciples worshiped Jesus as the Old Testament saints worshiped Jehovah.
Mar 16:19,“So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into Heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.”
Note: Jesus was received up into heaven means Jesus ascended into heaven. Sit down at the right hand of God means Jesus has been given all power and authority in Heaven and on earth.
Luk 24:50-53,“And He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped Him , and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.”
Note: Jesus was carried up into Heaven means Jesus ascended into Heaven.
Act 1:9-11,“Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said: Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into Heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into Heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into Heaven.”
Note: Jesus was taken up means Jesus ascended; He went up to Heaven. The angels also proclaimed the prophecy of Jesus second coming, This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into Heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into Heaven. Just as Jesus bodily rose from the dead, and bodily ascended into Heaven, He will bodily come again.
Jhn 14:2-3, “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
Note: Jesus went to Heaven to prepare a place for His followers, that is Heaven or Paradise of God, the new Heaven and new earth, the New Jerusalem. I believe all have been prepared. Jesus may come imminently anytime. Heaven is not a state of mind, it is the real place of many mansions, the Paradise of God.
Eph 4:10,“He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the Heavens, that He might fill all things.”
XIII． Second Coming
Mat 26:64,“Jesus said to him: You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.”
Mar 14:62, “And Jesus said: I am; and you shall see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING WITH THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.”
Note: The most important event to take place in the universe is the second coming of Jesus Christ. The return of Christ will be a universally visible and glorious event. It will be the largest parade in the universe when the King of kings and Lord of lords leads the apostles and holy angels and countless saints descend from the space to the earth. Just as the ascension of Jesus Christ was bodily and visible, so the coming again of Jesus Christ will be bodily and visible. It will be with great power and glory. You do not know what power and glory until you see the coming of Jesus Christ.
Here are some awesome scenes will feature the second coming of Christ:
Rev 6:13-17,“And the stars of Heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks: Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”
Note: The arrogant supremacists, warmongers, dictators, corrupt leaders, Wall Street executives, terrorists, and monopolists, corrupt doctors and greedy hospital owners, etc., you will not be able to stand the wrath of God!
2Th 1:6-10,“Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe, because our testimony among you was believed.”
Note: Let the wicked tremble, and the righteous rejoice, for the Lord is coming again soon.
(1). Judgment.
Jhn 12:48,“He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him— the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.”
Note: Judge in Greek is krinō which means to pass judgment on the deeds and words of others, condemn; – it occurs about 114 times in the New Testament. The judgment of Jesus the Messiah will decide between the righteousness and unrighteousness of men. Sinners and evildoers will not be able to stand. The last day is the day Jesus returns. Those who reject Jesus will be judged in the last day.
Act 10:42,“And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead.”
2Ti 4:1,“I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His Kingdom.”
1Pe 4:5,“They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.”
Note: Jesus was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. The living means those who are alive when Jesus returns. The dead means those who are already dead waiting to be raised for the final judgment. Corrupt politicians and officials do not give an account of what they have done to the people even among so-called democratic governments, they will have to give an account to Jesus who is the Judge. Western and Japanese leaders will not escape the wrath of God.
Act 17:31,“Because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”
Note: God has appointed the Day of Judgment on which Jesus will judge the world in righteousness. No one will escape the judgment of God, especially the wicked and evildoers and unbelievers, the greedy and warmongers. Jesus rose from the dead is the assurance God has given to the world.
Rom 2:16,“In the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my Gospel.”
Note: Secrets in Greek is kryptos which means the hidden things which are concealed; – it occurs about 19 times in the New Testament. The word “cryptic” is derived from the Greek word. So many intelligence operations are cryptic. Some classified secrets of some nations committed by dictators, warmongers, corrupt leaders, brutal agents, etc. have been leaked. God knows the secret bank accounts of so-and-so dictator or leader that defrauded the people. God knows all about them. God knows how many innocent people were killed by abusive and cruel officials. Not only God knows your secret deeds, God also know your secret thoughts, feelings and desires. The Lord will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. The Lord knows how many millions of children all over the world were sexually abused and raped by Catholic priests and nuns, and rapists. God knows how many millions of people were killed by white supremacists and recently terrorists. God knows how many trillions were defrauded by Wall Street and doctors and hospital owners and drug companies. God knows how many unnecessary surgeries and tests and treatments were performed by immoral doctors to maximize profits. God knows all the secrets of American leaders and politicians and all the evil deeds committed by the U.S. government and Japan no matter how the Japanese prime minister and his gang deny them. Mercy is available even for the wicked who want to repent now, but there will be no mercy in the Day of Judgment. God will judge the secrets of all men by Jesus Christ, except the forgiven believers who will not be condemned.
1Cr 6:2-3,“Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?”
Note: Not only there is no condemnation for the saved souls, the saints will judge the world with the Lord. The saints are those who have been saved and washed by the blood of Jesus. Saints are not dead people canonized by the Catholic church.
Jam 5:9,“Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!”
Note: Let the wicked tremble, the Judge is standing at the door!
(2). Reign.
1Cr 15:25,“For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.”
Note: Enemies in Greek is echthros which means men as at enmity with God by their sin; it occurs about 32 times in the New Testament. All evildoers including fraudulent Wall Street executives, supremacists, hegemonists, warmongers, dictators, terrorists, monopolists, capitalists, imperialists, predatory doctors, hospital owners, lawyers, oppressors, corrupt and abusive officials, etc. are enemies of Christ. When Jesus Christ reigns, all enemies will be under His feet.
2 Ti 2:12, “If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us.”
Note: If we suffer for Christ, we shall also reign with Him.
Rev 5:10, “And have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.”
Note: Believers in Christ are children of God. God has made Christians kings and priests to our God. Saints shall reign with Christ for a thousand years on earth.
Rev 20:6,“ Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.”
Rev 11:15,“Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying: “ The kingdoms of this world have become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”
Rev 22:5,“There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.”
In my opinion Martin Luther was the greatest man ever lived in history outside the Holy Bible. I recently came across the fine statement made by Martin Luther. I paraphrase it and make small changes as follows to sum up the Incomparable Jesus:
In a Christian life on earth, Jesus Christ is our Example, showing us how to live in His Death, by His obedience and sacrifice, justifying for our sins in His Resurrection, the Conqueror of the universe in His Ascension to the highest Heavens, and as the High Priest and Mediator, in His intercession at the right hand of God.
Jesus Christ is the wonderful Savior, you will know Him if only you believe in Him. No one is like Jesus, the Son of God, the coming King of kings and Lord of lords. Would you now accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Today is the day of salvation, would you do it now?
You have learned a lot about the Incomparable Jesus, there was and there is and there will be no one like Him. Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the world.
To receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is to receive the eternal life.
WILLIE WONG THOUGHT
WILLIE WONG
AUGUST 3, 2025
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