Learn of Me
Note: To properly understand the position of the writer please read the author's message "To The Reader".
[4.1]
Like Old Photos
Have you found yourself pressured into watching someone else's home movies or worse yet, had a guided tour, page by page, picture by picture, through their family album? If you've had this experience, then like me, you probably couldn't wait to escape and breathe the air of unencumbered freedom. It's amazing how this situation changes when you love someone; when you become totally absorbed with that special individual you've chosen to spend the rest of your life with. Your loving relationship makes you not only willing, but eager, to view any old photo, read any material or watch any slide or movie that allows you to be part of that special person's life.
[4.2]
When we, as Christians, truly have a personal, loving relationship with Christ, the result is the same. If one truly loves Jesus then discovering more about Him brings a renewed excitement with every new thing we learn. If however, our relationship with Him is based on tradition then it becomes as boring as viewing old photos from someone else's family album. Professing believers feel they know Jesus and many believe that knowing about Him is the same as knowing Him. It isn't! By reading a history book anybody can learn facts about some historical figure that many who knew him didn't know but it's not the same as knowing him personally. On the other hand, if you have a strong, positive relationship with someone, you'll find yourself captivated by every new thing you learn about them. Learning more about someone you love seems to draw you closer and you can never be close enough to Jesus.
[4.3]
Knowing Jesus
The more we know about Jesus, the more reasons we discover to love Him. Jesus is so much more than most of us realize. Many Christians believe that if there's one bible character they know everything about, it's Jesus. Do they? Many believe that Jesus, God's only begotten son, began His existence in Bethlehem but, He existed before Bethlehem did. Fact is, he was with the Father before creation (John 17:5).
John 17:5
5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
[4.4]
Christ The Creator
Not only did Jesus exist before the creation of the universe, but He was the very person who created it. He created all things both in the natural world and the spiritual. He created all spiritual and natural authority; all thrones, principalities and powers; He created spiritual beings (angels) and natural beings (mankind) (John 1:1-3, Ephesians 3:9, Colossians 1:13-18).
John 1:1-3
1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Ephesians 3:9
9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
Colossians 1:13-18
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
[4.5]
Three That Bear Record
There is not one but three who share as partners in the power and authority of this unity of persons called God (1 John 5:7). These three agreed to create man in their image by fashioning him in their natural likeness (Genesis 1:26). Who or what is their natural likeness? Christ alone is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). Christ is the natural image; the representative image of God in the natural realm. Jesus said, "If you have seen me, you have seen the Father" (John 14:9). Why is this so? Because God is a spirit and thus cannot be seen by carnal man (John 4:24). This, of course, applies to the Holy Spirit as well.
1 John 5:7
7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
Colossians 1:15
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
John 14:9
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
John 4:24
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
[4.6]
Did you notice that in Genesis 1:26, God is defined in the plural terms of "us" and "our"? Why? Because God is three persons not one and these three function in complete harmony (Deuteronomy 6:4, John 17:11, 21). "The Lord, our God, is one Lord" must be understood as the Lord is one in power and authority; the Lord is completely unified. Consider the baptism of Jesus. He stood in the river Jordan while His Father spoke from heaven and the Sprit descended as a dove. Three different persons in three different places. Jesus spoke to His Father from the garden. He spoke to His Father from the cross. Can anyone believe He was talking to Himself?
Genesis 1:26
26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Deuteronomy 6:4
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
John 17:11
11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
John 17:21
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
[4.7]
Because Jesus is the only begotten son of the Father, which is to say, the only birthed directly by the Father, we see Him as the son of God, thus many think the Father is the only one who may wear the title "God". Jesus came out of the Father in similar fashion as Eve came from Adam. For many, the notion that Jesus is God presents a dilemma. How can Jesus, being the Son of God also be God (John 1:1, 14)? The word "God" is a title, not a proper name, like king, teacher or doctor.
John 1:1
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:14
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
[4.8]
Like the word "group", God (Eloheim in Hebrew) has a plural connotation. The word "group", like the word "God" is normally considered to be a singular word. Note: It's possible to have several groups (groups plural) thus as there is more than one person in a group, there is more than one person in the God head (Eloheim). This should not come as a surprise for we commonly use many such words, for example "family", "team" and "class" to mention just a few. The same principle that holds true for these, holds true for the word "God".
[4.9]
There is not one but three that bear record in Heaven (1John 5:7,8) and they are, the Father, the word (the Son John 1:1) and the Spirit and these three are one in the same way that the spirit (life), the water (that which sustains life) and the blood (that which contains life) are one. We also are one with Christ, just as He is one with the Father (John 17:21). The highest position in all creation is called “God”. It's higher than kings and dictators. These three are the only lawful holders of this supreme office though many imitators and usurpers have laid claim to it. These three are the ruling royal family of the universe and it pleased all members of this royal family to be represented by the Son, the Prince of peace, the image of the invisible God.
[4.10]
Divine Relationship
All things came from the Father and He bestowed on the Son all the fullness of God (all the power of God Colossians 1:19). For this reason, Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be stolen (Philippians 2:6). Truly one man may be equal with another in power but unequal in authority. A common foot soldier may carry weapons equal to those who command him but while being equal in power he is clearly not equal in authority.
[4.11]
Christ received all things at His Father's hand but what could Christ give to His Father that was not already His? His love for His Father was so great, so complete, that it cried out for a demonstration. The only thing Christ could offer to His Father was His total and absolute submission. In offering this, He could make His Father greater than Himself (John 14:28). By yielding His will to His Father, He could place His Father in the most exalted position both in creation and in the family of God, i.e. the God head.
[4.12]
Christ, our High Priest, doesn't sit on His Father's throne, but on the right of it (Hebrews 8:1). Jesus came to do the will of His Father (John 4:34) and He always does His Father's will (John 8:29, John 6:38-40). Remember, Jesus has a God and His God is His Father. Would this in itself not be proof positive that the Father is at the head of this royal ruling family and that He is the ultimate authority?
[4.13]
Jesus Has A God?
Jesus is the Son of God and the Father is greater than the son. Jesus is God because He is the only begotten Prince of His Father's ruling family. This royal family is over all authorities on earth and in heaven. Jesus is the king of kings and lord of lords. So lifted up is He, that at His name all creation must bow and confess that He is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). Jesus, who is God also, has a God and His God is His Father. To whom you yield yourselves as servants to obey, that's whose servant you are (Romans 6:16). The one you put above yourself to serve, worship and obey, that is your god. Does Jesus serve, worship and obey His Father? If so, His actions declare His God to be His Father.
[4.14]
God is not a proper name but rather a title as evidenced in Exodus 20:3. As previously stated, anything we put above ourselves to serve, worship and obey becomes our god. Jesus referred to His Father as God and did so often because His Father was and is His God. Yes, you read correctly. Our heavenly Father is the God of Jesus Christ. This means that Jesus is the Son of God, Jesus is God and Jesus has a God (Matthew 27:46, Ephesians 1:3, 17, Hebrews 1:8-9, Revelation 3:12).
Matthew 27:46
46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Ephesians 1:3
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Ephesians 1:17
17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:
Hebrews 1:8-9
8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.
9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Revelation 3:12
12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
[4.15]
What is celebrated throughout the pages of scripture is the love and unity that allows Father, Son and Spirit to function as one, in complete agreement, the way a family should, the way that we, as His called out assembly, should. It is reasonable to conclude that any of the three that bear record in heaven have representative, as well as corporate power, over creation but that power, is only executed, in concert with each other.
[4.16]
If we are inclined to envision the Father when we hear the word "God", we have Jesus to blame. He made sure that the written word would always, above all else, give glory to His Father and God. You could say that Jesus got us into the habit of referring to His Father, and ours, as God. Because of this, many mistakenly see only the Father as God, ignoring the fact that where we're concerned, the Son and the Spirit share this title with Him. The word “God” is a title that Jesus is worthy to wear; Jesus is God! Ref. John 1:1, 14, John 20:28, 1 Timothy 1:1, 1 Timothy 2:3, 1 Timothy 3:16, Titus 1:3, Titus 2:10, Titus 3:4 and Hebrews 1:8, 9.
[4.17]
The Law Giver
For forty years, the children of God suffered under the cruelty of an oppressor in the land of Egypt until God sent Moses to lead them out. Gathering up all the possessions and wealth they could carry, they began what many feel was the greatest adventure in their history. Like all pioneers and explorers, they dreamed of growing rich and prosperous in this "land of milk and honey" that God had promised them. When they saw God's hand part the Red Sea allowing them to cross on dry land and saw it close again over the armies of Pharaoh, they were convinced of God's unequivocal love for them. They felt their rescue proved they had been approved by God.
[4.18]
They desired to please their God, but how? God had spoken to Moses, their leader, from the burning bush (Exodus 3:4) and given him instructions for their rescue. Could Moses now determine what God required of them? God called Moses to climb the holy mountain and receive the commandments He had for His people (Exodus 19:20). God gave Moses ten simple, common sense laws which God's children would be required to obey. Even if they broke one, He provided a method of atonement for their transgression. At the end of each year, the patriarch of each family would take the most perfect male lamb (Exodus 12:5) from among their flock and offer it in sacrifice for sin. This sacrifice would cover the sin of the entire family for one year, providing there was sincere repentance.
Exodus 3:4
4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.
Exodus 19:20
20 And the LORD came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.
Exodus 12:5
5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
[4.19]
Imagine a family who has just escaped torture and death at the hands of an oppressive dictator discovering they've been set free to begin a new life. This family has dreams of a new, rich land that their God has prepared for them. Their possessions are modest but among the few sheep and goats they possess is one perfect male lamb, without spot or blemish. They dream of it becoming the sire of their entire herd, the instrument of their prosperity. They even allow it to live in their home apart from the others; it's special. They feed it with their own hands and it perhaps is the only member of their flock that has a name. Now, because they've sinned or another member of their family has violated the law, they must offer this lamb in sacrifice; no other will be acceptable. They must lead it down to the tabernacle of meeting (tent). They must, with their own hand, cut its throat and watch as its lifeblood pours out. What must they be thinking? Perhaps they realize that this poor, helpless little lamb, who offended no one, had to die for what they or others in their family had done. Perhaps they’re overcome with the thought of the waste of it; this innocent creature would not have had to die if these ten simple rules had been obeyed. Their sin has caused its death!
[4.20]
When the children of promise left the land of bondage, they were ignorant of their relationship with God. They thought they were approved in God's sight. This new law however, was teaching them how far from God's approval they truly were. They were learning that no man could stand justified in his own righteousness before God. Sin carried a death penalty and someone or something had to pay the price.
[4.21]
God was about to present mankind with the greatest gift ever given but you don't give a fragile, expensive gift to a young child until you teach the child to understand its value. God, as the father of all mankind, the head of all families, was about to offer a perfect lamb to atone for man's sin. Not a sacrifice designed to appease the law, but one that would totally satisfy it, not for a year, but forever. God would offer His only son; He would be the spotless lamb, the propitiation necessary to bring about lasting reconciliation with God. The magnatude of this sacrifice is well beyond the comprehension of man; it almost takes your breath away just to think of it. Through the sacrifice of this perfect, innocent, little, helpless lamb God would give to his people a taste of what he was about to offer in sacrifice for all.
[4.22]
Before Moses went to Pharaoh, he asked God, "Who shall I say sent me?" God answered, "Tell him, I am that I am has sent you." I doubt if Moses or Pharaoh understood the meaning of this statement but we should. God was saying, "I am the I am that is to come, the great I am." The one that will say I am the door (like the one on the tabernacle), I am the bread (like the bread on the table inside), I am the light of the world (like the oil lamp with seven flames), I am the Good Shepherd that cares for the sheep and lays His life down for them (like the sacrificial lamb). It was He who could enter the holy of holies as our high priest not just on earth, but in heaven as well. He could intercede for us and offer a sacrifice acceptable to God; indeed, He was the sacrifice, the spotless lamb, The Son of God.
[4.23]
The tabernacle was supported by brass columns on silver bases. Brass is a symbol for judgment and silver for Christ. Judgment sits on the shoulders of Christ. The first word in the ministry of Jesus was "repent" (put off the unclean). In the day of the tabernacle, no one could enter into the meeting place to commune with God until they cleansed themselves first in the laver. It reflected their filthy, bloodstained hands which had to be cleansed before communion with God was possible (consider 1 Corinthians 11:27-32). The outer covering of the tabernacle was made of animal skins joined together which formed a meeting place made of living tissue (Consider Exodus 26:14 and compare with 1 Pet 2:5 below).
1 Corinthians 11:27-32
27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.
30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.
32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
Exodus 26:14
14 And thou shalt make a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering above of badgers' skins.
1 Peter 2:5
5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
[4.24]
The entire tabernacle speaks of Jesus from its altar (the cross) to its structure. Who spoke to Moses from the burning bush? Was it the Father, Son or Holy Spirit? Who was the lawgiver who gave the Ten Commandments to Moses? Who spoke from the pillar of smoke that covered them by day and protected them at night? Who followed them in the wilderness and led them to the promised land?
[4.25]
Most people would say the Father. Some would say the Holy Spirit but both of these answers would be wrong. It was Adonay Eloheim who later became known to us as Jesus, the Christ. How do we know this? Prove it, you say. Consider that Moses saw the back of the lawgiver (Exodus 24:10 & 33:22) and compare this with what John said in John 1:18, 6:46 and 1 John 4:12. If no man has seen the Father at anytime, then who did Moses, Aaron and the more than seventy others meet with on Mount Sinai and whose back did Moses see? While we are yet in the flesh, we are unable to see spirits and God, the Father, is a spirit as is the Holy Spirit (John 4:24).
Exodus 24:9-10
9 Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel:
10 And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.
Exodus 33:22-23
22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:
23 And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
John 1:18
18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
John 6:46
46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
1 John 4:12
12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
John 4:24
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
[4.26]
God spoke from the burning bush and the pillar of smoke, but who was doing the speaking? Was it God the Father or God the Son? (John 14:6). If no man comes to the Father except through Christ, then who were the prophets and patriarchs speaking to throughout the pages of the Old Testament scripture? If the Father is speaking to mankind, then why do we need a mediator, i.e. Jesus?
John 14:6
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
[4.27]
It was Jesus who parted the sea, Jesus who spoke to Moses from the mountaintop and the burning bush. It was Jesus who guided and protected Israel from the pillar of smoke. It was Jesus, Jesus, Jesus who led them to the promised land, poured out manna from heaven, provided water from the rock. Speaking of rocks, He was the rock that followed them in the wilderness and led them to the promised land (1 Corinthians 10:1-4).
1 Corinthians 10:1-4
1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
[4.28]
Where Is The Lamb?
God had made a promise to Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 17:19-21) and Abraham believed God. Abraham was so convinced of God's faithfulness that even when God ordered Abraham to offer up his son, he trusted God to provide a different sacrifice (Genesis 22:7-8). How prophetic his words are when we read them in the King James translation, "My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering." God indeed provided Himself as a sacrifice; the sacrifice to end all sacrifices. John the Baptist put it this way; "Behold the lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29b). The one who provided the lamb became the lamb and that lamb was Jesus.
[4.29]
In the Old Covenant, we see Jesus as the lawgiver for without the law, man would be unable to discern sin, for without the law sin is not imputed (Romans 5:13). The law became our tutor, teaching us that no man can stand before God justified in his own righteousness (Philippians 3:9, Titus 3:4-5). When the day of reformation arrived (the day of Christ-Hebrews 9:10), there was no more need for the law; God had written them on the hearts of all men with a different instrument (2 Corinthians 3:3). If we are led by the Spirit, we are not under the law (Galatians 5:18). Indeed, if we attempt to keep the law we have fallen from grace (Galatians 5:4, 3:11-13, James 2:10).
[4.30]
Philippians 3:9
9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Titus 3:4-5
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
2 Corinthians 3:3
3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
Hebrews 9:10
10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
Galatians 5:18
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Galatians 5:4
4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Galatians 3:11-13
11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
James 2:10
10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
[4.31]
One could make the point that Jesus may be seen clearer in the Old Covenant than in the new. Why? Because in the new, He came to reveal His father and do His father's will, not His own. After reading a book entitled, "I was a Flaky Preacher", written by Ted Brooks, my friend and brother in Christ, I became convinced that I could do no better job explaining this than he did in his book, so with his permission, I present this excerpt from that manuscript.
Jesus Declared God's True Character
[4.32]
"No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten son who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him"(John 1:18).
The Son has declared the Father's true character. "Declared" means that God was "manifested" to us through Jesus. In fact, this is the reason why one of the names given to Jesus was "Immanuel," which means, "God with us." God is no longer hidden from our understanding. His character and His Word have been made flesh and we can now open our Bibles and see Him in living color.
[4.33]
"And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may 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" (1 John 5:20).
We will continue to live in confusion until we realize that God is no longer invisible. He can now be seen through Jesus Christ!
"He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God…" (Colossians 1:15).
[4.34]
The word image means "likeness;" therefore, we can see God's true likeness and image in Jesus.
"Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person…" (Hebrews 1:3).
[4.35]
Jesus is the exact expression of God's character. Jesus came to reveal-not just a portion of God's character-but the entire revelation of His Father. He came in the flesh to reveal the fullness of God. People may ask, "But how can God, who is eternal, reveal Himself in flesh?" This was the mystery that Paul understood.
[4.36]
"…God was manifested in the flesh…Believed on in the world, Received up in glory" (1 Timothy 3:16).
"How that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets" (Ephesians 3:3-5).
[4.37]
It Is No Longer A Secret
God is no longer a mystery! His character is no longer hidden! His will is no longer shrouded in secrecy! Jesus has come in the flesh and we have beheld His full glory!
[4.38]
"For in Him dwells all fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9).
"For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell" (Colossians 1:19).
[4.39]
I once asked a fellow minister during a heated discussion, "Did God reveal Himself totally through Christ or did He reveal only a portion of His glory?" He couldn't answer me. Since then, I have realized that many of us cannot answer that question with a definite unwavering answer because we do not understand the revelation of Christ.
[4.40]
The Fullness Of God Revealed
If we don't realize that the fullness of the Godhead was revealed in the earthly body of Christ, then we will not understand the true character of God and His Spirit. And if we don't understand the true character of God, then we will be easily misled by spiritual manifestations which do not agree with His character. In order to discern, we must understand, the revelation of God in Christ was complete!
[4.41]
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).
[4.42]
"No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him" (John 1:18).
[4.43]
The word "glory" means to reveal the true opinion of someone. Jesus came to destroy all misconceptions falsely attached to His heavenly Father. If we have any wrong opinions about God, they will always be challenged when we take a good look at Jesus. He accurately showed us the true view of God's character!
[4.44]
Jesus also manifested and glorified the name of His Father. The Bible's use of names represented more than just titles. Names represented the entire character and every true attribute seen in Bible individuals. It represented everything which was associated with their name.
[4.45]
The name "Jesus" isn't just a title. It means "Jehovah saves" or "Jehovah is salvation." To understand His name, means to understand His character. But there is more to this. Jesus did not come to represent Himself. He came to represent His Father. Jesus revealed everything associated with His Father's name. He showed us, through His earthly ministry, the full meaning of His name-Jesus-Jehovah is our salvation.
[4.46]
"I have manifested Your name…" (John 17:6).
"The works that I do in My Father's name…" (John 10:25).
The Express Image Of God
Hebrews chapter one shows Jesus as the one true expression of God.
"He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being…" (Hebrews 1:3, NRSV).
"Who being the shining splendor of His glory, and the express image of His essence…" (Hebrews 1:3, Greens Literal Translation).
[4.47]
The word "essence" is a good word because Jesus truly was the "concentrate" of God's character. There is nothing more exact in all the world. He was the very essence of God!
Now, I have said all that to say this: In order to compare spiritual manifestations with truth, we have to realize that truth is a person!
[4.48]
The Right Foundation
One minister from a neighboring town took me for coffee to discuss some of these issues. He was trying to convince me that God did things that are not found in the Bible. Instead of turning to the revelation of Jesus as the standard for truth, he turned to circumstances, traditions, and experiences to convince me that God does things that are mysterious and beyond our understanding.
[4.49]
I reminded him, "Jesus Christ is the exact expression of the will and image of God" I thought the minister might see that Jesus was the ultimate basis for truth.
All Christians should be able to reason that the truth was found in Jesus and therefore conclude that God has revealed Himself fully through His Son. - My thanks to Ted for this beautifully explained truth.
[4.50]
Why Send Your Only Son?
God is the most powerful entity in all creation. He can and will accomplish His plan in any way He chooses. If God had decided to save man by having him climb to the top of Mt. Sinai, confess his sin while turning around three times, He could do it. Is there anything beyond the power of God? Why did He choose to send His only son into this satanic dominion to rescue man from sin? Why pick that means; why not another?
[4.51]
After considering this point at length I've concluded there is only one understandable reason. He did it for me! Yes, I know this sounds prideful but it's true. You see, God knew that if I died in my sin and appeared before His judgment seat I'd begin to squeal like a wounded pig. With nothing at this point to lose, I'd be pointing out to God how unfair He is. I'd be saying, "Sure, God, You sit up here on your throne with the heavenly host obeying your every wish but you never had to work a job, support a family, endure the lure of the neon signs which beckon you to the forbidden, to drink, try drugs or enjoy the sexual pleasures that are always available. God, you've never had trouble paying bills or balancing a checkbook while trying to keep your family fed, clothed, housed and educated. You've never known what it means to be tired, worried, depressed or sick. You have the power! If You want to cast me into the lake of fire, what can I do? Just don't tell me how fair you are. I didn't leave the tree of temptation or the serpent in the garden, You did." With nothing left to lose, each of us could make this argument but, what do you say to a God that did it all? We are left without excuse and this is the reason God sent His only Son. What can we say now? This is the reason that all judgment has now been given to him. (John 5:22)
John 5:22
22
For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
[4.52]
What If Jesus Failed?
To many, the possibility that Jesus could have failed never enters their mind. Jesus is perfect, how could He fail? Isn't He God? We know that He didn't fail but until we realize that Christ had the same potential for failure as we, we will never begin to comprehend the enormity of His sacrifice. Yes, I'm saying that Jesus had the potential to sin. Satan knows much more about the spiritual realm than we, he had been the God appointed leader of all the angelic nations of Heaven (Ezekiel 28:11-19). Do you think that he would have devoted his time and efforts tempting Jesus in the wilderness if it had been impossible for Him to sin (Matthew 4:1-11)?
[4.53]
Let me state clearly so there can be no misunderstanding, when Jesus agreed to put on the flesh, He limited Himself, making Himself vulnerable to all the weaknesses that go with it. He asks us to follow Him. How can we do that if he's a superman? How can He say He conquered sin if it was impossible for Him to sin? How can He represent us as our high priest if he's not the same as we (Hebrews 5:1). A high priest is taken from among the very men he is to represent. Aaron, the high priest of Israel, could fail and did, Jesus also could fail, but He didn't.
Hebrews 5:1
1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:
[4.54]
Is it possible and fair for a whole, healthy man to enter a race with one-legged competitors? No! But if you tie one leg up so it can't be used it is. When Jesus took on flesh and blood, He entered the same contest that every man faces and faced the same consequences with no special advantages. How? By limiting Himself. Be a Berean, read it for yourself in Hebrews, chapter two, verses sixteen through eighteen. How can there be any temptation if the possibility for failure isn't present? He, like any other man, experienced all the feelings, vulnerability and torment that accompanies temptation, and He was Satan's primary target.
Hebrews 2:16-18
16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.
17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
Hebrews 4:14-16
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
[4.55]
Jesus was tempted all His life just as we are. It came at him from the clergy and His own followers. It followed Him everywhere. Let us consider for a moment His three last temptations. Jesus, knowing what awaited Him, retreated to the Garden of Gethsemane with three of His closest followers. He went there to gain the strength needed to complete His mission; He then began to endure a tremendous attack by His enemy. Knowing that He had been betrayed and would suffer humiliation, unspeakable pain and torture shortly, He found Himself facing a huge temptation. What was it? Do we even dare give it a name?
[4.56]
If I came to you saying I'm so sad I want to die, what would you say I'm being tempted to do? What would be your concern for me? If you're thinking suicide, you're right. If someone is tempted with suicide, what action can they take to help themselves until the temptation passes? I would surround myself with my closest and most trusted friends. I would tell them to keep their eyes on me, wouldn't you? Isn't this what Jesus was being tempted with when He said to His three closest friends, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death; tarry ye here, and watch with me (Matthew 26:38)? Satan tried to spot and slay the lamb before He could reach the sacrificial altar of the cross.
[4.57]
Next, we see Jesus standing before Pilate who had the authority to set him free. It appears that Pilate didn't want to cave in to the wishes of the chief priests and elders, he didn't want to kill Jesus (Matthew 27:23). Can you see what was happening here? God had sent His only begotten Son to be a spotless sacrifice for the world. If He didn't complete this mission, the world would forever be lost. Satan had put Jesus between a rock and a hard place. It seemed there was nothing He could do to escape this dilemma. If He told Pilate the truth, Pilate would set Him free thus, no spotless sacrifice. If He told Pilate He was guilty, He would be lying, thus spotting Himself with sin and this would make Him unacceptable as a sacrifice. What could He do? He did exactly what the prophet Isaiah said, "As a sheep before her sheerer's is dumb (silent), so He openeth not His mouth" (Isaiah 53:7). When Pilate reminded Jesus of the charges brought against Him by His enemies, He made no attempt to defend Himself. When facing this incredible temptation, He said nothing. For a second time, Satan attempted to spot the lamb or keep Him from the altar, i.e. the cross but once again, Satan failed.
[4.58]
In order to destroy Christ's mission to save man, Satan had to succeed at one of two plans. As long as Jesus was without sin, he had to keep Him off the cross. If he couldn't stop His sacrifice, then he had to make His sacrifice meaningless by tempting Him successfully to commit sin. This would destroy the plan of salvation, for without the shedding of blood (Innocent blood) there is no remission of sin (Hebrews 9:22, Matthew 26:28). How could Jesus be the spotless lamb of God if He sinned?
[4.59]
Jesus had to get to the cross and He had to get there without a blemish. I believe that if it were necessary, Jesus would have dragged that cross, inch by inch, to the hill of Golgotha and with His own hands, dug the hole for it. He would have erected it Himself and, if necessary, climbed it. He knew what His mission was and like any of us who ask, He had been given the strength to complete it.
[4.60]
In one desperate, final attempt, Satan, using the voice of the crowd, tempted Jesus with the same temptation that had caused him to fall, that of pride. "If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross" (Matthew 27:40). Jesus' reply was both to His Father and to His enemy when He said, "It is finished" (John 19:30). His sinless sacrifice accepted, the work of salvation now complete, we can only wonder if those of us pardoned for our transgressions will ever understand the magnitude of what was truly at risk.
[4.61]
God is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), which is to say, He shows no partiality toward any of His children, natural, adopted or angelic, nor does He change (Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8). He is a righteous judge (2 Timothy 4:8), thus His judgment is without discrimination. Could a righteous judge sentence His adopted son to death while allowing His natural son to live if both were guilty of the same crime. Could God cast Satan out of heaven and destroy him in the lake of fire for sinning against Him but allow Jesus to go free if He sinned also? NO!
Acts 10:34
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
Malachi 3:6
6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
Hebrews 13:8
8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
2 Timothy 4:8
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
[4.62]
Was it possible for Christ to sin? Yes! He didn't, but what would have happened to us if He had? What would have happened to Him? If Jesus had yielded to temptation even once, would He not have been guilty of rebellion? Isn't all deliberate sin rebellion? Is it possible that our heavenly Father loved us so much that He was willing to risk eternal separation from His only birthed son to bring us into eternal union with Him? Is it possible that Jesus loved His Father so much that He was willing to put His eternal life in jeopardy, to carry out His Father’s will (John 3:16)? Did He risk the torment of eternal punishment and separation from the Father to bring about our reconciliation with Him? Jesus gave His life for us, what makes this gift not only special, but unique, is that He was without sin. Almost from the beginning, men have laid down their lives for those they loved; this as special as it is, is not unique. It is not only the death of Christ that should receive our undivided attention but His life. If, in the life of Jesus, He had yielded to temptation even once, He would have shared the same fate as Satan. How can we fully appreciate His death on the cross unless we understand what was at stake while He lived, what the potential cost was, what Father and Son had put at risk to save us? Some of us may be allowed to die for Him though He may not ask us to do this. However, He does ask us to live for Him. God doesn't say, "I beseech you, therefore brethren, to present your bodies as a dead sacrifice," but rather as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2). Christ didn't just put at risk his mortal life; He put His eternal life at risk to gain eternal life for us. If He had failed He would have been lost to His Father and to us forever.
[4.63]
Whatever time we have left in these mortal bodies, He asks us to give in service to Him. Now that we see the full measure of Christ's gift to us, let us bow our head and with overwhelming adoration proclaim as John the Baptist, "Behold the lamb of God".