Jesus also warned that in the last days, which is the time we live in now, many false prophets will rise and deceive many (Matthew 24:11). False prophets in our day tend to arise under the guise of the church (wolves in sheep's clothing).
In recent weeks, I've noticed a disturbing sign of deception taking place from among people who claim to be evangelical. I've read a number of articles from people in Christian circles who claim to be born again yet question the deity of Christ.
There is a danger in denying deity, which we will explore but first, let's take a look at some Biblical evidence that proves Jesus is indeed God.
Evidence of Jesus' Diety
The first is found in the picture placed with this post. Look with me at the first 2 verses of John chapter 1.In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.The same was in the beginning with God.
So, who is this Word, identified as being with God in the beginning and as God Himself? Let's read a bit further.
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
The identity of the Creator of the universe is revealed to us in Genesis 1:1.
In the beginning GOD created the heavens and the earth.
So who is this person called the Word in John 1? The answer is given a little further into the chapter.
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. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. (v14-15)
Who did John bear witness of? We find the answer again here in John 1.
John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)
Jesus is identified as the Word who was with God in the beginning and who is God. And, as God who came in flesh, revealing the glory of the Father as the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
There is much more evidence in the Word of God to prove the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ. Here are just a few more verses to help us arm ourselves against the false teaching that our Savior is not God.
- Colossians 1:16 says Jesus is "the image of the invisible God."
- In John 12:45, Jesus said, "he that seeth me seeth him that sent me."
- Colossians 2:9 says of Jesus, "in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily."
- 1 Timothy 3:16 declares "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."
- I am "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." (Titus 2:13)
Having seen the evidence, let's find out why it is dangerous to deny the deity of Christ.
Dangers of denying Jesus' deity
There are at least 2 eternal consequences of denying Jesus' deity. Those who deny His deity are in danger of losing their souls and they have negated His sacrifice on their behalf.
a.) Denying Jesus' deity places people in danger of losing their soul
First of all, based on the evidence we've seen, the obvious conclusion is that those who deny the deity of Christ are calling God a liar. We can't just pick out parts of the Bible we like and call that truth and throw out other parts because we don't like what it says. God gave us His Word. It is either all truth or none of it is. My "God is not a man, that he should lie" (Numbers 23:19). Dismissing parts of the written Word of God and dismissing the truth that the Living Word of God is God are equally offensive to Him.
At the end of God's written revelation to us, we are given a solemn warning.
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Revelation 22:18-19)
In Matthew 10:33, Jesus said, "But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven." Denying Jesus doesn't just mean denying He exists. Denying who He is - that He is God - is also denying Him.
Those who deny that Jesus is God manifest in flesh are not only calling Him a liar, they are taking away from God's Word and are in danger of losing their souls.
b.) Denying Jesus' deity negates His sacrifice for us
In the book of Numbers, God gives instruction for the type of sacrifice that will atone for sin. No less than 5 times, He speaks of lambs that must be without spot.
In 1 Peter chapter one, Jesus is described as "a lamb without blemish and without spot."
Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you (1 Peter 1:18-20)
Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Jesus was "in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin".
Do you know any human being who has never sinned and who could be presented as an atoning sacrifice to God as "a lamb without blemish and without spot"? Me either.
Those who deny His deity also negate His sacrifice, whether they realize it or not. If Jesus was just an fallible, sinful human being, His sacrifice could never be enough. If He was only human, He died in vain.
But, the Bible IS true.
Jesus IS God manifest in flesh.
He IS the spotless Lamb of God.
His sacrificial death IS more than enough to save you and to save me!
Let's take one more look at what God has to say in John chapter 1.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
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.
- There is danger in denying deity.
- Remember the truth of God's Word.
No comments:
Post a Comment