WHO is JESUS CHRIST 2 YOU?

[WISDOM]

With the human race fallen and depraved, GOD had three options: HE could destroyed it (permanently); HE could simply ignore it in its fallen state and let it self-destruct; OR HE could offer a way of salvation that man could either accept or reject. Since GOD's nature is love, grace, and mercy, HE chose the latter course of action. To bridge the gap between HIM and us that was created by our sin, HE took on the form of a man. HE literally became flesh and blood in the PERSON of JESUS CHRIST.

Now, stay with me on this.....one of the first attempts to explain WHO JESUS CHRIST is was the symbol of the fish. It is probably the oldest symbol of Christianity, even predating the cross. The fish came to stand for Christianity because the first letters in the Greek words for JESUS, CHRIST, GOD'S SON, and SAVIOUR, form the word "ICTHUS" or fish in Greek. A word formed from the first letters of a series of words is called an "acronym". (Example: SCUBA - Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus). No acronym could better express WHO JESUS CHRIST is than the word "ICTHUS".

In order to discover WHO JESUS CHRIST is we cannot simply begin with HIS birth, as we would with any other person, because JESUS existed BEFORE HE was born! HIS life on earth was simply an advent. HE came into the world from a PREEXISTENT state as described in John 1:1-18. In this passage John tells us that if we are to REALLY know WHO JESUS CHRIST is we must begin in ETERNITY PAST. In John 8:58 JESUS said, "Before Abraham was, I AM." The verb "was" is a translation of a Greek verb referring to "becoming" or :being born." However, the verb "am" comes from the Greek verb "EIUI", which refers to "existence" with no reference to "origin".

Therefore, this statement could be translated: "Before Abraham was born, I ALWAYS was".

Listen to the SPIRIT speak......"INCARNATION" means taking a body of flesh and blood. The preexistent SON of GOD came to earth and clothed HIMSELF in a human body (John 1:14). The Apostle Paul stated it in Philippians 2:6-7. This is what is known in theological circles as the "kenosis" (self-emptying) of JESUS CHRIST. "Kenosis" means that HE VOLUNTARILY limited the use of some of HIS attributes, particularly OMNISCIENCE, OMNIPRESENCE, and OMNIPOTENCE.

However, JESUS did not give up or surrender these attributes because HE did use them in a limited way at various times during HIS earthly ministry to verify the fact that HE was GOD in the flesh. The incarnation and kenosis are only possible because of the Virgin Birth. It has always been difficult for many to accept, BUT the Bible clearly teaches it from beginning to end (Genesis 3:15...Isaiah 7:14...Matthew 1:18...Luke 1:26-35). The question of JESUS' Virgin Birth wasnever raised until the rise of modern liberalism, which seeks to explain everything. However, the first question concerning the Virgin Birth was raised by the virgin Mary herself when she asked, "How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?" (Luke 1:34) GOD answered in Luke 1:37.

JESUS was genuinely and totally divine - GOD incarnate, but we must also understand that at the same time HE was TOTALLY human. This truth is clear throughout the New Testament (Luke 2:52/19:41...Mark 6:6/13:32...John 4:6...Hebrews 4:15) As paradoxical as it may seem, CHRIST was totally divine and totally human AT THE SAME TIME. The divine-human nature of JESUS CHRIST is incomprehensible to our finite minds (Romans 11:33/16:25-27).

As strange as it may seem, the human advent of JESUS CHRIST confirms HIS deity. HE lived a perfect life, yet HE understands YOUR and MY shortcomings (Hebrews 4:15). HE could stand before HIS enemies and challenge them to name a single sin of which HE was guilty (John 8:46). Remember what Pilate conclude with "I find NO FAULT in this MAN" (Luke 23:4). Even those who would deny HIS deity commend HIS goodness. However, if HE is not WHO HE claimed to be, HE could not be good - HE could ONLY be the BIGGEST FRAUD in history!!

Well, what about HIS death?

HIS death was "vicarious", which means that it was on the BEHALF of OTHERS. HIS death accomplished for man what man COULD NOT do himself. (Romans 3:23....1 John 2:2). What is even more important is HIS RESURRECTION! Without it there would be no Christian faith!!!

The resurrection of JESUS CHRIST is the most authenticated event in the history of the world/universe. Efforts to prove it a sham stumble all over themselves. The authenticity of the Gospels, along with other New Testament records, have remained UNSHAKABLE for centuries! Moreover, it is psychologically impossible apart from the resurrection of JESUS CHRIST to explain the faith that led ALL ELEVEN Disciples/Apostles to their deaths. Also, the remarkable change in the Apostle Paul cannot be explained apart from the power of the resurrected SAVIOUR. *smile*

Sooooo, why is CHRIST resurrection so important???

First, it is the distinguishing quality of Christianity, for there have been scores of great men and many remarkable teachers. Buddha lived hundreds of years before CHRIST, established a religion, and then died. And, he is STILL dead. Mohammed lived centuries AFTER the time of CHRIST and set up a religion. But, he too died and is STILL dead!

JESUS CHRIST died, but HE ROSE AGAIN! And HE lives interceding daily for Believers, while also being seated at the right hand of GOD the FATHER.

[IslandRose]

Praise the Lord He choose to save us!!

IR

[Guest dove2]

He is my ALL

[wordsower]

I didn't know that about the fish. Always something new to learn, thanx

Jesus is my best friend, my deliverer, my provider, my shoulder to cry on, my joy, my healer, my protector....my life. :il: