Jesus Christ, the Son of God
Jesus, Son of God
The description of Jesus as “God the Son”, which is taught in most denominations of Christendom, is to be found nowhere in God's word, the Bible. Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God, begotten of the virgin Mary by the power of God, and therefore without the intervention of any man. He was, at the age of 30, or thereabouts, anointed with that same power (styled the Holy Spirit) "without measure” (i.e., without limit) at his baptism in the River Jordan (see John 1:32; 3:34). Announcing the birth of Jesus, the angel told Mary:
Could language be plainer?
The need for Jesus
The name Jesus means Saviour. There was need for a saviour because of the state into which the human race had been brought by SIN. Adam and Eve had transgressed God's commandment and placed a barrier between themselves and God, who cannot tolerate deliberate disobedience in any shape or form. They were sentenced to return to the ground from whence they had been created - a sentence which defiled and became a physical law of their being and was transmitted to all their posterity. This is what the apostle Paul spoke of in Romans 5.
In his infinite mercy God conceived a plan of restoration which, without setting aside His just and necessary law that sin brings death, should eventually rescue the human race from destruction, and people the earth with sinless immortal beings. Hence we read of the consequence of sin but the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
The need foreseen
God initiated His plan by making promises of a “seed of a woman”, who should destroy sin where it is to be found - in human nature. These promises were made first to Adam and then to Abraham, and later to David, king of Israel (see Genesis 3:15; 22:18; 1 Chronicles 17:11-14 and compare with Matthew 1:1). This last reference shows that these promises find their fulfilment in Jesus Christ whom God raised up in the line of Abraham and David, condemned to die because of sin. But Jesus, by perfect obedience (in contrast to Adam), obtained a title to resurrection.
Jesus overcame sin
Although himself bearing sinful human nature, he was obedient even unto death on the cross and so destroyed the law of condemnation for himself and, by God's grace, for all who should believe and obey him. Jesus himself spoke of this as the following quotation reveals.
This everlasting life is to be bestowed on those of Christ's followers who will be judged faithful at his return to the earth “in power and great glory”.
Jesus the future King
You may have noticed when we used the reference in Luke 1 earlier, we omitted verses 32-33. The angel, speaking to the virgin Mary also said,
This is what we read in 1 Chronicles 17, and is the fulfilment of the promise to David already referred to. David's throne was in Jerusalem and Jeremiah the prophet, speaking of the restoration of God's kingdom to Israel, wrote these words:
The wise men inquired after Jesus when he was born.
At his return to the earth he will assume that position, after he has raised from the dead those made responsible to him by knowledge of God's plan and, judged and immortalised (or rejected) them.
We can reign with Jesus
We have an opportunity now to “seek for glory, honour and immortality” (See Romans 2:6-11). The choice is ours, for the Bible sets before us LIFE and DEATH. Knowledge is the key to life,
Therefore choose life. Read the Bible and learn about Christ and his Father, so that you may have a position of rulership with Christ, reigning over the whole earth in that day when he will sit on David's throne ruling in righteousness.