A short time ago, a flyer was left on the front door of many houses. The flyer was an invitation for those who wanted to celebrate Jesus, the man who died. Of course, most churches celebrate Jesus resurrection around this time of year, however this flyer mentioned nothing of the resurrection, nor did it bring up anything pertaining to Christ the Risen Lord. Therefore, it was evident this group of people were not believers of the one true God. But who is the one true God? By far, the most excellent way to discern the lies of false religions is to know what the Bible communicates. So, what does the Scripture exclaim regarding Jesus and His deity?
Jesus as man and God has been a long disputed debate because it plays a central role in Christianity. For this reason, it is important to look at what Jesus proclaimed regarding His deity.
Although, Jesus did not make explicit claims to be God in the words “I am God”, “He did make claims that would be inappropriate if made by someone who is less than God.”[1] In Luke 12:8-9; 15:10, He spoke as if the angels and the kingdom were his. He also spoke as being the forgiver of sin, “Son, your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:5). Jesus declared authority over the Sabbath, which was God’s establishment and sacred day. Consider these verses, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27-28). “Jesus was clearly claiming the right to redefine the status of the Sabbath, a right that belongs only to someone virtually equal to God.”[2]
Of course, Jesus also put his word on equal ground to the Old Testament Scriptures. For example, “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not commit murder’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court’. But I say to you… (Matt. 5:21-22). These are the Scriptures that were believed to be from God through His people. Therefore, “Jesus understood himself as equal with the Father and as possessing the right to do things that only God has the right to do”.[3]
Too, the gospel of John is noted for its references to the deity of Jesus. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). Here John is stating the divinity of Jesus and His eternal existence.
Lastly, examine the reason that the Jews wanted to kill Jesus. “Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say too you, before Abraham was born, I am.” Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him”(John 8:58-59). “If the Jews attempted to stone him merely because they were angered by his unfavorable references to them, they would, in the eyes of the law, have been guilty of attempted murder.”[4] Thus, the opponents of Jesus interpreted Him as claiming to be God and this was considered blasphemy.
Therefore, many Jews sought Jesus and pursued Him, till finally He was hung on a cross to die. But His death led to the affirmation of His deity, which was the RESURRECTION. The message of Christ “was validated and actualized through His resurrection”.[5]
Finally, any view that would make Jesus simply a great man or great teacher gives an inadequate view. Instead, Jesus was fully human and fully God being one person with two natures.
So, the next time you see a flyer requesting you to celebrate a great man, then be aware that they may be calling you to celebrate false religions. The best discernment you will rest on will come through the Scriptures. Be a student of the Word and know what you believe, in order to share the truth with others.
Deanna
[1] Erickson, Millard J., Christian Theology, Baker Academic, Grand Rapids, Michigan 1998, p. 701.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Norris, Richard A. Jr., The Christological Controversy, Fortress Press, Philadelphia, 1980.