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An
Outreach Publication of the Church of Christ at
Creekwood |
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"Who Do You Say That I Am?" On
one occasion Jesus asked His disciples, saying,
"Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?"
His disciples answered, “Some say John the Baptist,
some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the
prophets." Then Jesus asked His disciples another
question: "But
who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:13-15). By
the way, what is your
answer to that question? The
following are some of the Bible’s answers as to the
identity of Jesus. Jesus
is the Christ.
In answer to Jesus’ question, Simon Peter
answered, “You are the Christ” (Matthew 16:16).
The word “Christ” literally means
“anointed one.”
As we study the Scriptures we find that
prophets, priests, and kings were all anointed with
oil. As
the Christ, Jesus is Prophet
(Deuteronomy 18:15-18; Acts 3:19-22), Priest
(Hebrews 8:20-28), and King
(Acts 2:33). Jesus
is the Son of God.
In answer to Jesus’ question, Simon Peter
also said, “You are the Son of the living God"
(Matthew 16:16).
Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on a high
mountain, “and behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to
them, talking with Him” (Matthew 17:1-3).
Then “a bright cloud overshadowed them; and
suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This
is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear
Him!" (Matthew 17:5). Jesus
is Lord.
In the conclusion of his sermon on the Day of
Pentecost, Peter told the Jews assembled in Jerusalem:
"Therefore let all the house of Israel know
assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you
crucified, both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36
NKJV). The
word “Lord” means “master” or “ruler.”
Our acceptance of His
Lordship is demonstrated through our obedience to His
word (Luke 6:46).
One day “every tongue will confess that Jesus
Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”
(Philippians 2:11). Jesus
is the Savior.
An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a
dream informing him that the child conceived in Mary
was of the Holy Spirit, “and she will bring forth a
Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will
save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21).
"Nor is there salvation in any other, for there
is no other name under heaven given among men by which
we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
Christ saves those who
believe in Him (Acts 16:31), repent of their sins (2
Corinthians 7:9-10), confess His name before men
(Romans 10:9-10) and are baptized in His name for the
remission of sins (Acts 2:38). Jesus
will be the Judge.
Paul preached to the people of Athens, saying,
"Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked,
but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because
He has appointed a day on which He will judge the
world in righteousness by the Man whom He has
ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by
raising Him from the dead" (Acts 17:30-31).
His standard of judgment
will be His words and the inspired words of His
apostles and other New Testament writers (John 12:48;
1 Corinthians 14:37). Jesus
is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
He is Lord and Savior.
He will be the Judge of all the world.
All true!
However, mere acceptance
of facts concerning His identity will NOT save
us from the penalty of sin.
It is when we acknowledge these truths through
our faith and obedience
that it results in our salvation; to deny or simply
ignore them means condemnation. Jesus
still asks, “Who
do you say that I am?” God bless you!
David A. Sargent,
Minister To Subscribe to "Living Water" send a blank e-mail to:
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