“Jesus Christ is God’s one and only begotten Son. As begotten, not created, He shares the nature, names, and attributes of God with the Father. As Son, not Father, Jesus is subordinate to His Father in rank. From eternity, the Son was with the Father, shared the Father’s glory as the pre-incarnate Word, and with Him created and sustains all things. Jesus the Christ (Messiah) was born of the virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit, thus uniting tow natures—human and divine. Jesus lived without sin, died as an atoning sacrifice for sin, was entombed for three days and three nights, was resurrected bodily, and ascended to His Father to serve as mediator and high priest. He reigns as Lord in heaven and will return to earth as judge and king. Now it pleases the Father that the Son is preeminent in all things and receives our worship.”
Luke 2:11 “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Above all, Jesus is the Saviour of all mankind. He was born as a human for this one purpose, save mankind. Who is Jesus? He is:
–God’s one and only begotten. John 1:14, 18; 3:16, 18 and 1 John 4:9. He was begotten of God not created by God John 1:3 Col. 1:16.
–He shares God’s name and nature. Matt. 3:3; Mark 1:2,3; Luke 3:4-6; 1 Tim. 6:14-16,Rev. 19:16, Heb. 1:8, Psalm 45:6-7 and Rev. 1:8.
–He is the creator of all. Gen. 1:1 and 2:4; John 1:1; Col 1:16, Heb.1:2, 10, John 1:3, 1 Cor. 8:6, Eph.3:9.
–Jesus shares the prerogatives of God. He saves and forgives sins (Mark 2:5-7, Luke 2:10, Acts 4:12). Only God is sinless and Jesus never sinned as a human (Heb. 4:15; 7:26-27, II Cor. 5:21). Only God rightly receives worship and prayers, Jesus received both (Matt. 2:11, 8:2; 14:33; 28:9,16, 17;Rev.5:13). Only God sees the secrets of men; Jesus did as well (John 2:25; Matt. 9:4; Mark 12:15; John 6:15,64. God and Jesus both control the elements (Col.1:16,17;Heb. 1:3; Matt. 4:23;Mark 1:24;4:39,41). God and Jesus both have life within themselves (John 11:25; 5:21, 28-29). God is King and judge and so is Christ (John 5:22,27).
–Jesus was preexistent from eternity (John 1:1-3,14; 17:5).
–Jesus life, death, burial, resurrection and ascension were accomplished without sin. II Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; I Pet.2:22; I John 3:5. He died for our sins I Cor. 15:3-4a; Phil. 2:8; Eph. 1:7; I Pet.1:18,19; I John 2:2). He was raised from the dead (Matt. 28:1,5-6; Mark 16:1-6; Luke 24:1-9; John 20:1-8). Christ was victorious over death and this became a theme of the early church (Acts 1:3,4; 2:32;3:15; 4:10; 10:40; 13:30; 17:31; I Cor. 15 the “resurrection chapter”). He will return as “judge” (Matt. 25:31, 32; John 5:22; Acts 10:42; Rev. 1:5; 17:14 and 19:16).
Some of His many names are: Jehovah, Elohim, El Shaddai, God, Lord, Holy One, Light Giver, Saviour, Redeemer, Righteous One and Lord of Hosts.
