Jesus of Nazareth is the God of the Old Testament, the Christ, God incarnate, the prophesied Messiah, the Savior of mankind. He exists eternally with the Father, and all things were created through Him and for Him. Before His human birth, He revealed Himself to the patriarchs as "the Eternal" (YHWH) and by a variety of other names. He divested Himself of the majesty of His office to become human by means of birth to the virgin Mary. Though tempted in all points like other men, He lived sinlessly throughout His life, giving Himself to be crucified as the perfect atonement for mankind's transgressions of God's laws. After three days and three nights in the grave, He was resurrected as a divine spirit Being and ascended to the Father's right hand in heaven, becoming our High Priest, Advocate and Mediator before the Father. As such, He is technically the Dispenser of the Holy Spirit. He is now Head of the church, and shall return soon as King of kings and Lord of lords to establish the Kingdom of God on earth, sharing His rule with His resurrected brothers and sisters.
Scripture References:
John 1:1-3, 10, 14, 29-36; John 8:53-58; Colossians 1:13-20; John 3:16; Romans 5:8-9; Acts 2:33-35; John 15:26; John 16:7; Ephesians 4:7-8; I John 2:1-2; Hebrews 1:1-4; Hebrews 2:9-14; Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 9:11-15; Ephesians 1:19-23; Philippians 2:5-7; Matthew 12:40; I Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 5:9-10; Revelation 11:15; Revelation 19:11-16
From the Library: Jesus Christ, Son of God
Hebrews (Part Nine): Chapter 1: Jesus' Exultation and Christianity's Claims
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Hebrews 1:3 and Psalm 2 explain how Jesus becomes something He previously was not. Because of Christ's qualifications, Christianity has a claim on all mankind.
Jesus Christ's Trial (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe arrest, trials, and crucifixion of Jesus were unlawful at every turn. Here are 5 reasons why.
Jesus and the Feast (Part One): Alignment With God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOnly in John 7 do we find some evidence of Tabernacles and the Eighth Day, providing a gold mine to discover what was on Jesus's mind during this time.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Twelve): The Son's Superiority Over Angels
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughSome Jews among the early converts believed that Jesus Christ did not qualify to be the church's High Priest, considering angels to be greater and holier.
Jesus Was a Carpenter
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughNazareth's citizens could not reconcile their long-time knowledge of Christ with His ministry. Stuck on the stereotype, they failed to see how He could be more.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Ten): Christianity's Claims
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHere are twelve claims that the Father, the Son, and Their way of life make upon humanity, giving mankind no excuse for its failure to respond to God.
Hebrews (Part Two): Who Was Jesus?
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)If we understand the function of the Old Covenant as explained in Leviticus, we will better understand the New Covenant and not reject the law of the Savior.
Hebrews (Part Three): Who Was Jesus? (cont.)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)John identifies Christ as co-eternal with the Father, equal in character, but subordinate in authority. Christ's sonship was unique; He was the 'only Begotten Son.'
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