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Hebrews (Part Nine): Chapter 1: Jesus' Exultation and Christianity's Claims
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ, begotten by God, stands as the central figure in the divine proclamation of Psalm 2, where He is twice called the Son of God, as well as the Anointed One and the Messiah. This unique identification is reinforced in John 1:17, which names Him the only begotten Son, a title exclusive to Jesus of Nazareth, distinguishing Him from angels or any other being in mankind's history. He is the Son in the bosom of the Father, having declared Him, as stated in the scriptures. The declaration of Psalm 2, made hundreds of years before His birth, was literally assigned by God the Father at the moment Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, marking the start of His human life of thirty-three and a half years. Even in the womb, He was God, just as the Father is God, sharing the same divine nature. At His birth, He became exalted to a position He had not held before, embodying both God and man simultaneously, sinless and fitting as a sacrifice to pay for humanity's sins. Jesus did not need to qualify for the office of High Priest in the ordinary sense, as He was already God when the prophecy was uttered and remained God upon conception in Mary's womb. His role as High Priest under the New Covenant was fulfilled from the moment of His ministry, performing the responsibilities without needing further qualification. God placed His own Son in this position, just as He was already King and the payment for sins, fulfilling these roles with divine authority. Hebrews 1 further establishes Jesus' qualifications, portraying Him as the Son through whom God spoke prophetically, the High Priest who provided purification for sins, and the King ruling from His throne for eternity. His appointment to these threefold offices—Prophet, Priest, and King—is rooted in His love for righteousness and hatred of lawlessness, setting Him above all others as the perfect leader anointed by God. His sinless life and divine nature affirm His eternal significance as the door to salvation, indispensable to humanity's well-being.
God Is . . . What?
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughWhat is God's nature? Is God one Being? Two? Three? Bible students have long searched for the answers to these questions. The truth is both simple and profound.
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.'
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.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus referred to His Father as 'My God,' indicating that They do not share equality, preeminence, or superiority. They are equal in kind, but one is subordinate.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Father and Son are separate; the Father is the source of all power, while the Son serves as the channel through which we interface with the Father.
The Father-Son Relationship (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAlthough Christ is not the Absolute Deity, He is nevertheless the complement of the Father. He had a pre-existence as the God of the Old Testament.
John (Part Four)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe apostle John has provided at least eight separate forms of witness, establishing the veracity of Jesus Christ's identity as God in the flesh.
Psalms: Book One (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause Jesus is God's Son, we can avoid the rod of His anger by paying respect with worshipful awe. We must know both His instruction and Him personally.