Jesus Christ is identified as the Son of God, the Anointed One, and the Messiah in Psalm 2. He is the only begotten Son of God, as stated in John 1:17, and was declared as such by God the Father at His birth to the virgin Mary. Jesus Christ held the office of High Priest, a position He was qualified for because He was already God at the time of the prophecy's utterance and during His conception in Mary's womb. His ministry, death, and resurrection fulfilled the need for a sinless sacrifice, both human and divine, to pay for our sins. Jesus Christ also holds the threefold offices of Prophet, Priest, and King simultaneously. As Prophet, God spoke through Him, as mentioned in Hebrews 1:2. As High Priest, He provided purification for sins, as noted in Hebrews 1:3. As King, He rules from His throne in the Kingdom, with His authority assured for eternity, as described from Hebrews 1:6 through the end of the chapter. He was appointed to these offices because He loves righteousness and hates lawlessness, as stated in Hebrews 1:9. Jesus Christ's divine nature is affirmed in Hebrews 1:8 and John 1:1-2, where He is addressed as God. He is the perfect image of the Father in character and purpose, though they are different personalities. His Kingdom already exists in a spiritual sense, as those converted share the same Spirit as the Father and Son, and He is already anointed and on its throne as King, as revealed in Hebrews 1:8-9 and Philippians 3:20. Jesus Christ's role in God's plan includes being exalted to the right side of the Father in heaven after rising from the dead, as part of Their plan to complete making mankind in Their image. His sacrifice made an atonement for sin, opening the door to God's offer of salvation, as stated in Hebrews 1:3. He is worthy of worship, as even the angels and wise men worshipped Him at His birth, affirming His divinity from the womb, as mentioned in Hebrews 1 and the account of His birth. Jesus Christ's return will bring significant changes to earth and heaven, as prophesied in Hebrews 1:10-12 and the Gospels, emphasizing the importance of Christianity's claim on mankind's attention for safety and salvation. His unchanging nature, as noted in Hebrews 13:8 and Malachi 3:6, provides a stable foundation amidst earthly changes. In God's purpose, mankind holds a significant position, as evidenced by angels serving humans, as stated in Hebrews 1:14. This reflects the high value God places on mankind, created in His image, with a plan for salvation that includes a Savior-Redeemer and the gift of His Spirit, as part of His overarching plan for the expansion of His Family Kingdom.

Jesus Christ is vitally needed for the salvation of those converted, especially those converted from Judaism in the immediate decades following His resurrection. His role remains crucial for our salvation today, as Hebrews teaches us how much we need to relate to our High Priest. Without Jesus Christ, we can do nothing spiritually, as He stated in John 15:5. If we produce no fruit that pleases and glorifies God, we will not be in His Kingdom, highlighting our absolute need for Christ. The epistle to the Hebrews was written to show the church members' need for Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the superiority of Jesus Christ as the church's High Priest, the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old Covenant, and the superiority of Christianity over any other religion, including Judaism. Jesus Christ is described as the church's Commander in Chief, and disciples must use their faith to follow Him. The epistle to the Hebrews presents every way of life and personality as inferior when compared to the Son of God. The term "better" becomes a dominant theme throughout the epistle, as Christ is always better than any other figure or system. In the opening paragraph of Hebrews, the author emphasizes that God has spoken to us through the Son. The Son is the ultimate source and channel from which all blessings of the knowledge of God flow. The message given by prophets or other means was fragmentary, but the Son is different because He is already one with the Father. When the Son speaks, it is as though the Father is speaking, and vice versa, emphasizing their unity.

Jesus Christ's role in bearing our sins is central to understanding the Scriptures. The Scriptures testify of Him, and as we study, we see how symbols like the azazel in Leviticus 16 point to Him. The azazel bore the sins of the people, and similarly, the Messiah bore our iniquities as prophesied in Isaiah 53. The Lord laid our iniquities on the Messiah, who was stricken, smitten by God, afflicted, wounded, bruised, chastised, and received the stripes of scourging. Christ's bearing of sin was not abstract but had a real-life application. He bore our sins in His own body on the tree during His crucifixion, experiencing the shame, reproach, anguish, piercing, crushing, bruising, smiting, and grief of sin. This bearing took place over hours of extreme suffering. Christ's sacrifice fulfilled the Day of Atonement ritual, where He became sin and a curse for us. Unlike other sin offerings killed at the tabernacle, Christ's sacrifice occurred outside the gate, across the Kidron Valley from the Temple, on a slope of the Mount of Olives. He was led away, alive for hours while bearing our sins, fulfilling the role of the azazel. Through His stripes, Christ provides healing, both physical and spiritual. The spiritual healing is infinitely more important, leading to eternal life. Christ's bearing of our iniquities allowed for our spiritual healing, turning us to the Shepherd. Accepting Christ's sacrifice requires acknowledging the reality of what the Son of God endured. He became sin and a curse, bearing all the chastening we deserved, so that we can have life with Him.

Jesus Christ once took a poll among His followers, asking, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" Some believed He was John the Baptist returned from the dead, others thought He was a second Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the ancient prophets. Peter, one of His students, declared, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," though he did not fully grasp Jesus' true mission. Many of Jesus' disciples viewed Him as a human Messiah, a descendant of David meant to lead the Jewish nation to independence and glory, and His unexpected death shocked and disappointed them. Public opinion about Jesus was divided; some thought He was less than sane, saying, "He has a demon and is mad. Why listen to Him?" Even those who grew up with Him were concerned, stating, "He is out of His mind." Yet, Jesus drew large crowds of common people, intrigued by His teaching, which led jealous religious leaders to complain, "Look, the world has gone after Him!" Pontius Pilate, a Roman official, was puzzled by Jesus when the Jews accused Him of claiming to be the Son of God, asking, "Where are You from?" Jesus' own disciples questioned, "Who can this be?" despite His miracles and teachings. The people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught with authority, unlike the scribes. The educated elite were shocked at His depth of learning and wisdom, though He was not seen as an intellectual, political leader, or established scholar. The religious leaders mocked Him, saying, "We do not know where He is from," unaware of His true identity or purpose. Despite their confusion, the Jews and their leaders should have recognized Jesus, as He came just as the ancient scriptures described.

Jesus Christ, in the account of His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, demonstrated complete control over the situation from beginning to end. He delayed in the Garden as the arresting party approached, went forth to meet them, and surrendered Himself voluntarily. Even at the moment of arrest, He showed power over the soldiers, grace towards His disciples, and mercy to His enemies. As the light of the world, He stood in stark contrast to those who came in darkness with lanterns and torches to seize Him, revealing their foolishness in opposing the One who embodies true light. When the soldiers arrived, Jesus initiated the arrest by asking whom they sought. Despite the darkness or a possible supernatural blindness, they did not recognize Him and answered, "Jesus of Nazareth." He responded with the powerful declaration, "I am," causing the arresting party to draw back and fall to the ground, only rising when He repeated the question. This reaction underscores the divine authority in His words, echoing the Great Name of God, Yahweh, and rendering His captors helpless before Him. The paradox of His incarnation is evident in this moment of arrest, blending human weakness with divine glory. His birth in a manger contrasts with angelic announcements; His baptism identifies Him with sinners, yet a heavenly voice declares Him God's beloved Son; He sleeps in a storm-tossed boat, then calms the waves with authority; He weeps at Lazarus' grave, then raises the dead with a word. In the Garden, He prays in agony, yet overpowers His enemies with His presence, showing that He is both man and God manifested in flesh. Jesus' actions during His arrest reveal three key purposes. First, He demonstrated that He is more than man, being God as well, necessary for His death to serve as a ransom for sin. Second, His display of power shows His death was voluntary, not coerced; no amount of troops or weapons could have forced Him if He had been unwilling. Third, He made it clear to His captors that they were without excuse, having witnessed His supernatural nature and divine glory, yet choosing to proceed against Him. Additionally, Jesus showed grace by commanding the soldiers to let His disciples go free, fulfilling His earlier prophecies and extending His protective care over them. This act reflects a broader preserving grace by which He safeguards all whom the Father has given Him. Even towards His enemies, He exhibited mercy at the moment of arrest, accepting the cup of God's wrath to enable others to drink from the cup of salvation. The trial of Jesus Christ stands as an extraordinary event, unparalleled in its impact and implications. His arrest occurred late at night on Passover, led by a mob guided by Judas and the chief priests. The Jewish trial unfolded in stages, beginning with a preliminary hearing before Annas, where Jesus refused to testify against Himself, adhering to Jewish law, and was unjustly struck by a court officer. Sent to Caiaphas, false witnesses failed to provide consistent testimony, yet Caiaphas cleverly combined charges under oath, leading Jesus to affirm His divine Messiahship, resulting in a conviction for blasphemy and a death sentence. Despite numerous illegalities, the trial exposed the true claims of Jesus—that He is God, that He would rise after three days, and that He would return in judgment. His condemnation under the most meticulous judicial system known to man highlights not a flaw in the law, but the deceitful hearts of those who manipulated it to destroy the innocent. Jesus, the righteous One, was condemned for the guilty, opening a way for forgiveness through His sacrifice.

Jesus Christ, having become so much better than the angels, has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. He is named the Son of the Highest, and as God, He holds a unique identity as the only begotten Son. Though the title of Son was declared long before His human birth, God the Father assigned it when Jesus was born of the virgin Mary, marking the start of His 33½-year human life and ministry. At the moment of His birth, God exalted Him to become the New Covenant's High Priest, a role He was already performing during His ministry. As God, He did not need to qualify for what He already was, though He completed His course through death and resurrection. Hebrews 1 describes Him as the One through whom God spoke prophetically, the High Priest who provided purification for sins, and the King ruling from His throne in His Kingdom. God places Him in this office, anointing Him with the oil of gladness above His companions because He loved righteousness and hated lawlessness, demonstrated by His sinless life. Without Him, salvation would be impossible, as He is the literal link between humanity and sharing eternity with God in His Family. His qualifications as Prophet, Priest, and King underscore His leadership, under which great things will be accomplished, and those under Him will share the rewards of His achievements. Jesus of Nazareth, by virtue of being divine and humankind's Creator, holds a claim on humanity's attention and loyalty. God sent Him to speak of His purpose, an honor for mankind, and the miracles He performed—quieting winds, calming seas, healing from a distance—witness to His divine nature. He witnessed to the world of the Father and God's purpose, displaying brilliance in His demeanor, making God known to mankind. His life and message provide light and warmth, as He is the way, the truth, and the life. He atoned for sin by Himself, opening the door to God's offer of salvation. Exalted to sit at the Father's right side in heaven, He rose from the dead by the Father's power to work on Their plan for humanity. It is right to worship Him, as angels and wise men did at His birth, recognizing Him as God even as a newborn. The Scriptures address Him as God, identical in character and purpose with the Father, without division or competition. His Kingdom already exists spiritually through those converted, who bear the Father and Son's image, though it is not yet established on earth. As terrifying events are prophesied before His return, safety is found at His side. He remains unchanged, the same yesterday, today, and forever, offering security as the world's systems disintegrate. God has assigned angels to serve His children, highlighting their importance to Him. Jesus, as Savior and Redeemer, has paid for humanity's failures, and through His work, God provides the structures and relationships to prepare for life in His Kingdom.

Jesus Christ, known to the people of Nazareth as a carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother to James, Joses, Judas, and Simon, perplexed them when He returned teaching in the synagogue and gaining fame for healing the sick and casting out demons. They struggled to see Him as more than a local craftsman, offended by their inability to reconcile their long-held view with His ministry. Jesus Himself noted this common reaction, stating that a prophet is not without honor except in His own country, among His own relatives, and in His own house, which limited their faith and hindered His work there. Beyond the stereotype of a carpenter, Jesus worked with His hands, likely running the family business after Joseph's death, crafting items from raw materials into finished products, possibly working with both wood and stone as the Greek term "tekton" suggests a broader role as a builder or craftsman. This vocation, chosen by the Father, prepared Him for His greater work. As Creator, He has always built, making all things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, as affirmed by the apostles John and Paul. Even as a Man on earth, He continued creating, building structures and useful items. Now, as the glorified High Priest at the Father's right hand, having redeemed believers by His shed blood, Jesus remains the Creator, ceaselessly building something greater. He constructs an indestructible church, described as a holy temple and a dwelling place for God, using the raw materials of those called by the Father, fitting them together on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Himself as the chief cornerstone. He declared that on this rock He will build His church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. With His expertise as a carpenter and His vast knowledge of creation, Jesus continues this construction, offering hope in dark times, ensuring that the job will be finished to perfection for God's glory.

Jesus Christ, with His life and sacrifice, serves as the means of making peace between us and God, thus enabling a profound relationship with Them. During His time on earth, He took on humanity for the multitude of purposes for which humanity was created, inspiring appreciative wonderment for Him who became human for our eternal behalf. Humanity faces death, and it was within God's purposes for Him to die as our Savior, fulfilling the wages of sin despite never committing a sin in His life. Jesus drew specific attention to His death, emphasizing its significance, as without Him unlocking the way, people cannot live beyond their natural death. He is the most incredible person, having always been alive except for that one time of death, and now lives again forever. The evidence of His teachings and acts has been attested to by men and women of excellent character in far greater numbers than any other ancient figure. Jesus is absolutely unique among all who ever lived, other than the Father, especially as a human. He is the Promised Seed of the Genesis 3:15 prophecy, the Messiah born of Joseph and Mary of Nazareth, and through His ministry within God's purpose, became our Savior, our Teacher, our elder Brother, the Head of the church, and King to whom all authority in heaven and earth has been given. Jesus is also revealed metaphorically as The Word, in a divine relationship with God, referred to as the Father. The apostle John, in his gospel, establishes Jesus as the Living Word of God, unoriginated in His relationship with the Father, standing alone in this divine connection. John emphasizes Jesus' uniqueness by using the term "only begotten" to describe Him, intensifying the sense of endearment and highlighting that there is nobody like Him besides the Father. Jesus shares the character of the One who sent Him, distinct and separately different from all other usages of the terms "son of God" or "sons of God" in Scripture. Generated from above by God, not through earthly human means, Jesus stands absolutely unique above all who have ever been born. His relationship with the Father is not originated in the same way as human relationships, underlining the unity and shared character between Them, even as separate personalities. The Bible identifies Jesus as the Word, the creative energy of the universe, present in the beginning with God, through whom all things were made and given life. There has never been a time when Jesus and the Father existed apart from each other, further evidencing His unoriginated nature. Jesus upholds all things by the word of His power, preserving and sustaining the creation He brought into being, indicating the immense power residing in Him to keep everything functioning as created. Our very lives depend upon Him, as He manages the universe which is not self-generated. His spiritual light, emanating from His words and conduct, is distinctive, true, and helpful above all others, enabling comprehension of life's purpose when believed and accepted. Despite this, many rejected Him, remaining in spiritual darkness, though some accepted His message, beginning a transformation through faith in Him and receiving a wondrous spiritual gift from the Father and the Son to pursue His teachings more deeply.

Jesus Christ stands at the heart of a profound question about the authenticity of the Bible and His own identity. If He is not who He claims to be, as the Word of God personified and as the written word proclaims, then He was merely a cunning deceiver who orchestrated a lie sustained for nearly two thousand years, leaving us without a Savior. He declared that He was the God of the Old Testament, a claim recorded in the Bible and challenged even before His birth, during His life in the first century, and after His resurrection through movements like Gnosticism. The apostles taught that He was God in the flesh, born of the virgin Mary in Bethlehem, and raised in Nazareth, leading to conversions and baptisms into the church. Yet, Gnostic thought denied that He could be God, asserting that spirit and flesh cannot coexist in one being due to the impurity of flesh. Jesus Himself spoke of His origin, stating in John 3:13 that no one has ascended to heaven except He who came down from heaven, indicating that before His time on earth, He was in heaven, and after, He returned there. This uniqueness sets Him apart, as no other person has done so. He claimed to have come down from heaven multiple times, giving His words an unmatched authority that even surpasses that of Moses, who could only relay what he received from God. Jesus asserted that the words He spoke were His own, carrying the same authority as the Old Testament, and that He provides the spiritual nourishment for eternal life, which Moses could not. Further, scriptures affirm His divine origin and preeminence. In John 1:18, it is suggested that no one has fully seen or comprehended God except through Him, and that He, as the Son, reveals the Father, who has never been seen by man. He is described as inhabiting eternity, uncreated, existing before all things, as stated in Isaiah 57 and John 1:1-3, where it is clear that all things were made by Him. He became flesh, dwelling among us, yet was God before His creation, as John 1:14 confirms. His preeminence is reiterated in Colossians, where He is portrayed as possessing divinity bodily, being over all creation, and existing before anything was made, thus confirming His uncreated nature. Jesus also claimed direct, personal contact with Abraham, asserting His timeless existence by using the name given to Moses at the burning bush, declaring Himself as God. This bold statement led to accusations of blasphemy from the Jews, who could not fathom His claim of inhabiting eternity. He emptied Himself of divine privileges to become mortal, subject to death, yet remained God, as seen in Genesis 1:1-3 and John 1:1-3, where He is the one who spoke creation into being and formed Adam and Eve from the dust. In Revelation 3:14, Jesus confirms His eternal existence with the Father, reinforcing His divinity. The Living Word and the written word both affirm that our Savior is uncreated God, a truth that stands against attempts to undermine faith by casting doubt on His divine nature.

Jesus Christ is often the most misunderstood person who has ever walked this earth, frequently deliberately so. People hear or read His words and, due to their own willfulness, twist them to fit their preconceptions. Throughout His ministry, as seen in the gospels, His audience consistently misunderstood His message, a pattern that began early in His life. Even His parents did not comprehend His meaning when He first spoke recorded words, setting a precedent for His entire ministry where people jumped to wrong conclusions based on their traditions and prior learning. From a young age, Jesus was acutely aware that He was not Joseph's natural son, knowing His true Father was God in heaven. He understood that His Father had a purpose and a work to be done, and He was eager to fulfill it, showing readiness even at twelve years old to engage in His Father's business. His mission included revealing the existence of His Father, a major task during His time on earth. He spoke often of His relationship with His Father, which frequently led to misunderstandings among the Jews, who sometimes thought He referred to Joseph or deemed His words blasphemous, prompting anger and attempts to stone Him. Jesus came to reveal His Father, explaining who was upholding the universe while He was on earth in human form. His words and actions throughout His ministry were aimed at providing a foundational understanding of His Father's character. He was the literal Son of His Father, a perfect representation, so much so that seeing Him was akin to seeing the Father. Their intimate relationship was constant, with the Father deeply involved in Jesus' upbringing and ministry, guiding Him through direct communication from the beginning. The close fellowship between Jesus and His Father was evident in Their unity, where They were always in each other's presence, acting in complete accord. This intimacy was a source of comfort to Jesus amidst hostility, and its temporary loss on the cross, when He bore the sins of the world, was profoundly sorrowful for Him. Yet, He completed His Father's business, even in that state of separation, culminating in His sacrifice. Jesus' role was not merely to introduce His Father but to expound and explain Him extensively through teachings and actions. Everything He said and did reflected His Father, offering insight so that others could come to know Him. Contemplating Jesus—His words, deeds, and worship—leads to understanding and intimacy with the Father, fostering spiritual growth and the ultimate goal of living in fellowship with both, mirroring the relationship They share.

Jesus Christ stands as the centerpiece of the epistle to the Hebrews, embodying unparalleled importance to the entire creation and to our spiritual growth and salvation. Other than the Father, no one compares to Him in leadership within the administration of this creation. He is essential to our connection to eternity and all its glories, and without a vital connection to Him, we can achieve nothing in terms of God's creative spiritual purpose in our lives. He described Himself as the vine to which we are connected, emphasizing that without Him, we cannot produce anything of spiritual value. With His arrival on earth, a new time period and age began, marking a significant shift as announced by God at the start of Hebrews. A major purpose of this epistle is to confirm His qualifications as High Priest, a role critical to our salvation and unique in its detailed presentation within the New Testament. His qualifications are introduced with awe-inspiring wonderment, highlighting His offices and accomplishments, and are presented with thunderous impact in the opening verses of Hebrews. He is named as a highly qualified Mediator, fulfilling roles assigned in heaven, revealed in the Old Testament, and continuing to this day. Among His titles is "captain of our salvation," translated from the Greek term Archegos, meaning chief leader or pioneer, one who inspires others to deeds of valor. He leads us to salvation through obedience to the Father, suffering in His office to achieve God's glory, and exemplifying the way of glory into God's Kingdom. His specific qualifications include being the only begotten Son of God, unique among all who have ever lived, and never abandoning His divine nature even while taking on humanity. He is appointed Heir of all things, signifying the highest rank and assuring continuance in office and administration. He is the Creator of all things, giving life to all living beings except the Father, and His creation reflects His thoughtful, caring, and orderly intelligence, made with mankind in mind to inherit it. He is the brightness of God's glory and the express image of His person, exactly like the Father in purpose and character, revealing the Father to mankind so that through Him, we perceive God's glorious realities. He upholds all things in the universe by the word of His power, ensuring the continuing preservation and faithful dominion of His creation, which will never disappear due to His determination. He Himself purged us of our sins, a supreme act of glory benefiting mankind, faithfully working to prepare us for His Kingdom without deviating from the Father's purpose, even to the point of giving His life. He is now positioned at the right hand of God in heaven, second only to the Father in rulership, surveying all creation and witnessing His faithfulness to the Father's purpose. God Himself, during the transfiguration event, commanded to hear Him, emphasizing the greater glory of His teaching above all others, including great figures like Moses and Elijah. His method of teaching the apostles was radically different, lived out before twelve specifically appointed men as He revealed the Father, Himself, the gospel, and His way of life over three and a half years. He individually and personally chooses us, as He did the apostles, to follow Him and listen to His teaching, preparing a specific team for His return according to the Father's blueprint. His love was demonstrated to the uttermost by sacrificing His life for the spiritual benefit of those following Him.

Jesus Christ was not merely an extraordinary man; He was unique, great above all others who ever lived. Every characteristic of His attributes is to be admired for His great love and unstinting giving in every aspect of His character, expressed humbly and abundantly for our eternal well-being. Never has such glorious and refined power combined with humility been expressed so flawlessly by any other Person. Contained within Him were all the intellectual powers necessary to design and bring into existence this awesome creation, populating it with stars, planets, angels, humans, animals, fish, and birds. Yet, despite our unworthiness, He willingly took on the responsibilities, ultimately giving His divine life in death to pay for our sins. Mankind's attitude toward its Creator was contrary, hardened, and indifferent, with many rejecting Him despite witnessing His miraculous acts, and a large number appealing to Pilate to crucify Him at the end of His life. He is essential to our salvation, not only for the forgiveness of sin but also because He lives in us, works in us, directs us, and teaches us. If we are to see the Father, it is because we have yielded to the Son. The Word became flesh, a Spirit being and Creator who came to be human, yet remained God throughout, never ceasing to be divine even in the grave and after resurrection. As a human, He was dependent on the same things as others, experiencing human emotion and capable of death when He allowed it. Through God's merciful calling, He drew us to an understanding of saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, forgave us, gave us His Holy Spirit, adopted us into His Family, and imparted His abundant characteristics, so that we are now children of God, gradually being transformed into His likeness. The apostles witnessed a tiny amount of His glory during the three and a half years they spent learning from Him, observing the contrast between mankind's utter rejection and His unstinting outpouring of love. They examined Him with care, thoughtfully considering His life and actions. Jesus Christ, like the Father, has existed from eternity, with no time when He was anything else. He taught the apostles in real-life situations, exemplifying His way of life through His interactions, revealing the Father and Himself while preaching the gospel. At the end of this teaching, He demonstrated a major extent of His love by sacrificing His life for the spiritual benefit of those following Him. He continued to direct the apostles spiritually from heaven over roughly fifty years as they wrote what became the New Testament. A faithful and loving spiritual relationship between Christ and the disciple is essential for this method of instruction to function well. Jesus of Nazareth is our life, our connection to eternity and its glories, crucial to our spiritual progress. In the book of Hebrews, the author begins with awesome wonderment about His accomplishments, stating that without Him, we can do nothing in terms of achieving what the Father desires. The epistle aims to convince Jews within the church that Jesus was fully qualified to be High Priest, listing seven qualifications: He is the only begotten Son, unique among all; He is appointed Heir of all things, assuring continuance in office; He is the Creator of all things and Giver of life, faithful to care for His creation; He is the brightness of God's glory and the express image of His Person, exactly like the Father in purpose and character; He upholds the universe by the Word of His power, preserving and managing His creation; He Himself purged us of our sins, preparing us for His Kingdom; and He is re-established in heaven at the right hand of God, second only to the Father in rulership, witnessing His faithfulness.

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. Jesus Christ of Nazareth is the promised Son, bearing the title Everlasting Father among many others. As the God of the Old Testament, He fulfilled the role of Father to Israel by redeeming them from slavery in Egypt, creating them, and founding them as a nation. He will be their Father when He returns to set up His world-ruling government, maintaining this special relationship with Israel throughout all eternity as the Everlasting Father.

Under the New Covenant, Jesus Christ is central to God's purpose in building His Family. His teaching-and-example-setting responsibility was entrusted to no one else in all of creation, highlighting the profound importance of His role. Jesus is the major theme of the book of Hebrews, where God commands, "Hear Him," emphasizing His supremacy over even the greatest prophets like Moses and Elijah. His importance surpasses all who have lived on earth, establishing Him as the ultimate guide for believers. Jesus did not merely dictate worship requirements as in the Old Covenant; instead, as the living Word of God, He lived them before the eyes of those who followed Him. He began His ministry by preaching the gospel, detailing the overall goal of God's way of life, and added personal examples of His conduct, setting the standards of God's way. He shared His life with the apostles in a physical and spiritual relationship, demonstrating a profound unity with the Father. No one can come to Jesus unless drawn by the Father, showing that God is personally involved in each person's conversion. Jesus affirmed that those drawn to Him are His to work with, ensuring that God's Family is not built with random pieces but with individuals specifically chosen and set apart by the Father for Him to teach and guide. The New Covenant, through Jesus, presents a family-oriented relationship—father, mother, sister, brother—rather than the master/servant dynamic more evident in the Old Covenant, emphasizing believing, willing, and wholehearted cooperation flowing from family love. Jesus is the promised Seed, the Messiah, born as Jesus of Nazareth, who has become our Savior, our Teacher, our Elder Brother, and now our King. As God's only begotten Son, dispatched from heaven, He is the personal witness revealing both the Father and the Son, Their purpose, and Their love to mankind. He is introduced as the literal Creator of the universe, man's Creator, and life-giver, a truth of awesome magnitude for the apostles who could hear His voice, see Him, and touch Him, knowing He was their Creator and Savior. Jesus stressed His oneness with the Father, a characteristic frequently highlighted by the apostle John. He clearly stated His identity to the people in Jerusalem, though many could not accept it. John emphasizes Jesus as the only Son, unique and one of a kind, with no competitors. There is no one else like Him, setting Him apart from all other usages of "son of God" in Scripture. Jesus and the Father share the same characteristics, demonstrating Their unity. Even as the Father has always existed, so has the Son; Jesus Christ is every bit as much God as the Father, and They are One.

The claim that Jesus Christ is the Messiah has come under scrutiny, causing confusion even among members of God's church. Despite this, the evidence supporting His Messiahship is robust. The genealogy in Luke 3, likely tracing His biological lineage through Mary, is as valid a claim to David's throne as the one in Matthew 1, strengthening His claim by showing descent through two separate lines to David. Luke, writing primarily to Gentiles, emphasizes Jesus' humanity, presenting His natural family tree to demonstrate He shares humanness with all, making Him not only the Jews' Messiah but also the Gentiles' Messiah. His lineage through Mary connects Him universally to every man, highlighting His role as a Savior for all. Beyond lineage, numerous proofs affirm Jesus as the Messiah. The miracles, healings, resurrections, exorcisms, and other daily signs He performed are powerful evidence. The Father proclaimed Him as His Son, establishing Him as our Messiah. Jesus Himself acknowledged His role as the Messiah. Additionally, He fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophecies, an extraordinary feat that underscores His identity as the Christ. Above all, Jesus lived a perfect life, died for humanity's sins, rose on the third day, and ascended to heaven as our High Priest and soon-coming King, embodying the true qualities and actions of a Messiah. These infallible proofs leave no room for doubt about His identity.

Jesus Christ fulfilled the roles of both sacrificial animals in the Day of Atonement ritual. He died to provide a covering of blood and open the way to the Father, and He also bore the sins of many, taking them to the land of forgetfulness, the grave. His work is the expiation of mankind's sins, involving the atoning, cleansing, disannulling, purging, and putting away of sins. In Colossians, He is declared to have lifted up, taken away, and expiated the record that was against us, matching the role of the goat of departure. Hebrews 1:3 states that He, by Himself, purged our sins and sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, showing His work of purging sins is complete. Hebrews 9 and 10 resound with His work, explaining how He entered the Most Holy Place in heaven with His own blood, cleansing the heavenly sanctuary once for all. His sacrifice alone is sufficient to put away sin, cancelling it and bringing it to nothing for those who repent and come under His blood. Hebrews 10:10 affirms that we have been sanctified through the offering of His body once for all, and His sitting down at the right hand of God indicates the entire work regarding sacrifice, atonement, bearing sins, and removing transgression is already complete. When He appears a second time, it is apart from sin, bringing salvation, not to bring sins back into view. His sacrifice includes the removal of sins from consciousness, cleansing the consciences of those who accept Him.

Jesus Christ stands as the central figure of salvation, embodying a profound mystery that eludes those who do not deeply consider His significance. To many, He was an enigma: to His own brethren, He was not believed; to the average Jew, a mysterious yet likable figure performing fantastic deeds; to the Pharisees and Sadducees, an archrival and threat; to the Romans, a troublemaker; and to Pilate, harmless yet sacrificed to avoid unrest. Yet, His true identity and purpose transcend these limited views. He is revealed as Creator, Prophet, Priest, King, Redeemer of both physical and spiritual Israel, Savior, Deliverer, Provider, Healer, High Priest, and the Lamb of God, among over 200 guises in God's Word. At Passover, the focus narrows to Him as the sacrificed Lamb of God, slain for the sins of the whole world, the very object and goal of the Bible. Christ personifies perfect love and government, the ideal man, God in the flesh, and the standard for all to strive toward. He fulfilled the law perfectly, exemplifying God's desires in every action, and we are called to grow into His likeness, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. His life and works, detailed extensively in Scripture, offer a sharply defined guide for understanding Christianity, far beyond a vague concept of the Kingdom of God. He is the Creator with the Father from eternity, the Son who revealed the Father, the conqueror of satan, the soon-coming King, the Savior crucified and resurrected, the Firstborn, our elder Brother, the Captain of our salvation, the Head of the church, and our High Priest interceding at the Father's right hand. At Passover, the emphasis is on His blood, the precious sacrifice foreordained before the world's foundation, underscoring the immense value of His life given for forgiveness. This sacrifice seals God's covenant of salvation, validated by His blood, providing powerful evidence of God's seriousness and the means to forgive our sins. The cup at Passover symbolizes the blood He shed, representing the life He sacrificed to establish this agreement. His death and resurrection form the foundation of our faith, with His glorification as God's pledge of hope for our future. Christ's sacrifice is not merely to be remembered as a historical event but to be deeply considered for its significance. If treated as a mere ritual, its meaning is lost, failing to honor who He was and what He accomplished. His sinless life, lived with full understanding and intense temptation, yet in innocence and compassion, reveals the towering injustice of His death for us, stirring revulsion against sin and gratitude that motivates departure from it. He is everything we are not—Savior, Example, Lord, Intercessor, Brother, Teacher, Strength, and Salvation—focusing at this time on His sinless sacrifice to set us on the right path each sacred year. His offering, unlike animal sacrifices, has the power to cleanse sin and establish a New Covenant of unparalleled intimacy with our Creator, inspiring gratitude, worship, and obedience as the only fitting response to such a gift.

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, endured a most horrific death on a stauros or cross, a form of execution that was both gory and painful, often lasting for days. In His time, crucifixion was reserved for slaves and the worst criminals or enemies of the state, a punishment so gruesome that Roman citizens were usually exempted. Jesus had undoubtedly witnessed the remains of many crucifixions during His travels through Galilee and Judea, fully aware that He would one day experience it Himself. The Father planned for this specific type of execution to depict the horrors of sin and its consequences, necessitating that Jesus die in such a manner to be our Savior. Jesus' death was substitutionary, taking on the death penalty we earn for each sin we commit. This penalty could not be paid by a natural death but required execution, as sin cannot be forgiven without the shedding of blood. Thus, Jesus had to die by execution, and crucifixion was the Romans' preferred method. Pilate pronounced the judgment and sentenced Him to death, though Jesus was guilty of no crime or sin; our sins brought the death penalty upon us, and He took it upon Himself. God also allowed His Son to suffer crucifixion because it was a deeply shameful way to die, reserved for those considered the scum of the earth. Jesus was crucified between two robbers, and the typical passerby would have judged Him guilty by association. Sin causes shame, and Jesus died a shameful death to illustrate the disgrace brought by our sins. The process of crucifixion added to this shame, as victims were often left stark naked or with minimal covering, exposed to all who passed by. As a sinless and modest man, Jesus endured profound humiliation before His mother, the other women, the apostle John, and a multitude of spectators.

Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, was crucified as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. He is the propitiation by which we can enter into God's presence, paying the incalculable price for sin as provided by God, the righteous Judge. At Passover, the focus centers on Him as the Lamb of God, slain for the sins of the world, a human sacrifice of the most sublime quality. He is the Standard and Example toward whom we strive, embodying perfect love and government as the perfect Man and God in the flesh. The Bible portrays Jesus Christ in over two hundred guises, including Creator, Prophet, High Priest, King, Redeemer, Savior, Deliverer, Provider, Healer, Apostle, Judge, Avenger, and Forerunner. He is everything we are not yet strive to become, and we must keep His past and future accomplishments close in our minds. Though people could see and hear Him, they often could not understand who He was or the personal implications of His message. However, God has opened our minds to reveal the truth, making His teachings powerful, life-changing messages that depend on our active recognition of Him as Savior, King, and High Priest. The cup at Passover symbolizes the blood Jesus spilled in sacrificing His life, sealing God's agreement of salvation with us. His blood certifies His promise to justify us in preparation for salvation. Understanding His sacrifice properly determines the quality of our observance of Passover, and we must examine ourselves to discern His body, seriously reviewing our spiritual and moral failures in contrast to His perfect glory. He lived thirty-three and a half years without committing a single sin, and our focus at Passover should be on the payment for our sins through His sacrifice, not on ourselves. Passover forces us to focus on our weakness and His strength, our need and His abundance, our sinfulness and His perfection, our sentence of death and His offer of life. His sacrifice is the holy act, the essence of love, given as a gift to accomplish the Father's will. Unlike animal sacrifices, the sacrifice of the sinless God-Man, Jesus of Nazareth, has the power to cleanse from sin and establish a New Covenant based on an intimate personal relationship with our Creator. His death creates a sense of indebtedness and gratitude, motivating us to respond with worship and obedience. The theme of Passover is the awesome cost of salvation, manifested in the sinless sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His sinlessness was not mechanical but filled with sympathy, empathy, compassion, kindness, and concern for the helpless slaves of sin. His name is Savior, Redeemer, and Lamb of God, and His unique sacrifice, with the approval of the Father and His selfless participation, was enough for all time.

The central figure of Scripture is God Himself, particularly the Son, Jesus Christ, the Word. The real subject of the Word of God is our Savior and soon-coming King, Jesus Christ, and we must never allow this to stray far from the forefront of our minds. Everything in the Bible is about Him, as He Himself verified that the whole Old Testament and New Testament center on Him. He appears in specific prophecies, symbols like the sacrifices and Tabernacle furnishings, and as the anti-type of many Old Testament historical figures such as Isaac, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, and David. In the holy days, the most important aspect is their incisive focus on Jesus Christ. He told His disciples that the law, prophets, and Psalms speak of Him, emphasizing that He is the subject of the Old Testament. God wants our eyes on Christ first, as the feasts reveal the character and work of the Son of God, our Redeemer, High Priest, and King. He is everything, the Head without whom we do not function or exist. In I Corinthians 15, Paul plainly states that Christ is the firstfruits, the epitome of God's spiritual harvest through His resurrection. Christ is also our Passover and the bread of life for Unleavened Bread, pure and without sin. He fulfilled the type of the firstfruit of the harvest, paving the way for others whom God calls and chooses to be resurrected to spirit and glory in His image. In the Old Testament, the wave sheaf offering and Pentecost offering both revolve around firstfruits, with Christ as the initiator of the harvest. Scripture describes Him as the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep, the firstborn from the dead, indicating that others will follow as firstfruits to the Lord. Christ is first both chronologically and in quality, the preeminent Firstfruit, the model and standard for the elect to emulate on Pentecost. Jesus Christ called His disciples with the command to follow Him, setting the tone for their discipleship to imitate and conform to Him. He never strayed or sinned, always doing His Father's will, providing an example that ensures we cannot go wrong if we follow Him wisely. As the trailblazer, He forged the path through this world to glory, urging us to stay on His trail to reach the same destination. On the evening of Passover before His arrest, He spoke of going to His Father's house to prepare places of authority and service for His disciples, taking up the responsibility of preparing a people for God. He declared Himself the way, the truth, and the life, the sole path to the Father, a way that implies a continuous journey of many steps over time, not a singular event. On the first Pentecost after His resurrection, Jesus Christ was given responsibility over the Holy Spirit as the Firstfruit, dispensing it to those who repent and are baptized, as called by God the Father. He is motivated to have brethren, a bride, follow the path He forged, enabling them through the Spirit to walk to God's Kingdom by His leadership and example. Christ is the true vine, emphasizing our dependence on Him for all spiritual growth and fruit, without which we can do nothing. The truth is in Him, and we must put on Christ, walking as He walked to live in true holiness and righteousness. As our Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruit, He is the Archegos who leads and guides us in love, doing the heavy lifting in our walk of faith to the Kingdom of God. Our focus on Pentecost must be on Him, His example, instruction, gifts, help, and strength, as these make everything possible for us to become firstfruits after His manner.

Jesus Christ stands as the central and most vital part of our spiritual foundation. He is the Chief Cornerstone, as emphasized in Ephesians 2:20, anchoring and supporting the entire structure of God's spiritual Temple. His teaching underlies all other spiritual truth in God's Word, serving as the touchstone for everything else. If there is ever a question about what is written, we should lean on what He says first, for He is the Word and the Boss, whose explanations often bring clarity in simpler terms. In I Corinthians 3:11, it is confirmed that no other foundation can be laid than that which is laid in Jesus Christ. He is the principal part, the first and most important, ensuring that any foundation not faithfully conveying His true gospel is flawed and will not support what is built upon it. As the Chief Cornerstone, He is like the massive, weighty stones of the Temple, cut to precise specifications, holding up the entire edifice without need for mortar, firm and immovable. In Isaiah 28:16, God declares Him a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, and a sure foundation. He has been thoroughly tested and found perfect, or He serves as the standard against which we are tested. His preciousness reflects His rare excellence and priceless value, with every aspect of His character, works, and gifts being of ultimate worth. As a sure foundation, He is the foundation of foundations, unyielding and unshakable, ensuring that those who believe in Him will not be put to shame. Psalm 118:22-23 portrays Him as the head of the corner, laid by God to provide real salvation. His role as the Chief Cornerstone made the day of salvation possible, a marvelous work completed through His life, death, and resurrection, assuring salvation to those who stand on Him. In Deuteronomy 30:20, He is declared our life and the length of our days, offering eternal extension through His strength. Through His 'I AM' statements in the book of John, His significance to our lives is further revealed. As the Bread of Life, He sustains us spiritually, requiring us to deeply assimilate His teachings into our character. As the Light of the World, He illuminates the path to righteousness, revealing truth and guiding us toward the Kingdom of God. As the Door of the Sheep, He provides access to salvation, protection, separation from the world, fellowship with the Father, and abundant life in our daily activities. As the Good Shepherd, He cares intimately for each of us, knowing us by name and leading us safely to our destination, even laying down His life for our needs. As the Resurrection and the Life, He guarantees our rising from the dead and living forever, ensuring immortality and incorruption. As the Way, the Truth, and the Life, He is the means to salvation, the embodiment of truth, and the source of real life, providing access to the Father through His example. As the True Vine, He supplies the life and nutrients we need to produce fruit, connecting us organically to Him and the Father, urging us to submit to divine discipline to remain fruitful. As the King of kings, He holds supreme authority, demanding our obedience as our Lord and Master. Finally, as the 'I AM,' He is God Himself, the Creator, the Almighty One, the perfect and Holy One, forming the unshakable base of our faith, ensuring we need never feel ashamed when we build our lives upon Him.

Jesus Christ is identified as The Rock, a central and enduring image of God throughout biblical narrative. He is The Rock of the Old Testament, the same as The Word, Jesus Christ, who supplied Israel with manna and water, led them across the wilderness, delivered them from all their enemies, and placed them in the land of promise. He remains unchanged, the same yesterday, today, and forever, possessing the same powers and character now as He did then, dealing with us as He dealt with them. As The Rock, Jesus Christ continues to provide for His people, offering gushing rivers of living water, symbolizing the essence of God that sustains each Christian and enables a godly life leading to eternal life. He sits at the right hand of God as our heavenly High Priest, dispensing this vital sustenance as much as we need and can handle. Jesus Christ is The Rock on which the church of God is founded, a sure and immovable foundation. He is the massive, craggy mountain on which the church is built, ensuring that when rains descend and floods come, those built on Him will not be washed away. He is the chief cornerstone, the Author and Finisher of our faith, underlying everything and making everything work for salvation. To those who are disobedient, Jesus Christ becomes a Rock of Offense, an obstruction in the path that cannot be bypassed or broken without injury. In a future aspect, He is the Stone cut out without hands that smites the nations, returning with a rod of iron to slay those who come against Him. If one falls on this Stone, they may be broken and humbled but can be saved; however, on whoever The Rock falls, it grinds to destruction, showing His side of judgment and destruction to those who reject Him.

Jesus Christ is central to our transformation, as reflected in the principle, "As He is, so are we in this world." This signifies that we are being conformed not to Jesus the man, but to the risen Jesus Christ, embodying His current divine state. He has entrusted His reputation and honor to us, expecting us to bear His image, even now, in varying degrees. This image grows through our labor and fellowship with Him, ensuring that in the resurrection, the likeness will be perfected as we see Him as He is. His words are spirit and life, providing a dimension to existence beyond mere physical sustenance. Jesus Christ emphasized that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. His teachings form the foundation of our thinking, shaping our conduct and determining what we become. Through His Word, we are infused with boldness and confidence, becoming His living likeness in this world. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus Christ is portrayed as a king, the lawful heir of the promises made to Abraham through David. Introduced as the Son of David and Son of Abraham, He confirms these promises and is the heir of all things. His genealogy highlights His kingly line, uniquely including four women—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba—whose profound influence shapes the narrative of His lineage. Matthew emphasizes His authority as King, presenting Him as born King of the Jews, with events like the wise men bringing gifts to honor Him, fitting for a ruler. His baptism in Matthew occurs within the context of John the Baptist preaching the kingdom of heaven, establishing His royal mission. During His temptation, Jesus Christ proves Himself a worthy heir by overcoming satan, qualifying Him to be King. The Sermon on the Mount further unfolds the principles and laws of His Kingdom, magnifying the law to a higher standard and showcasing His authority to redefine righteousness. Terms like "kingdom of heaven" and "righteousness" dominate Matthew, underscoring the divine origin and moral standard of His rule, distinct from earthly kingdoms. Matthew also depicts Jesus Christ in His power, healing diseases, calming nature, and commanding demons, yet facing rejection from the people despite these wonders. His parables, uniquely numerous in Matthew, often relate to the Kingdom, reinforcing His authority. Only in Matthew is the church mentioned, linking it to those who recognize and submit to His rule, anticipating their place in the Kingdom of God. Ultimately, Jesus Christ is presented as the legitimate heir of God's promises, contrasting with us who become heirs only through Him by election and adoption. His Kingdom, rooted in heaven, demands our loyalty to Him and the Father, not to earthly powers. Our future is to become kings in His image, embodying a righteousness that exceeds human capacity, achievable only through fellowship with Him and the Father.

Jesus Christ stands as the central figure in the study of Scripture, revealing the true meaning of God's Word through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. In Luke 24:44-45, He opened the minds of His disciples to understand the Old Testament prophecies and teachings concerning Himself, demonstrating that all Scriptures, from Moses to the prophets, point to Him. He fulfilled numerous prophecies during His lifetime and is anticipated to fulfill many more upon His return. His presence is evident throughout the Old Testament, often appearing as the Angel of the Lord or as God interacting with figures like Abraham, Moses, Joshua, and Daniel, engaging with them in profound ways. In John 5:46, Jesus Christ asserts that the writings of Moses and the prophets are filled with references to Him, positioning Him as the core theme of both the Old and New Testaments. As the God of the Old Testament, He is frequently the One speaking to the prophets, addressing Israel's sins and guiding them with His character. Beyond direct appearances and prophecies, He is the object of sacrifices and the central focus of the Tabernacle's furnishings, embodying their spiritual significance. Various Old Testament figures, such as Isaac, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, and David, serve as types of Christ, reflecting aspects of His life and character through their actions and experiences. Specific events, like Abraham's offering of Isaac, the Passover lamb, the bronze serpent in the wilderness, and the manna from heaven, foreshadow His sacrificial death and redemptive work. Jesus Christ Himself confirmed these connections, as seen in His teachings about being lifted up like the bronze serpent and providing true sustenance as the bread of life. In the context of the holy days, particularly the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the focus remains on Jesus Christ. In I Corinthians 5, Paul identifies Him as our Passover, sacrificed for us, and extends this imagery to Unleavened Bread, urging believers to keep the feast with sincerity and truth, reflecting Christ's inward purity and outward righteousness. In John 6, He declares Himself the bread of life, emphasizing the need to consume Him spiritually through His teachings and character to attain eternal life. This act of ingesting Him daily fosters spiritual growth, mirroring the physical act of eating unleavened bread every day of the feast. Jesus Christ's role as the bread of life is further highlighted in I John 2:3-6, where believers are encouraged to know Him and walk as He walked, integrating His character into their lives. His agency is evident in the calling and teaching of God's people, as seen in John 6:44-45, where He draws individuals to Himself for instruction in righteousness. Throughout the holy days, His actions—redeeming, leading, and sustaining—parallel God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, underscoring His love and faithfulness. In Colossians 1:9 and Hebrews 13, Jesus Christ is portrayed as the One who leads believers to holiness and righteousness, preparing them for the Kingdom of God through His mercy, love, and providence. He is the Archegos, the leader who bears the heavy burden of guiding His followers in their walk of faith, ensuring their path ends in glory. Thus, the essence of these observances and Scriptures continually points to Him as the source of spiritual life and the ultimate focus of God's redemptive plan.

The Bible presents Jesus Christ as central to its message, with His life and significance woven throughout its pages. In Revelation 2:17, He promises hidden manna to those who overcome, symbolizing spiritual nourishment that requires effort to uncover, akin to the Word of God that sustains and strengthens. This hidden manna, unlike the easily found manna of the Israelites, suggests a special blessing for those who persevere and obey, deepening their faith and understanding of Him. In John 6, manna is compared to the Word of God, personified in Jesus Christ, highlighting His role as the spiritual sustenance for believers. Ephesians 3:14-19 reveals the purpose of God's Word as enabling Christ to dwell in our hearts through faith, allowing us to grasp the vast dimensions of His love and be filled with the fullness of God. This process of transformation is gradual, requiring effort to uncover the hidden beauties of His revelation, aligning us more closely with His image. Isaac, as a type of Christ, demonstrates access to life-giving wells of water, which the world attempts to obstruct, symbolizing persecution against those who seek the true source of spiritual nourishment. The four accounts of Jesus' ministry in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are not merely supplementary but show Him in distinct relationships, each biography contributing uniquely to a fuller understanding of His life and purpose. The entirety of the Bible serves as a biography of Jesus Christ, offering many streams of insight beyond just His public ministry. In Matthew 24:23-26, Christ warns of false christs and prophets who will deceive many, emphasizing that those with a comprehensive grasp of Him will not be misled during spiritually deceptive times. Ephesians 4:11-16 underscores the ministry's role in equipping believers to grow into the fullness of Christ, protecting them from deceit and fostering unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God. Before we can reflect His image, we must see it clearly through persistent study of His Word. Revelation 4:6-8 describes four living creatures symbolizing different aspects of Christ's life, each incomplete on its own but essential to a holistic understanding of Him as a man. These symbols, tied to the gospels, reveal His glory, encouraging believers to seek a deeper vision of who He is. Through Numbers 2, the banners of the tribes of Israel—lion for Judah, man for Reuben, ox for Ephraim, and eagle for Dan—further connect to these representations, illustrating various facets of Christ's identity and mission.

Some in the church of God have begun to doubt the traditional teaching regarding the physical and spiritual makeup of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This issue was a significant controversy in the first-century church, especially when beliefs like Docetism, suggesting Jesus was physical but Christ was a separate spiritual being, began to spread. In addressing John 2:19, where Jesus says, 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,' the question arises of how He could be both fully man and fully God simultaneously. Additionally, if Jesus were dead, how could He raise Himself from the dead? Scriptures confirm that death is a state without awareness, as seen in I Corinthians 15:3 where Paul states Christ died for our sins, and in Revelation 1:18 where Jesus Himself declares, 'I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.' If Jesus was unaware in death, it is impossible for Him to have raised Himself. Acts 2:24 clarifies that God raised Jesus up, loosing the pains of death, as it was not possible for death to hold Him. This is reiterated twenty-three times in Scripture, showing that Jesus could not perform the resurrection Himself because He was dead. In John 2:19, Jesus speaks metaphorically of His Body as the temple, representing the church. The true meaning is that His physical body at that time was the extent of His church, being its only member. Once the Father resurrected Him, and He became Mediator and High Priest, He raised a body of believers, the Temple of God, of which we are part, fulfilling His statement in Matthew 16:18 that the gates of Hades shall not prevail against His church. Regarding whether Jesus was fully God, Scripture identifies Him as God, with names like Immanuel, meaning God with us, and as the Word who was God in John 1:1-3. Jesus Himself states in John 8:58, 'Before Abraham was, I AM.' Yet, no scripture explicitly claims He was fully God during His human life. In John 17:5, He prays to the Father to restore the glory He had before the world was, implying a glory He lacked as a human but possessed when He was with the Father before His incarnation. This suggests that while He was God absolutely, there was a distinction in His divinity during His time as a man.