JESUS CHRIST – THE ONLY LORD – GOD THE SON

“Behold, a voice from heaven said, this is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased and delighted!” – Matt. 3:17.

“In the beginning was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being.” – John 1: 1-3.

“And the Word (Christ) became flesh and lived among us; and we saw His glory, glory as belongs to the only begotten Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14.

“To Him (our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ) be glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” – 2 Pet. 3:18.

I. JESUS CHRIST IS GOD – JEHOVAH

CHRIST AS JEHOVAH

A voice of one is calling out,
“Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness [remove the obstacles];
Make straight and smooth in the desert a highway for our God.” – Isa. 40:3.

This is the one who was mentioned by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “THE VOICE OF ONE SHOUTING IN THE WILDERNESS,
‘PREPARE THE ROAD FOR THE LORD,
MAKE HIS HIGHWAYS STRAIGHT (level, direct)!” – Matt. 3:3.

CHRIST AS JEHOVAH – IMMANUEL

Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Listen carefully, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will call his name Immanuel (God with us). – Isa. 7:14.

“BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND GIVE BIRTH TO A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL”—which, when translated, means, “GOD WITH US.” – Matt. 1:23.

CHRIST AS JEHOVAH – THE FIRST AND LAST

For the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts says this, ‘I am the First and I am the Last;
And there is no God besides Me. – Isa.44:6.

When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. And He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last [absolute Deity, the Son of God], – Rev.1:17.

CHRIST AS JEHOVAH – THE SHEPHERD

He will protect His flock like a shepherd, He will gather the lambs in His arm, He will carry them in His bosom; He will gently and carefully lead those nursing their young. – Isa. 40:11.

Now may the God of peace [the source of serenity and spiritual well-being] who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood that sealed and ratified the eternal covenant, – Heb. 13:20.

CHRIST INVOKED AS JEHOVAH

AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD [invoking, adoring, and worshiping the Lord Jesus] SHALL BE SAVED (rescued spiritually). – Acts 2:21.

To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified (set apart, made holy) in Christ Jesus, who are selected and called as saints (God’s people), together with all those who in every place call on and honor the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: – 1 Cor. 1:2.

CHRIST AS THE GREAT GOD AND SAVIOUR

“But I will have mercy on the house of Judah and will rescue them by the LORD their God, and will not rescue them by bow, sword, war, horses, or horsemen.” – Hos. 1:7.

awaiting and confidently expecting the [fulfillment of our] blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, – Titus 2:13.

CHRIST AS GOD OVERALL

Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness (virtue, morality, justice) and hated wickedness;
Therefore God, your God, has anointed You
Above Your companions with the oil of jubilation. – Ps. 45:6-7.

To them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to His natural descent, came the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), He who is exalted and supreme over all, God blessed forever. Amen. – Rom. 9:5.

CHRIST AS THE TRUE GOD

And we [have seen and] know [by personal experience] that the Son of God has [actually] come [to this world] and has given us understanding and insight so that we may [progressively and personally] know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true—in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. – 1 John 5:20.

CHRIST AS ETERNAL GOD AND CREATOR

But about the Son [the Father says to Him], “YOUR THRONE, O GOD, IS FOREVER AND EVER,
AND THE SCEPTER OF [absolute] RIGHTEOUSNESS IS THE SCEPTER OF HIS KINGDOM. “YOU HAVE LOVED RIGHTEOUSNESS [integrity, virtue, uprightness in purpose] AND HAVE HATED LAWLESSNESS [injustice, sin].
THEREFORE GOD, YOUR GOD, HAS ANOINTED YOU
WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS ABOVE YOUR COMPANIONS.”
And “YOU, LORD, LAID THE FOUNDATION OF THE EARTH IN THE BEGINNING,
AND THE HEAVENS ARE THE WORKS OF YOUR HANDS; THEY WILL PERISH, BUT YOU REMAIN [forever and ever];
AND THEY WILL ALL WEAR OUT LIKE A GARMENT, AND LIKE A ROBE, YOU WILL ROLL THEM UP;
LIKE A GARMENT THEY WILL BE CHANGED.
BUT YOU ARE THE SAME [forever],
AND YOUR YEARS WILL NEVER END.” – Heb. 1:8-12.

CHRIST AS OMNIPOTENT

Strap Your sword on Your thigh, O mighty One, In Your splendor and Your majesty! – Ps. 45:3.

who, by exerting that power which enables Him even to subject everything to Himself, will [not only] transform [but completely refashion] our earthly bodies so that they will be like His glorious, resurrected body. – Phil. 3:21.

I am the Alpha and the Omega [the Beginning and the End],” says the Lord God, “Who is [existing forever] and Who was [continually existing in the past] and Who is to come, the Almighty [the Omnipotent, the Ruler of all].” – Rev.1:8.

CHRIST AS OMNIPRESENT

Nathanael said to Jesus, “How do You know [these things about] me?” Jesus answered, “Before Philip called you, when you were still under the fig tree, I saw you. – John 1:48.

“For where two or three are gathered in My name [meeting together as My followers], I am there among them.” – Matt.18:20.

teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age. – Matt. 28:20.

CHRIST AS OMNISCIENT

“Now we know that You know all things and have no need for anyone to question You; because of this we believe [without any doubt] that you came from God.” – John 16:30.

He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with a deep, personal affection for Me, as for a close friend]?” Peter was grieved that He asked him the third time, “Do you [really] love Me [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend]?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You [with a deep, personal affection, as for a close friend].” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. Our Times Are in His Hand – John 21:17.

But Jesus, for His part, did not entrust Himself to them, because He knew all people [and understood the superficiality and fickleness of human nature], and He did not need anyone to testify concerning man [and human nature], for He Himself knew what was in man [in their hearts—in the very core of their being]. – John 2:24-25.

And I will kill her children (followers) with pestilence [thoroughly annihilating them], and all the churches will know [without any doubt] that I am He who searches the minds and hearts [the innermost thoughts, purposes]; and I will give to each one of you [a reward or punishment] according to your deeds. – Rev. 2:23.

CHRIST AS GOD, THE JUDGE

So do not go on passing judgment before the appointed time, but wait until the Lord comes, for He will both bring to light the [secret] things that are hidden in darkness and disclose the motives of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God. – 1 Cor. 4:5.

For we [believers will be called to account and] must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be repaid for what has been done in the body, whether good or bad [that is, each will be held responsible for his actions, purposes, goals, motives—the use or misuse of his time, opportunities and abilities]. – 2 Cor. 5:10.

I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: – 2 Tim. 4:1.

CHRIST AS GOD, THE OWNER OF ALL THINGS

All things that the Father has are Mine. Because of this I said that He [the Spirit] will take from what is Mine and will reveal it to you. – John 16:15.

CHRIST AS GOD, THE CREATOR OF ALL THINGS

Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become tired or grow weary;
There is no searching of His understanding. – Isa.40:28.

All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. – John 1:3.

For by Him all things were created in heaven and on earth, [things] visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [that is, by His activity] and for Him. – Col. 1:16.

He has in these last days spoken [with finality] to us in [the person of One who is by His character and nature] His Son [namely Jesus], whom He appointed heir and lawful owner of all things, through whom also He created the universe [that is, the universe as a space-time-matter continuum]. – Heb. 1:2.

CHRIST AS GOD, THE SUPPORTER AND PRESERVER OF ALL THINGS

[And Ezra said],
“You are the LORD, You alone;
You have made the heavens,
The heaven of heavens with all their host (the heavenly bodies),
The earth and everything that is on it,
The seas and everything that is in them.
You give life to all of them,
And the heavenly host is bowing down [in worship] to You. – Neh. 9:6.

And He Himself existed and is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. [His is the controlling, cohesive force of the universe.] – Col. 1:17.

The Son is the radiance and only expression of the glory of [our awesome] God [reflecting God’s Shekinah glory, the Light-being, the brilliant light of the divine], and the exact representation and perfect imprint of His [Father’s] essence, and upholding and maintaining and propelling all things [the entire physical and spiritual universe] by His powerful word [carrying the universe along to its predetermined goal]. When He [Himself and no other] had [by offering Himself on the cross as a sacrifice for sin] accomplished purification from sins and established our freedom from guilt, He sat down [revealing His completed work] at the right hand of the Majesty on high [revealing His Divine authority], – Heb.1:3.

CHRIST AS MIGHTY GOD

For to us a Child shall be born, to us a Son shall be given;
And the government shall be upon His shoulder,
And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isa. 9:6.

CHRIST IS GOD – THE WORD

In the beginning [before all-time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. – John 1:1.

II. CHRIST IS SON OF GOD

GOD – THE WORD	SON OF GOD – JESUS CHRIST
In the beginning was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was in the beginning with God. – John 1:1-2.	The Word (Christ) became flesh and lived among us, and we saw His glory, glory as belongs to the only begotten Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. – John 1:14.

CHRIST IS SON OF GOD – WORD BECAME FLESH

And the Word (Christ) became flesh and lived among us; and we [actually] saw His glory, glory as belongs to the [One and] only begotten Son of the Father, [the Son who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, who is] full of grace and truth (absolutely free of deception). – John 1:14.

No one has seen God [His essence, His divine nature] at any time; the [One and] only begotten God [that is, the unique Son] who is in the intimate presence of the Father, He has explained Him [and interpreted and revealed the awesome wonder of the Father]. – John 1:18.

“For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him [as personal Savior and Lord] is not judged [for this one, there is no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation]; but the one who does not believe [and has decided to reject Him as personal Savior and Lord] is judged already [that one has been convicted and sentenced], because he has not believed and trusted in the name of the [One and] only begotten Son of God [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, the One who alone can save him]. – John 3:16-18.

By this the love of God was displayed in us, in that God has sent His [One and] only begotten Son [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind] into the world so that we might live through Him. – 1 John 4:9.

And the high priest said to Him, “I call on You to swear a binding oath by the living God, that you tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him, “You have [in fact] said it; but more than that I tell you [regardless of what you do with Me now], in the future you will see [Me revealed as] THE SON OF MAN SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.” – Matt.26:63-67.

III. CHARACTER OF LORD JESUS CHRIST

CHRIST IS HOLY

Then the angel replied to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you [like a cloud]; for that reason the holy (pure, sinless) Child shall be called the Son of God. – Luke 1:35.

For in this city there were gathered together against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined [before the creation of the world] to occur [and so without knowing it, they served Your own purpose]. – Acts 4:27.

And to the angel (divine messenger) of the church in Philadelphia write:

“These are the words of the Holy One, the True One, He who has the key [to the house] of David, He who opens and no one will [be able to] shut, and He who shuts and no one opens: – Rev. 3:7.

CHRIST IS LIGHT

In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it]. – John 1:4-5.

CHRIST IS GREAT

awaiting and confidently expecting the [fulfillment of our] blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, – Titus 2:13.

CHRIST IS IMMORTAL

Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” But He was speaking of the temple which was His body. John 2:19,21.

For this reason, the Father loves Me, because I lay down My [own] life so that I may take it back. “No one takes it away from Me, but I lay it down voluntarily. I am authorized and have power to lay it down and to give it up, and I am authorized and have power to take it back. This command I have received from My Father.” – John 10:17-18.

But God raised Him up, releasing Him and bringing an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in death’s power. Acts 2:24.

CHRIST IS UNSEARCHABLE

All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one fully knows and accurately understands the Son except the Father; and no one fully knows and accurately understands the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son [deliberately] wills to reveal Him. – Matt. 11:27.

CHRIST IS TRUE

He who speaks on his own accord seeks glory and honor for himself. But He who seeks the glory and the honor of the One who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness or deception in Him. – John 7:18.

CHRIST IS GOOD

And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what [essentially] good thing shall I do to obtain eternal life [that is, eternal salvation in the Messiah’s kingdom]?” – Matt. 19:16.

CHRIST IS JUST

I can do nothing on my own initiative or authority. Just as I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just (fair, righteous, unbiased), because I do not seek My own will, but only the will of Him who sent Me. – John 5:30.

CHRIST IS RIGHTEOUS

As a result of the anguish of His soul,
He shall see it and be satisfied;
By His knowledge [of what He has accomplished] the Righteous One,
My Servant, shall justify the many [making them righteous—upright before God, in right standing with Him],
For He shall bear [the responsibility for] their sins. – Isa. 53:11.

“YOU HAVE LOVED RIGHTEOUSNESS [integrity, virtue, uprightness in purpose] AND HAVE HATED LAWLESSNESS [injustice, sin].
THEREFORE GOD, YOUR GOD, HAS ANOINTED YOU
WITH THE OIL OF GLADNESS ABOVE YOUR COMPANIONS.” – Heb.1:9.

CHRIST IS GLORIOUS

None of the rulers of this age recognized and understood this wisdom; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; – 1 Cor. 2:8.

My fellow believers do not practice your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of partiality [toward people—show no favoritism, no prejudice, no snobbery]. – James 2:1.

CHRIST IS GRACIOUS

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting comfort and encouragement and the good [well-founded] hope [of salvation] by His grace, – 2 Thess. 2:16.

CHRIST IS ZEALOUS

And He answered, “Why did you have to look for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” – Luke 2:49.

His disciples remembered that it is written [in the Scriptures], “ZEAL (love, concern) FOR YOUR HOUSE [and its honor] WILL CONSUME ME.” – John 2:17.

“And He who sent Me is [always] with Me; He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.” – John 8:29.

CHRIST IS FAITHFUL

And righteousness will be the belt around His loins,
And faithfulness the belt around His waist. – Isa.11:5.

Faithful and absolutely trustworthy is He who is calling you [to Himself for your salvation], and He will do it [He will fulfill His call by making you holy, guarding you, watching over you, and protecting you as His own]. – 1 Thess. 5:24.

CHRIST IS MERCIFUL

Therefore, it was essential that He had to be made like His brothers (mankind) in every respect, so that He might [by experience] become a merciful and faithful High Priest in things related to God, to make atonement (propitiation) for the people’s sins [thereby wiping away the sin, satisfying divine justice, and providing a way of reconciliation between God and mankind]. – Heb. 2:17.

CHRIST IS GUILELESS

His grave was assigned with the wicked,
But He was with a rich man in His death,
Because He had done no violence,
Nor was there any deceit in His mouth. – Isa. 53:9.

HE COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS DECEIT EVER FOUND IN HIS MOUTH. – 1 Pet. 2:22.

CHRIST IS SINLESS

Which one of you [has proof and] convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me? – John 8:46.

He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness]. – 2 Cor. 5:21.

CHRIST IS SPOTLESS

but [you were actually purchased] with precious blood, like that of a [sacrificial] lamb unblemished and spotless, the priceless blood of Christ. 1 Pet. 1:19.

CHRIST IS HARMLESS

It was fitting for us to have such a High Priest [perfectly adapted to our needs], holy, blameless, unstained [by sin], separated from sinners and exalted higher than the heavens; – Heb. 7:26.

CHRIST IS INNOCENT

saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They replied, “What is that to us? See to that yourself!” – Matt. 27:4.

CHRIST IS HUMBLE

For who is the greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves. – Luke 22:27.

After He was found in [terms of His] outward appearance as a man [for a divinely appointed time], He humbled Himself [still further] by becoming obedient [to the Father] to the point of death, even death on a cross. – Phil. 2:8.

CHRIST IS MEEK

He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He did not open His mouth [to complain or defend Himself];
Like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
And like a sheep that is silent before her shearers, So, He did not open His mouth. – Isa. 53:7.

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion!
Shout aloud, O Daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King (Messianic King) is coming to you;
He is righteous and endowed with salvation, Humble and unassuming [in submission to the will of the Father] and riding on a donkey, Upon a colt, the foal of a donkey. – Zech. 9:9.

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST (renewal, blessed quiet) FOR YOUR SOULS. – Matt. 11:29.

CHRIST IS PATIENT

But Jesus did not reply to him, not even to a single accusation, so that the governor was greatly astonished. – Matt. 27:14.

CHRIST IS RESIGNED

saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup [of divine wrath] from Me; yet not My will, but [always] Yours be done.” – Luke 22:42.

CHRIST IS COMPASSIONATE

He will protect His flock like a shepherd, He will gather the lambs in His arm, He will carry them in His bosom; He will gently and carefully lead those nursing their young. – Isa. 40:11.

As He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it [and the spiritual ignorance of its people], – Luke 19:41.

CHRIST IS BENEVOLENT

And He went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news (gospel) of the kingdom and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people [demonstrating and revealing that He was indeed the promised Messiah].
So, the news about Him spread throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all who were sick, those suffering with various diseases and pains, those under the power of demons, and epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them. – Matt. 4:23-24.

CHRIST IS LOVING

Now before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that His hour had come [and it was time] for Him to leave this world and return to the Father. Having [greatly] loved His own who were in the world, He loved them [and continuously loves them with His perfect love] to the end (eternally). – John 13:1.

No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends. – John 15:13.

CHRIST IS FORGIVING

And Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing His clothes among themselves. – Luke 23:34.

CHRIST IS LONG SUFFERING

Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost [of sinners], Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example or pattern for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. – 1 Tim. 1:16.

CHRIST IS SELF-DENYING

Jesus replied to him, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” – Matt. 8:20.

For you are recognizing [more clearly] the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [His astonishing kindness, His generosity, His gracious favor], that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich (abundantly blessed). – 2 Cor. 8:9.

CHRIST IS LOWLY IN HEART

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST (renewal, blessed quiet) FOR YOUR SOULS. – Matt. 11:29.

CHRIST RESISTED TEMPTATION

The Temptation of Jesus
Then Jesus was led by the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After He had gone without food for forty days and forty nights, He became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But Jesus replied, “It is written and forever remains written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT COMES OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’”
Then the devil took Him into the holy city [Jerusalem] and placed Him on the pinnacle (highest point) of the temple. And he said [mockingly] to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU [to serve, care for, protect and watch over You]’; and ‘THEY WILL LIFT YOU UP ON their HANDS,
SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.’”
Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written and forever remains written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT TEST THE LORD YOUR GOD.’”
Again, the devil took Him up on a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory [splendor, magnificence, and excellence] of them; and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written and forever remains written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.” – Matt.4:1-10.

CHRIST – OBEDIENT TO GOD, THE FATHER

“I delight to do Your will, O my God;
Your law is within my heart.” – Ps. 40:8.

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to completely finish His work. – John 4:34.

If you keep My commandments and obey My teaching, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. – John 15:10.

CHRIST – SUBJECT TO HIS PARENTS

He went down to Nazareth with them, and was continually submissive and obedient to them; – Luke 2:51.

SAINTS ARE CONFORMED TO

For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many believers. – Rom. 8:29.

IV. LORD JESUS CHRIST REVEALS GOD’S CHARACTER

Men cannot see God, but in the life and acts and words of the Lord Jesus we have a complete revelation of God’s character. One of the great purposes He had in coming to earth was to reveal just what God the Father is like.

JEHOVAH – GOD THE FATHER	JEHOVAH – GOD THE SON (SON OF GOD)
HOLY – Ps.99:9, Isa.5:16.	HOLY – Luke 1:35, Acts 4:27, Rev.3:7.
LOVE – 1 John 4:8,16.	LOVE – John 13:1, 15:13.
ETERNAL – Deut. 33:27, Ps. 90:2, Rev. 4:8-10.	ETERNAL – Heb. 1:8-12.
OMNIPOTENT – Gen.17:1, Ex.6:3.	OMNIPOTENT – Phil. 3:21, Rev.1:8.
OMNIPRESENT – Ps. 139:7-10, Jer.23:24.	OMNIPRESENT – John 1:48, Matt.18:20, Matt. 28:20.
OMNISCIENT – Ps. 139: 1-6, Prov.5:21.	OMNISCIENT – John 16:30, John 21:17, John 2:24-25, Rev. 2:23.
RIGHTEOUS – Ezra 9:15, Ps. 145:17.	RIGHTEOUS – Isa. 53:11, Heb.1:9.
GOOD – Ps. 25:8, 119:68.	GOOD – Matt. 19:16.
COMPASSSIONATE – 2 Kings 13:23.	COMPASSSIONATE – Isa. 40:11, Luke 19:41.
MERCIFUL – Ex. 34:6-7, Ps. 116:5.	MERCIFUL – Heb. 2:17.
FAITHFUL – 1 Cor.10:13, 1 Pet. 4:19.	FAITHFUL – Isa.11:5, 1 Thess. 5:24.
TRUE – Jer. 10:10, John 17:3.	TRUE – John 1:14, John 7:18, 1 John 5:20.
JUST – Deut. 32:4, Isa. 45:21.	JUST – John 5:30.
GLORIOUS – Ex. 15:11, Ps. 145:5.	GLORIOUS – 1 Cor. 2:8, James 2:1.
GREAT – 2 Chron. 2:5, Ps. 86:10.	GREAT – Titus 2:13.
LIGHT – Isa. 60:19.	LIGHT – John1: 4-5.
IMMORTAL – 1 Tim. 1:17.	IMMORTAL – John 2:19,21, John 10:17-18, Acts 2:24.
GRACIOUS – EX. 34:6, Ps.116:5.	GRACIOUS – 2 Thess. 2:16.
UNSEARCHABLE – Job 11:7,37:23, Ps.145:3, Isa.40:28.	UNSEARCHABLE – Matt. 11:27.
LONG SUFFERING – Num. 14:18, Mic.7:1.	LONG SUFFERING – 1 Tim. 1:16.

V. CHRIST – THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH

PREDICTED

The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief corner stone. – Ps. 118:22.

Jesus asked them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘THE [very] STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED and THREW AWAY,
HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE;
THIS IS THE LORD’s DOING,
AND IT IS MARVELOUS and WONDERFUL IN OUR EYES’? – Matt. 21:42.

APPOINTED BY GOD

And He put all things [in every realm] in subjection under Christ’s feet and appointed Him as [supreme and authoritative] head over all things in the church, – Eph. 1:22.

DECLARED BY HIMSELF

AS HIS MYSTICAL BODY

[and He did this] to fully equip and perfect the saints (God’s people) for works of service, to build up the body of Christ [the church]; – Eph. 4:12.

But speaking the truth in love [in all things—both our speech and our lives expressing His truth], let us grow up in all things into Him [following His example] who is the Head—Christ. – Eph. 4:15.

For the husband is head of the wife, as Christ is head of the church, Himself being the Savior of the body. – Eph. 5:23.

HAS THE PRE-EMINENCE IN ALL THINGS

But I want you to understand that Christ is the head (authority over) of every man, and man is the head of woman, and God is the head of Christ. – 1 Cor. 11:3.

And He put all things [in every realm] in subjection under Christ’s feet and appointed Him as [supreme and authoritative] head over all things in the church, – Eph. 1:22.

COMMISSIONED HIS APOSTLES

Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority and power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. Matt. 10:1.

And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ – Matt. 10:7.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, – Matt. 28:19.

Then Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you [as My representatives].” – John 20:21.

INSTITUTED THE ORDINANCES

And when He had taken bread and given thanks, He broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” And in the same way He took the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup, which is poured out for you, is the new covenant [ratified] in My blood. – Luke 22:19-20.

IMPARTS GIFTS

You have ascended on high, You have led away captive Your captives;
You have received gifts among men,
Even from the rebellious also, that the LORD God may dwell there. – Ps. 68:18.

Therefore, it says, “WHEN HE ASCENDED ON HIGH,
HE LED CAPTIVITY CAPTIVE,
AND HE BESTOWED GIFTS ON MEN.” – Eph. 4:8.

SAINTS ARE COMPLETE IN CHRIST

And in Him you have been made complete [achieving spiritual stature through Christ], and He is the head over all rule and authority [of every angelic and earthly power]. – Col. 2:10.

PERVERTERS OF THE TRUTH DO NOT HOLD

Let no one defraud you of your prize [your freedom in Christ and your salvation] by insisting on mock humility and the worship of angels, going into detail about visions [he claims] he has seen [to justify his authority], puffed up [in conceit] by his unspiritual mind, and not holding fast to the head [of the body, Jesus Christ], from whom the entire body, supplied and knit together by its joints and ligaments, grows with the growth [that can come only] from God. – Col. 2:18-19.

VI. CHRIST – THE HIGH PRIEST

APPOINTED AND CALLED BY GOD

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, [thoughtfully and attentively] consider the Apostle and High Priest whom we confessed [as ours when we accepted Him as Savior], namely, Jesus; He was faithful to Him who appointed Him [Apostle and High Priest], as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house. – Heb. 3:1-2.

And besides, one does not appropriate for himself the honor [of being high priest], but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was.
So too Christ did not glorify Himself so as to be made a high priest, but He [was exalted and appointed by the One] who said to Him, “YOU ARE MY SON,
TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN (fathered) YOU [declared Your authority and rule over the nations]”; – Heb. 5:4-5.

AFTER THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK

The LORD has sworn [an oath] and will not change His mind:
“You are a priest forever
According to the order of Melchizedek.” – Ps. 110:4.

just as He also says in another place, “YOU ARE A PRIEST [appointed] FOREVER
ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK.” – Heb.5:6.

where Jesus has entered [in advance] as a forerunner for us, having become a High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. – Heb.6:20.

And this becomes even more evident if another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, – Heb. 7:15.

For it is attested [by God] of Him, “YOU (Christ) ARE A PRIEST FOREVER
ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK.” – Heb. 7:17.

SUPERIOR TO AARON AND LEVITICAL PRIESTS

Now if perfection [a perfect fellowship between God and the worshiper] had been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people were given the Law) what further need was there for another and different kind of priest to arise, one in the manner of Melchizedek, rather than one appointed to the order of Aaron? – Heb. 7:11.

who has become a priest, not on the basis of a physical and legal requirement in the Law [concerning his ancestry as a descendant of Levi], but on the basis of the power of an indestructible and endless life. – Heb. 7:16.

And so [because of the oath’s greater strength and force] Jesus has become the certain guarantee of a better covenant [a more excellent and more advantageous agreement; one that will never be replaced or annulled]. – Heb. 7:22.

Now the main point of what we have to say is this: we have such a High Priest, [the Christ] who is seated [in the place of honor] at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty (God) in heaven, a Minister (Officiating Priest) in the holy places and in the true tabernacle, which is erected not by man, but by the Lord. – Heb.8:1-2.

But as it is, Christ has acquired a [priestly] ministry which is more excellent [than the old Levitical priestly ministry], for He is the Mediator (Arbiter) of a better covenant [uniting God and man], which has been enacted and rests on better promises. A New Covenant. – Heb.8:6.

CONSECRATED WITH AN OATH

And indeed, it was not without the taking of an oath [that Christ was made priest] (for those Levites who formerly became priests [received their office] without [its being confirmed by the taking of] an oath, but this One [was designated] with an oath through the One who said to Him, “THE LORD HAS SWORN
AND WILL NOT CHANGE HIS MIND or REGRET IT,
‘YOU (Christ) ARE A PRIEST FOREVER”). – Heb. 7:20-21.

HAS AN UNCHANGEABLE PRIESTHOOD

The [former successive line of] priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were each prevented by death from continuing [perpetually in office]; For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak [frail, sinful, dying men], but the word of the oath [of God], which came after [the institution of] the Law, permanently appoints [as priest] a Son who has been made perfect forever. – Heb. 7:23,28.

IS OF UNBLEMISHED PURITY

It was fitting for us to have such a High Priest [perfectly adapted to our needs], holy, blameless, unstained [by sin], separated from sinners and exalted higher than the heavens; For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak [frail, sinful, dying men], but the word of the oath [of God], which came after [the institution of] the Law, permanently appoints [as priest] a Son who has been made perfect forever. – Heb. 7:26,28.

FAITHFUL

He was faithful to Him who appointed Him [Apostle and High Priest], as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house. – Heb.3:2.

“THE ALL-SUFFICIENT SACRIFICE OF LORD JESUS CHRIST”

NEEDED TO SACRIFICE FOR HIMSELF

who has no day-by-day need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices, first of all for his own [personal] sins and then for those of the people, because He [met all the requirements and] did this once for all when He offered up Himself [as a willing sacrifice]. – Heb.7:27.

OFFERED HIMSELF A SACRIFICE

how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal [Holy] Spirit willingly offered Himself unblemished [that is, without moral or spiritual imperfection as a sacrifice] to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works and lifeless observances to serve the ever-living God? – Heb.9:14.

Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer over and over since the foundation of the world; but now once for all at the consummation of the ages He has appeared and been publicly manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. – Heb.9:26.

HIS SACRIFICE SUPERIOR TO ALL OTHERS

For if the sprinkling of [ceremonially] defiled persons with the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a [burnt] heifer is sufficient for the cleansing of the body, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal [Holy] Spirit willingly offered Himself unblemished [that is, without moral or spiritual imperfection as a sacrifice] to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works and lifeless observances to serve the ever living God? – Heb.9:13,14.

Therefore, it was necessary for the [earthly] copies of the heavenly things to be cleansed with these, but the heavenly things themselves required far better sacrifices than these. – Heb.9:23.

OFFERED SACRIFICE BUT ONCE

nor did He [enter into the heavenly sanctuary to] offer Himself again and again, as the high priest enters the Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Otherwise, He would have needed to suffer over and over since the foundation of the world; but now once for all at the consummation of the ages He has appeared and been publicly manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. – Heb.9:25,26.

MADE RECONCILIATION

OBTAINED REDEMPTION FOR US

He went once for all into the Holy Place [the Holy of Holies of heaven, into the presence of God], and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, having obtained and secured eternal redemption [that is, the salvation of all who personally believe in Him as Savior]. – Heb.9:12.

EXALTED INTO HEAVEN

Inasmuch then as we [believers] have a great High Priest who has [already ascended and] passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith and cling tenaciously to our absolute trust in Him as Savior]. – Heb.4:14.

whereas Christ, having offered the one sacrifice [the all-sufficient sacrifice of Himself] for sins for all time, SAT DOWN [signifying the completion of atonement for sin] AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD [the position of honor], – Heb.10:12.

SYMPATHESIS WITH THOSE WHO ARE TEMPTED

Because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted, He is able to help and provide immediate assistance to those who are being tempted and exposed to suffering. – Heb.2:18.

For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. – Heb.4:15.

INTERCEDES

Therefore, He is able also to save forever (completely, perfectly, for eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede and intervene on their behalf [with God]. – Heb.7:25.

For Christ did not enter into a holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but [He entered] into heaven itself, now to appear in the very presence of God on our behalf; – Heb.9:24.

BLESSES

“Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the Israelites. Say to them:
The LORD bless you, and keep you [protect you, sustain you, and guard you];
The LORD make His face shine upon you [with favor],
And be gracious to you [surrounding you with lovingkindness];
The LORD lift up His countenance (face) upon you [with divine approval],
And give you peace [a tranquil heart and life].’ – Num. 6:23-26.

“It was for you first of all that God raised up His Servant and Son [Jesus] and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways.” – Acts 3:26.

ON HIS THRONE

“Yes, [you are to build a temple of the LORD, but] it is He who shall build the [ultimate] temple of the LORD, and He shall bear the honor and majesty [as the only begotten of the Father] and sit and rule on His throne. And He shall be a Priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between the two offices [Priest and King].” – Zech. 6:13.

APPOINTED OF AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO STEADFASTNERS

VII. CHRIST – THE ONLY ONE MEDIATOR

THE ONLY ONE BETWEEN GOD AND MAN

For there is [only] one God, and [only] one Mediator between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus, – 1 Tim. 2:5.

IN VIRTUE OF HIS ATONMENT

But now [at this very moment] in Christ Jesus you who once were [so very] far away [from God] have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace and our bond of unity. He who made both groups—[Jews and Gentiles]—into one body and broke down the barrier, the dividing wall [of spiritual antagonism between us], by abolishing in His [own crucified] flesh the hostility caused by the Law with its commandments contained in ordinances [which He satisfied]; so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thereby establishing peace. And [that He] might reconcile them both [Jew and Gentile, united] in one body to God through the cross, thereby putting to death the hostility. AND HE CAME AND PREACHED THE GOOD NEWS OF PEACE TO YOU [Gentiles] WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE [Jews] WHO WERE NEAR. For it is through Him that we both have a [direct] way of approach in one Spirit to the Father. – Eph. 2:13-18.

For this reason, He is the Mediator and Negotiator of a new covenant [that is, an entirely new agreement uniting God and man], so that those who have been called [by God] may receive [the fulfillment of] the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has taken place [as the payment] which redeems them from the sins committed under the obsolete first covenant. – Heb. 9:15.

and to Jesus, the Mediator of a new covenant [uniting God and man], and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks [of mercy], a better and nobler and more gracious message than the blood of Abel [which cried out for vengeance]. – Heb. 12:24.

OF THE GOSPEL COVENANT

VIII. CHRIST – THE KING

FORETOLD

I see Him, but not now;
I behold Him, but not near.
A star shall come forth from [the descendants of] Jacob,
A scepter shall rise out of [the descendants of] Israel
And shall crush the forehead of Moab
And destroy all the sons of Sheth. – Num. 24:17.

“Yet as for Me, I have anointed and firmly installed My King
Upon Zion, My holy mountain.” – Ps. 2:6.

There shall be no end to the increase of His government and of peace,
[He shall rule] on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From that time forward and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this. – Isa. 9:7.

“Behold (listen closely), the days are coming,” says the LORD,
“When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch;
And He will reign as King and act wisely
And will do [those things that accomplish] justice and righteousness in the land. – Jer. 23:5.

“But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Too little to be among the clans of Judah;
From you One shall come forth for Me [who is] to be Ruler in Israel,
His goings forth (appearances) are from long ago,
From ancient days.” – Mic. 5:2.

GLORIOUS

ift up your heads, O gates,
And be lifted up, ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in. Who is the King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
The LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates,
And lift them up, ancient doors,
That the King of glory may come in. Who is [He then] this King of glory?
The LORD of hosts,
He is the King of glory [who rules over all creation with His heavenly armies]. Selah. – Ps. 24:7-10.

None of the rulers of this age recognized and understood this wisdom; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; – 1 Cor. 2:8.

My fellow believers do not practice your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of partiality [toward people—show no favoritism, no prejudice, no snobbery]. – James 2:1.

SUPREME

I will also make him My firstborn (preeminent),
The highest of the kings of the earth. – Ps. 89:27.

and from Jesus Christ, the faithful and trustworthy Witness, the Firstborn of the dead, and the Ruler of the kings of the earth. – Rev. 1:5.

And on His robe and on His thigh, He has a name inscribed, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” – Rev. 19:16.

SITS ON THE THRONE OF GOD

He who overcomes [the world through believing that Jesus is the Son of God], I will grant to him [the privilege] to sit beside Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down beside My Father on His throne. – Rev. 3:21.

SITS ON THE THRONE OF DAVID

He will be great and eminent and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; – Luke 1:32.

Brothers, I may confidently and freely say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. And so, being a prophet and knowing fully that GOD HAD SWORN TO HIM WITH AN OATH THAT HE WOULD SEAT one OF HIS DESCENDANTS ON HIS THRONE, – Acts 2:29-30.

IS KING OF ZION

“Yet as for Me, I have anointed and firmly installed My King
Upon Zion, My holy mountain.” – Ps. 2:6.

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion!
Shout aloud, O Daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your King (Messianic King) is coming to you;
He is righteous and endowed with salvation,
Humble and unassuming [in submission to the will of the Father] and riding on a donkey,
Upon a colt, the foal of a donkey. – Zech.9:9.

“TELL THE DAUGHTER OF ZION (the people of Jerusalem),
‘BEHOLD, YOUR KING IS COMING TO YOU,
GENTLE AND MOUNTED ON A DONKEY,
EVEN ON A COLT, THE FOAL OF A BEAST OF BURDEN.” – Matt. 21:5.

HAS A RIGHTEOUS KINGDOM

Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom. – Ps.45:6.

Behold, a King will reign in righteousness,
And princes will rule with justice. – Isa. 32:1.

HAS KINGDOM OVER ALL THE EARTH

Ask of Me, and I will assuredly give [You] the nations as Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth as Your possession. – Ps. 2:8.

May he also rule from sea to sea
And from the River [Euphrates] to the ends of the earth. – Ps. 72:8.

And the LORD shall be king over all the earth; in that day the LORD shall be the only one [worshiped], and His name the only one. – Zech. 14:9.

Then the seventh angel sounded [his trumpet]; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying,

“The kingdom (dominion, rule) of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” – Rev. 11:15.

HIS KINGDOM IS NOT OF THIS WORLD

Jesus replied, “My kingdom is not of this world [nor does it have its origin in this world]. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would be fighting [hard] to keep Me from being handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this world.” – John 18:36.

SAINTS, THE SUBJECT OF CHRIST’S KINGDOM

For He has rescued us and has drawn us to Himself from the dominion of darkness, and has transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, Col.1:13.

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