On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.
(Revelation 19:16)
____________________
This book is written primarily for followers of Jesus. Jesus is central to our faith. In chapter 2 we looked at some of the more-important scriptures about who Jesus is, showing that he is the Christ, the Son of God, and Lord of all. He was “in the form of God” before his life on earth, and “by him all things were created”!
It is important that we have a clear understanding of Jesus, so that we will not be deceived. Jesus himself warned us:
“See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.” (Matthew 24:4-5)
Let’s look at some more key points about Jesus. Much of the following list is adapted from some of the “creeds” of early believers.
- Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, Lord of all. (chapter 2; Matthew 16:13-17; Mark 1:1, 8:27-30; Luke 1:35; John 11:27, 20:26-31; 1John 5:5, Acts 10:36; Romans 10:8-13; 1Corinthians 12:3; Revelation 17:14, 19:16)
- All things were made through him. (John 1:3, 1:10; 1Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:15-16; Hebrews 1:1-2)
- He was conceived by the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:35; Philippians 2:5-8)
- He was born of the virgin Mary. (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:34-35, 2:1-7)
- He performed many miracles. (throughout Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John)
- He suffered under Pontius Pilate. (Matthew 27:11-31; Mark 15:1-20; Luke 23:1-25; John 18:28 to 19:16)
- He was crucified, he died, and was buried. (chapter 4; Matthew 27:32-61; Mark 15:21-47; Luke 23:26-56; John 19:17-42; 1Corinthians 15:3-4)
- He rose from the dead on the third day. (chapter 5; Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-14; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-23; 1Corinthians 15:3-4)
- He ascended into heaven. (Mark 16:19; Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:1-11)
- He is exalted at the right hand of God. (Mark 16:19; Luke 22:69; Acts 2:33, 5:31, 7:55-56; Romans 8:34; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3, 8:1, 10:12, 12:2)
- He will come again with glory. (Matthew 16:27; 24:30, 25:31, 26:64; Mark 8:38, 13:26, 14:62; Luke 9:26, 21:27; Acts 1:11; 2Thesalonians 2:1-8; Revelation 3:11, 22:7, 22:12, 22:20)
- He will judge the living and the dead. (chapter 14; Matthew 25:31-46; John 5:21-30; Acts 17:29-31; Romans 2:16; 2Timothy 4:1-2; Revelation 20:11-15)
- His kingdom will have no end. (Isaiah 9:6-7; Daniel 7:13-14; Luke 1:31-33; Hebrews 1:8; Revelation 5:13, 11:15, 22:3-5)
We should especially note that when Jesus comes again it will be obvious to all. As Jesus himself clarified:
“So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.” (Matthew 24:26-27)
For Further Reflection
Look up some of the referenced verses to better understand each point, and to verify whether or not scripture actually supports each of the above points.
Read one or more accounts of Jesus’ life (in the Bible: Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John).