Who is Jesus? Why does it matter?

Pre-existence

Old Testament texts: Isa 9:6-7; Mic 5:1-2; Psa 40:6-9; 45:6-7; 102:25-27

New Testament texts: Eph 1:3-14; Col 1:15-19; Mk 1:1; Mt 1:21, 23; 4:3, 6; Lk 1:78; 4:41; John 1:1-3; 8:14 + Jn 8:58; Jn 3:18; 5:25; 9:35; 10:17-18, 36-38; 11:4; 17:5, 24; Acts 13:32-33; Rom 1:4; He 1:2, 8-12; 3:4-6

Pre-planned

Jesus' entry was planned "before the foundation of the world" Eph 1:4; Mt 25:34, "foreordained before the foundation of the world" 1Pe 1:20, "from the foundation of the world," He 4:3; 9:26; Rev 13:8. His entry was described as "out of the ivory palaces" in Psalm 45:8, the location was shown in Rev 21:2, 10-21 and the royal clothing of Christ was shown in Rev 1:13. All this was set aside to enter earth as a human baby. His human clothes were given in Lk 2:7, 12; Mt 9:20; Jn 13:4-5; Lk 23:11; Mt 27:28, 31; Jn 19:2, 5, 23-24, 39-40. "[T]he oil of gladness," Ps 45:7; 89:20; He 1:9; Exo 30:22-25, was matched in Mt 2:11; Lk 7:46; Mk 15:23-24. His desire was to return again as victor in John 17:4-5, 1-8.

Incarnation

God's concern for man is verified by visits from God — these show us what He is like.

Man cannot see God by the human eye though they perceive Him via "spiritual vision" (Psa 97:2; 2Sam 22:12). This is not the same as the angels who as spirit beings always behold the face of God (Mt 18:10). God must grant man some theophany or "vision" like Abraham (Gen 18:1-33), Jacob (Gen 32:30), Moses (Ex 3:6; 33:11; De 34:10), the Israelites (Ex 24:17; Num 14:14; De 5:4), Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel (Ex 24:9-11), Joshua (Josh 5:13-15), Gideon (Jdg 6:22), Manoah and wife (Jdg 13:1-21), David (2Sam 24:16-17), Isaiah (Isa 6:1), Ezekiel (Ez 1:1-28; 3:23; 8:4; 10:15-20; 43:1-7), and perhaps more...

The second type of ‘theophany’ was the incarnation of Jesus recorded in the New Testament when He became fully human. This long-term theophany of about 33 1/2 years would include Jesus' post-resurrection appearances as well. See also Paradoxes in Holy Scripture.

There was Old Testament Prophecy foretelling Christ Jesus coming among mankind (1Pet 1:20). [See Prophecies of Christ]

Jesus' incarnation included: an angelic Annuciation to Mary (Lk 1:26-38), conception (Lk 1:35; Jn 1:1, 14-15 [probably near end of December]), gestational growth (Mt 1:20-25; Lk 2:5-6), birth (Lk 2:6-13; Mt 1:18, 21-23; 2:1) [probably end of September], infancy / babe (Lk 2:21-39; Mt 2:13-23), childhood (Lk 2:39; Mt 2:23), youth (Lk 2:42-51), manhood (Lk 2:51-52), ministry (Mt 4:13-17; Lk 3:21; 1Jn 1:1-4; Heb 1:1-3), animus & abuse from others, suffering, beating, scourging, cucifixtion, and death. [See: Old Testament Scriptures foretelling His death), and time in tomb up to His resurrection, Old Testament Scriptures foretelling His resurrection].

Heaven celebrated His birth [probably at New Moon in month of Tishri, Lk 2:9; Jn 8:12; 9:5], Lk 2:8-14. Wise men worship Him (Mt 2:1-2, 9-12) [See: That All Men Should Honor The Son].

Baby in womb

Ancestry Lists

1. Adam, Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah, Shem [pre-flood]

2. Shem, Arpachshad, Shelah, Eber, Peleg, Reu, Serug, Nahor, Terah, Abram (Abraham), [early post-flood]

Legal Lineage thru Joseph, Jesus' adoptive father: Abraham, thru David, Solomon and unto Joseph.

Lineage thru Mary, Jesus' mother: Abraham, thru David, Nathan and unto Mary.

God's statements about the value of human life in the womb are many. These include:
1) The description of John the baptist before conception, Lk 1:13-15.
2) Mary informed about the significant entry and inception of the Lord, Luke 1:26-28.
3) The Incarnation, Luke 1:32, 35; Mt 1:20-22.
4) The visit of Mary with Elisabeth, Lk 1:39-41.

A. John recognized Jesus as Lord, Lk 1:41.
B. Elisabeth was informed by John (who was infused with the Holy Spirit) and then Elisabeth was filled by the Holy Spirit to proclaim, Lk 1:41-45.
C. Elisabeth affirmed the pre-born Jesus as Lord, Lk 1:43.
D. Mary asserts the savior has come, Lk 1:46-55.
E. Joseph is informed by an angel this child is Lord & Savior, Mt 1:21.

These statements about human life in the womb are consistent with Gen 4:1, 25; 17:19, 21; 21:1-2; Jdg 13:2-5; 1Sam 1:17, 19-20, 27-28; and Psa 139:13-16.

The Virgin Birth of Jesus Christ

"A Candid Discussion" — article from Dr. Norman L. Geisler — The Virgin Birth of Christ
My special purpose to come to earth to die, John 12:27-33, the promised birth, 1Chr 17:11-15; Isa 7:14*, the announcement by the angels to the shepherds at night, Luke 2:8-15, laying in a manger wrapped in swaddling (grave) clothes, Luke 2:15-18, are all part of the reasons why you celebrate Christmas. No other child has ever come to be born to any mother in this process: according to God’s promise in the Garden of Eden, Gen 3:15, pre-announced before conception in the womb by an angel, Mt 1:20-21 & Lk 1:26-33, through a virgin mother giving birth, Mt 1:20 & Lk 1:34-36, at the place promised, Mic 5:1, announced by angels, Lk 2:8-18, and called the Son of the Highest, Lk 1:32, and who would save the people from their sins, Mt 1:21; Acts 13:38; Eph 1:7!
*Matthew as an Apostle asserted the intended fulfilment of Isaiah 7:14 was in Matthew 1:22-23.

Previews of Christ Jesus

Adam Previews and Contrasts with Christ Jesus  (31 comparisons)

Joseph Previews Christ  (60 comparisons)

Moses Previews Christ  (134 comparisons)

Joshua Previews Christ  (40 comparisons)

Israel's Judges Preview Christ  (13 general comparisons)

Saul Previews Christ  (18 comparisons)

David Previews Christ  (100 comparisons)

Solomon Previews Christ  (80 comparisons)

Jeremiah Previews Christ  (24 comparisons)

Daniel Previews Christ  (46 comparisons)

Ezra Previews Christ  (12 comparisons)

Nehemiah Previews Christ  (45 comparisons)

Old Testament Types Pointing to Christ Jesus

The Person — Jesus

Nothing described His stature, strength, body, facial appearance or voice. His capacity to teach was brought up by some temple quards in John 7:46, "The officers answered, Never man spake like this man." In Matthew 7:28-29 (and similar in Mark 1:22) it said, "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." In Matthew 13:54 and Mk 6:2 people spoke of His wisdom, in Mark 4:2 "he taught them many things by parables." Mark 10:1 said he wanted to teach the people. He taught on mountain sides (Mt 5:1-2), by the sea side (Mk 2:13; 4:1; 5:21) sometimes from a boat (Mt 13:1-3; Mk 4:1), in synagogues (Mk 6:2), and in the temple courtyard Jn 8:2). Sometimes crowds (a great multitude, Mt 19:2; 20:29; Mk 5:24) followed him (Mt 4:25; 12:15), out of the cities (Mt 14:13), even longer distances (Mt 8:1), and in boats (Jn 6:22-23).

Jesus and his disciples were comfortable when "many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples" in Mk 2:15. He was followed by blind men (Mt 9:27-29), he made the blind receive their sight (Jn 9:1-7, 20), the dumb speak, the lame walk, the lepers became cleansed, the deaf heard (Mt 11:5; 12:22), the maimed were restored (Mt 15:30), evil spirits were cast out (Lk 7:21; 8:2). In Matthew 4:24 it said, "they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them" (Mt 8:16; Mk 1:29-34). Even "the Pharisees desired [of] him that he would eat with him" (Lk 7:36-37; 14:1). He also raised three individuals to life: son of a widow of Nain (Lk 7:11-15), Jairus' daughter (Mk 5:22-43; Lk 8: 41-56), and Lazurus of Bethany (Jn 11:1-44). Even Pilate the Roman governor was impressed with him (Jn 18:38; 19:4-5, 6).

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14) "And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him." (John 8:29); "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him." (Acts 10:38)

"But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd." (Matthew 9:36; 14:14; 15:32; Mk 8:2)

Inspiration

Jesus claimed to speak God's words or message ,"For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him." (John 3:34). More examples are in Jn 12:46-50; 14:6, 10. Jesus affirmed that the Scriptures were God's words with divine authority, Mt 4:4, 7,10; Jn 14:23; imperishability, Mt 5:17-18; Psa 111:7-8; 119:44; infallibility, Jn 10:35; ultimate supremacy, Mt 15:3, 6; factual inerrancy, Mt 22:29; Jn 17:17; historical reliability, Mt 12:40; 24:37-39; and scientific accuracy, Mt 19:4-5; Jn 3:12.

Jesus stated part of His purpose for coming to earth when he said, "For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me" (John 17:8). To fulfill this Matthew tells us, "And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people" (Matt 9:35). Luke confirmed saying, "And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem" (Luke 13:22).

Paul affirmed revelation (Ep 3:3-4) and declared God's command (1Th 2:13), Peter required remembering the apostles' teaching (2Pe 3:1-4, 15-16), John affirmed accuracy in his words (1Jn 1:1-3), and Jude verified the words of the other apostles (Jude 1:3, 17). Titus 2:13 asserted that Christ Jesus was God, Heb 2:16-18 asserted he was fully man, Mt 1:21; John in Jn 1:29, 33 asserted he is the Savior of the world, and Peter in 1 Peter 2:24 and Paul in 1Cor 15:4 asserted He paid sin's penalty upon the cross. Any attempt to change the Scriptures means 2Tim 3:15-16 must be invoked. [See Psa 119, Whosoever Eats My Flesh, King James Bible, New Testament formation, and Internal proof in Scripture]

"These pieces of information revealed, reinforced, and emphasized the interconnecting and self-correcting cohesiveness of Holy Scripture. ... Since the Scriptures were given by one supreme author they were intimately intertwined and highly interactive in their material. ... The Scriptures were notably consistent, highly intertwined in their material, and even self-correcting. ... The Scriptures were complexly integrated internally which enabled it to correct wrong approaches and validate correct applications in surprising ways."
[Quoted from Rethinking Chronology from Abraham to Solomon by Applying Unused Texts]

"We all therefore have to face this ultimate and final question: Do we accept the Bible as the Word of God, as the sole authority in all matters of faith and practice, or do we not? Is the whole of my thinking governed by Scripture, or do I come with my reason and pick and choose out of Scripture and sit in judgment upon it, putting myself and modern knowledge forward as the ultimate standard and authority? The issue is crystal clear. Do I accept Scripture as a revelation from God, or do I trust to speculation, human knowledge, human learning, human understanding and human reasons or, putting it still more simply, do I pin my faith to, and subject my thinking to, what I read in the Bible? Or do I defer to modern knowledge, to modern learning, to what people think today, to what we know at this present time which was not known in the past? It is inevitable that we occupy one or the other of those two positions."
Quoted from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Sermon on Ephesians 6:14

Christ Jesus' Ministry

Throughout Israelite territory He conducted His ministry of salvation (John 1:1, 14-15, Matt 1:18, 21-23, Luke 1:35; 2:6-13, 1 John 1:1-4 and Heb 1:1-3). "And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him" (Luke 8:1). "And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem" (Luke 13:22). Jesus stated, "for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice" (John 18:37).

Jesus claimed, "I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:51); and "Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me." (John 8:42). In John 16:28 Jesus explains, "I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. He affirmed, "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." (John 5:22-24)

In John 10:34-37 "Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, 'Thou blasphemest'; because I said, I am the Son of God? If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not."

A.  Teaching

Exo 15:26; 23:8; Lev 19:14; Deut 18:15, 18-19; 27:18; Psa 9:9-10; 10:17-18; 107:20; 146:5-8; Isa 1:17; 54:13; 55:1-4; 58:6; 61:1-3; 146:8 and msny times in parables. [See Parables - N.T., The Commands of Jesus, and The Pharisees Ask Jesus A Question]

B.  Miracles

Psa 103:2-5; 107:20; 146:5-8; Isa 29:18-19; 33:24; 35:5-6; 42:5-8; 45:13; Jer 33:6 Hos 14:4 (contrast with: Jer 30:13; Eze 34:1-5) [See Effects of Christ's power]

C.  Manner of life

John 8:46; 2 Cor 5:21; 1 Pet 2:22 [See heading above: "The Person — Jesus"]

The Lord Jesus Prays,
The Journeys of our Lord Jesus,
Miracles During the Life and Ministry of Jesus,
Out Of Him Shall Flow Rivers Of Living Water,
The last seven days of our Lord Jesus,
An examination of Luke 23:43—(first four subheadings),
Evidence for the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ (8 page series)

Messiah (Christ) Jesus

The upside down presentation of the Jewish Messiah confounded Jewish leaders. He came via virgin birth (Isa 7:14; Mt 1:18-20, 23; Lk 1:26-35), announced by angels away from the city, as a baby verified by shepherds, was visited by foreign wise men (Mt 2:1-2, 11), went to Egypt and back (Mt 2:13-31), grew as a child under very common circumstances (Mt 2:23; Lk 2:39-52), became a tradesman, participated in the synagogue (Lk 4:16-20), was baptised by John (Mt 3:13-16), began his ministry by calling people to repentance (Mt 4:17), and did things in an uncommon way (similar to eclectic Samson, Mt 11:19; Lk 4:36; Jn 7:46; 8:1-11; 8:12-19; 12:36) by seeking the repentant, God honoring in heart (Mt 21:32; Lk 15:1), and then dying upon a cross (Lk 22:33, 46; Mt 27:35, 50) to rescue them from sin's power (Acts 26:15-18; Rom 6:7, 18,22; Heb 1:3).

1. The Messianic hope was to function as God's Prophet. (John 7:40-42; John 6:14-15; Acts 3:18-23)

2. The Messianic hope was to come to earth. (John 4:25-26,42; 10:24-25)

3. The Messianic hope was the Jews "Forever" king. (Mark 15:2; John 18:37)

4. The Messianic hope was a Good Shepherd-King. (John 10:11-16)

5. The Messianic hope was to be God's Son. (John 5:17-20; 20:17; Matthew 26:63-64)

6. The Messianic hope was to relate to human need. (John 1:14-18; 3:14-17; 14:1-6; 6:35, 48-58; 8:12; 11:25-26; Luke 19:9-10)

[See these webpages: Miracles During the Life and Ministry of Jesus,
Messianic Prophecies—112 Old Testament Prophecies,
Titles and Descriptions of Jesus Christ,
Deity of Christ,
First and Last,
Description of Christ,
That All Men Should Honor The Son,
Lie #12. Jesus was just a good man. ] The study of Christ is called Christology.

That All Men Should Honor The Son —A Study of Verses Applied to Jesus Christ

The Unique Claims of Christ Jesus

A. He came from the Father in Heaven, John 3:2 & John 8:42

1. God is the highest source of authority. Genesis 22:16 & Hebrews 6:13

2. All authority rests in Christ. Matthew 28:18; John 19:11; Hebrews 1:1-3 [Authority of Bible]

B. He is God's son, John 10:36

C. He is the Messiah.

[The probabilities for numerous prophecies fulfilled in one person: the fulfilment of 48 Prophecies is: 1 X 10 to the 157 power (more atoms then there are in the Universe) [from closed website at www.messianic-prophecy.net/Messianic-Prophecy.htm], Science Speaks by Peter Stoner; and more than 110 Messianic Prophecies]

D. He is the savior of the world. Luke 2:11; Hebrews 7:24-25  www.tentmaker.org/books/ScripturalProofs.html

E. He gives light and life to every human who will accept it.

F. Posesses authority to forgive sin

1. Demonstrated by the overwhelming power (Luke 4:36; Hebrews 2:1-4) of his mercy and love with the healing (Matthew 8:16; Luke 8:26-37; 13:11-17) and deliverance which he showed to people who were outcasts, diseased, demented, and discouraged.

2. Transformed people previously outcasts in Israel

a. Lepers

b. Demon possessed

c. Adulterers

G. By His crucifixion all men would be drawn to Him. (Jn. 12:31-33)

1. His torturous death was called a willing act of grace.

2. He gave up his life not just to be a martyr, but as a savior who is able to release us from the guilt and death penalty of our personal sin - past, present, and future.

H. Christ will give us new bodies, Jn 10:28; 17:2; 1Jn 5:11; Php 3:21.

The Gospel Message

The Gospel message about salvation and justification is God initiated, Rom 3:26; 8:33; by His love and grace, Rom 3:24; Jn 3:16; by blood sacrifice (i.e., one death for another [a ransom, by Christ's death]), Rom 3:25; 5:0; and accepted and embraced by faith and belief, Rom 3:21-28; Jn 14:1; Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9-10. [See: The Basis Of The Gospel Message, and The Basis of God's Judgment Upon All Men]

1. All have sinned: Psa 14:1; 53:1; Rom 3:23; 5:12; Jn 8:34; 2Ti 2:26; Gal 3:22; Eph 2:11-13; Tit 1:16

2. Isaiah 53:6 "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." Romans 2:11-16 "For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another.)"

3. Romans 3:19-22 "Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:"

4. Galatians 3:23-26 "But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus."

Believe God's word and be saved

Atonement

The purpose of the Incarnation was atonement, reconciliation, and restoration of relationship with God by mankind (Isa 1:18; Mt 1:21; 20:28; Mk 10:45; Jn 6:51; 10:28, etc. See: Jesus Christ describes the purpose of His suffering and death).

Atonement = "to cause to change"; a payment for sin, satisfaction of God's righteousness & justice, appropriate sacrifice on our behalf (mercy & love). God changes His attitude toward man because of the completed work of Christ Jesus, Is 59:1-2. He provided the full satisfaction so that restoration of relationship could be made between God and man. Thus the "gospel" good news — Jesus the Christ paid it all so we can repent and believe the gospel, Ac 22:16. Our faith in Christ is the assent toward, acceptance of, and embrace of Christ's "once for all" sacrifice. Thus believing God, confessing and repenting of sin, openly proclaming belief and trust by oral confession and baptism, walking in newness of life (2Cor 5:7) resisting and rejecting sinfulness, and maintaining faithfulness (Mt 10:22; Ac 8:36-37) is the ongoing proof of faith in Christ.

The incarnation was necessary for multiple simultaneous aspects of the atonement. These were all part of Jesus' work upon earth demonstrating God's willingess to bear the cost to bring wholeness to his creation and those bearing His image. The work of salvation began before the foundation of the world for God pre-determined before creation how to deal with angels' and man's rebellion. We must understand who God is to grasp The Gospel. He entered Time and History, the reality of human life, to be for us what we could not be within our broken selves (Heb 2:14-18). He laid out "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col 1:9-20, 27).

Simultaneous aspects of the atonement

1. Sin offering [Tabernacle and Temple sacrifice views] demonstrates need to pay for sin
2. Satisfy (forensic) justice, to keep penalty true that wages of sin is death
3. Penal substitution, ransom [for all willing to accept and embrace it] at Divine Court of Justice
4. Display supreme (God-sized) Love and Mercy
5. Rescue oppressed, practice love for others in their need
6. Release from slavery / bondage to sin [freedom in Christ]
7. Forgiveness of sins and restoration of relationship
8. Provide life to those dying [as only root and source of everlasting life]
9. Model dying to self to live in wholeness, even at cost of suffering (Rom 6) [we die to sin and rebellion, to receive new, abundant life]
   The Roman Catholic view emphasizes the cross & suffering; while Eastern Orthodox emphasizes being made alive again, both are parts of the whole.
10. Make a new kind of sons / new creatures [new capacities, privileges, responsibilities in the resurrection]
11. Shepherd of man [to give protection and direction to lead them into righteousness, purity, love and self-sacrifice]
12. Teach submission to the whole will of God for eternal well-being [abide in Christ]
13. Model the Divine image for the image bearers

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved

A) Sin caused estrangement from God, Gen 2:16-17; 3 ch.
B) All have sinned, Rom 5:12-13; 6:23.
C) One process of reconciliation is extended, Rom 5:6.
D) Christ's death payment for sin satisfies sin's debt and allows for our reconciliation with God and a future resurrection, Rom 5:12, 18.
E) An amazing balance of God's Righteousness & Justice with Love & Mercy is made, Jn 3:16, that He might be just and the justifier, Rom 5:15-20; 6:23; 1Pet 2:24; 1Jn 4:9-10.
F) Believe what Jesus has done, Gal 1:3-5, and embrace His salvation, Jn 3:16; Acts 4:10-12, and His Sovereignty as Lord of all, Rom 10:9; Php 2:11, and be given eternal life, Jn 10:28; Rom 6:23; Tit 3:5-7; 1Jn 2:25; 5:11-13; Jud 1:21.

Rom 3:21-26: "But now the righteousness of God (holding to an eternal standard) without (outside of) the law (of Moses given to Israel) is manifested, being witnessed (testified) by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is (obtained) by faith (in the sinless life, substitutionary death and resurrection) of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference (between Israel and Gentiles): For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified (declared free from sin) freely by his grace (freely offered to all who accept it) through the redemption (God initiated, arranged for, and agreed to accept) that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (satisfaction for sin's penalty) through faith in his blood (in his sinless life and sacrificial death), to declare his (God's) righteousness for the remission (release from all claims) of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness (holding to an eternal standard): that he might be just (exact the penalty for sin), and the justifier (accept the substitution of Jesus Christ on behalf) of him which believeth in Jesus." from The Basis Of The Gospel Message

See: The Basis of God's Judgment Upon All Men, Christians Believe: Sub-heading: God punishes sins and will judge all men for their actions., and The 12 Biggest Lies.

The resurrection of Christ Jesus validates who He is, What He has done, and His Lordship.

"The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus ... whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses", Acts 3:13-16.

"Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead", Acts 4:10.

"... For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. But God raised him from the dead ...   ... But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses", Acts 13:26-39.

"And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come", Eph 1:19-21

"And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come", 1Thes 1:10

"Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ", 2Th 1:6-8

"But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant ...", Hebrews 12:22-26

"And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.", Rev 1:5-8

"I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.", Rev 1:18

See: Old Testament Scriptures foretelling His resurrection, N.T. Scriptures foretelling His resurrection, The Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and Deity of Christ

Results of Christ Jesus' Incarnation, Ministry, and Sacrificial Death

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (Jn 14:6)

Salvation and its associated benefits are received by full faith and trust in the finished work of Christ Jesus' sacrificial death for us. We add nothing by our works (Eph 2:8) nor should we diminish Christ's completed work by rejecting it (Heb 10:29). "... The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Rom 10:8-9)

"For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." (Rom 5:19)

"For he [God] hath made him [Christ Jesus] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (2Cor 5:21)

"And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people." (Rom 15:9-10)

"And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham."(Gal 3:8-9)

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Rom 5:1-2)

"⁴But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, ⁵Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) ⁶And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: ⁷That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. ⁸For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ⁹Not of works, lest any man should boast. ¹⁰For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Eph 2:4-10)

"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph 2:1) "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Eph 2:6) "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;" (Eph 2:19)

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2Cor 5:17)

"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power." (Eph 1:17-19)

"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." (Eph 2:13)

"³Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ⁴There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; ⁵One Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. ⁷But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. ⁸Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." (Eph 4:3-8)

"That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Tit 3:7)

"Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." (Rom 6:18)

"¹⁸Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; ¹⁹But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: ²⁰Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, ²¹Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God." (1Pe 1:18-21)

"That [w]e no longer should live the rest of [our] time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God." (1Pet 4:2)

"But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life." (Rom 6:22)

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matt 5:16)

"That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God." (Col 1:10) [2Th 1:11; 2Th 2:17; 1Ti 2:10; 3:1; 5:10, 25; 6:18; 2Ti 3:17Tit 2:7; 3:1, 8, 14; He 10:24; 13:21; Jas 3:13; 1Pet 2:12]

We are set free from transgression, iniquity and sin

"⁴Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. ⁵For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: ⁶Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. ⁷For he that is dead is freed from sin." (Rom 6:4-7)

"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death." (Rom 8:2)

“Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” (Titus 1:15-16)

"⁷Be not ye therefore partakers with them. ⁸For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: ⁹(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) ¹⁰Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. ¹¹And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them." (Eph 5:7-11)

"Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him." (Lk 17:3-4)

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." (Eph 4:31-32)

"Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses." (Mt 18:33-35)

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Mt 6:14-15; Mk 11:25-26)

Through Christ's power we can have freedom from seventy-three descriptive sins.

Discernible benefits of faith in Christ

Benefits, Deeds and Prayers in Jesus' Name,
A World Without Tears,
Christians Believe—The Gospel Message Is Glad Tidings - Indeed!,
How does the deification of nature compare to Christianity?,
For What Shall I Pray?,
Good Church,
Testimonies of Great Christians,
20 Cans of Success in Christ,
I struggle with doubts about my salvation and God forgiving my sins!

Our changed society

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Series: Who is GOD?

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