When talking with people about the Bible, Spiritual things, Salvation, etc… The subject of just “WHO IS JESUS” will arise. Most will say he is a prophet, the son of God. When they are told that He was (is) God in flesh, the response is: “Nowhere in the Bible does it say JESUS IS GOD”, and that is a true statement.
However, as one searches the Scripture there are many statements proving the He was (is) in fact: God. Just a Few in Isaiah: First there is only God: Isaiah 41:4, 43:10-12, 45:5-7,14,18,21-22, 46:9. Only ONE God. Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God,The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. A promise (fulfilled in Matthew 1-2, Luke 2).
The apostle John said Jesus was God: John 1:1-3,10-14. (Jesus is the Word).
The Scriptures state that the Lord Jesus created the world. Ephesians 3:9, Colossians 1:16, Revelation 4:11, 10:6
But look at the following: The Lord Jesus said (Matthew 24:35, Mark 13:31, Luke 21:33) Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
“My Words,” he was speaking of the Scriptures, The Old Testament. Who wrote the Bible? God! HE is claiming that He is God.
MATTHEW: There are 170 references to the name Jesus in Matthew.
From the Birth of the Lord Jesus until he began His ministry at age 30, I am sure many family and friends called him “Jesus”. After all that is the name, the Angels told Joseph and Mary to name him. Matthew 1:21,25. No where does Matthew record anyone directly addressing him just as Jesus. In fact, in Matthew 8:29Even the demons said “Jesus, Thou son of God”. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? MARK: There are 93 references to the Name Jesus in Mark. Mark records 2 times that The Lord Jesus was spoken to directly using his name. The man with the unclean spirit Mark 1:24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. And even then, the unclean spirit recognized the Lord’s deity. Then again the wild man in Gadarenes possessed with an unclean spirit Mark 5:7And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. And again, the unclean spirit recognized the Lord’s deity. LUKE: There are 97 references to the Name Jesus. A short version of his early life recorded by Luke: And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli. Luke records 2 times the man with the unclean spirit ( see Mark 1:24) and the spirit of an unclean devil cried: Luke 4:34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. And even then, the unclean spirit recognized the Lord’s deity. Also the wild man in Gadarenes possessed with an unclean spirit. Luke 8:28When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. And again, the unclean spirit recognized the Lord’s deity. JOHN: There are 245 references to the Name Jesus. There are 6 references where he is addressed as Jesus. Greeks (gentiles) wanted to see Jesus. John 12:21The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. When Judas betrayed Jesus in the garden the Band of men: John 18:5 They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.John 18:7Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Pilate, when questioning Jesus. John 18:33Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? John 19:9 And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. ACTS: There are 67 references to the Name Jesus. Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, his Son Jesus, Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus Christ, Saviour Jesus There are only 3 direct references to Jesus. All three are contained in Paul’s meeting with the Lord on the road to Damascus. In each case it is the Lord identifying himself to Saul (Paul). Acts 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. Paul rehearsing the event. Acts 22:8And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. Acts 26:15And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
King David mourns loss of Absolom 2 Samuel 19:2 And the victory that day was turned into mourning unto all the people: for the people heard say that day how the king was grieved for his son. King David defeats the enemy with the Lord 2 Samuel 23:10 He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil. 2 Samuel 23:12 But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory. King David Praises God 1 Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O LORD is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. From the Psalm Psalm 98:1O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. Isaiah foretells of the Lord Jesus Isaiah 25:8 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it. (Quoting Isaiah 42:3) Matthew 12:20 A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. From the Apostle Paul 1 Corinthians 15:54-55So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 1 Corinthians 15:57But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Apostle John writing to Jewish Believers 1 John 5:4For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. And near the end of the Tribulation Revelation 15:2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. VICTORY WILL BE THE LORD’S
Hebrews 2:1-13 Read vs 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. Of course, the reference in Hebrews is not speaking of actually seeing the Lord in person, but, several people have claimed to have seen Jesus. Some in near death experiences and others just in a vision. One question all should ask themselves “What does Jesus look like?” How would you identify Him? By the painting (ART WORK) we see? Which one? They all look different and were painted long after the Lord Jesus ascended back into Heaven. But there are 5 ways WE CAN see the Lord Jesus: In the Scripture Hebrews 10:7Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Acts 8:35Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. In Creation John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. Romans 9:20-21Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? Colossians 2:15-16And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: In The Church Ephesians 3:21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. In the Saints (Believers) Romans 8:9-11 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Christian means Christ Like! ARE YOU? In Heaven Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high: Acts 7:55-56But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 1 John 3:2Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. Revelation 1:13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
The Gospels only mention it as the form of Death the Lord Jesus suffered. It’s mentioned in Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 19
Not mentioned in Acts as the apostle continued preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom. Not mentioned in James Peter, John or Jude nor Revelation.
Paul speaks about the Cross 11 times in 6 of his letters.
1 Corinthians 1:17-18 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Galatians 5:11And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. Galatians 6:12,14As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. … But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
Ephesians 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
Philippians 2:8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 3:18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:
Colossians 1:20And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
In the book of HEBREWS 14 times Paul refers to the Lord Jesus. Christ Jesus, Jesus the Son of God, Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus, 8 times Paul calls him Jesus. Paul is writing to Jews who had believed that Jesus was the Messiah. Remember they had seen the man, Jesus. Paul was showing them this same Jesus was in fact God in Flesh. Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. Hebrews 4:8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. Hebrews 6:20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Hebrews 7:22 By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament. Hebrews 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. Hebrews 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
In conclusion… How should we, today, refer to his name? Look what the Apostle writes: 2 Corinthians 5:16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. And as we have seen in Paul’s writings, he only refers to Jesus the man in Hebrews.
We don’t know the man, Jesus, we only know the God Jesus. We should address him as: Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus
220 times as Deity, 20 as just Jesus, 1 as another
In the book of GALATIANS 16 times Paul refers to the Lord Jesus. Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus, Lord Jesus.
In the book of EPHESIANS 20 times Paul refers to the Lord Jesus. Christ Jesus our Lord, Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus, Lord Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus, Jesus Christ. Only once does he just say Jesus: Ephesians 4:21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
In the book of PHILIPPIANS 21 times Paul refers to the Lord Jesus. Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus Lord Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus Only once does he just say Jesus. Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
In the book of COLOSSIANS 8 times Paul refers to the Lord Jesus. Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus, Christ Jesus the Lord, Lord Jesus. Once about another Jesus. Colossians 4:11And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
In the book of 1 THESSALONIANS 15 times Paul refers to the Lord Jesus. Lord Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus: Lord Jesus. Three times just Jesus: 1 Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
In the book of 2 THESSALONIANS 11 times Paul refers to the Lord Jesus. Lord Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus.
In the book of 1 TIMOTHY 13 times Paul refers to the Lord Jesus. Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ our Lord, Christ Jesus our Lord, Christ Jesus.
In the book of 2 TIMOTHY 13 times Paul refers to the Lord Jesus. Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus, Christ Jesus our Lord, Lord Jesus Christ.
In the book of TITUS 4 times Paul refers to the Lord Jesus. Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus Christ
In the book of PHILEMON 7 times Paul refers to the Lord Jesus. Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus, Christ Jesus.
In the book of ROMANS 38 times Paul refers to the Lord Jesus. Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ our Lord, Lord Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus, Jesus our Lord. Only twice does he just say Jesus: Romans 3:26To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Romans 8:11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
In the book of 1 CORINTHIANS 24 times Paul refers to the Lord Jesus. Jesus Christ, Christ Jesus, Jesus Christ our Lord, Lord Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus, Christ Jesus our Lord. Only once does he just say Jesus: 1 Corinthians 12:3Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
In the book of 2 CORINTHIANS 16 times Paul refers to the Lord Jesus. Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus, Christ Jesus the Lord Three times he refers to Jesus. 2 Corinthians 4:10-11Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 2 Corinthians 4:14Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. And once about another Jesus. 2 Corinthians 11:4For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
Why is this man different than all the millions of men who have ever lived? Why is His name used in the praise or cursing that fall from the lips of men? It is written that He was born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life. He died a martyrs death. Why? Because of His ideals? Because He wanted to change the establishment? Because He wanted to establish a new religion? NO, these are not the reasons. They don’t satisfy answers to the further probing questions they stir up. His life and death were not accidents, not mere chances of fate. THE SCRIPTURE DECLARES: Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, God sent forth His Son for a reason. The reason: to die for your sin and mine. Listen to the words of Christ concerning His Death: John 10:17-18Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. The Scripture further states: Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. YES, Christ died for our sins according to the Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 …how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: WHY? The answer lies in the Scripture: Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Galatians 3:22But the scripture hath concluded all under sin… Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
THOUGHT: God is satisfied with the Cross as settling the sin problem … We should be satisfied with what satisfies God…
Why is this man so different from all the billions of men who have ever lived? Why is his name used in the praise and cursing that falls from the lips of men? It stated he was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died a martyr’s death! Why? Because of his ideals? Because he wanted to change the establishment? Because he wanted to establish a new religion? No! These are not the reasons. They don’t satisfy answers to the further questions they stir up. His birth, life and death were not accidents, not mere chances of fate. THE SCRIPTURE DECLARES: Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, God sent forth his Son for a reason: The reason! To die for our sin. Look what concerning his death, John 10:17-18Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Yes, Christ died for the Sin of the world. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: Romans 3:23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Galatians 3:22But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Thot: God is satisfied with the cross as settling the sin problem… and the world should be satisfied with that which satisfies God!
