Jesus=God? Part 2 - Creator

by Lance Ponder⁽⁸⁵⁾
http://fkiprofessor.xanga.com

Anyone who casually picks up an English translation of the bible will not automatically see Jesus Christ in the Old Testament. He is not spoken of directly by name, or so it seems. There are prophesies about a coming “anointed one,” a “messiah,” a prophet “greater than Moses,” and a king who would “sit on the throne of David.” But, do these prophecies point to an extraordinary man, or some divinely enhanced man, some angelic deity in human form, or is Jesus God in human form?

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Gen 1:1 ESV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without was not anything made that was made … And the word became flesh and dwelt among us and we have seen his glory, glory as from the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (Jn 1:1-3, 14 ESV)

According to John, the first public miracle of Jesus was the transformation of water to wine (Jn 2:1-11). This event is important for several reasons, but with regard to the identity of Jesus, this miracle demonstrates the power of Jesus to create. In the creation account in Genesis, the first substance created was water (Gen 1:2) and out of water God formed everything else. In like manner, Jesus made wine out of water. It was a creative act astonishingly similar to original creation. Through this miracle, Jesus demonstrated his glory and as a result his disciples believed in him (Jn 2:11).

John is not the only New Testament writer to attribute to Jesus the role of Creator. In reference to Jesus, Paul writes: For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities---all things were created through him and for him. (Col 1:16 ESV)

Speaking of Jesus, the writer of Hebrews quotes from Ps 102 saying: "You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end." (Heb 1:10-12 ESV)

Article submitted Saturday, February 12, 2011 & read 87 times.

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» left by Teresa^(1,658) (1 year 89 days ago.)

Hi Lance. Excellent and thought provoking questions raised. Can you share some of the Old Testament prophesies if the Messiah, that were fulfilled by Jesus? Maybe this is coming in part 3 :-)

This lesson brought me to what I think are two powerful passages of Scripture as they relate to Jesus being God.

"Therefor take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." Acts 20:28

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, seen by angles, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory." 1 Timothy 3:16

Okay Lance, you have really stirred my heart and mind! Thanks for the warm up and the spiritual boost. I was going to go straight to writing the discussion questions for John 3:22-36, but felt a nudge to start here, so glad I did - thank you Holy Spirit! In fact, I think I need to side step and expand on 1 Timothy 3:16... your thoughts will be appreciated. Blessings to you! T.

» left by Lance Ponder⁽⁸⁵⁾ (1 year 89 days ago.)

You're in luck, Teresa. I have a whole post on that coming up, but not until part 5 (I think its part 5). I just hope the formatting works right because its in table form. LOL. Always glad to speak a word of life. Not by my power, but God's Holy Spirit who is the breath of life. So say we all.

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