KNOWING JESUS THE CHRIST ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES

The Divine Revelation of Jesus Christ: Unveiling His Nature and Purpose

As we navigate the complexities of life, it's essential to grasp the fundamental truth about Jesus Christ. The Bible reveals three crucial aspects of His nature and purpose:

1. Jesus is God

In the beginning, the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1-5) This profound statement establishes Jesus as the embodiment of God, sharing in His divine nature. He is not just a prophet or a messenger but the very essence of God in human form.

2. Jesus is the Revelation of God to Mankind

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being. (Hebrews 1:3) Through Jesus, we see the character, love, and grace of God manifested in human history. He is the ultimate revelation of God's heart and purpose for humanity.

3. Believe in Him and Receive Eternal Life

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9) In Jesus, we find the intersection of God's love, mercy, and redemption. Embrace Him as your Lord and Savior and experience the transformative power of His eternal life.

Revealing Jesus in the Old Testament

Now the purpose of teaching or preaching is to reveal Jesus Christ. The Old Testament provides a rich tapestry of prophetic pointers, typology, and symbolism that foreshadow the coming of Jesus Christ.

Creation and Light (Genesis 1:3, John 8:12)

In Genesis 1:3: God spoke, "Let there be light," symbolizing Jesus as the Light of the world.
 John 8:12: Jesus declares, "I am the Light of the world," connecting Him to the initial creation event. There are more verses of scripture that point to Jesus Christ as the light that shine in the hearts of man. John 1: 4-5 & 7-9.
 

The Tree of Life and Salvation (Genesis 2:22, Romans 6:23)

 Genesis 2:22: The tree of life represents eternal life, accessible through Jesus. We see in John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Jesus declared that he is the life.
 Romans 6:23: Jesus offers eternal life. He provides salvation, restoring humanity's relationship with God.

The Seed of the Woman (Genesis 3:15)

 Genesis 3:15: The seed of the woman (Jesus) would crush Satan's power.
 Significance: Jesus' birth and mission fulfill this prophecy, defeating sin and death.

Typology of Salvation

 Noah's Ark (Genesis 6-9 symbolize the salvation that is in Christ. The Ark saved those who entered it, the same with Christ, he can only those who believe in him. 1 Peter 3:18-22):
 Isaac (Genesis 15:6, Galatians 4:22-24): Representing the Spirit, contrasting with Ishmael (flesh).
 Passover Lamb (Exodus 12:13, 1 Corinthians 5:7): The lamb that was killed and its blood put on door post was a symbolic of what was going to happen to Jesus. The lamb was a figure, and Christ was the ultimate sacrifice.
 Brass Serpent (Numbers 21:9, John 3:14): Jesus' crucifixion, providing healing and salvation.
 Rock (Numbers 20:8, 1 Corinthians 10:4): Jesus, the spiritual Rock, providing living water.

Prophetic Pointers

 Deuteronomy 18:15: A prophet like Moses (Jesus) would arise.
 Numbers 24:16-17: The Star (Jesus) would shine, guiding humanity.
Significance: Jesus fulfills these prophecies, confirming His divine nature and mission.

New Testament Confirmations

The New Testament reinforces Jesus' divinity and mission, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.

Luke 24:25-27

 Jesus explains the Scriptures, revealing Himself in Moses and the Prophets. He connects the Old Testament to His own life and mission.

Ephesians 1:19-21, 2:5-6

 Psalm 103:11-13 and 110:1 are fulfilled in Jesus' exaltation. For which now, he is seated at God's right hand, far above all rule and authority. His resurrection and ascension confirm His divine nature.

Hebrews 5:5-7, 6:20

 Psalm 11:4-5 is fulfilled in Jesus' priestly office.
 Jesus Christ is the eternal High Priest, ensuring salvation for believers. Christ's priesthood surpasses the Old Testament Levitical priesthood.

Revelation 3:7

 Ezra 9:8-9 and Isaiah 22:22-23 are fulfilled in Jesus' authority.
 Jesus holds the key of David, controlling access to God's presence. We saw that in John 14:6 He declared that he is the way, no one goes to the Father except through him. Jesus Christ is the ultimate authority, granting salvation and access to God.

Conclusion: The Scriptures:

1. Confirm Jesus' divinity and mission.
2. Fulfill Old Testament prophecies.
3. Establish Jesus as the central figure in human history.

The Bible presents a unified testimony of Jesus Christ, from the Old Testament's prophetic shadows to the New Testament's radiant revelation. Embracing Jesus as Lord and Savior invites you into an eternal relationship with God.

Reflection Questions:

1. How do these New Testament confirmations strengthen your faith?
2. What insights do you gain from Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies?
3. How can you apply Jesus' divine authority and priesthood in your life?
4. How has your understanding of Jesus deepened through this study?
5. What aspects of Jesus' nature and purpose resonate with you most?
6. How can you apply the truth of Jesus' divinity and redemption in your daily life?
 

God bless you.