Many men have been given the name "Jesus." In Bible times, the naming of children was more serious than today. Today, parents name their child after a loved one or friend, or perhaps a name they think is pretty. In Bible times, children were given names which related to certain things, especially those in reference to GOD. The Apostle Paul warned in 2nd.Corinthians 11:4 about the possibility of another Jesus being preached. We desire to present unto you the JESUS of the Bible. No person except JESUS CHRIST could fulfill the meaning of the name "Jesus," because of WHO and WHAT HE IS.
HE Is the SON Of GOD.
". . . The HOLY GHOST shall come upon thee, and the power of the HIGHEST shall overshadow thee: therefore also that HOLY THING which shall be born of thee shall be called the SON Of GOD." (Luke 1:35) "For GOD so loved the world, that He gave HIS only begotten SON, that whosoever believes in HIM should not perish, but have everlasting life. For GOD sent not HIS SON into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through HIM might be saved." (John 3:16-17) HE also is GOD the SON ! "In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. . .And the WORD was made flesh, and dwelt among us. . ." (John 1:1,14) "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: GOD was manifest in the flesh. . ." (1st.Timothy 3:16)
HE Is the Sacrifice Demanded.
HE is the only one GOD would accept. The Old Testament sets forth the principle that the only means of acceptance with GOD is through sacrifice. ". . .we are sanctified through the offering of the body of JESUS CHRIST once for all. And every Priest stands daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this MAN, after HE had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of GOD:" (Hebrews 10:10-12) This implies that HIS work as Priest is accepted and HIS sacrifice is complete !
HE Is the SUBSTITUTE.
When our first parents willfully disobeyed the LORD, they lost their position and privilege of relationship with HIM. Thus, Adam brought the consequences of that disobedience upon himself and all his lineage; for Adam's lineage was begotten in his image, the image of the disobedient -- the offender. (Genesis 5:3)
Therefore, something or someone else must suffer the consequences of that disobedience in order for restoration to that standing prior to the act of disobedience. It could not be them (first parents) because they were guilty and the consequence of that guiltiness was death. (Genesis 2:17) The sufferer for the offence must be innocent of any offence before it (HE) could suffer in behalf of another. It is said of JESUS, "WHO did no sin, neither was guile found in HIS mouth. . .but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." (1st.Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15)
GOD in HIS mercy made Adam and Eve coats of skins, and clothed them, which implies the slaying of an animal. (Genesis 3:21) Not only was there the dying, but the shedding of blood as well. This was all a type of JESUS CHRIST, WHO would be killed and HIS blood shed for offenders (sinners). Many animals died throughout the Old Testament era in behalf of an offender of GOD's Law. The author of Hebrews tells us, "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. . .Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by HIS OWN blood HE (JESUS) entered in once into the Holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." (Hebrews 10:4; 9:12)
HE Is the SAVIOR.
The name JESUS means "salvation of GOD," or "GOD our SAVIOR." When the angel informed Joseph that the CHILD his espoused wife Mary was to give birth to was to be named "JESUS" (Matthew 1:20-21), more was involved than the mere naming of a child: "for HE (JESUS) shall save HIS people from their sins." Every person whom GOD saves, HE saved through this name. JESUS said, ". . . I AM the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man comes unto the FATHER, but by ME." (John 14:6) "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel. . .by which also ye are saved, . . .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:" (1st.Corinthians 15:1a, 2a, 3-4)
Dear Friend, just think of that which GOD has done in giving JESUS to die in your place, that you as the offender (sinner) might be forgiven your offenses. Will you realize your need of the LORD JESUS CHRIST ? Will you recognize yourself to be a sinner in need of a SAVIOR and under the consequence (condemnation) of sin ? the Apostle Paul said, "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." (Romans 10:9) Will you repent (turn to JESUS from your sin) ? Will you receive HIM as your personal sacrifice, substitute, LORD and SAVIOR ? If so, please pray this simple prayer or one like it:
LORD, I know that I am a sinner, and I believe YOU died and rose again for me. I am trusting YOU to forgive me, come into my heart and save me. Help me to live for YOU always. In JESUS' name I pray, AMEN.
JESUS said, "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of MY hand." (John 10:28)
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
No comments:
Post a Comment