The Divine Glory and Salvation of Jesus Christ
Summary
In this message, I explored the profound mystery and glory of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His divine nature and His unparalleled role in the salvation of humanity. Jesus, though appearing as a man and a carpenter, is the embodiment of God Himself. He is the exact likeness of God, the living image through whom we can see the Father. This dual nature of Christ—fully God and fully man—sets Him apart, making Him the unique mediator between God and humanity. His birth was miraculous, born of a virgin, signifying His divine origin and purpose.
The world often fails to recognize the true identity of Jesus, seeing Him merely as a historical figure rather than the divine Savior. Yet, His life, teachings, and miracles all point to His divine authority and glory. His wisdom surpassed that of the learned men of His time, and His miracles demonstrated His power over creation. The transfiguration on the mountain, witnessed by Peter, James, and John, revealed His divine glory, affirming His identity as the beloved Son of God.
The glory of Christ is not only in His person but also in His work. He, the eternal Son of God, humbled Himself, taking on human form to live among us, suffer, and die for our sins. This act of self-abasement and sacrifice is the ultimate demonstration of His love and glory. Despite humanity's rebellion, He came to redeem us, offering salvation and eternal life to all who believe.
Currently, Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, reigning over the universe. He holds all power and authority, guiding history towards its ultimate fulfillment. Yet, He allows humanity the freedom to attempt to order the world, revealing our need for Him. His future return will be a moment of indescribable glory, where He will judge the world in righteousness, and every knee will bow before Him.
The glory of Christ is the most significant reality, and recognizing it transforms our lives. It calls us to acknowledge our blindness and seek His mercy, leading to a new life in Him. The gospel of the glory of Christ is the most wondrous truth, offering hope and eternal joy in His presence.
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus Christ is the exact likeness of God, embodying both divine and human natures. This unique identity makes Him the perfect mediator between God and humanity, revealing the Father to us through His life and teachings. [25:31]
- The miraculous birth of Jesus, born of a virgin, signifies His divine origin and purpose. This event marks the beginning of God's redemptive plan, highlighting the extraordinary nature of Christ's mission on earth. [27:04]
- The glory of Christ is evident in His life, teachings, and miracles, which demonstrate His divine authority and power. His transfiguration and the testimony of His disciples affirm His identity as the beloved Son of God. [29:30]
- Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection are the ultimate expressions of His love and glory. Despite humanity's rebellion, He came to redeem us, offering salvation and eternal life to all who believe. [35:37]
- Currently reigning at the right hand of God, Jesus holds all power and authority. His future return will be a moment of indescribable glory, where He will judge the world in righteousness, fulfilling God's redemptive plan. [41:48]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [23:50] - Jesus and the Father
- [24:45] - The Image of God
- [25:31] - Jesus: God and Man
- [26:36] - The Miraculous Birth
- [27:33] - The Wisdom of Jesus
- [28:24] - Miracles and Authority
- [29:01] - The Transfiguration
- [30:09] - The Glory of His Work
- [31:02] - The Incarnation
- [32:19] - The Humility of Christ
- [33:40] - The Crucifixion
- [34:41] - The Resurrection
- [37:19] - The Reigning Christ
- [41:48] - The Future Coming of Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 2:5-11
2. Colossians 1:15-20
3. Hebrews 1:1-3
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Philippians 2:5-11, how did Jesus demonstrate humility and obedience? How does this passage describe His exaltation? [24:07]
2. In Colossians 1:15-20, what does it mean that Jesus is the "image of the invisible God"? How does this passage describe His role in creation? [24:24]
3. Hebrews 1:1-3 speaks of Jesus as the "brightness of His glory" and the "express image of His person." How does this description affirm Jesus' divine nature? [24:45]
4. The sermon mentions the transfiguration of Jesus witnessed by Peter, James, and John. What was revealed about Jesus during this event? [29:01]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the dual nature of Christ as both fully God and fully man impact our understanding of His role as a mediator between God and humanity? [25:31]
2. The sermon emphasizes Jesus' miraculous birth as a sign of His divine origin. Why is the virgin birth significant in understanding Jesus' mission on earth? [27:04]
3. Reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection. How do these events demonstrate His love and glory, according to the sermon? [35:37]
4. The sermon describes Jesus' current reign at the right hand of God. How does this understanding of His authority influence our view of world events and history? [41:48]
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Application Questions:
1. The sermon challenges us to recognize the glory of Christ. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of His presence in your daily life? [45:06]
2. Jesus' life and teachings reveal His divine authority. What specific teachings of Jesus have challenged or inspired you recently, and how can you apply them? [28:24]
3. Reflect on the concept of Jesus as the mediator between God and humanity. How does this understanding affect your personal relationship with God? [25:31]
4. The sermon speaks of Jesus' future return in glory. How does this promise of His return shape your priorities and decisions today? [41:48]
5. Consider the humility and obedience of Jesus as described in Philippians 2:5-11. In what areas of your life do you feel called to demonstrate similar humility and obedience?
6. The sermon highlights the importance of acknowledging our spiritual blindness and seeking Jesus' mercy. Is there an area in your life where you need to seek His guidance and healing? [49:23]
7. How can the reality of Jesus' current reign and authority provide comfort and hope in the face of personal or global challenges? [37:19]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Christ as the Perfect Mediator
Jesus Christ embodies both divine and human natures, making Him the perfect mediator between God and humanity. This unique identity allows Him to reveal the Father to us through His life and teachings. Jesus is not just a historical figure; He is the exact likeness of God, the living image through whom we can see the Father. His dual nature—fully God and fully man—sets Him apart, enabling Him to bridge the gap between the divine and the human. This profound mystery invites us to deepen our understanding of who Jesus is and what He represents in our lives. [25:31]
Colossians 1:15-17 (ESV): "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 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. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: In what ways can you seek to understand and experience Jesus as the mediator in your personal relationship with God today?
Day 2: The Miraculous Birth and Divine Purpose
The miraculous birth of Jesus, born of a virgin, signifies His divine origin and purpose. This event marks the beginning of God's redemptive plan, highlighting the extraordinary nature of Christ's mission on earth. Jesus' birth was not just a miraculous event but a divine intervention that set the stage for the salvation of humanity. It underscores the intentionality of God's plan and the lengths to which He would go to redeem His creation. As we reflect on this, we are reminded of the depth of God's love and the purpose He has for each of us. [27:04]
Isaiah 7:14 (ESV): "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
Reflection: How does the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth inspire you to trust in God's purpose for your life, even when it seems beyond understanding?
Day 3: The Glory of Christ in His Life and Miracles
The glory of Christ is evident in His life, teachings, and miracles, which demonstrate His divine authority and power. His transfiguration and the testimony of His disciples affirm His identity as the beloved Son of God. Jesus' wisdom surpassed that of the learned men of His time, and His miracles demonstrated His power over creation. These acts were not just displays of power but revelations of His divine nature and authority. As we consider the glory of Christ, we are called to recognize His authority in our lives and respond with faith and obedience. [29:30]
Matthew 17:1-2 (ESV): "And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light."
Reflection: What specific area of your life do you need to submit to the authority of Christ, acknowledging His power and glory?
Day 4: The Sacrificial Love of Jesus
Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection are the ultimate expressions of His love and glory. Despite humanity's rebellion, He came to redeem us, offering salvation and eternal life to all who believe. This act of self-abasement and sacrifice is the ultimate demonstration of His love and glory. Jesus' willingness to suffer and die for our sins reveals the depth of His love and the extent of His commitment to our redemption. As we reflect on His sacrifice, we are invited to respond with gratitude and a renewed commitment to live for Him. [35:37]
1 Peter 2:24 (ESV): "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed."
Reflection: How can you express gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice in your daily life, and what changes can you make to live more fully in response to His love?
Day 5: The Reigning and Returning Christ
Currently reigning at the right hand of God, Jesus holds all power and authority. His future return will be a moment of indescribable glory, where He will judge the world in righteousness, fulfilling God's redemptive plan. Jesus' current reign assures us of His sovereignty over the universe, guiding history towards its ultimate fulfillment. His promised return is a source of hope and anticipation for believers, reminding us of the ultimate victory of God's kingdom. As we await His return, we are called to live in readiness and faithfulness, aligning our lives with His purposes. [41:48]
Revelation 19:11-16 (ESV): "Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God."
Reflection: In what ways can you prepare your heart and life for the return of Christ, living in anticipation of His coming glory?
Quotes
He who have seen me hath seen the father another time he said the father and I are one he said again before Abraham was I am listen to it then did you hear what we read just now in the second chapter of Paul's epistle to the Philippians who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God. [00:23:37]
This Jesus of Nazareth is one in whom there dwelt the whole fullness of the goded bodily or did you notice it there in that first chapter of the epistle to the Hebrews oh he says there in this wonderful phrase Let me give it to you exactly and accurately being the brightness of his glory and the express image of his person. [00:24:45]
He is the image of God which means the exact likeness of God he's the Living Image you say you look at the baby he's the living image of his father ah you look at the face and you see the father well now then what we are told is when you look into this face you see God the image the likeness of God. [00:25:31]
An archangel went to Mary Who Bore him as her babe and he told her that she was going to Bear a child and she said how can this be I've never known a man I'm a virgin I'm not married how can I have a child I've never had any contact with a man it's all right said the Archangel the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee. [00:26:36]
He could make the dead rise he could make the deaf hear he could give sight to the blind there was nothing he couldn't do he could heal the lame he'd caused them to LEAP as the heart amazing astounding what's this well it's the glory of his person that's coming out in these ways all these are but signs of who he is and of his glory. [00:28:24]
Suddenly a cloud overshadowed them and they looked at him and they saw him absolutely transfigured not only was his face shining his very clothes were shining he was glorified in their presence there was a Radiance and a glory that could come from nowhere but him and they saw it and they heard a voice from him saying this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased hear him. [00:29:01]
The word was made flesh and dwelt Among Us that's this baby in Bethlehem in the manger looks like a little helpless babe but no he's the one through whom everything was made veiled in flesh the godhead sea hail incarnate deity says Charles Wesley and he says it rightly but think of the glory involved in all that. [00:31:02]
He humbled himself he made himself of no reputation he came down amongst us he lived amongst men and women he submitted himself to his parents soall his mother and her husband Joseph he put himself under the law he was pure he' never sinned he didn't want to but he put himself under the law like other men and women. [00:32:19]
I see them nailing him to that cross and there they mock at him and Jer at him and laugh at him the mob the crowd ridiculing him and saying if thou be the Son of God come down and save thyself I see him dying on that cross I see them taking down his body and wrapping it in clothes and putting it in a grave and rolling a stone over that grave. [00:33:40]
He rose again there was an empty grave he came out of it he manifested himself to certain chosen followers and he ascended as they stood watching him he went up into the heavens and there he returned to the Everlasting Glory do you know anything about the glory of what is done the gospel of the glory of Christ. [00:34:41]
He is seated at the right hand of God in heaven in the glory of this very minute that's the glory of his position I'll tell you more this is what he said himself to his followers it's the last thing he ever said to them I know of nothing more comforting in this troubled world tonight than this. [00:37:19]
There's a day coming my friend when this same Christ this same Jesus of Nazareth will be seen coming on the Clouds Of Heaven surrounded by a host of hly Holy Angels in glory Indescribable what will he be doing he'll be coming to judge the world in righteousness God the father has handed over judgment to him. [00:41:48]