Understanding the Divinity of Jesus: Our Cornerstone of Faith
Summary
In the beginning, God the Son existed eternally, distinct yet fully divine, as John emphasizes in his gospel. This foundational truth is crucial for understanding the identity of Jesus, the Word made flesh. John uses the term "Word" to convey Jesus' divine nature, ensuring no confusion about His deity. Before creation, before the universe, God the Son was already present, existing in perfect intimacy with God the Father. This eternal existence underscores the profound mystery of the incarnation: God the Son taking on human form in Bethlehem.
The doctrine of Jesus' divinity is not just a theological concept but the cornerstone of our faith. It affirms that Jesus, though distinct from the Father, is fully God, sharing the same essence and character. This truth is echoed throughout Scripture, from Hebrews to Colossians, affirming that Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the agent of creation, and the sustainer of the universe. The baby born in Bethlehem is the Creator of all things, the One who holds the cosmos together.
Understanding Jesus as God is essential for salvation. Only an infinite God could bear the full penalty for humanity's sins. A finite being could not accomplish this. Jesus' divinity ensures that His life, death, and resurrection have infinite value, satisfying God's demands and delivering us from sin. Without His divine nature, there is no salvation, no Christianity. This truth is the bedrock of our faith and the reason for our worship.
As we celebrate Christmas, let us focus on Jesus, the divine Word who became flesh. Spend time in His Word, reflect on His humility, and respond in worship. Recognize that Jesus being God makes every other teaching about Him plausible. The miraculous events of His life, from the virgin birth to the resurrection, are believable because He is divine. This Christmas, let the truth of Jesus' divinity dispel any doubts and deepen your faith.
Key Takeaways
1. Eternal Existence of God the Son: Before anything was created, God the Son existed eternally with God the Father, emphasizing His divine nature and eternal presence. This truth is foundational for understanding the incarnation and the identity of Jesus as the Word made flesh. [12:49]
2. Jesus as the Agent of Creation: Jesus, the Word, was not only present at creation but was the agent through whom all things were made. This highlights His divine authority and power, affirming that He is not a created being but the Creator Himself. [17:29]
3. The Necessity of Jesus' Divinity for Salvation: Only an infinite God could bear the full penalty for humanity's sins, making Jesus' divinity essential for our salvation. Without His divine nature, there is no hope for redemption, underscoring the importance of this doctrine. [22:51]
4. Worship as a Response to Jesus' Divinity: Recognizing Jesus as God calls for a response of worship. This involves focusing on Him, spending time in His Word, and living out His teachings. Worship is the proper response to His divine nature and the salvation He offers. [25:13]
5. Belief in the Miraculous Made Plausible by Jesus' Divinity: Jesus being God makes all the miraculous events of His life plausible. His divine nature assures us that the teachings of the New Testament are believable, dispelling doubts and strengthening our faith. [30:11]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[11:26] - Eternal Existence of the Word
[12:49] - The Word and Creation
[13:48] - Intimacy with the Father
[16:28] - Jesus as God
[17:29] - The Agent of Creation
[18:16] - Sustainer of the Universe
[19:19] - The Magnitude of Creation
[20:33] - Divine Identity of Jesus
[21:31] - Importance of Jesus' Divinity
[22:05] - Salvation Through Jesus
[22:51] - The God-Man Savior
[23:39] - Invitation to Salvation
[24:20] - Confession and Belief
[25:13] - Worshiping Jesus
[25:53] - Focusing on Jesus
[28:00] - Plausibility of the Miraculous
[30:11] - Grasping Jesus' Divinity
[31:17] - The Word Became Flesh
[32:06] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 1:1-3
2. Colossians 1:15-17
3. Hebrews 1:1-3
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#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 1:1-3, what does it mean that "the Word was with God, and the Word was God"? How does this relate to the eternal existence of God the Son? [11:26]
2. In Colossians 1:15-17, how is Jesus described in relation to creation? What does this tell us about His role and authority? [17:29]
3. Hebrews 1:1-3 speaks of Jesus as the "radiance of the glory of God." What does this imply about His nature and His relationship with God the Father? [16:28]
4. How does the sermon emphasize the importance of understanding Jesus' divinity for our salvation? [22:51]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that John begins his gospel with the phrase "In the beginning was the Word"? How does this set the stage for understanding Jesus' divine nature? [12:49]
2. How does the concept of Jesus as the "agent of creation" in Colossians 1:15-17 deepen our understanding of His divine authority and power? [17:29]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the necessity of Jesus' divinity for the efficacy of His life, death, and resurrection? [22:51]
4. How does recognizing Jesus as God influence the way we approach worship, according to the sermon? [25:13]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the eternal existence of God the Son. How does this truth impact your understanding of Jesus' role in your life today? [12:49]
2. Considering Jesus as the agent of creation, how does this influence your view of the world around you and your place in it? [17:29]
3. The sermon emphasizes the necessity of Jesus' divinity for salvation. How does this shape your personal faith and assurance in your salvation? [22:51]
4. In what ways can you focus more on Jesus this Christmas season, as suggested in the sermon? Are there specific practices you can adopt to deepen your worship? [25:53]
5. How can the truth of Jesus' divinity help dispel doubts you may have about the miraculous events in His life? [30:11]
6. The sermon encourages responding to Jesus' divinity with worship. What are some practical ways you can incorporate worship into your daily routine? [25:13]
7. Reflect on the miraculous aspects of Jesus' life. How does believing in His divinity make these events more plausible for you personally? [30:11]
Devotional
Day 1: The Eternal Presence of God the Son
The eternal existence of God the Son is a profound truth that shapes our understanding of Jesus' identity. Before the universe was formed, God the Son existed in perfect unity with God the Father, emphasizing His divine nature and eternal presence. This foundational truth is crucial for understanding the incarnation, where God the Son took on human form in Bethlehem. Recognizing Jesus as the Word made flesh helps us grasp the depth of His divine nature and the mystery of His coming to earth. This eternal existence is not just a theological concept but a reality that underscores the significance of Jesus' life and mission. [12:49]
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters." (Genesis 1:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: How does the eternal existence of Jesus influence your understanding of His role in your life today? What changes might you make in your daily routine to acknowledge His eternal presence?
Day 2: Jesus, the Creator and Sustainer
Jesus is not only the Word present at creation but also the agent through whom all things were made. This highlights His divine authority and power, affirming that He is not a created being but the Creator Himself. The baby born in Bethlehem is the Creator of all things, the One who holds the cosmos together. Understanding Jesus as the agent of creation deepens our appreciation for His divine nature and His role in the universe. This truth is echoed throughout Scripture, affirming that Jesus is the image of the invisible God and the sustainer of the universe. [17:29]
"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." (Colossians 1:16, ESV)
Reflection: Consider the vastness of creation and Jesus' role as Creator. How does this perspective change the way you view your relationship with Him and the world around you?
Day 3: The Divine Necessity for Salvation
The divinity of Jesus is essential for our salvation. Only an infinite God could bear the full penalty for humanity's sins, making Jesus' divine nature crucial for redemption. Without His divinity, there is no hope for salvation, underscoring the importance of this doctrine. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection have infinite value, satisfying God's demands and delivering us from sin. This truth is the bedrock of our faith and the reason for our worship. Understanding the necessity of Jesus' divinity for salvation helps us appreciate the depth of His sacrifice and the hope it brings. [22:51]
"For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time." (1 Timothy 2:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on the significance of Jesus' divinity in your personal salvation story. How does this understanding impact your gratitude and worship towards Him today?
Day 4: Worship as a Response to Divinity
Recognizing Jesus as God calls for a response of worship. This involves focusing on Him, spending time in His Word, and living out His teachings. Worship is the proper response to His divine nature and the salvation He offers. As we celebrate Christmas, let us focus on Jesus, the divine Word who became flesh. Spend time in His Word, reflect on His humility, and respond in worship. Worshiping Jesus is not just an act of reverence but a lifestyle that acknowledges His divinity and the salvation He provides. [25:13]
"Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand." (Psalm 95:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific ways can you incorporate worship into your daily life as a response to Jesus' divinity? What changes can you make to prioritize this worship?
Day 5: The Plausibility of the Miraculous
Jesus being God makes all the miraculous events of His life plausible. His divine nature assures us that the teachings of the New Testament are believable, dispelling doubts and strengthening our faith. The miraculous events of His life, from the virgin birth to the resurrection, are believable because He is divine. This Christmas, let the truth of Jesus' divinity dispel any doubts and deepen your faith. Understanding the plausibility of the miraculous through Jesus' divinity helps us embrace the fullness of His story and the hope it brings. [30:11]
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a miraculous event in Jesus' life that you find challenging to believe. How does understanding His divinity help you reconcile this event with your faith? What steps can you take to strengthen your belief in the miraculous?
Quotes
And in both of these instances, the phrase did not convey personal deity. Actually, it excluded it. So John wanted to make sure that when he wrote of Jesus as the son of God, that he would not be misunderstood. He wanted to make it clear from the outset that the sonship which Jesus claimed, the sonship which Christians ascribe to Jesus, was precisely a matter of personal deity and nothing less. He wanted it clear to all of his readers that Jesus is the eternal God, the Son, who has always existed as God. [00:10:21] (36 seconds)
Not only did he refer to him as the Word to prove his divine nature, he takes us back to the beginning to make it clear that God the Son was not a created being. There never has been a time when God the Son was not. By beginning his gospel with these familiar words, in the beginning was the Word, John's making it clear that Jesus, God the Son, had no beginning. [00:11:09] (27 seconds)
Years ago, as I was maturing, I guess you'd say as a Christian, I often wondered how you reconciled this God the Son always existing, and what about this God the Jesus? And I had somebody explain it to me this way, and it helped me a lot. This pastor and theologian said, there was a time when Jesus was not. In other words, there was a time when God the Son had not put on flesh. [00:11:41] (27 seconds)
Genesis 1, in the beginning, think about this. There was nothing, no heavens, no earth, no light, no sand, no land, no seas, no vegetation, no plants, no seasons, no sun, no moon, no stars, no animals in the water, no animals on the land, no man, no woman, no heavenly beings. In the beginning, there was nothing except God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit. [00:13:13] (23 seconds)
hang on to that truth as we get a little further into the christmas story this year and you think about him stepping down from glory and putting on humanity and what he set aside or it's just amazing to see the love he has for us in the beginning was the word and the word was with god next john tells us the word was god now don't misunderstand john's not saying jesus was god and he's now no longer is you got to remember that greek imperfect tense of the word was he's saying the word was continuing as god he is god one pastor put it this way though personally distinct from the father he jesus is not a creature jesus was not created he is divine in himself as the father is another pastor said the exact meaning of the word was god and he's now no longer is you got to remember that greek imperfect tense of the word was god is that god the son is god in essence and character he was god in every way though he was separate person from god the father the phrase here perfectly preserves jesus's separate identity while also stating that he is god one pastor said the simple statement is perhaps the clearest and most direct declaration of the deity of jesus to be found anywhere in all of scripture jesus is god scripture confirms this in more places than just this gospel the author of hebrews said this long ago and many times and in many ways god spoke to our fathers by the prophets but in these last days he's spoken to us by his son whom he appointed the heir of all things through whom also he created the world talking about the son he said this he is the radiance of the glory of god he's the exact imprint of his nature [00:14:16] (120 seconds)
Before God the Son became flesh, he eternally existed as God the Son. He was in the beginning. He was with God. He was God. Are you beginning to see the divine identity of the baby that was born in Bethlehem? If not, John wants to make something. He just wants to put the nail in the coffin here. [00:16:51] (19 seconds)
He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not anything that was made. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Six days he created everything. Sun, moon, stars, plants, trees, sea creatures, land animals, man and woman. Well, John tells us that God the Father created all of this through God the Son. [00:17:15] (27 seconds)
That baby born in Bethlehem, he created everything. He created the sun, he created the moon, he created the stars. When is the last time you, stood out at night and looked up at the stars? You tried to count them? I've included some of this in your notes because seeing it makes it more understandable. I was reading this week in one of my commentaries, and this pastor shared this. He said there are 100 billion stars in the average galaxy, and there are at least 100 million galaxies in our known space. [00:19:04] (35 seconds)
Believe it or not, Jesus being God, makes salvation possible. One man said, Only someone who is the infinite God could bear the full penalty for all the sins of all those who would believe in him. A finite creature, a man, could not do this. Only God could do it. He said the whole message of scripture is designed to show that no human being, no creature could ever save man. Only God could save us. Thank God that Jesus is God. [00:21:45] (33 seconds)
He's the only one who could live a perfect life, the only one who could be the perfect sacrifice, the only one who could pay that price, the only one who can forgive sins. Only God can do that. He's the only one who could bridge the gap that exists between God and man, and he did. Jesus' divinity is of the utmost importance to Christianity. If Christ was not divine, we are not saved. [00:22:59] (26 seconds)
His divinity is also important because Jesus being God makes worship of him proper. I mean, according to scripture, we are not supposed to give our worship to anyone save God. According to John, Jesus is God, which means the proper response to him for us is worship. I hope that is your response to him. [00:25:13] (27 seconds)
As you encounter the miraculous through the reading of God's Word, remember this, Jesus being God makes every other teaching about Him plausible. As I was in Puerto Rico, I was reading through a book I've had for a had for years and read through way too much other than the Bible, but it's called Knowing God. It's written by J .I. Packer. In the fifth chapter of that book, he focuses on the word becoming flesh. [00:28:00] (29 seconds)
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