Further Study:
See Ellen G. White, "God With Us," pp. 19-26, in The Desire of Ages.It is instructive to see how deftly Matthew and Luke deal with the genealogy of Jesus (Matt 1:16, 18; Luke 3:23; compare 1:26-35). These Bible writers could not have been more careful on this point. What we find is a complete absence of any confusion on this fundamental point, with John's Gospel providing perhaps the strongest affirmation of Jesus' deity anywhere in Scripture (John 1:1-3, 14). It shows how critical is the concept of the virgin birth for the whole scheme of salvation. The virgin birth, on which rests the affirmation of Christ's preexistence and Deity, stands rock solid in the Gospels.
"Another dangerous error is the doctrine that denies the deity of Christ, claiming that He had no existence before His advent to this world. This theory is received with favor by a large class who profess to believe the Bible; yet it directly contradicts the plainest statements of our Saviour concerning His relationship with the Father, His divine character, and His pre-existence. It cannot be entertained without the most unwarranted wresting of the Scriptures. It not only lowers man's conceptions of the work of redemption, but undermines faith in the Bible as a revelation from God. While this renders it the more dangerous, it makes it also harder to meet. If men reject the testimony of the inspired Scriptures concerning the deity of Christ, it is in vain to argue the point with them; for no argument, however conclusive, could convince them. . . . None who hold this error can have a true conception of the character or the mission of Christ, or of the great plan of God for man's redemption."—Ellen G. White, "The Snares of Satan," p. 524, in The Great Controversy.
Discussion Questions:
 Look at Ellen G. White's quote above. Why is it so important that we adhere to the doctrine of Christ's deity and equality with the Father? What does the plan of salvation lose were we to abandon this teaching? |
How important is the incident of 
Dwell on the implications of the deity of Christ, in light of the Cross. Be prepared to bring your thoughts on this topic to class on Sabbath.
| I N S I D E Story | ||
| Walking in Faith Jose did not attend church, but he loved reading the Bible on his own. He just wished that his wife would study with him. He found new truths that excited him-and some things that baffled him. One day Jose met an Adventist pastor who invited him to visit the Adventist church. Jose went, and there he found answers to many questions. He learned about the Sabbath and decided to ask his boss for Sabbaths off. He prayed for courage and went to see him. To his delight, Jose's boss agreed to give him Sabbaths off. Then one day as José sat on the platform at church, he saw his boss enter the sanctuary and stand in the back. When the service ended, Jose went to greet him. His boss said, "A customer is waiting to see you at the office. You must come to the office-now." "But today is my Sabbath," Jose said. "I don't go to the office today." With that his boss turned angrily and walked away. Realizing that perhaps he had not explained the Sabbath clearly, Jose wrote a letter explaining why he would not work on Saturdays. On Monday he gave the letter to his boss, even though he might lose his job. His wife learned of the letter and worried that his religion would leave the family destitute. But Jose assured her that God would provide. Jose's company gave him Sabbaths off. Because of his steadfast faith, Jose's wife began attending church. The couple started a small group in their home, which quickly grew. They needed a larger place to worship. One day Jose saw some property that would make an ideal location for a church. The little group prayed that God would help them buy the land, and God answered their prayer. They began saving to build a church. When a hurricane ravaged their area, the group wondered what would happen to their dream for a church. Then they learned that Maranatha International was coming to rebuild churches and schools in Honduras. The little group applied for help, and Maranatha built their church. The new church holds 150 people, and the believers are working to fill it. José goes door-to-door introducing people to Christ and holds four evangelistic series a year. The congregation now has more than 60 members, most of whom are new believers. The church members are forming more small groups to help train new believers to lead others to Christ. Following Christ's methods, this group has made a big impact on their community in Honduras. Our mission offerings support lay evangelism in many forms. Thank you for your part in telling the world about God's love.
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| Produced by the General Conference Office of Mission Web site: www.adventistmission.org |
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