Through Christ
The center and substance of God’s revelation is the person of Christ, God in human flesh. When in God’s plan the time was right, Jesus was “born of a woman, born under the law” (Gal. 4:4, NKJV). He lived for about thirty-three years in Palestine, died on the cross, rose from the tomb, and ascended to His Father.
What do the following texts tell us about how God’s revelation through Christ differed from the other revelations discussed this week? John 1:14; 3:16; 14:8, 9; Col. 2:9; Heb. 1:1, 2.
The Bible far surpasses the revelation of God in nature, yet, no written record can equal the personal presence of the Son of God. The Bible is God’s tool to accomplish His purpose in our lives. However, it has no lasting value if we regard it only as an interesting history book. Unless it leads us to the One it reveals, our study of the Bible will be of little benefit. The Bible was written, above all, to give to us the revelation of God presented to the world through the life and death of His Son, Jesus.
“That was the true Light which gives light to every man who comes into the world” (John 1:9, NKJV ). What contribution does this text make to our understanding of the revelation of God in Christ?
The NIV English translation catches the idea best: “The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.” This does not mean that every person receives this light, only that if a person is illuminated at all, it must be from Jesus (Acts 4:12). The true light shines on all humankind in the same sense that Jesus died for everyone, but not everyone will be saved. As John goes on to say, many will not accept this light (John 1:10–12). How well do you know Jesus yourself? If someone were to say to you, “Tell me about Jesus, what He is like and what He can do for me,” what would you say, and why? Be prepared to share your answer in class on Sabbath.
No comments:
Post a Comment