Jesus Christ is also God. He possesses all the divine attributes: He is life (John 1:4); He is self existent (John 5:26); He is truth (John 14:6); He is eternal (Col. 1:17). He is the second Person of the blessed Trinity (Matt. 28:19).
Christ was from all eternity. His pre-existence along with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit attests to His deity. He had no beginning. He is the eternal Son of the eternal Father (John 1:1-2; Mic. 5:2; John 8:58).
It is Christ then, who was the active Agent in Creation. While without doubt God the Father and God the Holy Spirit had part in bringing the universe into being, it is expressly stated that Christ created all things (John 1:1-3; Col. 1:15-17; Heb. 1:1-3).
In the fulness of time the second Person of the Trinity became incarnate or took on Himself the form of a man. While Christ is in every sense truly God, He is also in every sense truly man. And for a time He laid aside His glory (though not His deity) in order to accomplish the facts of our salvation (John 1:14).
The incarnation was accomplished by the miracle of the virgin birth. This means, that Christ was born by the Virgin Mary without the aid of a human father. God alone was His Father (Matt. 1:18-25).
The earthly life of Christ covered a period of approximately 33 years. These years, and especially the 3 years of His public ministry, were filled with divine words and deeds which accomplished God's will and proved His deity. Never man spoke as Christ spoke, and never man wrought as Christ wrought. His life is absolutely unique in the annals of history.
But the focal point of Christ's life is His sacrificial death. As had been prophesied, Jesus Christ was taken by wicked hands and slain on a cross of shame. In allowing this He became the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world (John 1:29).
Scriptures: The divine commentary on the incomparable life of Christ will be found in the four gospel accounts, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John. Each is important, presenting the same Christ in a divinely ordained way.
The resurrection of Christ is certainly one of the most unique facts of history. After a period of 3 days in the borrowed tomb, our Lord arose early on the first day of the week. This fact is exceedingly important, proving conclusively that Christ is indeed the Son of God, and the Saviour of the world. Also His death is accepted by God Himself as the one means whereby guilty sinners may be redeemed (Ps. 16:9-10; Matt. 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20).
After a post-resurrection ministry of 40 days, our Lord led His disciples to the Mount of Olives where, following parting instructions, He visibly ascended into heaven. His promise of return (John 14:3) was reiterated by two men in white (Acts 1:10-11).
During the present time that Christ is in heaven awaiting the hour of His return He is engaged in a most necessary and profitable ministry. He is our great High Priest ever making intercession of those who are His own (Heb. 7:25). He is the great Bestower for spiritual gifts or divine enablements (Eph. 4:7-11), and He is our Advocate appearing before the throne of God in our behalf (I John 2:1).
The great and blessed Hope of the Church is one that is divinely given. It is, that in God's good time, our Lord will return and will secretly catch away all those who are His own from the earth to meet Him in the air (I Thess. 4:13-18; I Cor. 15:51-53).
Following this and after the time of great trouble or tribulation on the earth, our Lord will return to the earth in power and great glory. This time He will come riding upon a white horse, and all the armies of heaven following Him. He will take the reins of government, and will rule and reign in righteousness for a thousand years (Matt. 25:31; Zech. 14:4; Rev. 1:7).
The nation Israel will then be blessed as never before, all men will come to know the Lord. The wicked shall be punished and the righteous shall be rewarded. This blessed time is known in Scripture as the Millennium or the thousand year reign of Christ (Rev. 20:1-6; Deut. 30:3-6).
Scriptures: Philippians 3:20-21; Psalm 72; Isaiah 11:1-9.
From Believer's First Bible Course by William W. Orr. Wheaton, Ill.: Scripture Press, 1956.
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