Who is Jesus?

A new article for examiner.com

Jesus.  The name that has brought people and countries to their knees.  People have died for Him and people have killed in His name.  He is the central figure in Christianity. But, what does the Bible say about Him?  Jesus is God, the Second of the Trinity and Creator as it is stated in John 1:1.  The verse begins with, “In the beginning” which parallels Genesis 1. “The Word” is a term that was used throughout the Old Testament as well as in Greek philosophy which was meant by John to refer to Jesus.  “The Word was with God” is a term which means Jesus was with God as the Second Person of the Trinity, in fellowship with God throughout eternity, while “was God” describes that Jesus had and has all the attributes of deity, and was and is God.  Hebrews 1:3 also discusses the deity of Jesus and His work regarding the forgiveness of our sins.  In verse 8, Jesus is addressed as God, and that verse is also a quote of Psalm 45:6.  

Although He became fully man, He did not lose this attribute of deity.  John 1:14, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” discusses that He became human, taking on human attributes, while maintaining His deity, infinite and eternal, while also taking on finite attributes of flesh and bone.  His deity was complete while He was fully man.  This is referred to in Matthew 5:21-22 and 27-28, wherein Jesus places His Word as having as much importance as Old Testament Scripture did.  Had He not been fully God at this time, why would He place such importance on His Word?  Philippians 2:6-7 also discusses the fact that Jesus became man, yet it never says that He ceased to posses His divine nature.

The fact that Jesus is the Second Person of the Trinity can be found in John 5:17-18.  It states Jesus was “making Himself equal with God” which many believe documents the Trinity.  Within the Trinity, God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are all equal and One God.  As Jesus was fully God and fully man, He was employing His authority.  Jesus also states in John 10:30, “I and My Father are one.”   This is another verse commenting on the Trinity, combining Jesus and God as One, stressing the unification, purpose and action between the Father and the Son. 

Jesus is also mentioned in the Old Testament as well as the New Testament with many verses discussing Messianic prophecy, foretelling the coming of Christ and of His work.  Although He is not mentioned by name, as Christ, Jesus or Messiah, there are references to Him and prophecies relating to Him before His birth.  One of the strongest verses foretelling Christ and His work on earth is Isaiah 9:6.  In breaking down the verse, there are several references to prophecy and fulfillment, the work of Christ and promises regarding His Lordship.  Taking the words “child” and “son”, meaning Immanuel, a child born unto a virgin, in the line of David holding the rights to the Davidic throne, Matthew 1:21 coincides, speaking of a child named Jesus who will save His people from their sins.  The word “government” refers to Revelation 2:27 in which He will rule the nations.  “Mighty God” refers to the Messiah being a powerful warrior and also coincides with Deuteronomy 10:17 which states, “For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe.”  “Everlasting Father” is in reference to Christ being Father to His people, providing for, caring for and disciplining them and relates to Psalm 68:5-6.  Finally, “Prince of Peace” refers to the peace of all the nations and coincides with Micah 4:3, “...Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”  

Jesus is the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega as stated in Revelation 1:8, 1:11, 21:6, and 22:13.  His work upon the cross was and is enough for all of us, as He said “it is finished” in John 19:30.  He is our mediator, our bridge spanning the gap between God and man as stated in 1 Timothy 2:5.  Isaiah 9:6 describes Jesus perfectly and He not only “became flesh and dwelt among us”, He died for our sins as it states in the Bible.  He is everything the Bible says He is, and the Bible is the truth filled Word of God.