BY: Jeffrey H. Sypole
“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people….While we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed.”
~ Titus 2:11, 13
Jesus is not only the Christ, he is also “God and Savior” (Titus 2:13). This is a staggering, almost incomprehensible truth: God himself has come down onto this planet in the Person of his only Son. The incarnation and the full deity of Jesus are the cornerstones of the Christian faith. Jesus Christ was not just a great teacher or a holy religious leader. He was God himself in human flesh—fully God and fully man.
Jesus himself gave frequent witness to his uniqueness and his divine nature. To his opponents, he declared, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58). They immediately recognized this as a clear claim to divinity and tried to stone him for blasphemy. On another occasion, Jesus stated, “I and my Father are one,” and again his enemies tried to stone him, “because you, a mere man, claim to be God” (John 10:30, 33). Furthermore, he demonstrated the power to do things that only God can do, such as forgive sins (Mark 2:1-12). The charge brought against him at his trial was that “he made himself the Son of God” (John 19:7), and when asked if he was the son of God, he replied, “You are right in saying I am” (Luke 22:70).
What proof did Jesus offer that he was truly God come in human form? First, there was the proof of his perfect life (John 8:46). Those who schemed to bring him to trial had to obtain false witnesses to bring charges, because he was blameless.
Second, there was the evidence of his power—the power only God has. He had power over the forces of nature; he had power over sickness and disease; and, his miracles were a witness to the fact that he is Lord of all nature.
Third, there was the evidence of fulfilled prophecy. Uncounted details of his life were foretold by the prophets, and in every instance, these prophecies were fulfilled (Micah 5:2, Psalm 22, Isaiah 53).
Fourth, there was the evidence of his resurrection from the dead. The founders of the various non-Christian religions of the world have lived, died, and were buried. But Christ is alive! His resurrection is a fact! His tomb is empty! (1 Corinthians 15).
Fifth, there is the proof of changed lives. Education and discipline can do no more than rub off the rough edges of human selfishness—but Christ alone, the divine Son of God, has power to change the human heart. Yes, Jesus Christ is who he said he is: God himself in human form.
The light of Easter is shining brightly—Jesus is both God and man. Turn to its healing rays for forgiveness, redemption, and salvation. He is risen! He is risen indeed! In your own mind-darkened, will-paralyzed, conscience-dulled soul, God can make the light penetrate and turn the night into day, if you will “let the Son shine” in your life.
