JESUS IS THE CHRIST -- Monday:
"Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God." (1 John 5:1)
Here is a statement that demands our most serious consideration. It is precise, conceived by God, and revealed unto men through the Holy Spirit. It is not a general utterance to be blended with other Divine affirmations, although it is in perfect harmony with everything God has said and done. It is a lofty statement, one of Divine summary – and yet it is most definite and specific.
At once it is evident that believing "Jesus is the Christ" is not the product of human reasoning. Such a declaration could not be made of something issuing from natural resources alone. Rather, believing "Jesus is the Christ" is the result of the Father's revelation (Matt 16:17). Prior to this, John spoke of confessing that "Jesus is the Son of God" (4:15). Later in this chapter, He will affirm that believing Jesus is the Son of God is the cause for overcoming the world (5:5). Additional declarations are made concerning believing Jesus is "the Son of God" (5:10, 12, 13, 20). They are always pivotal, and always commended by God. They are never depicted as being deficient in any way.
THE CHRIST. This text, however, states that the one believing "Jesus is the Christ is born of God." This is a concise statement, and is like a precious gem of truth from every side. From the standpoint of WHO He is, Jesus is "the SON of God." Regarding WHY He came into the world, He is the "CHRIST of God" (Lk 9:20). It is said of the demons, "they knew that He was THE CHRIST" (Lk 4:41). Both Paul and Apollos powerfully confuted the Jews, proving that "Jesus is THE CHRIST" (Acts 18:5, 28). Peter preached that "THE CHRIST" had been raised up to sit on David's throne, and was appointed to suffer at the hands of men (Acts 2:31; 3:18). This was the thrust of New Testament preaching. What is the significance of "the Christ"?
The word "Christ" comes from a word meaning "Anointed," or "Messiah." However, everyone anointed is by no means Messiah! That is why Jesus is called "THE Christ," i.e., THE anointed one. The New Testament Scriptures refer to Jesus as "Christ" no less than 520 times. He is the solitary Individual upon whom God has suspended the hope of the world. He bore ALL of the sins of the world, and made the ONLY acceptable atonement for sin. He ALONE is bringing many sons to glory, and there is no access to God apart from Him. He administers the New Covenant by Himself, and He ALONE sanctifies the people. In the matter of our salvation, Jesus is "THE Man." Whatever you may think about works and human involvement, there is a level of salvation in which everything is wrought by Jesus, and His work is the only work.
A SINGLE PERSON PROMISED. He is the "Man" foretold by Isaiah. "And A MAN shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land" (Isa 32:2). Jeremiah pointed to a single Person who would be called "THE BRANCH of righteousness" (Jer 33:15). He is "THE SUN of Righteousness" of whom Malachi spoke (Mal 4:2), and THE "Prophet" of whom Moses prophesied (Deut 18:15). Haggai referred to Him as "THE DESIRE of all nations" (2:7). Paul called Him THE "Seed" promised to Abraham (Gal 3:16). He is THE "Nail" of which Isaiah prophesied, who would bear the burden of man's sin and the judgment of God against it (Isa 22:23-25).
At the pinnacle of His ministry, Isaiah declared the effectiveness of a single Person (Isa 53). He alone bore our griefs and sorrows, and was smitten of God and afflicted (v 4). "But HE was wounded . . . HE was bruised . . . the chastisement of our peace was upon HIM; and with HIS stripes we are healed" (v 5). The Lord laid the iniquity of us all upon "HIM" (v 6). The Lord bruised "HIM," putting "HIM" to grief, and it was "HIS soul" that was made an offering for sin (v 10). Because "HE" bore the iniquities of many, "HE" will justify the many (v 11). "HE" alone divides the spoils of His victory with the strong, and "HE" is the appointed intercessor for the transgressors (v 12).
God has nothing to give that does not come through Christ. That is the resounding testimony of Scripture! Whether we are able to see it or not, the Scriptures unanimously "testify" of Christ (John 6:39).
Jesus is not Just the answer to man's perceived problems. The person believing that "Jesus is the Christ" has seen the uniqueness of Jesus. That uniqueness is directly related to the Father's appointment of Him. It goes far beyond the "Jesus is the answer" mentality that has pervaded the evangelical world. That is a view that starts with problems as men see them, and then holds Jesus out as the means to their correction.
That is NEVER the point of Jesus being called "the Christ." The Father has appointed Jesus to bring His "eternal purpose" to fruition (Eph 3:11). From the standpoint of atonement, that was taking away the sins of the world (John 1:29). From the standpoint of the our enemy, it was bruising the head of the serpent, or destroying the devil (Gen 3:15; Heb 2:14). From another view, it is bringing many sons to glory (Heb 2:10). From yet another, it is distributing the spoils of His triumph to the strong (Isa 53:12). From yet another, it is to gather together into one all things in heaven and earth (Eph 1:10).
No wonder the one believing "Jesus is the Christ" is declare be "born of God!" Such a person has seen beyond nature's limitations.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank and praise You for providing such an extensive revelation of the Savior.