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BIBLE
STUDY LESSON
For
the week beginning Sunday September 8, 2019
UNDERSTANDING WHO JESUS IS (Part two)
Scripture reveals four
important aspects of CHRIST’ person, and in the next few weeks we’ll examine
those aspect. This week, however, we’ll look at the first aspect, and, what is
known by scholars as, “the seven positions of CHRIST”.
1.
The seven positions of CHRIST
2.
CHRIST’S offices
3
CHRISTS’ SONship
4
The Hypostatic Union
THE SEVEN POSITIONS OF CHRIST
·
Pre-incarnate – Identified in the Old Testament as “The ANGEL of the LORD”,
JESUS possessed all the glory and attributes of GOD the FATHER, except HE admits
that HE was not all-knowing at this point (Genesis 18:20-21) (Genesis 22:11-18),
only GOD the FATHER was. As The ANGEL of the LORD, HIS relationship to GOD the
FATHER was so close and inseparable that HE could actually deliver HIS FATHER’s
messages to people on earth, as if GOD the FATHER were speaking directly
through HIM literally, and in essence, HE was. Simply by opening HIS mouth, the
ANGEL of the LORD (JESUS) can communicate and verbalize the very thoughts of
GOD the FATHER, precisely. (Genesis 18) (Genesis 22:11-18) (Exodus 3:2-4:17)
(Numbers 22:21-35) etc.
·
Incarnate – “JESUS the
man” lived in perfect obedience to GOD the FATHER (GOD’s Commandments) as a
100% human being during HIS existence here on earth, while being totally separated
from HIS OWN deity in Heaven (the beginning of HIS vicarious sacrifice). And
again, HE admittedly was not all-knowing at this point (Matthew 24:36) (Mark
2:10) (John 5:16-30) (John 17:2), but possessed the “faith in HIS FATHER GOD”
that HE needed in order to overcome this world and return to HIS deity in
Heaven.
It
is that same kind of “faith in CHRIST JESUS” that can and will save us from the
gravitational
pull of this world, and allow us too, to overcome it, just as JESUS did.
This truth is underscored by the
Apostle Paul in Romans chapter 4, where he debates
that
“Justification” and “Salvation” are imputed to us by GOD, because of “our faith
in
HIM”, and, that the gift of salvation from GOD has never been given as a result
of
our “good works”, but rather, is allotted to
us because of our faith in GOD. “Our good
works” are derived from “our faith in GOD”,
and our “faith in GOD” is manifested
through
“our good works”. Our good works testify of our faith in GOD.
In
the biblical Greek, the word “logizomai” (log-i-zom-ahee) is used to describe
what
takes place when GOD accredits us with
righteousness that we could not otherwise
earn on our own, just as HE did with Abram in Genesis
15:6. Logizomai is an
accounting term that means “to reckon”,
or, “to make an entry in the account book”.
The doctrine of “imputation” is taught
throughout the Old and New Testaments. To
“impute” means “to accredit someone other than
the one who is responsible”.
Scripture teaches us that, when we
believe GOD, HE, WHO keeps all record books,
looks into our accounts and clearly sees that
we are not righteous. HE then, through
HIS grace and mercy, chooses to accept our
faith in HIM, in place of that lack of
righteousness. In other words, for those
who have faith in HIM (CHRIST JESUS),
GOD will stamp the word “RIGHTEOUS” over their
accounts, and announce that
their debt is covered, or, is paid in
full, through the blood of CHRIST JESUS.
·
In death – JESUS revealed GOD’s love, righteousness, wisdom, and method of
making possible the redemption on mankind. HE rendered HIMSELF back up to
GOD as a “perfect sacrifice”, which is what GOD requires as payment for sin. In
order to become “a perfect human sacrifice for our sins”, JESUS had to first be
born into the world (born of woman into the human existence) to become like us
physically as a 100% human being living under GOD the FATHER. HE then had to
actually, as a 100% human being, live a life of total obedience to GOD’s
commandments, in order to present HIMSELF worthy to be our SAVIOR.
·
In resurrection – JESUS revealed the power of GOD, and GOD’s plan to glorify
humanity. HE was granted all power on earth and in Heaven at this point, and is
now equal with GOD in every aspect, including all-knowing. (Matthew 28:18)
·
In ascension –
JESUS ascended back into Heaven and is now seated on HIS throne serving as head
of the Christian Body of Believers here on earth. HE is now omnipresent with
all who choose to believe, worship and follow HIM.
·
The Second Coming (the Rapture) – will be seen only by the
Church (Those who died in CHRIST, and those who are living in CHRIST when HE
returns – (Matthew 24) (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17)
·
The Second Coming – as seen by the world (those who are yet living outside of
CHRIST will lose their life, and those who died outside of CHRIST will not be
resurrected until the thousand-year period of “The Millennial Kingdom” has ended (Revelation
20:1-6) (Matthew 24) (Matthew 25:31-46)
Next week: CHRIST’s offices
A Sunday school lesson by,
Larry D. Alexander
LARRY
D. ALEXANDER- Official Website
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