Essential 2 (John 1. 14-18)

The second essential in our ‘Essentials of Faith’ centers on the person and work of Jesus Christ.  The essential states:

Jesus Christ, the living Word, became flesh through His miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit and His virgin birth. He who is true God became true man united in one Person forever. He died on the cross a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. On the third day He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven where, at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He now is our High Priest and Mediator.

This message explores the biblical support for this statement and helps us see four important points of application.  First, Jesus reveals everything to us.  By becoming human, Jesus offered the greatest revelation of God ever given.  We never have to wonder what God is like because Jesus has shown us.

Second, Jesus relates to us in every way (except one).  Because Jesus became human he knows first-hand our pains, struggles, sorrows, joys, and temptations.  He knows what it is to live in a fallen world.  Jesus, however, did not sin as we do.

Third, Jesus saves us completely.  As the God-Man, he is the only one truly capable of satisfying God’s wrath/justice.  In addition, his sacrificial death is totally sufficient to totally save us.  His work is complete and there is nothing we can add to it.

Fourth, Jesus prepares the way for us.  Jesus was resurrected, thereby defeating death and preparing the way for us to experience resurrection as well.  In addition, Jesus continues to minister by interceding on our behalf with the Father and finally bringing us into the eternal kingdom of God upon his return.