One of the most important aspects of His identity is that He’s God. Interestingly, it’s the most difficult to grasp and explain, since we’ve never possessed the attributes of deity.
Jesus Is God
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (Jn. 1:1).
In this passage, John isn’t setting forth a polytheistic doctrine, that there are multiple Gods which we worship. Rather, he is stating that Jesus is divine, in perfect fellowship with Jehovah, though a separate person.
This is made clear when we understand John’s use of the definite article, which identifies Jehovah apart from the Word, in John 1:1. (The definite article isn’t translated in this passage relating to the word “God”).
A more literal translation of John 1:1, translating the definite article with “God”, would read, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with the God. . . .” (Jn. 1:1).
In the latter part of this verse (“and the Word was God”), the absence of the definite article before “God”, along with the preposition, expresses the deity of Jesus as the Word, though He’s a separate person from Jehovah.
When we say “Jesus is God,” we don’t mean that He’s the same person as the Father. Rather, we mean He’s divine, possessing the same divine attributes of the Father, as one of the three persons of the Godhead.
- “For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form” (Col. 2:9, NASB).
- ” For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Col. 2:9, NKJV).
Jesus: Equality With God
When writing to the Philippians, Paul addresses the divine qualities of Jesus, saying, “who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped” (Phil. 2:6).
The word translated “equality” is isos, denoting equality in quantity and quality. Therefore, Paul tells us the qualities of Jesus were equal to God. In other words, as he stated early in the verse, Jesus was “in the form of God” before His incarnation, namely that He was divine, and a member of the Godhead.
Jesus’ Eternal Existence
Isaiah, prophesying of the birth of Jesus lists a number of descriptive names, one of which is “Everlasting Father” (Is. 9:6).
Then Jesus, after his birth, confessed His deity before the Jews with the phrase “I am” (Jn. 8:58), similar to the phrase used by Jehovah in Exodus 3:14, “I AM WHO I AM.”
Jesus used the phrase “I Am” to express His divine quality of eternal existence.
In the context He said, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad” (Jn. 8:56).
The Jews responded and asked, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham” (Jn. 8:57)?
Jesus replied, confessing His eternal nature as deity, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am” (Jn. 8:58).
Jesus’ Divine Power
In Isaiah 9:6, not only does the prophet foretell of Jesus’ eternal existence, he also tells about His divine power as God.
- “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Is. 9:6).
In the New Testament, Paul says Jesus is “the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24), as the One who has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18).
As a result, “the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18).
Therefore, in Revelation Jesus refers to Himself as the Almighty. “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty'” (Rev. 1:8).
Other Phrases Expressing Jesus’ Deity
Although this article isn’t exhaustive regarding the divine terms identifying Jesus, three others are noteworthy:
- “Our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).
- “The image of God” (2 Cor. 4:4).
- “The Holy and Righteous One” (Acts 3:14).
Who is Jesus?
Creator
In Part I, we began a series on the names and phrases expressing Jesus’ identity, talking about Jesus as God.
This week, we want to talk about Jesus as our creator, and the relating assurances we have from God.
Jesus is the Word
Last week we discussed in detail the fact that Jesus is the Word, and thus one of the three persons of the Godhead (Jn. 1:1; Col. 2:9).
As the Word, Jesus had a role in creating everything that was created.
- “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being” (Jn. 1:1-3).
The Godhead at Work During Creation
The Bible begins with, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen. 1:1).
The word for “God” is the plural form of ‘elohiym, obscurely revealing the doctrine that the three persons of the Godhead were at work during creation.
Then when it came time to create man, God said, “‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness . . .'” (Gen. 1:26), again indicating that separate persons of the Godhead were at work.
Jesus, The Word, Creation
Genesis doesn’t give specifics as to the exact part of creation performed by Jesus, but John and Paul give insight into Jesus’ work as the Word.
The Bible says:
- “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (Jn. 1:1).
- “All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being” (Jn. 1:3).
- “. . . the world was made through Him . . .” (Jn. 1:10).
- “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things have been created through Him and for Him” (Col. 1:16).
So we ask ourselves, “What does the Bible tell us about the role of Jesus in creation?” I believe He was the Word.
So then, what did Jesus, as the Word, do during creation as we read the Genesis account? I believe He spoke the word of God, whereby each thing was created.
There may be other ideas regarding the role of Jesus as the Word in creation, but this point is important to understand, whereupon our hope rests today with Jesus as the Word of God.
We Can Trust Jesus’ Word
The book of Hebrews begins speaking about the word of God, comparing the days in which God spoke through prophets, with the last days in which God spoke through His Son, Jesus.
- “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son . . .” (Heb. 1:1-2).
To express the surpassing blessings of the word spoken by Jesus, and the resulting covenant, Paul sets forth six facts in Hebrews 1:2-4.
- Jesus is heir of all things.
- God made the world though Jesus.
- Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory, and the exact representation of His nature.
- Jesus upholds all things by the word of His power.
- Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, having made purification for sins.
- Jesus is much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name.
Two of the above facts relate to Jesus as our creator, and the One who sustains the creation, which is our topic in this article.
With these facts, the Scriptures impress upon us that we can trust Jesus and His word for salvation.
- “Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (Heb. 7:25).
- “. . . receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word . . .” (Jas. 1:21-22).
- “He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day” (Jn. 12:48).
Paul also uses these facts to warn us, that we carefully heed the word spoken by Jesus.
- “For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” (Heb. 2:2-3a).
We Can Trust Jesus as Our Savior and Leader
In Colossians 1:15-20, Paul uses the fact that all things were created through and for Jesus, and that they all hold together in Him, to show His preeminence over all things.
Therefore, we can trust Jesus as our Savior.
- “For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him . . .” (Col. 1:19-20).
And, we can trust Jesus as our leader, the head of the church.
- “He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything” (Col. 1:18).
Who is Jesus?
The Word
Thus far in this series, we’ve talked about Jesus as God, and our Creator.
In this article, we talk about Jesus as the Word, and the significance this bears in reference to the working of Jesus in our lives.
Jesus is the Word of God
As we’ve discussed in the first two articles, Jesus is the Word.
- “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (Jn. 1:1-3).
In Revelation, John sees Jesus coming on a white horse to wage war with the enemies of God.
- “He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God” (Rev. 19:13).
Jesus’ Weapon Is His Word
Jesus fights evil with His word.
To the church in Pergamum, Jesus referred to Himself as the one who has the two-edged sword, indicating that His word is the weapon of God (Rev. 2:12; Heb. 4:12).
Then in the vision of His war with the beast and the kings of the earth, Jesus defeated them with the sword that comes from His mouth — The Word of God.
- “From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty” (Rev. 19:15).
- “And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds were filled with their flesh” (Rev. 19:21).
As the Word, Jesus is the Power of God
The word of the cross is the power of God. Therefore, when we preach Christ, we are preaching the power of God.
- “For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor. 1:18).
- “But we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God . . .” (1 Cor. 1:23-24).
Paul’s statements are in perfect harmony with the fact that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation.
- “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes . . .” (Rom. 1:16).
- Since Jesus is the Word of God, He is the power of God for salvation (Rev. 19:13; 1 Cor. 1:18, 24).
Statements in Hebrews and First Thessalonians also enlighten us regarding Jesus as the Word and power of God, as He works in us.
- “But to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God . . . (1 Cor. 1:24).
- Now the God of peace . . . equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ . . . (Heb. 13:20-21).
- “. . . the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe” (1 Th. 2:13).
Jesus is the power of God, who works in us through the Word of God.
As the Word, Jesus is the Wisdom of God
Paul also tells us that Jesus is the wisdom of God.
- “But we preach Christ crucified . . . the wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:23-24).
- “But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God . . .” (1 Cor. 1:30).
Therefore Paul says:
- All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Christ (Col. 2:3).
- The word of Christ richly dwells in us, with all wisdom (Col. 3:16).
As the Word, Jesus is the Truth
The word of God is truth (Jn. 17:17).
So then, as the Word, Jesus is the truth.
- “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” (Jn. 1:14).
Therefore, Jesus said of Himself that He’s the truth.
- “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me: (Jn. 14:6).
He is:
- The true bread (John 6:32).
- The true light (John 1:9).
- The true vine (John 15:1).
- The faithful and true (Rev. 19:11).
Jesus is the one and only standard of truth.
Anything that disagrees with His word is false. It’s from the devil, the father of all lies (Jn. 8:44).
Anything in agreement with His word is truth.
- They are words of sober truth, as the truth is in Jesus (Acts. 26:25; Eph. 4:21).
- Because, “the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth” (Eph. 5:9).
Who is Jesus?
The Son
In this series we’re talking about the names and descriptive phrases identifying Jesus. Thus far we’ve talked about Jesus as God, our Creator, and the impact He has in our lives as the Word.
In this article, we talk about Jesus as the Son.
Only Begotten of God
The word “son” refers to one begotten of another.
For example, a father named John has a son named James. So then, we could say that James is the son of John.
In this fashion, the phrase “Son of God” refers to Jesus as the One begotten of God.
- “‘For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son . . .'” (Jn. 3:16).
This phrase doesn’t imply that Jesus is a created being by God, and not divine, as some in the world believe.
John makes it abundantly clear that Jesus is eternal, though He was begotten by God.
- “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God” (Jn. 1:1-2).
- “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth” (Jn. 1:14).
- “No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, has explained Him” (Jn. 1:18).
Jesus Was Begotten When He Became Flesh
Jesus is God (Jn. 1:1). He is eternal, as a member of the Godhead (Col. 2:9).
He was begotten by God at the moment He became flesh (Jn. 1:14). But prior to this, He existed for eternity as God.
John further teaches that Jesus, as eternal deity, was begotten when taking on flesh by using the phrase, “the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father” (Jn. 1:18).
Jesus, as the only begotten God, existed as God prior to Mary’s conception.
Therefore, Jesus became the “Son” at His birth upon earth, though He had lived for eternity as God.
So then the name Emanuel, meaning God with us, is appropriately used of Jesus (Mt. 1:23). He is eternal as God, and yet born of flesh upon earth.
Jesus Emptied Himself Before Birth On Earth
Besides John, Paul also makes it clear that Jesus was divine prior to His birth, having lived for eternity.
- “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped” (Phil. 2:5-6).
Before His birth upon earth, Jesus emptied Himself, so that He could become flesh.
- “. . . did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men” (Phil. 2:6-7).
This information reinforces the fact that Jesus is eternal, and was begotten at His birth upon earth.
Jesus, The Son
As we’ve studied thus far, Jesus did not become a Son until His birth upon earth.
After His birth, three common phrases are used to refer to Jesus, relating to God begetting Him through Mary.
Jesus, Son of God
The phrase “Son of God” refers to the fact that God begat Jesus, recognizing His divine nature while in the flesh, as asserted in John 1:18.
Two notable occasions when God referred to Jesus as His Son are His baptism, and the transfiguration.
- His Baptism: “and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased'” (Matt. 3:17).
- The Transfiguration: “While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him'” (Matt. 17:5).
One of the blessings we derive from Jesus as the Son of God, is that we’re beloved children of God, as members of His church (Eph. 5:1, 23-24).
Jesus, Son of Man
The phrase “Son of Man” refers to the fact that Jesus was born of Mary, recognizing His human nature while in the flesh, as asserted in John 1:1-2, 14.
It was necessary for Jesus to come in the flesh to render the devil powerless, free us from sin, and save us from eternal damnation (Heb. 2:14-18; Lk. 19:10).
Who is Jesus?
The Lamb of God
In this series we’re talking about the names and descriptive phrases identifying Jesus. Thus far we’ve talked about Jesus as God, our Creator, and the impact He has in our lives as the Word, and the Son.
In this article, we talk about Jesus as the Lamb of God.
Jesus, Lamb of God
When Jesus was baptized, John identified Him as the Lamb of God (Jn. 1:29, 36).
The significance of Jesus as the Lamb of God is far reaching, as we discover in this article. But most significantly, the phrase “Lamb of God” refers to Jesus as the sacrifice for sin, which God provided.
Through Jesus, God reconciled us to Himself by sending Jesus into the world as the propitiation for our sins, thus becoming the Savior of the world (2 Cor. 5:18; 1 Jn. 4:1, 15).
Jesus, Our Passover
The Passover was instituted by God to protect the Jews from the final plague, the death of the firstborn. A lamb without blemish was killed, and its blood was sprinkled on the doorposts and lintel of the house, which was a sign, whereby God passed over them, and the firstborn of that house lived.
Today, Jesus is our Passover, who was sacrificed for us (1 Cor. 5:7). Because of His blood, our sins are forgiven, and God does not destroy us with everlasting death — He passes over us.
Jesus, Led To Slaughter
As our Passover, Jesus was led as a sheep to slaughter (Acts 8:32; Is. 53:7).
- Jesus bore our griefs, and carried our sorrows (Is. 53:4).
- Jesus was pierced through for our transgressions (Is. 53:5).
- Jesus was crushed for our iniquities (Is. 53:5).
- The chastening for our well-being fell upon Jesus (Is. 53:5).
- By Jesus’ scourging we are healed (Is. 53:5).
- The Lord caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Jesus (Is. 53:6).
- Jesus died for us, to whom the stroke was due (Is. 53:8).
- Jesus bore our iniquities (Is. 53:11).
- Jesus bore our sins, and interceded for us (Is. 53:12).
If Jesus wouldn’t have been slaughtered as our Passover, we would be punished forever in hell, to repay our debt of sin.
- “For the wages of sin is death . . .” (Rom. 6:23).
- “. . . He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed (1 Pet. 2:24).
Washed In Jesus’ Blood
Because of our sins, we must be washed in Jesus’ blood to be saved (Rev. 7:14).
- “. . . ‘These who are clothed in the white robes. . . . These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason, they are before the throne of God; and they serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tabernacle over them'” (Rev. 7:13-15).
As a result of being washed in the Jesus’ blood, our names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
- “All who dwell on the earth will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain” (Rev. 13:8).
- “‘He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels‘” (Rev. 3:5).
Washed In Jesus’ Blood When Baptized
Jesus’ blood cleanses us from sin. Therefore, we’re washed in Jesus’ blood when we’re cleansed from sin (1 Jn. 1:7).
People outside of Christ are washed in His blood when they are baptized.
- “‘Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name'” (Acts 22:16).
As Christians, Jesus blood cleanses us of sin when we repent, confess, and pray for forgiveness.
- “. . . if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. . . . If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn. 1:7-9).
- “‘Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you'” (Acts 8:22).
Overcome Satan Through Jesus’ Blood
Because Jesus is the Lamb of God, we overcome Satan through His blood.
- “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death” (Rev. 12:11).
It’s possible to overcome Satan through Jesus’ blood because of Christ’s power, as He rules upon the throne of God.
- “. . . ‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing'” (Rev. 5:12).
- “From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty” (Rev. 19:15).
Jesus Guides Us To Heaven
As the Lamb of God, Jesus guides us to the springs of the water of life, which are in heaven.
- “They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes” (Rev. 7:16-17).
United With Jesus For Eternity
As Christians, we’re united with the Lamb, Jesus Christ, for eternity.
- “Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready. . . . Then he said to me, ‘Write, Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. . . .'” (Rev. 19:7-9).
- “There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads” (Rev. 22:3-4).
Who is Jesus?
The Lord
In this series we’re talking about the names and descriptive phrases identifying Jesus. Thus far we’ve talked about Jesus as God, our Creator, the Word, the Son of God, and the Lamb of God.
In this article, we talk about Jesus as Lord.
Jesus is Lord
Paul, speaking of Jesus, says, “who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord” (Rom. 1:4).
Jesus is “Lord,” a term used a variety of ways in the Bible.
- As an adjective it means “having power” (kuros) or “authority” (Vine’s).
- Therefore, as a noun (despotes) it mean “a master, lord, one who possesses supreme authority” (Vine’s).
“Lord” Used of The Father and Son
The Father is Lord (Jude 1:5), and Jesus is Lord (Jude 1:4).
Paul usually uses “Lord” to reference Jesus, but not always.
- Paul ordinarily uses kurios of the Lord Jesus (1 Cor. 1:3), but also on occasion of God, in quotations from the Old Testament (1 Cor. 3:20), and in his own words (1 Cor. 3:5; cf. 1 Cor. 3:10) (Vine’s).
Other writers frequently use the term “Lord” interchangeably.
- In Acts 2:34-35, Peter uses “Lord” for God and “Lord” for Jesus in the same statement. “‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand. . . .'”
Therefore, we must be careful to understand of whom the word “Lord” is used, whether of the Father or Jesus. If not, we could make false conclusions, resulting in false doctrine.
Jesus: Made Lord by God
Jesus was made Lord by the Father.
- “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ — this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36).
This makes perfect sense, understanding the meaning of the word “Lord.”
- “Lord” means having power or authority.
- Since God gave Jesus all authority in heaven and earth, He made Him Lord (Matt. 28:18).
Jesus is Lord of All
Peter, speaking to the people assembled at Cornelius’ house, says, “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him. The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all)” (Acts 10:35-36).
In other words, Jesus is everyone’s Lord. Every person is obligated to obey Him, whether Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female (Gal. 3:28).
Jesus is the Lord of Glory
Speaking of the people who crucified Jesus, Paul says they crucified “the Lord of glory” (1 Cor. 2:8).
“This expression is a Hebraism, and means ‘the glorious Lord;’ or the ‘Messiah.’ Expressions like this, where a noun performs the office of an adjective, are common in the Hebrew language” (Barnes).
Today, Jesus is glorified as He rules, sitting at the “right hand of the power of God” — “the right hand of the throne of God” (Lk. 22:69; Heb. 12:2).
Jesus is Lord of Lords
John, seeing Jesus defeat His enemies, says:
- “These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful” (Rev. 17:14).
- “And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, ‘King of kings, and Lord of lords‘” (Rev. 19:16).
Jesus rules over all the nations of the earth, having all authority in heaven and earth (Matt. 28:18). He is:
- The Ruler of the kings of the earth (Rev. 1:5).
- The blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Tim. 6:15).
- The Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6).
Sanctify Christ as Lord in Your Heart
Our responsibility is to “sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts” (1 Pet. 3:15).
Peter, in the context of this statement, makes several good points for our consideration (1 Pet. 3:13-17).
- We are blessed, no matter what happens to us, when Christ is sanctified as Lord in our hearts (vs. 13-14).
- There is no reason to be afraid of what others may do to us, when Christ is sanctified as Lord in our hearts (vs. 14).
- When Christ is sanctified as Lord in our hearts, we’re ready to make a defense to everyone who asks us to give an account for the hope within us, with gentleness and reverence (vs. 15).
- When Christ is sanctified as Lord in our hearts, we have a good conscience, even if people slandered and reviled us for our good behavior in Christ (vs. 16).
- When Christ is sanctified as Lord in our hearts, it’s better to suffer for doing what’s right rather than for doing what’s wrong (vs. 17).
God made Jesus the Lord of each person’s life. The only question is whether we’ll accept Him as our Lord.
As Christians, we accept Jesus as our Lord, and obey Him in all things.
