My Lord & My God

Throughout the United States, it’s become commonplace for us to hear one proclaim to be a “Christian” based on a decision that was made or an isle that was walked during a church service or seminar earlier in their life. Perhaps they raised a hand at the end of a service during an altar call and even felt fully convicted about this decision at the time. If questioned, this person will likely even attest to believe that Jesus died for their sins, was resurrected from the dead, and is Lord and Savior of their life.  However, how often do we see that this same person who is proclaiming these things, will have a life that resembles more of this world than it does of Christ? Sadly, many make bold claims, but have no real desire to pursue the things of God. In nearly all cases, the individual will only want Jesus for what he has to offer and not for who he is. Afterall, if hell and the wrath of God turns out to be real, it’s best to be covered, right? This is, unfortunately, the attitude of far too many ‘professing Christians’ in our culture today. But what is wrong with this thinking? At its core, it is a hollow profession of faith in Jesus Christ that does not change one’s life or make them “a new creation”. In other words, it lacks genuineness. It lacks genuine saving faith, genuine repentance and a genuine understanding of who Jesus Christ is. So, what is genuine faith? What is genuine repentance? And what does the Bible say about the genuine identity of Jesus Christ?

When it comes to understanding who Jesus is, it's only right that we start at the beginning. This is exactly where the Apostle John takes us in the opening of the book of John:

These three verses have greatly impacted our Christian theology and how we have come to understand the Lordship of Jesus Christ. John's opening verses reveal the Lord Jesus in his divine essence. John tells us that before the beginning of time, the Word “was." In other words, before Jesus Christ became flesh (John 1:14), he had already existed in eternity past. Not only was Christ with God in eternity past, but John very clearly records “and the Word was God."

Now, it’s important that we don’t make the mistake in thinking that the Word is “a” god. Instead, we must let the scripture mean what it was intended to mean, “the Word was God." These two verses clearly attest to the deity of Christ.  The Doctrine of the Trinity teaches us that one True God exists as Three Persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and each person of the Trinity is Co-Eternal and Co-Equal with one another. Not only did Jesus exist in eternity with God the Father but in the following verse John writes that all of creation was made through Him (John 1:3). If we compare John’s introduction to the Apostle Paul’s writing in Colossians 1:15-20, then we can gain greater insight into Jesus Christ divinity.

Paul records: 
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”

Paul provides us with a beautiful and detailed proclamation of the Deity of Christ. Paul describes Jesus as both the representation and manifestation of God. He makes it clear that Jesus is the preeminent one, who created all and to whom all things submit. Paul's point is simple, Jesus Christ is fully God, and as God, rightfully comes before everything in the created world. He is the Preeminent Christ. How humbling is it to know that the God of the universe, the King of Kings, the Son of God humbled himself to the point of death so that we may be reconciled to God the Father through his blood? This is the love of God, the heart of the Gospel message, God demonstrating his love for us through the person, work, death and resurrection of his only begotten son, Jesus Christ (Romans 5:8). 

What we believe about our Lord will determine how we live. Among the greatest confessions of faith recorded in the bible was uttered by the Apostle Thomas. When Jesus first appeared to the disciples following the resurrection, Thomas was not with them. Overcome with uncertainty, he hesitated to believe the news that Jesus was alive. Thomas declared that he would believe only if he were able to see and touch the scars from Jesus’ crucifixion. A few days later, Jesus appeared to the disciples again, this time including Thomas. When Jesus invited Thomas to see and touch his wounds Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28). May this be our confession of faith, one that recognizes Jesus Christ as both our Lord and God.

The Apostle Paul further reiterated this point in Colossians 1:18, “He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” Preeminent means, “to surpass all other things or having supreme rank, dignity or importance; in all things outstanding.” For one who proclaims Christ as their Lord and Savior, Jesus’ preeminence should have a direct impact on their life. What good does it do if our profession of faith is not followed by a heart and soul that puts Christ first? As true followers of Christ our full being - our heart, soul, mind and strength - must be in constant submission to the authority of our Lord. That we may love the Lord with the desires of our heart and seek to please him with all that we do. This is the God we serve. He is genuinely the supreme ruler and master of the universe. He is genuinely the standard of holiness, truth and love. This is the God we serve, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.