Do you know who Jesus is?
As a pastor, I read the results of the State of Theology report with much interest. Every two years, Ligonier Ministries and Lifeway Research partner to survey to take the theological temperature of the United States. They discover what people believe about God, salvation, ethics, and the Bible. Their definition of an evangelical is “one who has a strong belief that God’s gift of eternal life is for those who trust in Jesus Christ alone as their Savior.” If you’re interested, here is the full report.
Three results got my attention.
— 65% believe that every person is born innocent in the eyes of God.
— 43% believe Jesus was a great teacher but not God.
— 38% believe religious belief is personal opinion, not objective truth.
Unfortunately, when truth becomes subjective rather than objective, people will be tempted to turn Jesus into whatever they decide. Often it’s a slow drift, diverting a person towards the philosophies of self-determinism and humanism.
ANCHOR YOURSELF TO JESUS
SO YOU CAN KNOW WHO HE IS.
Here are three truths to know about Jesus to help you stay anchored to him:
Jesus is fully God and fully man.
God did not create Jesus. Jesus is God in action to help us understand who God is. He is the visible image of the invisible God, an exact image of God.
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” (Hebrews 1:3).
We are sinners in need of a Savior.
This truth is foundational for an accurate understanding of the gospel and our absolute need for the grace and mercy of God in salvation.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
“He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. This includes you, who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions” (Colossians 1:20-21).
Jesus is the truth who determines truth.
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).
Jesus also said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
Jesus is the only door to salvation and extends an open invitation to every person to place their trust in him. The decision is not just to receive a ticket to Heaven but to bring every area of your life under the lordship of Jesus Christ.
Knowing Jesus, who is the truth, will set you free!
P.S.— This week, we handed out a physical reminder of who Jesus is. Click here to download and print a copy to post in your home.