The Nature of God: The Son
Statement of Belief
We believe in Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, who is the express image of the Father. He took on human nature, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again, conquering death and granting eternal life to those who believe in Him. He will return to claim His redeemed, judge the wicked, abolish sin, and establish His everlasting kingdom.
John 1:1-3, 14 — Philippians 2:5-11 — Hebrews 1:3 — Revelation 19:11-16 1)
Additional Information
The wonder and significance of Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, is beautifully portrayed in the Holy Scriptures. As the express image of the Father, He assumed human nature, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again, defeating death and offering eternal life to those who believe in Him. He is promised to return to claim His redeemed, eradicate sin, and establish His everlasting kingdom.
In John 1:1-3, we learn of the preeminence of Christ, as He is described as the Word, who was with God and was God. Through Him, all things were created, revealing His divine power and authority. Further, in John 1:14, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, displaying the grace and truth of the Father. This passage highlights the incarnation of Jesus Christ, as He took on human form to bridge the gap between God and humanity.
Philippians 2:5-11 provides an insight into the humility and obedience of Jesus Christ. Despite His divine nature, He chose to become a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity and submitting to death on the cross. Consequently, God exalted Him above all, bestowing upon Him the name above all names, so that every knee should bow and every tongue confess Jesus Christ as Lord.
Hebrews 1:3 emphasizes that Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, upholding all things by His powerful word. This verse accentuates the divine nature of Christ and His integral role in sustaining creation.
Lastly, in Revelation 19:11-16, we find a vivid depiction of the triumphant return of Jesus Christ. As the victorious King of kings and Lord of lords, He will ride forth on a white horse, vanquishing evil and establishing His eternal reign of righteousness and peace.
In conclusion, belief in Jesus Christ encompasses the recognition of His eternal nature, His divine power, His sinless life and atoning death, and His glorious resurrection. Through faith in Him, we are granted the gift of eternal life and the promise of His triumphant return, when He will abolish sin and establish His everlasting kingdom. The Scriptures inspire us to embrace these truths and live in anticipation of the glorious day when our Redeemer will claim His own, establish a new creation, bring down the New Jerusalem, and usher in an eternity of righteousness and peace.