We are disciples of Jesus of Nazareth. We believe as did Peter and his fellow apostles that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). This faith in the Sonship and Deity of Jesus is an indispensable aspect of our discipleship. It also has great ramifications, specifically in the area of authority, and the legitimacy of receiving worship from man.
Jesus has been given “all authority…in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). This indicates the Father’s intention to establish in His son a new covenant and new kingdom. We are told in the last days that God has “spoken to us by His son, who He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds” (Hebrews 1:2). Jesus is uniquely God’s means of redeeming men to Himself.
In the book of Revelation, chapter 5, we see in John’s vision the worthiness of the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, to open the scroll (God’s plan of redeeming man), and accomplish that scheme. We are told the heavenly beings sang in praise, “You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open it seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth” (9-10). In fact, in the latter part of the chapter every creature in existence all proclaimed the same, “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever” (13).
These truths frame the words of the great apostle Paul, who wrote, “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:17). He wrote these words in response to the great privilege granted him to be an apostle, and his own conversion to the faith.
Jesus loved you enough to leave heaven and come to the earth. He lived among us for the express purpose of seeking and saving the lost. This describes you and it describes me, creatures who have all “sinned and [fell] short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
Are you thankful for what Jesus did for you? Then praise His all glorious name! Share the good news of salvation with others! Sing praises to His name! Worship Him! Remember His death through His supper! Pray to Him, especially giving thanks for His gift of grace! “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12).
