From: PENDITA@aol.com
Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2003 13:42:21 EDT
Subject: Deity 1


                            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.   1

THE PRE-CREATION POSITION OF CHRIST. 
True Deity is found only, in Jehovah, the true and living God. The Deity of Christ is in the manifestation of His glory. Before Jesus there was no God formed, or made of a substance which may be molded into shape. Isa. 43:10 

As with all humanity, Christ was formed in the Womb of a human mother. Jesus, was so named before He was conceived in the womb of Mary. Not yet a human entity, He was declared to be Jesus, Joshua or Savior. Lk 2:21 

As with all mankind, Jesus the man, was formed of God To become the one and only acceptable sacrifice for the redemption of man. Coming into this world, it is stated that Christ said, "A body you have prepared for me." Heb. 10:5

FROM ETERNITY, CHRIST JESUS IS GOD. 
There is nothing about the Lord Jesus which is not unique. He is the first God, shaped and formed in the womb of a woman. There never had been such an act of creation nor will there ever be a God formed in such a manner, again. Isa. 43:10 

This makes Jesus to be one of a kind. Truly, the first and the last. Rev. 1:17 

Take notice of the fact that He has the right and ability to say, "I am He." The only true God. He is acknowledged as being with His Father, the LORD, the King of Israel, prior to His formation and birth. The Son, is the one appointed to become the redeemer, the LORD of hosts. Aside from Him, there is no God. Isa. 44:7 

Again, through Isaiah, the Lord asked this question, "Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God. I know not any." The very one who is eternity itself and inhabits eternity, knows of none like unto Himself, and most definitely it is so, there is none like Him. Isa. 44:8 


THE HOLY ONE OF GOD. 
Words of truth expressed by a man with an unclean spirit. The revelation of the "HOLY ONE" was made among men, not by the religious leaders of that day but by those possessed of false spirits. Mark. 1:24, Lk. 4:34 

This Holy One, is identified as the LORD, and furthermore as the King of Israel, the very creator of the people and the nation of Israel. The one who called them and brought them into existence. Isa. 43:15 

This people were to become a sinful nation, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters and have forsaken the LORD. They were grossly backsliden. Even the Holy One was to lose patience with them and be moved to anger. Isa. 1:4 

What a portrayal of the nation of Israel at the time of their visitation, the ministry of the Lord Jesus. Rejection can only result in judgment. The law of the LORD was to be cast aside and they were to despise the word of the Holy One. Isa. 5:24 

The root and blossom of the nation, its foundation and strength. Its flower and beauty to be destroyed because of their rejection of the Holy One. How completely fulfilled is the prophecy of Isaiah as reiterated by Peter in the Temple on the day of the healing of the lame man. Acts 3:13-15 

The eternal Holy One became one like us that He might make us to be in His eternal holiness, likeness and being.   



                       THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  2

THE ETERNAL EVERLASTING WORD. 
Prior to His birth Jesus is known as the Word, the Logos. When the spoken Word is expressed it is the unseen thought. As the living Word, He is the very expression of the Living God. In the beginning was the Word. John 1:1 

The Word did not come into existence at the beginning, but when the beginning arrived, the Word was already there. Before the earth, the mountains, the seas, the Word already was in being. Ps. 90:2 

The same expression is used in Gen. 1:1 The Word present and preceding the creation of the universe. Creation was by the word and breath of His mouth. Ps. 33:6 

His preeminence over all of creation is confirmed by the Apostle Paul. For by Him ALL things were created both things earthly and heavenly. Things which are easily seen, the universe, the universe, as well as those which are invisible, the microscopic, the imperceptible. What a broad spectrum of creation that covers. Whether we agree or disagree with the political powers of the world they are in their current positions by His Divine appointment. Kings, ruling by succession, or dominions, ruling by force. They are and will be used for His own purposes. He is supreme above all things. By Him all things consist and are held in their place or orbit. He is the adhering factor that maintains the status quo, on earth and in the universe surrounding us. Col. 1:16-17. 

Most assuredly He is all in all. Nothing exists today but what His Word of creation brought it into existence. John 1:3 He is the source of all life. He is also the source of all light. While man does not recognize the fact, man could not even have natural life in this world without Him. John 1:4 

A PRAYER FOR A RETURN OF THE ETERNAL GLORY. 
Only eternity will reveal to us the greatness of the glory which the Son of God laid aside for the redemption of mankind. It would appear that from the moment in the eternity past that the plan of salvation was conceived by the Lord, that the Word laid aside His glory. Note the statement, "before the world was." John 17:5 

Then we find in the book of Revelation that the Lamb, the Lord Jesus, was slain, "from the foundation of the world." Rev. 13:8 

In the mind and thought of the Lord God, Calvary was an accomplished fact. The Word would impregnate a virgin and she would bring forth the Word made flesh. Whose destiny was death, burial and resurrection all with the determination that this would be the perfect plan of salvation. Incorporated in His plan was the redemption of those who would respond to the call of the Word and the Spirit. Because He is God He has absolute foreknowledge. Knowing the end from the beginning. Completely understanding all things that are not yet done. Isa. 46:10 

He wrote the names of those who would respond, in the Lambs book of life. Rev. 13:8 

There is a warning of the possibility of a name being removed. Rev. 3:5 

The cause is directed at those who would remove words from the book of this prophecy. Those who would eliminate portions of the word and would detract from its meaning and fulfillment. Rev. 22:19 




                        THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  3

THE WORD WAS. 
There could have been no beginning without the WORD. It was absolutely essential for creation. The WORD "was with" God. In this fashion the perfect fellowship and unity which exists in the Godhead is expressed. A harmony of purpose that supersedes the ability of the natural mind to conceive. Only by the WORD, and the revelation of the Spirit illuminating that WORD may the relationship of God in His Triunity be understood. For, that WORD "was" God. A simple statement, yet freighted with profound meaning, for God cannot be separated from His WORD. John 1:1 

The WORD was of prime necessity for the creation of all things. Without Him there could have been no creation. The WORD was positively essential for creation to be accomplished. John 1:3

THE WORD ITSELF BECAME A PART OF CREATION. 
Somewhere in the works of the Lord it may be discovered that He always imparts His very own nature. For instance, the breath which we breathe. In the Hebrew the word is, {ruach, air, breath, wind, spirit}, all of which are fundamental to all life on earth. Dare we say that air does not exist? We cannot taste it, see it or smell it yet it surrounds the whole of our earth. Our air or atmosphere also surrounds us with a protective covering from meteorites and harmful rays of the sun. Without air, the earth would be silent. Sounds travel through the air, thus words (The WORD) is heard. The nature of our creator became the atmosphere in which we live. Apart from the Lord, neither natural nor spiritual life can exist. Mankind, whether they want to admit it or not are totally dependent on Him. We live, move and have our existence in Him. Acts 17:28 

That which was, and was with God, and was God became flesh, a human being, born, cradled and grew to manhood just like all of mankind. John 1:14

AMAZING GRACE. 
What astonishing humility. What laying aside of rank and splendor. How incomprehensible His great love. What a tremendous power and drive which would motivate that precious, glorious WORD to take an action such as this. Sufficient to become a man and to dwell in flesh capable of sin. But no, He must become a Lamb and become the sacrifice of all sacrifices. The very best of heaven and earth came, explicitly, to become the only redeemer. The sinless one, from eternity, was "made," compelled by love and devotion to His purpose, to bear the guilt, the shame, the reproach, the condemnation, the judgment of sin on our behalf. With the specific goal of making those who would receive Him as Lord and Savior to become and possess the "righteousness of God, in Him." 2 Cor. 5:21 

The sinless one became the greatest sinner, that all great sinners might become fully righteous. Not only was the WORD made flesh, but it became Alpha and Omega, the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. He is the alphabet, that which developed into writing and communication. That alphabet became a written WORD. The source of the knowledge of who and what that living WORD is. Most assuredly the WORD is living among us today.




            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.   4

BEFORE THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD. 
The eternal, the everlasting Logos, the Word, greatly loved of the Father from before the foundation of the world. Showing both, the perpetual existence of the Word and the true emotion of perfect love which the Father had for that living Word, in eternity past. John 17:24 

Jesus also prayed for that moment when the glory of the Father, which had been His, before the existence of the world might be returned to Him. "Glorify thou me with thine own self." John 17:5 

Having had to lay aside the exceeding great glory, the fullness of glory, of the Father would have been an immense sacrifice. The eternal being who is known as the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is also recognized as the "Father of glory" Eph. 1:17 

The essence and excellence of His glory exceeds the thoughts and imaginations of men. It is a beauty and majesty which far surpasses the ability of man to comprehend with the natural mind. What ever conception one may have of the revelations of the glory of the Lord such as Ezekiel saw [Eze. 1:4] gives an insight into the extent of that glory. Jesus is seeking to once again be enshrouded and filled to the fullness with that spectacular glory. It was the self, the very person of the Father which He was seeking to be restored to Him again. God is a Spirit. John 4:24 

His nature, His essence is Spirit. Therefore He would return, in His glory and fully clothe and fill His Son with Himself and with His glory. The Logos, the Word had been bathed in the glory of the Father in the eternity past and is now seeking a full and complete restoration of that marvelous glory.

THE GLORY OF THE SON. 
For all that He had possessed of Hid Fathers glory and all that was to be returned unto Him, there was still a great manifestation of the glory of His Father in His life and ministry. Jesus is proclaimed to be the "brightness of His glory," that is the glory of the Father. He is the outraying, the shining forth, the effulgence of the glory of the Father. We are given a glimpse of that glory on the Mount of Transfiguration where, "His face did shine as the sun and His raiment was as white as the light." Mt. 17:2 And, "His raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow." Mk. 9:2 

If the glory of the Lord was manifest in such glorious fashion here, what is the magnitude of that which was to be returned to Him? We need to remember here that He had been filled with the Holy Spirit. That would account for the glory which was manifest here. It should also become an incentive for His church to seek a similar portion of the infilling of the Spirit. Jesus is the depository for all the magnificent splendor of the Lord. The alliance and harmony of the Godhead is infinite. The Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit blending together in full unity. Complementing and supporting one another in perfect love. The atmosphere of the glory of the Lord will fill all of heaven. It will be the life source of all the occupants of that great and glorious place and city, for eternity.




            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.   5

SLAIN FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD. 
All though the action of the cross did not take place at the time of creation, in the intent and purposes of the Lord it was an accomplished fact. Christ Jesus would be the perfect Lamb. Rev. 13:8 

The once for all sacrifice. The Lord, who not only possesses foreknowledge, but His whole nature is foreknowledge. It is a portion of that nature and character which makes Him to be GOD! For He, "calls things that are not as though they were." Rom. 4:17 NIV. 

Full and complete knowledge and understanding of what is in the future is with Him. If man can plan for the future and bring his plans to a completion, how much more the Lord. The life, death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ were perfectly planned in eternity. 1 Pet. 1:20 

The immortal was to be a sacrifice for the mortal. The ageless one was to die for the redemption of those condemned to die. Deity was to position Himself and be sacrificed for those who had no way of producing salvation for themselves. They are absolutely hopeless and helpless, without Christ.

CHOSEN FROM ETERNITY. 
But, chosen "in Him." Not because of who we are but because of who He is. Chosen at the same time that the plan of salvation was determined. Chosen with a specific goal in mind. That is, that the chosen be a people who are "holy and without blame before Him is love." Eph. 1:4 

The church at times loses sight of the high calling which is found in Christ Jesus. Chosen, not fulfill a casual position but to reach the ultimate of the standard which He has for His people. Lest we have the idea that it was a case of "pick and choose" with the Lord consider the thought which demonstrates that His death and work of redemption was for ALL MANKIND. In the sacrifice of the Lamb, the Lord was "reconciling the world unto Himself." The whole of mankind. 2 Cor. 5:19 

On His part, He died for all, excluding no one. All may chose to be counted with the chosen, but not all will chose to partake with the chosen. In His foreknowledge the Lord determined to call those who would believe and follow Him, the chosen, the responding, those who are believers in and accept the plan of His salvation. Peter states, that the Lord, "is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance." 2 Pet. 3:9 

This certainly is witness to the truth of a salvation which is prepared and presented to all of the sons of men. How it must grieve Him to see those who reject His loving offer of forgiveness and redemption. We must not forget to include here that portion of scripture which is so well known and is foundational to our presentation of the Gospel of Christ. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world." That is to the exclusion of none and the inclusion of all who are born into this world. The difference between the chosen and those not chosen is a matter of the choice made by the individual. He has given to us the ability to chose or reject Him. What a serious and awesome thought. If you have made a positive choice and follow Him, you may rejoice. If you have not chosen to follow Him, there is no better time than now! 



            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  6

JESUS, THE ETERNAL ONE. 
Micah, the prophet proclaimed the coming of the Messiah. He was to be born in Bethlehem [the house of bread] Ephrata [fruitfulness]. What meaningful names so befitting the One who came as the bread of life and the living vine. Micah 5:2 

He who was to be the King of Israel. But not at the time of His birth. He did not come to establish a secular kingdom. His kingdom is not of this world. John 18:36 

His kingdom is a Spiritual, everlasting kingdom. His â"goings forth" or family descent are from antiquity, eternity or time out of mind, before creation. 

MELCHISEDEC. 
There is no better example of His Deity to be found in the scriptures than that which is given in the book of Hebrews, in relationship to Melchisedec. When Abraham met Him, he immediately paid homage to Him. By paying tithes of all the booty which had fallen into his hands. All those who are children of Abraham, after the Spirit, should tithe. The giving of the tithe preceded the Law, and is an act of faith. This great personage who Abraham met was without a Father and without a mother. He was parentless because He was eternal and therefore God. There is only one who can fit the description given Him. Had no beginning of days, no birthday. No end of life, ever living and everlasting. Having the office of the Son of God, an abiding, everlasting priesthood. Who could he possible be but the Lord Jesus. Is there another like Him? Heb. 7:3 

"It is declared" There will come one who is after the same order, the same priesthood, eternal and everlasting. Heb. 7:17 

This is by decree of the Lord and He will not ever alter His purpose in this priesthood. Heb. 7:21 

This priesthood does not pass from Father to Son. Because Jesus is eternal the eternal priesthood is His. Heb. 7:24 

Because He is LIFE [ever living] the ministry of intercession is His. Heb. 7:25 

To seal the matter, His title is the King of Salem or the King of Peace. No one fits this description but the Lord Jesus. Melchisedec blessed Abraham, even though Abraham was Gods man. Indeed the lesser was blessed of the greater, one greater than Abraham. His Spiritual position was that of "the priest of the most high God." Precisely fitting the work and ministry of the Lord Jesus before the throne of the Lord. Heb. 7:1 

No earthly King or ruler has ever fit into the pattern established by this King. He is the King of righteousness. Ruling in righteousness over a kingdom of righteous people. Holding sway over the only kingdom that has ever had the full benefit of peace, He is the King of Peace. Heb. 7:2 

Pertaining to Melchisedec it is witnessed that "He ever liveth." Because He is life, and gives life to those who call on Him and serve Him. It is His nature and character, life. There is only one in time or eternity who can fit the requirements of this high and holy priesthood. Who else could even begin to establish themselves as being capable of fulfilling all the divine stipulations which are established for this Divine office? Only one is both the sacrifice and the priest eternal having met all the stipulations of a perfect sacrifice and priesthood. Heb. 7:26-27 





            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  7

JESUS, THE SOURCE OF WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE. 
The treasure house, the depository, the hiding place of that which is most necessary and most sought after. Secreted and maintained in the safest of places, yet dispensed to all who will seek after the great and tremendous treasures found in Christ. Wisdom, to be in possession of knowledge with the comprehension of how to apply it. Knowledge, to know and understand the truth, the reality of a matter or subject. All the wealth of wisdom and knowledge are to be found in Christ. Col. 2:3 

That wisdom and knowledge is amply demonstrated in creation. How fearfully and wonderfully everything in His creation is so marvelously blended together. All was made by Him and all was created for Him. He is not only the creator but He is likewise the reason for creation. Col. 1:16 

He is the manifest wisdom of the eternal and everlasting God. Paul compares the wisdom of man, with the wisdom of God and stated that the foolishness [the absurdity or the lack of knowledge] of the Lord is far greater than the greatest wisdom of man. We fully understand, of course that there is no such thing as a lack of wisdom of knowledge with the Lord. 1 Cor. 1:25 

Godly wisdom is displayed in the lives of His people in, righteousness, holiness and redemption. 1 Cor 1:30

WISDOM IS ETERNAL. 
In the Proverbs, wisdom is presented to be feminine, but we find a very strong Messianic thread woven into it. He is the source of counsel and true wisdom. Prov. 1:8 

The one who was set up, established or anointed from eternity was the Christ of God. Prov. 8:23 

The WORD of truth, the Lord Jesus is presented. The value of the Word is expressed. Prov. 8:6-9 

The worth of wisdom is greater far than things counted as precious to man. Prov. 8:10-11 

Wisdom is given a personality that leads to a right attitude before the Lord. Prov. 8:12-13 

Before the creation, wisdom was begotten or brought forth by the Lord. Prov. 8:24 

In the whole of the act of creation we find a close and precious fellowship maintained. Prov. 8:27-30 

Surely wisdom and knowledge are to be sought after and maintained.


WISDOM IMPARTED TO THE CHURCH. 
It is a portion of the manifold and immense blessings of the Lord bestowed upon those who love Him. The fathomless riches of wisdom and knowledge are immeasurable. The full measure of them will never be exhausted. Rom. 11:33 

Wisdom and knowledge or revelation are Spiritual and come to us through the operation of the Spirit of the Lord. Eph. 1:17 

To those of us who feel we are lacking in wisdom there is a wonderful promise given to us. He has promised that if we will request wisdom, He will generously bestow the same upon all who feel the need of wisdom. James 1:5 

The wise man is the man whose conduct gives witness and testimony to the fact that he is a wise man. James 3:13 

Jesus (wisdom) was the "craftsman" [NIV] at his side. Prov. 8:30




            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  8

CHRIST JESUS BEING IN THE FORM OF GOD AND OF A SERVANT. 
What a tremendous contrast. From the highest to the lowest, From ruling supremely to the humility of a slave. There could be no greater manifestation of love. In the "form" of bearing the full likeness and essence of that form and being. Phil. 2:6-7 

The same Greek word [morphe] is use in relationship to both, the form of God and the form of a servant. As much as Jesus took the form of a man so also was He in the form of God. He has the nature, the essence, the being, the divine attributes, the characteristics of God, for God must be perfectly shaped in Him. There is but one PHYSICAL body of which it may be expressed that He is God, and that is the body and person of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Father does not possess a PHYSICAL body. God is a Spirit. While that Spirit does not have a PHYSICAL body, He may possess, occupy a physical body, as in the case of the Lord Jesus. John 4:24 

Likewise in the filling of the Spirit received by the Church in the baptism of the Spirit. That the one who was to come would be in all essence, God is seen in the prophecy of Isaiah pertaining to the coming of the Son of God, who would be named, Immanuel, or "God with us." Isa. 7:14 

Isaiah once again, when prophesying of the coming Messiah, proclaimed Him to "the Mighty God." Isa. 9:6 Jesus, while equal with God did not hold to, nor proclaim His rightful position. He was on a mission, to redeem mankind and bring them unto the Lord. The sacrifice of a lamb was required and He was that lamb. So great was the drive of love which possessed Him that He was willing to lay aside all the glory and majesty which had been His in eternity. All with the explicit purpose of purchasing for Himself a church without spot or wrinkle, but perfect. Eph. 5:25-27

DOES GOD POSSESS A FORM? 
It is very evident, from the very beginning that He has shape and essence. In creating man, the Lord stated that man was to be made in the image and likeness of God. Thus verifying that the Lord, who is Spirit, has shape and form. Gen. 1:26 

He used the personal pronoun in the plural, "us" indicating the Trunity of the Lord. He made one man, incorporating in that man the full likeness of Himself. Molding him a body, then breathing into him the breath of life [spirit] and that man became a living being. Triune in nature, with a body, soul and spirit. As with the tabernacle so with the physical body of man, we are but a shadow of the real thing. The reality being that which is Spirit, for it is everlasting, it always has been and always will be. The resurrected body, while having the shape and form of this physical body, will not have the limitations of the physical, for it will be a spiritual body. A body that will have all the capabilities and freedoms from the flesh that are to be found in the body of the Lord Jesus. He entered the room where they were assembled, "the doors being shut." Material, earthly limitations had no control over the resurrected, spiritual body of Christ. John 20:26  




            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  9

A CLOSE AND TRUE RELATIONSHIP. 
God, the Father, invisible, unseen by mortal eyes. Yet the Son coming into this world has declared Him. The only begotten of the Father has revealed Him, making Him known. The depth of the association is seen in the fact that Jesus was in the bosom of the Father. A place of honor, a sign of love and acceptance. John 1:18 

The Father directly addressing the Son, acclaimed the Son to be God. An acknowledgment of His Deity and Divine nature. One whose throne is everlasting. The scepter, the rod of measurement, the staff of the shepherd. The sign of a royal kingdom of righteousness. Heb. 1:8 

The Son is the image, the absolute and perfect representation, the true likeness of He who is invisible. 2 Cor. 4:4 

So intimate and real was the fellowship between the Father and the Son that Jesus was able to say, "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father." John 14:9 

The exact replica, the complete features, nature and character of the Father were evident in the Son. 

FULLNESS OF DIVINE ASSOCIATION. 
Unless one has themselves had a spiritual relationship with the Lord it is not easy to understand how the Father could be in Christ and Christ be in Him. That, however is the exact circumstances of the spiritual life of Christ. He said, "I am in the Father." Full, unequivocal unity. and the Father is "in me." John 14:10-11 

The same association exist in the spirit nature of all who have been "born of the spirit," a measure of what the Lord is, has taken up residence in them. Then to be baptized in the Spirit is to make that fellowship and that awareness of Christ dwelling within that much more real and strong. Those born again will know Him closely and will completely enjoy the full communion which exists between the Lord and His very own. This is indeed a marvelous promise, "He dwelleth with you." The blessed assurance of His presence wherever and whenever we go. Also, "He shall be in you." The Spirit, the Spirit of truth abiding with in our spirit nature, gives real life, spiritual life. Contrast that with the stagnant, dead part of the make up of man, his spirit, which comes to life when the Spirit does His work in us. John 14:17 

The Christian has unshakable knowledge that the Son of God has come. Being with us, he imparts understanding in order for us to know and comprehend the truth of His Deity and Divine nature. We are "in Him" who is true. We confess Him who is true and the possessor of eternal life. 1 John 5:28 

It is Jesus who came in the brightness of the glory of the Father and in His express image. He came with the explicit purpose of revealing the true and living God to all of mankind. That all might be saved and be made new creatures in Christ Jesus. The desire of the Lord is that He might obtain from the world those who would want to bear His image and likeness. That is the exact high calling of God, in Christ Jesus which has gone forth into the world to all who will hear. His people are destined to bear His eternal likeness and being. We are to be conformed to everything that He is. Recreated, into the likeness of the creator. Bearing His eternal image, forever. Col. 3:10




THE DEITY OF CHRIST.   10

BEFORE ABRAHAM. 
The foundation and roots of Israel were in Abraham. Now there is one standing in their midst who proclaimed Himself to be greater than and to have precede Abraham. One who was before Abraham and can declare Himself to be I AM. John 8:58 

In revealing Himself to be the I AM, He is showing forth His Deity. The self existing, the very essence of life. Outside of Him life does not exist. This name is derived from the announcement of the Lord to Moses when Moses sought authority to show who it was that had called him. Ex. 3:14 

When the Lord introduced Himself as I AM he was presenting Himself as the always existing, the ever present. He was the I AM of eternity past, forever being. As eternity has no beginning, so he had no beginning, He was, and continuously has been. Today, throughout the ages of time and His dealings with mankind, He is I AM. In the endless eternity to come, He will still be I AM. Without Him, existence, does not exist. Without Him there is nothing, neither time nor eternity. Everything in the universe is dependent on His existence. He existed prior to all of creation. The order of the whole of life on this planet and the order of the universe are maintained by Him. Col. 1:17

I AM THAT I AM. 
Moses was to present himself to the children of Israel as being commissioned by who is the I AM. He could not have been sent by one who was greater. The ever existent had called him and given him authority to present himself in the name of I AM. A comprehensive understanding of that name can only come by revelation. The eternal power and majesty of that name is far beyond the ability of the human mind to perceive. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary gives an interesting list of different translations and the meaning of I AM. I AM WHO I AM. (RSV.) I will be what I will be (Moffatt, Luther), I am the existing one (Catholic Commentary); I cause to be what comes to pass (Meek). None of which fully express the completeness of the meaning of I AM. He is infinite, without origin, without a conclusion. Has always been and always will be. It is difficult for our finite minds to understand such an eternal one, when everything around us, but Him, has a beginning and an ending, a life and a death, a start and a finish. He is the Alpha and the Omega. The first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet. He is the alphabet, it letters forming words and its words developing into the everlasting WORD of God. He is the beginning [of creation, and time] and the end of the same. More importantly to our subject. He is the one which is, which was, and is to come. The Almighty.  Rev. 1:8 

Once again demonstrating His ever, always existing, being. From any place in eternity [time did not exist in eternity] it may be said that HE IS. From any hour of time it may be said, HE IS In the endless ages of eternity to come, it must be said, HE IS. There is not a moment when He has not been. He is the very essential quality of all that is called life. HE IS.




            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  11

DEEPLY INVOLVED IN CREATION. 
For BY Him were ALL things created. That certainly is all inclusive. It involves every realm of the affairs of man and of the universe. From man to the very macrocosm in which our planet is located. His part in creation is plainly defined in the scriptures. Creation reveals a Divine intellect coordinating and placing in order the whole of that which was made. In a disruptive world, the harmony of nature is amazing. He is the architect of heavenly items as well as those on the earth. He created that which is visible, the universe and all of its contents. All which exists, yet is invisible is also the work of His hands. That well covers the whole of creation. Beyond that, the political powers that exist are according to His will and purpose. Kingdoms, governments and principalities are all brought to existence by Him. Col. 1:16

HE IS LORD. His activities in creation afford Him the right to be called Lord. It is He who laid the foundation of the earth in the very beginning, while the heavens are the work of His hands. Ps. 102:25 Heb. 1:10 

Because of, and by His involvement in creation, He is God, for the builder of all things is God. Heb. 3:4 Eph. 3:9 

The builder is stated to be the Lord Jesus Christ. Not only did He bring all things into being, but they now continue on through Him. Because, He ever exists, we are [“exist,” NIV]. through Him. 1 Cor. 8:6 

How much does humanity depend on Him? Life is livable on this world because of light. Jesus is the light of the world. He is the light of life. John 8:12 

God is light, no darkness whatsoever to be found in Him. 1 John. 1:5 

He is the light of the New Jerusalem. Rev. 21:23 

Not only is He Spiritual light and life but He is also the source of the very light which lightens this earth and thereby crates life. 

HE PRECEDES ALL. 
He is as eternal as eternity itself. Not only is He the ever existent one but He supersedes all, in every aspect. Col. 1:17 

He is ageless, He is changeless. From eternity past, today, and in the eternity to come, He is ever the same. Heb. 13:8 

Inasmuch as He is the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet, He is the alphabet which, when combined forms into words and He is the Word made flesh. The person who claimed to be the Alpha and the Omega likewise proclaimed Himself to be the Lord God. That person who has ever existed. He who is, who was and is to come, the Almighty. Rev. 1:8 

The context of first chapter of Revelation leaves us with no doubt as to the person making the statement. He is named as being, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the first begotten from the dead. The one who loved us. Purchasing us by His very own precious blood. Exalting us and forming us into a kingdom of kings and priest unto His God and Father. The person who will come in the clouds with great glory. Rev. 1:5-7 

His Father has exalted Him and granted Him an eternal kingdom and a throne of glory which will never cease to exist, and the beauty of all this is that He will share its blessings and glory with His people.   





                THE DEITY OF CHRIST. 12

THE ULTIMATE REASON FOR CREATION. 
Regardless of the sin and fall of man. The desire of the Lord for His fellowship was so strong that He was willing to sacrifice all to rescue and redeem man from sin. For His very own desire and pleasure He made man. Rev. 4:11 

Possessing a love so intense that the only begotten of the Father was sacrificed to redeem the object of His love. John 3:16 

The completion of that love is seen in the Bride of Christ at the end of the age. Eph. 5:25 

JESUS IS FIRST, BEFORE AND ABOVE ALL THINGS. 
While He became one with us He is and always will be the one who is superior to all. The preeminence is His. Before anything was created, He WAS. He is eternal. It is by Him that all things consist, that is remain in their current order. Col. 1:17 

Scientist are constantly discovering the order of the universe and all that exists in it. That order is attributed to almost everything and anything but the true source which is the Lord Jesus Christ. The sustaining, the upholding, the maintenance of the whole is attributed to the, “word of His power.” Heb. 1:3 

In all of mans discoveries, there is always a “what is it,” or a mystery. That mystery, is dispelled when Christ is given His rightful place and ability or power. 

THE FATHER ACKNOWLEDGED THE EQUALITY OF THE SON. 
The Father directed a special statement to the Son showing His position and equality in Godhood. The throne of God is a shared throne. It is as equally then the throne of the Son as it is the Fathers. It is His throne or “Thy throne.” The eternal throne of God. Ps. 45:6  Heb. 1:8 

The Son is likewise addressed as God by the Father. The equality existing between the Father and the Son may not be acknowledged by some Bible Scholars but it is very clearly promoted by the Scriptures. The context of Isaiah 9:6 is very definitely a Messianic proclamation where among the names that are ascribed to the Lord Jesus is that of, “The mighty God.” Each and every one of the names attributed to Him are indicative of His high and holy offices given Him of His Father. Paul spoke of the mystery of godliness, Then went on to say that, God was manifest in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. I Tim. 3:16 

It could not be stated in a clearer fashion that Jesus was indeed, God, equal with His Father. Jesus, the Alpha. Jesus, the beginning. Jesus, the Logos, who was in the beginning. The Word made flesh, which was the companion of God. Was, is, and always will be God. The WORD, the Logos, was God. John 1:1 

We have consistently noted the involvement of the Lord Jesus in creating all things that are in existence today. The writer of the book of Hebrews wrote concerning the house of God. In it he stated that He that built all things is God. Once again the Lord Jesus is called “GOD.” There can be no denial that it is the good pleasure of the Father to share and share alike all that He is with His Son. 




            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  13

JESUS CONFESSED HIMSELF TO BE THE SON OF GOD. 
In His statement, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” The Jews were quick to note the implication of His words and respond to them in a negative fashion. For, to them, He was, “making Himself equal with God.” John 5:17-18 

Again, we see their response in John 10:36 where they say, “thou being a man, makest thyself God.” It is very obvious that they were much aware of His every word and well understood the implications of them. Jesus did not deny the truth of any of His words. After His death burial and resurrection, Thomas, who had doubted His appearance to the other disciples acknowledged Him as, “my Lord and my God.” It was an honest confession coming no doubt from a repentant, yet a very joyous heart. John 20:28 

Then there is the admission of the Centurion as he saw all that which took place at Calvary. “Surely this was the Son of God.” Mt. 27:54

“MY FATHER AND I ARE ONE.” 
A most difficult statement for men to understand. We seem to be prone to slip to one extreme or the other in trying to understand the blessed unity which exists in the Godhead. Jesus meant exactly what He said in making this statement. There is close alliance and absolutely perfect unity between the Father and the Son. So much so that in all areas they work as one. John 10:30 

Greek word “heis” is used here, and may be translated as meaning one (another). The implication is that there are more than one, becoming one. The thought of one (unity) being more than one (numerically) yet one (unity) is seen in the words of the Lord Jesus. In His prayer He prayed for His people that they, being however many, would be made perfect in one (unity). That unity would be accomplished by the absolute perfect unity of the Father being in the Lord Jesus and Jesus being in His people. John 17:23 

The same thought is presented in the words of Paul when speaking in relationship to the body of Christ, or the church. He said, “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” Rom. 12:5 

Only the Lord knows the multitudes that comprise the body of Christ, but there is only one body, made up of many members. Many become one. The absolute unity that is to exist in that body may be understood by Paul's words in verse sixteen. One mind and one mouth with which to glorify the Lord. That is a unity that will be seen in the perfect church in these last days. The unity of the many members of the body will be achieved through the Lord, who is one Spirit. 1 Cor. 6:17 

There is but one God, the Father and one Lord Jesus Christ and we are to be in Him. Numerically they are individuals, but in unity one. 1 Cor. 8:6 The many membered body, is but one body. United and made one by the one Spirit who has caused us to be baptized into the body of Christ. 1 Cor. 12:12-13 

The racial, the doctrinal difference that periodically are manifest in the church cannot exist in the body of Christ. There is not even the hint of a divisive spirit ever to be found in the true church. They are all one in Christ. Gal. 3:28 

The Lord has some very high standards for His church in these last days.

  

            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  14

A TRIUNE NAME BESTOWED UPON JESUS.  
This is a true act of God. The fullness of the Godhead gave the fullness of the name of God to the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 2:36 

With the granting of that name came also the fullness of authority and power in heaven and earth. That would involve total, complete, and absolute power. In the granting of that power, all judgment is committed into the hands of the Lord Jesus. John 5:22             
                          
We are well aware that His name Jesus was given to Him of His Father, by the angel of the Lord. Luke 1:30-31 

In the act of God in bestowing this great responsibility on the Lord Jesus, God likewise conferred The completeness of the name of God upon Him, when God made this same Jesus, both Lord and Christ. A name gives identity and complete control. Deeds wrought in ones name make that named person responsible for those deeds. Jesus did not take the place of His Father nor of the Holy Spirit but all of His acts and deeds were done in that glorious name. We could well achieve greater success in prayer by following the exhortation of the scripture to do all things in His name. Col. 3:17 

The name of the Father is Lord, He gave His name. Isa. 42:8 

The name of the Holy Spirit is Christ, the anointing, He gave His name. Jesus received the Spirit without measure, or in His fullness. John 3:34 The Spirit of God is the Spirit of Christ or the anointed one. Rom. 8:9

HE HAS EVERY RIGHT TO BE CALLED LORD, AND HE WAS. The Jehovah of the Old Testament is the Lord [Greek, Kurios] of the New. The Old Testament, when compared with the New confirms the fact that He is Lord. DAVID proclaimed the name of the LORD, or Jehovah, with an invite to participate in His goodness. Ps. 34:8 This scriptures counterpart is and accomplished fact of having “tasted that the Lord is gracious.” 1 Pet. 2:3 

“Sanctify the LORD of hosts.” Approach unto the Holiness of the LORD with the proper attitude and the spirit of holiness. Isa. 8:13 

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.” [NIV.] While Kurios is not as strong a word as LORD or Jehovah we may see that the same strong meaning has been carried over into the New Testament. Jesus, is LORD. It is well that we consider the words of Jude in relationship to our subject. “The only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jude 4 

Once again, the position granted Him of His Father is revealed through the scriptures. When the Lord Jesus returns to earth at the time of His second coming He will come as Lord. Jude 14 He is Lord of the dead and the living. what a great display of His Lordship when the dead in Christ are raised and we which are alive will be caught up unto Him. Rom. 14:9 

Only the Lord Jesus is the resurrection and the life. All men, speaking by the power of the Spirit will call Him Lord and only by the Spirit is that acknowledgment effective. Anyone may repeat the
words, Jesus is Lord, but they have no meaning, power or authority except they be uttered by the precious anointing of the Holy Spirit. When spoken by the Spirit there is full authority displayed. Jesus is Lord.




            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  15

GOD WAS. 
The scripture is speaking in relationship to the association that is found between the Father and the Son, when Paul said that God was in Christ. 2 Cor. 5:19 

How can that Spiritual alliance be better explained than in the words of the Lord Jesus when He said, “I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” John 14:10 

A togetherness, a unity that is greater and far beyond anything to which we would compare it. A love and attachment that is eternal. In spite of such a majestic affinity, Jesus was in subjection to His Father, speaking and doing miracles as the Father directed Him. John 14:10 

Jesus prayed for the same bond might be seen in His church. That identical glorious presence of God might dwell in them. John 17:23 Jesus prayed it, it is inconceivable that His prayer will not be completely and powerfully answered. 

THE GOOD PLEASURE OF THE FATHER. 
That which pleased the Father was the fact that ALL FULNESS, the whole of the Godhead in absolute completion might dwell in the Lord Jesus. Since God is a Spirit [John 4:24] makes us to understand how such a coming together is possible. Col. 1:9 

Just to seal the certainty of such a blessed companionship Paul identified Jesus as the dwelling place of the “fulness of the Godhead.” Col. 2:9 

How could we possible ask for a stronger witness to the truth than that. It is a precious thing to be able to see the beautiful unity that exists in the Lord. It is even more of a wonder and marvel when we realize that we are called to participate in that same blessed harmonious kinship. It is the purpose of the Lord that just as the fulness of God was in Christ, so that very same, identical presence of all that God is would be manifest in His church. Filled, to capacity with all the fulness of the Lord. That is true family. That is the epitome of His love overwhelming His church. Eph. 3:19 

In order to be His body, the same nature and being that makes God, God, indwelling the church and bringing her into full unity with the Lord. Eph. 1:23 

Is it unreasonable to have such a grand vision for the church? Hardly, especially so when we see the challenge that is presented to us. We are exhorted to come to the “unity of the faith,” That is all preaching and teaching the same doctrine. Not impossible. We are all to possess a complete understanding and knowledge of the Son of God. Reaching a place, in Him, where we attain His perfection. That is true bone of His bone and flesh of His flesh. There is a goal that has been established for us and that is to reach "the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” Eph. 4:13 

That is indeed a high standard, which with man would be impossible, but with our God all things are possible. The Lord does not set goals for us which are unreachable. There are two things which are imminent for the church of today. The first is a last day outpouring of the Spirit which will sweep millions into the kingdom of the Lord. The second is a move of sanctification and purification in the church which will accomplish the very will of the Lord of which we have written. It shall be.




                 THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  16

THE DEITY OF THE LAMB. 
John saw Jesus coming towards him and by the Spirit of prophecy cried out, “Behold the Lamb of God.” What a unique epithet to prescribe for Jesus. Everyone within the hearing of his voice should have immediately connect Jesus with the Passover Lamb. For that was precisely the meaning of his words. Jesus was the true Passover sacrifice ordained by the Lord. John 1:29 

John the Baptist, had come in the fulfillment of prophecy and was himself a prophet. He was a voice crying out in the wilderness announcing the coming of the Lord. Oddly enough, the ministry of John was outside the populated areas. Yet they crowded to hear him. Mat. 11:7-10 

A prophetic voice had not been heard in Israel for four hundred years. Small wonder that the people went out to hear him. John, while not the Elijah of whom it has been prophesied that he will come before the Coming of the Lord, Mal. 4:5-6, did come in the “spirit and power of Elijah." Luke 1:17 

In this manner he manifest and accomplished the ministry of Elijah by preparing a people for the coming of Christ. Jesus said that Elijah had preceded Him. Mark 9:11 

Elijah is yet to come for the promise is that he will come, “ before the great and dreadful day of the LORD.” He will come BEFORE the day of the coming of Christ in all power and majesty, to receive unto Himself a people and to judge the earth. It is a glorious day or one horrible day of judgment, depending entirely on the spiritual condition of the individual. Mal. 4:5   

WHERE IS ELIJAH FIT IN THE LAST DAY ORDER OF THINGS? 
We have already noted that he is to return and will announce the coming of the LORD. Mal. 4:5 

We know that Elijah was caught up into heaven, carried there in a whirlwind. 2 Kings 2:11 

He was still alive and able to communicate with Jesus, concerning His death, so they knew the plan of salvation. This encounter taking place on the Mount of transfiguration. Please note that the two who met with Jesus are named. Moses and Elias or Elijah. They are acknowledged of the Lord to be His TWO WITNESSES. Rev. 11:3 

Their works of judgment are identical to the acts which they performed when they were on earth. Rev. 11:5-6 

THE LAMB IS PREEMINENT IN HEAVEN. 
The very heart of heaven is the Lamb of God. He is given a position that is in the “midst” where He is seen as standing steadfastly. As one who had been slain. The true sacrifice will ever be witnessed in the very throne of the Lord. The witness of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ will ever be seen in the exact center of things heavenly. Rev. 5:6 

The declaration of His great and wonderful true love will ever flow from that throne, which is the mercy seat of the eternal, heavenly Temple. That mercy seat is Christ, who is our propitiation, or mercy seat. 1 John 4:10  

He is the propitiation for our sins, there is no other source of pardon or deliverance from sin but by direct contact, in repentance with the only Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 John 2:2




                THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  17

THE PERFECT LAMB. 
The Old Testament Passover lambs were chosen very carefully and fully examined for any defect, for they had to be faultless. Ex. 12:5 The Lamb of God of necessity had to be spotless and perfect. Redemption is through the spotless, pure Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, He is the only acceptable offering for sin. Apart from His precious blood there is no salvation. 1 Pet. 1:19

THE REVELATION LAMB. 
Nowhere in the Bible is the Lord Jesus more exalted and His eternal position shown that in the book of Revelation. The completeness of authority is relegated to Him. This is noted in the seven horns which the Lamb possesses. Rev. 5:6 

When Zechariah, the Father of John prophesied, he said, that the Lord had “raised up a horn” of salvation, denoting power and authority in leadership. Luke 1:69 

In the fullness of His status, the seven horns represent the absolute supremacy which is His, now and forevermore. The seven eyes, once again a full, complete Divine number. [ The book of Revelation is the book of sevens, or of the final state of things]. The eyes of the LORD see throughout the whole of the earth. 2 Chr. 16:9 

There is no place or situation that He does not behold. There is no place to hide from Him. The seven eyes are the seven spirits [seven fold] of the Lord, or the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not and cannot be divided into seven spirits. This is simply the language of the symbol speaking of the totality of the Spirit. The seven fold Spirit of the Lord, which was to be upon Jesus may be found in Isa. 11:2. The seven fold spirit may also be noted in Revelation 4:5 represented by seven brilliant lamps blazing before the throne of the Lord. The Holy Spirit is the great teacher who has been commissioned to come to the believer as the teacher to illuminate and give understanding of spiritual things. John 14:26 

A NEW SONG SUNG TO THE LAMB. 
It will proclaim His worthiness and His ability to do what none others could do, open the seven seals. The song will declare His work of redemption, by the shedding of His precious blood. Purchasing them from among all the peoples of the earth. Rev. 5:9 

He has caused them to be a new kingdom. A kingdom like none other that has ever been. A true Theocracy. They are to be a nation of Priests and Kings before the Lord. They are unified and built together to be the spiritual house of the Lord. 1 Pet. 2:5 

They will minister and serve Him throughout eternity, never growing weary of their worship and praise before Him. Rev. 1:6 

They are destined to be raised in the first resurrection, entirely free from the second death [eternal separation from the presence of the Lord]. Also, they will minister, as priests during the thousand year reign of Christ on earth. Rev. 20:6 

They will reign with Christ endlessly, throughout the eternity to come. The circumstances of that New Heavens and New Earth will be entirely different from conditions of this earth. There will be no night there, figuratively or actually, spiritually or naturally. It will be one glorious eternity spent bathing in the glow of His glory and light. Rev. 22:5  




            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  18
        
THE LAMB IS TO BE WORSHIPPED. 
Every redeemed person to gather around the throne of the Lord, accompanied by myriad's of angels whose numbers are thousands of thousands [Numerical possibilities are without number] and ten times ten thousand, which is one hundred million. What a sight to behold, a mass of spiritual beings gathered in one place, with one purpose, all reacting in unison. Beings of light, shining and scintillating, reflecting the glory of the throne. What a choir, with one voice they sing loudly a hymn of adoration unto the Lamb. Rev. 5:11 

BEATITUDES OF THE LAMB. 
The worthiness of the sacrificed Lamb is proclaimed. It is His to receive power, all power has been relegated to Him, whether in heaven or in earth. That makes Him, one powerful person. Mt. 28:18 

He is worthy of riches. The connotation of which goes far beyond the mere riches of this world and embraces the fullness of everything of value, be they temporal or spiritual, All things, the entirety of everything. are by Him and for Him. Col. 1:16 

He is wisdom personified, for in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. All wisdom is to be found in Him, secular or spiritual wisdom is manifest in Him. Luke 7:35 

Of His ability and strength there is no end, it is limitless. Our source of strength is to be found in Him. Eph. 6:10 

The completeness of honor and dignity belong to Him. Jesus is indeed of great and precious price to all who have found Him as savior and Lord. The Lord Jesus wears honor and glory as a crown. It is not difficult for the redeemed to magnify and glorify the Lord Jesus. Heb. 2:7  

We bless Him in song, in prayer and in praise. We bless Him with a life that is lived according to His will. We bless the Lord at all times for He is abundantly worthy. The early church set an example for us by consistently and constantly, praising and blessing the Lord. Luke 24:53 

ALL DESTINED TO ACKNOWLEDGE HIM. 
Amazingly, every created creature in heaven, on earth, in the grave and in the sea will give blessing, honor glory and power to the occupant of the throne and to the Lamb. There may have been a time when they ignored Him but that will change. Rev. 5:13 

God has most highly exalted the Lord Jesus to the highest of places and has bestowed upon Him a name which exceeds all other names. There is not another like that of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the greatest. That name is more beneficial than all others combined into one. The day will come when all these creatures will bow before Him and confess that Jesus Christ, is Lord. To the glory of the Father. However, it will be too late then for any to find salvation. Today is the day of salvation. Phil. 2:9-11 

What a sight that will be when what is literally the universe will pay obeisance to Him. Confessing that He is who He is and that He is exactly what He is. How much better to acknowledge Him now as Lord and savior. Committing our lives unto Him is full surrender and working his will. Pleasing Him in all things. 





             THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  19

THE LAMB HAS THE POWER AND AUTHORITY TO OPEN THE SEALS.
Consider very carefully the First Seal. John was called upon to behold an extremely important event. A white horse with a rider. Rev. 6:2 

The color white, is the Greek word leukos and is seen as something that is bright, shining or light. The clothing of the Lord Jesus became as white as the light. Mat. 17:2

Now, who do you suppose the angel of the Lord was? He came from heaven. He rolled the stone away from the opening of the tomb.

Then, conqueror that He was, He sat on it. His appearance was like the flashing of lightning. His clothing was as white [Leukos] as snow. Just white or was it scintillating? Mt. 28:2-3 

Concerning colors, "NATURAL. These were five: white, black, red, yellow and green. WHITE. This term embraces the relatively as well as the absolute white. In the full sense of the word the rays of the sun and those proceeding from a body raised to white heat are white, because all colors of the spectrum are united in them." Ungers Bible Dictionary. 

WHITE IS CONSISTANTLY USED AS A GODLY SYMBOL. 
Especially so, in the book of Revelation. The Lord Jesus is seen as possessing hair that is like wool, as white [Leukos] as snow. Rev. 1:14 

The person who is victorious will be granted a white [Luekos] stone, a stone of light, the stone of a conqueror, with his new name written upon it. Rev. 2:17 

They who maintain a life of purity will walk with the Lord, clothed in the white garments of those who are victorious. Rev. 3:4-5 

The occupants of the twenty four thrones which surround the throne of the Lord are all clothed in white [Luekos] garments. Rev. 4:4 

We must remember that these garments are not just simply the color white but they are garments of light and glory. The tribulation Christians who will die as martyrs are to be clothed in the same manner. This shows us that there will be some Christians who are not delivered at the beginning of the tribulation and will enter into it, suffering the consequences. They are seen here in Rev. 6 :11 

The multitudes of the redeemed which will gather before the throne of the Lord will all be dressed in white. Rev. 7:9 

To seal the matter of the clothing of the saints we turn to Rev. 19:8 

The Bride will be clothed in the glorious light and glory of the Lord, pure, white, scintillating, and brightly shining.

The vast army of the Lord will likewise be clothed in the same manner. Rev. 19:14 

What an awesome sight to behold the masses of heaven, regardless of their position all arrayed in the brilliantly shining garment of the glory of the eternal Lord. That which Adam and Eve lost in the garden of Eden will be totally restored to the residents of that eternal country of heaven, and the glorious city of the New Jerusalem. The whole pattern of the scriptures portray for us the Lord of heaven, who is light. His followers who have all been made into beings of light. That which will be is to be of greater magnitude in brilliancy than any of the created suns of the universe. What we have seen in country, city and saints is the real light. All being filled and reflecting the eternal glory of the Lord Himself.





                    THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  20

THE LAMB, ALSO A SHEPHERD. 
Jesus is found in the scriptures fulfilling many different offices. Not only is He the small, diminutive lamb, the sacrifice, but He is also the Shepherd of the sheep. Rev. 7:17 

He is the “GOOD SHEPHERD.” John 10:11 There is none better, none more concerned and more capable of revealing goodness and mercy to His sheep. He knows His sheep, very intimately and individually, with complete understanding. John 10:14 

There is none who have ever had His capacity to love and care for the sheep, nor will there ever be. He cradles the lambs in His arms keeping them close to His heart with special care for those with young. Isa. 40:11 

He is “THE GREAT SHEPHERD.” Outstanding and unique in every aspect of care and love for the sheep. Heb. 13:20 It is His responsibility to feed the sheep. They will be adequately cared for in this area for Jesus is their one and only shepherd. Eze. 34:23 

He is the “CHIEF SHEPHERD.” While there are many shepherds appointed and designated to lead the flock of the Lord. There is only Shepherd who is a Shepherd, not only to the flock, but to the shepherds also. He is supreme and over all. We may fully trust Him to lead and guide in the way of truth and righteousness. 1 Pet. 5:4

A DIFFERENT VIEW OF THE LAMB. 
This aspect of His work and the revelation of His character is vastly different from that which is usually associated with the Lamb. The people in the day of His coming will call for the rocks and mountains to fall on them to hide them from a wrathful Lamb. Rev. 6:16 

The time for judgment, the great day of His wrath has arrived and who will be able to abide that day? Rev. 6:17 

Surely all agree that this is the day of His second coming. We also know from the scriptures that this is the day when He will be revealed from heaven, “IN BLAZING FIRE.” 2 Thes. 1:7 

No wonder the unsaved want to find a hiding place at that time, even if it means death, by falling mountains and rocks. It is a moment of punishment for all those who do not know the Lord and have rejected the gospel of the Lord Jesus. 2 Thes. 1:8 

The severity of the punishment meted at that moment of time must be duly noted, for it is absolute and eternal. Where the world had been offered salvation through the blood of the Lamb, now, the only source of salvation become their very judgment. As salvation for the believer is eternal, everlasting, forever and forever. So the destruction of the unbeliever and the one who rejects Jesus will be eternal, everlasting and forever and forever. 2 Thes. 1:9 

They will never be able to enjoy the glories of the Lord in His everlasting kingdom. Please consider, that this will happen at the precise time when He will come to be glorified in His saints. Or in other words at the time of His second coming.  2 Thes. 1:10 

This indelibly links the day of His coming for His people with the total destruction of ALL who have not prepared themselves for that wondrous day, if we are in Christ. But, one horrendous day for those who are outside of Christ. 




            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  21

LIKE ALL THINGS OF VALUE THE LAMB IS IMITATED. 
In the end of the age there is one scheduled to appear who has two horns like that of a lamb. That a deception will be attempted is immediately apparent. Horns are typical of power and authority. Rev. 13:11 

The Word of the Lord makes a distinction between this wild “beast” and the true Lamb of God. The true Lamb is seen as having seven horns, or the fullness, the completeness of Spiritual power. Rev. 5:6 

This “beast” is commonly known as the false prophet. He is the ultimate of those of whom Jesus spoke and called them false prophets. Covered with the skins of sheep, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. Mt. 7:15 

The depths of the deception faced by the church today is emphasized by Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians. There was, is and always will be, until the Lord perfects the church, those whom he called false apostles. Workers of deceit, passing themselves off as apostles of Christ. How strong and serious the words of warning given. Showing that even Satan can transform and pass himself off as an angel of light. It is not therefore an astonishing thing if false apostles manifest themselves in the church. 2 Cor. 11:13-15 

The ability to use language, words to convince and deceive will reach its apex in the end of the age and by good words, flattery and fair speeches, messages which appeal to the natural senses. Many will be led astray. Rom. 16:18 

My sheep hear my voice. The extreme importance of knowing the voice of the Lord and responding to it is found here. John 10:27 This false prophet, for all his smooth words will have the words and voice of the dragon [Satan]. He is clever, and very deceptive. Rev. 13:11 

THE LAMB IN A MILITARY ROLE. 
He is the supreme commander. To Him has been relegated the full, absolute power and authority, both in heaven and in earth. Mt. 28:18 

The conflict of the ages will soon come to its final scene. The Lamb will assume the capacity appointed to Him as the Lord of lords and the King of kings, the great warrior. The conquering one. Rev. 17:14 

He is the living WORD. He wears a garment, dipped in blood, His own redeeming blood. Rev. 19:13 

There is nothing in life more certain than the outcome of this impending conflict. It is impossible for the antichrist and the false prophet with all of his ungodly horde to win. Before the battle, they are already defeated. These two ungodly last day leaders of everything unrighteous will be taken into captivity and “cast alive” into the lake of fire. Their judgment is sure. They are already condemned to this most undesired destiny. Rev. 19:20 

The massive armies of the unholy followers of the antichrist and his prophet will instantaneously be slain with the SWORD OF HIS MOUTH, THAT IS THE WORD OF THE LORD. This will sweep the earth of all who would not serve the Lord. Total, absolute destruction will take place at this time. Rev. 19:21 

The unrighteous cannot possibly live past this moment of time. They will by no means find a way to enter into the Millennium, the thousand year reign of Christ. 





                    THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  22

GOD WAS IN CHRIST. 
What a beautifully made, straight forward statement for the Apostle to make. It is loaded with the truth of the Word. It is one powerful declaration and yet so simple as to who and what Jesus Christ is as Deity. 2 Cor. 5:19 

It tells us of the need that the Lord has to be reconciled with His creation. The agony of separation that He feels, and His great desire to bring man into fellowship with Himself by means of reconciliation, by blood. The blood of His only begotten Son. Also the intercession of a mediator who would complete understand the needs of both sides and would be able to reconcile them. 

GOD APPEARED ON THE SCENE. 
The mystery of the Godhead is beyond human comprehension. It can only be understood by a full and complete spiritual revelation as to the being of God. Of this we may be certain, God is not only from everlasting to everlasting but He was born into this world in the person of the Lord Jesus. He possessed a human body. He lived, He spoke, He wrought miracles, He bled on a cruel cross, He died and was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father and is now in seated at the right hand of the majesty on high. 

All this because the Lord sought the companionship of mankind. There is a mutual need, not only do we desperately need Him, but in His wise purposes He needs us. As there is a longing in our hearts for Him, so there is in His heart a great desire for those who believe on Him and follow Him. 1 Tim. 3:16

UNPARALLED UNITY AND INDIVISIBILITY. 
Even so, found to be diverse and expressed consistently in the scriptures as being Triune. Sharing together all the attributes and character that makes God to be God. Nevertheless, each manifesting the works, the status and the ranking which is theirs, individually. John 5:17 

Perfect and absolute concord was experienced in the works of the Father and the works of the Son, for the Son performed the works that He saw His Father do. His works have not yet reached their climax. For our day, for the end of the age there are still greater works to be performed. John 5:19-20 

As the Father possesses the power of resurrection, so He has given to the Son to have the identical power. John 5:21 

Jesus is the resurrection and the life. John 11:25 

All the power and capabilities of the Father were surrendered to the Lord Jesus.

Ultimate judgment has likewise been given to the Son. All will stand before the Lord Jesus and give an account for the deeds done in the flesh. John 5:22 

Praise, worship and adoration given to the Son is equal to that which is given to the Father. The Father rejoices in every act of reverence given to the Son. There are no feelings of superiority, envy or competition to be found in the Godhead. Magnify the Father, the Son is magnified. Glorify the Son, the Father is glorified. John 5:23 An exceeding precious unity and blending together which may only be comprehended by the Word and the revelation afforded us by the Spirit of the Lord.





            THE DEITY OF CHRIST   23

THE SON OF MAN. 
The title given Jesus and that which He used in referring to Himself shows how completely He became a man. Identifying with us from the cradle to the grave. Deity, becoming flesh and blood, submitting Himself even to the ignominious death of crucifixion, with all of its reproach and humiliation. Heb. 2:14 

He was subjected to the temptations of sin, just as we are. There was not a sin or iniquity known among men but what He faced it and triumphed over it. Were it not possible for Him to sin, there would have been no need to tempt Him. The Word makes it plain that He was tempted in "ALL POINTS," just as we are. Heb. 4:15 

We may be well assured that the full power of wickedness and evil was loosed against Him at that time. If ever there was a person whom satan desired to defeat, it was Jesus. In being victorious over sin and satan, Jesus declared His Deity by quoting the scripture. "It is written, thou shalt not tempt the LORD you God." Mat. 4:7 Deut. 6:16 

His usage of the Word shows to us the method that is most effective in overcoming temptation. Use the Word. The Word hidden in our hearts will enable us to be victorious. 

PROPHETICALLY PROCLAIMED TO BE THE SON OF MAN. 
Jesus came to the world, as a sign of the Lord, of His great love and desire for them to know Him. The prophetic utterance of the Spirit of the Lord declared that the Son, born of a virgin, would be Immanuel, or God with us. Precious promise of the concern of the Lord for humanity. Isa. 7:14 

The Lord is to become like us and one with us. From eternity, it had been resolved that the shepherd whom the Lord Himself had appointed should feel the brunt of the sword. The very Man who had been the constant companion of the Father would experience the wrath of God against sin. Making it possible for sinners to be purged from sin and come into fellowship with the Lord. Zech. 13:7 

After the baptism of Jesus, in water and in Spirit, there was absolute and full companionship with His Father. Ps. 8:4

WHO WAS LOST? JESUS, OR MARY AND JOSEPH? 
Jesus was twelve years of age when His deeply religious parents took Him to Jerusalem to keep the Feast of Passover. What an interesting point of time for this to have taken place. Jesus was to be the Passover lamb. 

After a days journey, Jesus was found to be missing. When they returned to Jerusalem, after three days, they found Him in the Temple where, He was listening to the Doctors of the Law and asking them questions. Luke 2:41-46 

Here is evidence of Deity, "they were astonished at His understanding and answers." Luke 2:47 

Sometime in those three days the one asking questions was in turn questioned. It is very evident that Spiritual knowledge and understanding were greatly witnessed in Him, even at such a young age. 

He knew and grasped the high calling of His Father. His response to His parents show a need of urgency to fulfill the will of His Father. He was desirous to be about His Fathers business. Luke 2:49 




            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.   24

THE FIRST ADAM. 
The first man, Adam was created to be a living, vital human. He was created a natural man, of the earth, earthy, and soulish. The beginning of the race of man. The first of those destined to inhabit this earth. 

He was to procreate and fill the earth with those of his kind. Authority over all other life on the planet was relegated to him. Adam bore the image, the form, the likeness of the Lord who created him, but not His spiritual nature. Gen. 1:27-28 

He created Adam on the sixth day. Six is the number of man. The number of the days of the offspring of the first Adam are limited to six days or six thousand years. 2 Pet. 3:8 

Beyond that, man, that is the fleshly descendants of the first Adam are not to be found on the earth as living beings. Mans days are numbered, not only as individuals but as inhabitants of the earth. Ps. 90:12 

The ungodly will not be found in the Millennial reign of Christ on this earth, during the seventh day. There will be one immense and complete purging of sinners from the earth. As the Son of Man He will commission His angels to go through the earth and harvest all offensive and iniquitous individuals from His kingdom. Mt. 13:41 

All sinners will be destroyed by fire when He comes "taking vengeance on them that know not God.". 2 Thes. 1:8 

When the Lamb comes in wrath all sinners, great and small will cry for a welcome death for they think that in that fashion they can hide from the Lord Jesus. Rev. 6:15-27


THE SON OF MAN, THE LAST ADAM. 
Jesus is the last Adam in the sense that He is the spiritual man. The ultimate of the great plan of salvation and redemption. What a contrast between the First and the Last. 

The first, that living soul could possess life, only for himself. The Last, not only possessed the same life that was in the First, but the Last, was made a life giving spirit that produced eternal life, and shared it with the whosoever, all those who would respond. 1 Cor. 15:45 

As the Son of Man, He announced His Lordship. Proclaiming Himself to be Lord. He superseded the Law and its commandments, for He fulfilled them. Something that no other man has ever been able to do. He was not in bondage to a day but was Lord over all and every day. Mt. 12:8 

To demonstrate His Lordship, He forgave the palsied man of his sin and healed him at one and the same time. Mt. 9:6 

He is Lord over sin and conquerors the sin element in man. Forgiving him and cleansing him from all sin. He came to this world with the explicit purpose of saving mankind. Mt. 18:11 

As the Son of Man, He is the only way to eternal life. It is a gift that is proffered to each and every man, woman, boy and girl. The Lord is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to a knowledge of everlasting life. God the Father has certified and fully verified the truth that all future life is to be found in the Son of Man. John 6:27 

How foolish it is to spend our whole life seeking after the perishables of this life, when He is offering a life that never ends. Life in the Spirit of the Lord. Life real life to be spent in a New Heavens and a New Earth, where righteousness prevails. Jesus is the Son of Man, He is Deity.





                 THE DEITY OF CHRIST. 25

WHO IS THIS SON OF MAN? A GOOD QUESTION. 
A question which came from the crowd who had gathered to see this spectacle, this man who proclaimed Himself to be the Messiah and to see some notable miracle performed by Him. John 12:34 

His subject was the cross and the great attraction of His sacrifice. He was to be suspended between earth and sky as the sacrificed Lamb of the Lord. Through His offering He was to draw all men unto Himself. John 12:32-33 

There is an important point of the workings of the Lord in salvation which must be addressed here. It is the FATHER who attracts men to come to the Lord Jesus. John 6:44 

Once again Jesus repeated this thought, that no man may come to Him except he be given that ability of the FATHER. John 6:65 

It is needful that we say what the scriptures are saying. 


THE SON OF MAN, STANDING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD. 
This is not the normal position portrayed by the Word of the Lord for the Son of Man, usually He is seen sitting. 

This is a very special occasion. He is standing in honor of, and to welcome the first martyr, Stephen into the kingdom of God. Stephen saw Him as the Son of Man. 

The experience of Stephen was so spectacular and glorious that it would have negated any suffering from the stones or fear of the people who were taking his life. He saw only Jesus, and the eternal glory of the Lord. His vision was perfect. Acts 7:55-56 

The Deity of the Son of Man is never, more evident than His relationship to the throne of the Lord. The LORD [Jehovah], said to my Lord, the Lord Jesus, sit thou at my right hand. Acts 2:34 

In this fashion, He was exalted to the right hand of the Majesty on high and is forevermore an occupant of the eternal throne of God. Acts 2:33 

In His exaltation to the throne He is a Prince or a ruler and a Savior. Acts 3:15 Jesus is the Prince or the Chief of life. All life emanates from Him. Especially eternal, Spiritual life. Acts 3:15 

He is also the absolute Chief and head over all the kings, or political leaders, whatever their method or title be. Rev. 1:5 

We must remember that the powers which are in authority are ordained of God. Whether their leadership is good or evil, the Lord is still in control. It may appear at times that there is no Divine leadership asserting its authority, but He is there and is directing the world and its affairs in the direction which He wants it to go. Rom. 13:1 

The political world is reacting just as the Lord said it would. The scriptures are daily being fulfilled exactly as He said in the prophetic utterances of the word. We are living in the era of "wars and rumors of war." 

Pay special attention to His statement that the end is not yet, for this condition is just the beginning and we have been there now for a number of years. Mt. 24:6 

A sign that will indicate that the end is quickly approaching is when they will be able to say, "peace and safety". That is when sudden destruction will come. Just when the political leaders of the world will think that they have solved earths quarrels and disruptions. Then the end will come. 1 Thess. 5:3 





                 THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  26

THE DREAM OF JACOB IDENTIFIED WITH THE SON OF MAN. 
A man of great spiritual integrity, Nathaniel, granted an immediate revelation as to the true person of the Son of Man. He acknowledged Jesus as Rabbi, or my master or teacher. Nathaniel was also to recognize Him as the Son of God, and the King of Israel. He had just met Jesus, yet he was able to see in the Lord Jesus the hope and desire of Israel. John 1:49 

It was to him that Jesus linked Himself with a marvelous event in the life of Jacob. Jacob, in his dream, while using the rejected rock as a pillow, saw the staircase that reached from heaven to earth. So impressed was Jacob that he called the place Bethel, or the house of God. The promises that had been given to his forefathers were also bestowed on him at that time. Jacob need not depend on promises given to his progenitors but now had his very own promise and personal experience with the Lord. Gen. 28:12 

Jesus, in essence proclaimed Himself to be that ladder or stair case. For He said, that Nathaniel would see the heavens opened and the personnel of heaven ascending and descending upon the Son of Man. What a mighty revelation showing the powerful position of Jesus as the Son of Man. John 1:51

HE WILL RETURN AS THE SON OF MAN. 
The heavens will produce the promised sign of His return. The Lord has a principle by which we may be assured of a mighty work being wrought by Him, and that is a visitation of mercy before judgment. As an example, Moses before Pharaoh where a series of signs were given before the judgments that came upon Egypt. The Lord has promised the appearance of the SIGN of the Son of man in the heavens as a warning of the impending judgments on the earth and His coming [Parousia, rapture, advent]. Mt. 24:30 

In the beginning, the Lord created the light giving bodies of the universe. He who IS light, created light for this earth on the first day. Gen. 1:4-5 

He did not create the light bearing bodies until the fourth day. These were to be for a multiplicity of purposes. Among them is that of being a sign, a signal, an evidence of something to come, an omen. Very positively they were to be the Lords indicators in the sky. Gen. 1:14-17. 

Joshua's long day, was an act of the Lord bringing victory to Israel but judgment to the five kings. Josh. 10:12-13 

The Lord assured Hezekiah that He would move in response to his prayer by giving a sign, the sun was to return ten degrees on the sun dial, and it did. Isa. 38:8 

Among the several signs that were manifest at the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus was a period of three hours of that day when darkness was on the earth. This would have required that the light giving bodies be darkened. Mt. 27:54 

This prompted the centurion and his men who were with him to declare that this was truly the Son of God. Mt. 27:54  

The Lord is kind, merciful and forgiving but there is an end to His mercies which are constantly being proffered to this world and even to church members. While there are many prophecies pertaining to the Second Coming of Christ being fulfilled today, there are yet some very vital and meaningful signs to come.




                 THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  27

WARNING SIGNS OF THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN. 
There are some very important events which will precede and warn of the immanent return of Christ. Most certainly most of the signs pertaining to His Second Coming are evident in the life of this world today. They are in various stages of fulfillment. However, there are celestial signs which will most definitely take place before He comes. Luke is very explicit in stating that there will be signs in the sun, moon and stars announcing His approaching day. Luke 21:25 

The sun is destined to be turned into darkness, the moon into blood, BEFORE the great and dreadful day of the LORD. Joel 2:31 

Until this sign of the Son of Man is seen in the heavens, He will not return. Peter, under the inspiration and anointing of the Spirit, on the day of Pentecost repeated this portion of the Scriptures and verified it to be an event which will take place before He, Jesus comes. Acts 2:20 

Thus, in the mouth of two witnesses the Word is verified. What ever you may hear, by preaching or by prophetic utterance that the day of Christ is at hand, weigh it, measure it, compare it carefully with the Word and you will not be mislead. There are false prophets at work today who will misguide the people of the Lord if they do not know what the word says. It says, "Don't believe them". Mark 13:21 


CONSIDER ONE OCCURRENCE WHICH MUST BE, BEFORE HE CAN COME.
He will use the great sound of the trumpet to gather together His redeemed from all over the earth. Mat. 24:31 

Please note carefully. The miracle which will happen at the very instance of time, is the change of our mortal bodies into bodies that are like unto His. Resurrected, immortal, perfect bodies, which are identical to His. 

While His coming will be with the speed of light, it is not all over in the twinkling of an eye. That which will happen in the twinkling of an eye is that the body will be changed. There are a number of judgments which will be enacted at the time of His coming and they will consume more time than the twinkling of an eye. This will take place at the sounding of the LAST TRUMPET. That is the final trumpet. 

How fitting that the book of Revelation spells out several consequences which are introduced by the sounding of a trumpet. The last trumpet being that which incites the Second Coming. 

It is the fourth trumpet which is important to our current subject, for its sounding will produce a warning second to none, of the return of the Son of Man. How fitting that it should be the fourth, for four is the number of this earth, and this is a warning to the earth, seen in the heavens. One-third of the Sun will be darkened, one-third of the Moon and a third part of the stars. One-third of the day and one-third of the night. Rev. 8:12 

This is a warning. The Lord is fair in all of His dealings with men and will warn them in this drastic and very disturbing manner. What fear will be in the earth at this moment of time. If men repent because of fearful circumstances this would be that time. 

There never has been a happening like this. But there is one greater coming, the Lord will turn out all of His lights and men will be in total darkness as a judgment for having rejected the light.





                THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  28

JESUS WILL RETURN IN GREAT GLORY, THE GLORY OF THE LORD. 
The glory of the Lord is what heaven is, a glory which permeates every thing and every one in that kingdom. It is the radiant, visible shining forthof His splendor and Majesty. Even with the giving of the Law, the glory of the Lord became highly visible to all of Israel in the wilderness. The glory of the Lord covered mount Sinai. Ex. 24:16 

That we might have some conception of the glory which was visible to them a description is given in Ex. 24:17. 

While the burning, flaming glory of the Lord is most pleasant, marvelous and enlivening it is completely nondestructive, unless it appears in judgment. Then that which is such a great blessing, the glory of the Lord, becomes utter destruction for the people of the world and all its cities and buildings. 2 Thes. 1:8  Rev. 16:19 

The only thing that it will destroy in the individual who comes under its influence is carnality in that person. However to the human eye it is seen as a conflagration of great destruction. The sight of the glory was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain. It must have appeared to them like a great volcano, erupting and spewing out lava, flaming, burning and pouring out smoke. 

An awesome sight, yet Moses went up into the mountain. When he returned from off the mountain the glory of the Lord had literally saturated him. His being shined with the glory of the Lord which he had absorbed. The children of Israel and even his family dare not get close to him. Ex. 34:30 

It became necessary for him to wear a veil, hiding the glory from Israel. Ex. 34:35 

This was certainly a prophetic act showing that the glory of Christ would be hidden from Israel. He came to his own, but His own received Him not. John 1:11


HE REVEALS AND SHARES HIS GLORY.  
He revealed His true inner self and Deity to His special disciples on the mount of transfiguration. An instantaneous metamorphosis transpired and He was transfigured before them. "His face shone like the sun". Now, we are seeing the same glory which was resident in Moses. So strong is that glory within Christ that His clothing became "as white as the light". Mat. 17:2 NIV 

Mark adds that His clothing became "dazzling white, whiter than any fuller on earth could bleach them". Mark 9:3 NIV. 

Luke records that His clothing "became as bright as a flash of lightning". Luke 9:29 NIV 

The two men from heaven who came and had fellowship with Him, Moses and Elijah appeared in "glorious splendor". NIV  The happenings on this mountain were of high visibility and a condition which would command their immediate attention and wonder. Considering these wonderful and glorious events we are able to arrive at some conception of what the glory of the Lord is like. 

Even so, the completeness of all His splendor escapes us, for His glory is very excellence itself. The majesty of who and what the Lord is will only be fully comprehended when we see Him face to face, as in the case of Moses. Jesus will have a Bride like unto Himself, filled and clothed with His glory. 
 
   


                  THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  29

THE SON OF MAN PRAYED FOR THE RETURN OF THE GLORY. 
Jesus in His prayer, the real Lords prayer, prayed for that moment when the glory which had been His, would be His once again. Words cannot express the deep emotions involved in the decision made to leave the eternal glory of the Father, which had always been His. 

The praise, the plaudits, the worship, the honor of that glory is measured only by the great magnitude of who and what the Father is, in His eternal being and majesty. 

From His request, it is very evident that Jesus, as the WORD had been the receptacle of the Father and His glory. Not only was the glory of the Father in Him but it also was upon Him. Clothing and bathing Him in that glory. John 17:5


JESUS, THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE GLORY OF THE FATHER. 
The sensibility which existed between the Father and the Son was and is absolute. There is nothing but full and complete harmony between them. The Father commissioned His Son to be the voice of the Lord for these last days. That is, the two last days, or the two thousand years of the Gospel dispensation. A day with the Lord being a thousand years. 

There is no truer voice speaking to mankind, and in particular to the church than the Lord Jesus who is the Word made flesh. Prophets come and prophets go, but the Word of the Lord abides forever. Heb. 1:2 

This Jesus, the Son of Man is the brightness of the glory of the Father. He is the shining forth, the effulgence, the flashing beam, the ever scintillating and flashing light of the eternal glory of His Father. Heb. 1:3 

Jesus is that glorious light shining in full strength in the darkness of a sinful world. He is that brightness which illuminates our hearts and gives us a knowledge of eternal life and the ability to possess that life more abundantly. We see the glory of the Father in the face of the Lord Jesus. Once veiled, nevertheless highly visible. Now returned to Him. 2 Cor. 4:6 


THE EARTH LIGHTENED WITH HIS GLORY. 
The visitation of an angel. It is important that we know that not all who are named to be angels in the
scriptures are created angels. The term angel is expanded to mean a messenger, or even a pastor, anyone who is commissioned to carry a message. For instance, the angel of the Lord, is the Lord Himself. We have an angel in the book of Revelation who visits the earth in a most spectacular fashion. His place of origin is heaven. He is in possession of immense power and ability. His presence is the glory of the Lord with which He lightens the whole earth. Rev. 18:1 

He will announce the fall of Babylon, the ungodly religious/political system of the antichrist. His presence will fill the whole earth with His glory. Ps. 72:19 

The perfection of praise and worship will be established for the entire population of the redeemed who inhabit the earth. Their cry is thrice Holy is the Lord. Isa. 6:3 

Ezekiel was also privileged to see the extremely great and radiant glory of the Lord with which the earth was lightened. Eze. 43:2 

Jesus prayer has been answered, the glory which was once His is now His again and we shall see Him in all of His glory and splendor.




                THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  30

JESUS, THE SON OF GOD. 
Jesus, not an uncommon name. Not unique or one that would set Him apart from others. It is Greek for the name Joshua [Jehovah is salvation] in Hebrew. It is the name bestowed upon Him at the time of the annunciation of His coming birth, by the archangel Gabriel. It was given prophetically that all might know it to be the name of salvation. Mt. 1:21 

While there were others with whom He shared that name, only He has the power of salvation invested in His name. There is not any other name which has the ability to save and redeem but the name of Jesus. Acts 4:12 The witness and testimony of the prophets was that those who would express faith in Him would receive forgiveness of their sins, through His name. Acts 10:43 

There is a future moment of time when every knee, from Adam to the last person born, will bend before Him. All three areas of the eternal abode of man are involved, heaven, earth and the grave. 

This moment is the greatest confession meeting which will include the entire population of mankind, from the first man to the last. Note, they will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, Deity, Divine, the eternal Son of God all to the glory of His Father. Phil. 2:10-11 

The Father takes great pride in His Son and is glorified and exalted when Jesus is worshipped and lifted up.


THE NAME WHICH SETS HIM APART FROM ALL OTHERS. 
Jesus, sweet simple, precious name. A name which is on the lips and in the heart of every child of God. We sing in that name, we pray in that name, we worship He who bears that name. It is such a gentle yet powerful name. A name that we shout out loud, a name that we whisper, in love and appreciation. It is indeed a glorious name. 

But, the Lord has added to His name. Which makes His name to be distinctive from all other names. It was a deliberate act of God In making "this same Jesus, both Lord and Christ". That completes His name and through the fullness of that name now bestowed upon Him by His Father, we see His Deity displayed in a majestic manner. Acts 2:36 

The message of the Gospel is yet the same as in that day. Repentance and the remission of sins are to be preached in His name to all nations. Luke 24:47 

His name is the name of healing and deliverance from every manner of affliction and demonic oppression. Acts 3:16 

All power, all authority, on earth and heaven was committed to Him of His Father. Mt. 28:18 

In turn He has commissioned the church to fulfill and complete His mission to this earth. Mt. 28:19 

To the measure which we have received to that same measure we may give. If we have received nothing, then there is nothing to give. If we have received much, then we have plenty to give. Mt. 10:8 

He has given full and absolute power of attorney, without restrictions to those who ask ANYTHING in His name. John 14:13-14 

The possibilities of response to prayer are limitless, providing they are prayed according to His will. All things are possible to them that believe. Surely it is time for us to lay hold of the promises of the Lord and realize that He has given us His name to use in prayer, and that it works.





            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  31

A VERY IMPORTANT WORK OF GOD. 
He "made" Jesus to be both Lord and Christ. In this manner Jesus was exalted and separated from all others who might bear the same name. With the impartation of the names, Lord and Christ came all the authority and might that is incorporated in those names. This was a firm and positive declaration to the house of Israel concerning this Jesus whom they had crucified. Acts 2:36 

How fully and completely the Father had committed all God like influence and control into His hands is evident in the scriptures. Because of the Fathers great love, that absolute perfect love, the Father gave all things into the hands of Jesus. John 3:35 

That covenant involved all power for both heaven and earth. Mat. 28:18 

The inhabitants of the world are to be judged according to the standards which were evident in the life of the Lord Jesus. Without Him, who could possibly measure up to Him, meeting the divine requirements that have been established by Him. There is nothing haphazard with the Lord. He has already established (set, predetermined) a day when He will judge the people of the world, by Christ Jesus. 

Jesus is both, the rod of measurement and the judge. He is also the advocate of all who love and serve Him. WOW! Talk about having an inside with the man. Acts 17:31 


THE NAME LORD. 
Names are very important in our society. We are identified and conduct our lives and businesses by the usage of our names. The true and living God is known by His name. There are a great multiplicity of things, and beings, existent and nonexistent, material and immaterial which are called gods. Most of them are identified by a name of some sort. How important it is that we recognize His name and use His name when we approach Him, whether in praise or prayer. 

We are exhorted to do "all things" in word or deed, in the name of the Lord Jesus. That would mean that throughout the entire day our thoughts and acts would be committed in His wonderful name. Certainly there would be some things which would not be done for we could not justify doing them in His name. Col. 3:17 

Totally involving Him in our daily life and all decisions would assure us of walking and living according to His will. Prov. 3:6 The name of Jesus is the power and authority that has been delegated to the believer to cast out devils. It is not a complicated formula that must be uttered, but the simple prayer to the Lord Jesus and command to the evil spirit to depart in the name of Jesus. Acts 16:18 

The man, lame from his birth, sitting daily at the gate called Beautiful was healed and brought to perfect soundness by the name and his faith in the name of Jesus Christ. Acts 3:16 

It is crucial to our spiritual well being and growth that we properly understand the importance and value of the name of the Lord. He has proclaimed His name to be LORD [Jehovah]. All that He is, and all of His nature and attributes are made manifest through His name. Isa. 42:8 

To really know Him is to know and appreciate His wonderful and marvelous name.





            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  32

JESUS, IS LORD. 
The name LORD capitalized in the King James Version is the name JEHOVAH in the Hebrew language. It identifies Him as the Eternal, Everlasting, Self-existent God. The one who always has been and always will be. He and He alone "IS", being alive at any given moment of eternity or time. He is very existence itself. He is life. Aside from Him life could not exist. All life is utterly dependent upon the LORD. 

He is the source of ALL and that which sustains ALL life, Be it plant life or human life. There is no life outside of Him. Paul made it very plain that "by Him all things consist". The continuance of life is fully dependent on Him. Be it natural life or spiritual life, He is LIFE. Col. 1:17 

On Mars Hill Paul stated that in Him, we have life. In Him, we move about, go about our daily activities. In Him, we have our being, or very existence and ability to be a living person. Like it or not, ALL life it totally dependent on the LORD. Acts 17:28 

It is the LORD JESUS who "upholds" all things. The status quo of the universe is in His hands. The cohesion of all that is, and pertains to life is maintained by Him. The harmony of life is perpetuated by the power, the dynamite, which is called the WORD. Heb. 1:3 

The WORD created it, the WORD keeps is and when it is time, the WORD will destroy it. Not man with an atom or a hydrogen bomb. The events which will take place on and with the earth in destruction are reserved by the LORD for His own actions.


THE LORD VISITED ABRAHAM. 
In many wonderful ways the LORD has chosen to reveal Himself, His nature and character. In this instance it is a personal visit by three men who are called the LORD. Gen. 18:1 

This was one of those very special moments when heavenly messengers were entertained. Heb. 13:2 

It was the LORD by whom the promise was given pertaining to the birth of Isaac. It was the LORD who renewed and revived the bodies of Abraham and Sarah enabling them to bear a son. It was as the LORD that He disclosed to Abraham that the LORD was about to destroy Sodom and Gomorra.  Gen. 18 

In this visitation and revelation the Triunity of the Godhead is to be seen. This name LORD is a shared name. While it is the name of the Father, He has seen fit that it is also to be a name which is called upon the Son and the Spirit. Plainly, in the prophetic utterance of Isaiah, it is the Father who commissioned His Son to be the Covenant of Salvation. The Father said, I am the Lord, that is my name. Isa. 42: 6-8 

As most all things are shared and shared alike in the Godhead, so the name of the Father was given by Him to His Son. The name and the equality of authority involved in that name, were imparted to the Lord Jesus. Phil. 2:11 

Likewise, to the Holy Spirit was to be delegated the power and authority of that name. The glory of the Lord originating with the Father is conveyed to us by His Spirit. This come from, "the Lord, who is the Spirit". Where His Spirit is Lord, there is certainty be full and absolute victory. 2 Cor. 3:17 

In this sharing of His name we once again get a glimpse into the terrific unity which is God.





THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  33

JESUS. 
His name is the equivalent of Joshua, in the Old Testament. His name was given Him as a prophetic name. A name which would show His purpose and ministry in coming into the world. He is the savior of the world. There is not another name which is effectual for the forgiveness of sin. Jesus is the only name of salvation. Acts 4:12 

The early church had great confidence in His name, praying that in the name of Jesus, healings, signs and wonders might be performed. Acts 4:30 

The effectiveness of using the name of Jesus is highly obvious by the results. The power of the Lord was so mightily present that the place was shaken and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost. The declaration of the Word came forth in all clarity, frankness and boldness. Truly anointed of the Spirit. Acts 2:31

He has given us His name to use in prayer. Learn to utilize that name, exercising the power and authority that accompanies that name. We speak of God, and well we might God is, and is mighty. But, the term God has become so ambiguous and could mean most any god, even the gods of the religious heathen of this world. 

When we call upon and declare the name of Jesus we are specifying the true and the living Lord. There is only one God, not the multiplicity of gods which are in the world. There is but one mediator between God and man and it is the man Jesus. Only one, religionist have many but there is but ONE. 1 Tim. 2:5


JESUS, THE SINLESS ONE. 
It is impossible for any other to meet the Divine standard which the Father established for a sacrifice. The sacrificial offerings of the Law were well inspected. They must be without spot or blemish. They were only types and symbols of the true sacrifice which the Lord Himself would provide. From the cradle to the cross He did not commit sin nor were words of deceit ever utter by Him. 1 Pet. 2:22 

Jesus, knew no sin. His whole life was without fault or blemish. Not even the hint of sin was to be found in Him. There was no sense of guilt or condemnation in Him. Such a direct opposite to all of mankind. Then He was made to be sin, for us. The totality of the sin of the entire population of the earth was cast upon Him. The immensity of the sin which was heaped upon Him and the enormity of courage and determination for Him to do this is staggering and utterly amazing. How great is His love for us. 2 Cor. 5:21

His burning desire and the drive of His actions is wonderfully and beautifully directed toward all of mankind. He now removes sin from our lives and makes us to be pure and clean, holy like Himself. The ultimate of His goal is to have a people who bear His likeness in every aspect of their Spiritual life. He will transform us to be, in Him, righteousness and true holiness. 1 Cor. 1:30 

The church of today is challenged, more than at any other time of the church age to live according to the high standard which has been established for us. every weight and sin must be cast aside that we might successfully complete the race that we find ourselves in. A total consecration will assure the victory. Heb. 12:1  




              THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  34

A CHALLENGE ISSUED AS TO HIS SONSHIP. 
Twice, in the threefold confrontation with the powers of darkness, in His temptation the devil hurled words of doubt and unbelief at Jesus. "IF, thou be the Son of God". How mightily He could have responded and displayed His abilities and powers, but He refrained, for it would have placed Jesus in a position of submission to the devil, by doing satins will. Mt. 4:3,6 

During His ministry evil spirits of the vilest and wildest kind were to confront Jesus. Turning those possessed of them into fierce, frightening beast like men. The immediate confession of their lips was that Jesus, was the "Son of God". Mt. 8:29 

The mob at His crucifixion likewise hurled words of unbelief and doubt at Jesus. Calling for Him to remove Himself from the cross, by saying, "IF thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross". Mt. 27:40 

He had repeatedly demonstrated the power of the Lord, in signs wonder and miracles among them. Now, to leave the cross would be to completely frustrate the plan of salvation. One must die for the people and He was that one. Thank God, He fully satisfied the office of both the sacrifice and the priest.


THE SON OF GOD, OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST. 
The perfect, one and only high priest. The heavenly, the eternal, the one who ministers before His Father whom His Father cannot refuse. There is no other heavenly high priest nor could there be. It is an office to which Jesus and Jesus alone has been appointed. Heb. 4:14 

There is none other who has empathy for humanity equal to the Son of God. His love and concern reaches far beyond all human, natural love. A mothers love, however strong cannot compare to the love of God, that agape love that motivated Him to come into the world to die, and to seek and save the lost. There is not a human weakness, be it physical mental or emotional that He did not experience when He became the sacrifice, the lamb of God. Heb. 4:15 

He has purchased certain rights for every child of the Lord. Ever accessible is the throne of His grace for all who are His. We have the privilege of knowing that we will receive full acceptance and be warmly welcomed to approach His throne. We may come boldly, with complete assurance, that there is a response to the petition which we present to Him. Heb. 4:16 

There is no need to seek out any other as a mediator. Jesus is the most loving. He is the very essence of love. Jesus is the most forgiving and the only one who can forgive us of our sins. He is the most caring. He is the most compassionate. He is the most giving. He willingly gave His life for the pardon of all sinners who will come to Him. Only Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. He is the only way of approach to the Father. John 14:6

Jesus is the only door into the kingdom of the Lord. John 10:9 

Jesus alone is the resurrection and the life. John 11:25 

The Son of God is all sufficient to more than meet the needs, simultaneously, of every individual who will come to Him as the great high priest. He is the perfect sacrifice and the perfect high priest.




                  THE DEITY OF CHRIST.   35

CHRIST, THE GOD APPOINTED NAME AND POSITION. 
Christ or Messiah in the Hebrew, show that Jesus was to be the anointed one. Paul boldly preached that this Jesus is the Christ, the one upon whom the Spirit had come, without measure. Acts 17:3 

The names Lord and Christ given to the Son of Man, the Son of God, Jesus show the respect and love of His Father for Him. It also reveals the high status bestowed on Jesus. Most names in the scriptures are prophetic and the name Christ is no exception. We know, by the very meaning of Christ, the anointing, that it is the name of the Holy Spirit. Since the fullness of the Godhead dwelt in the Lord Jesus Christ, it is appropriate that He be given the complete name of God, that is, the Lord Jesus Christ. This is an act of God and is that which is His good pleasure. Phil. 2:9 

The Father is glorified when we recognize and worship the one who bears that name. In the ultimate, the entire human race will acknowledge that "Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God, the Father". Phil. 2:11 

What a glorious and thrilling name. 


JESUS WAS ANOINTED TO EXECUTE A THREEFOLD OFFICE. 
As the prophets were anointed of the Lord for their ministry, so the Lord Jesus was anointed to accomplish the work of a PROPHET. Moses prophesied concerning the coming of this true and anointed Prophet. Strict attention was to be given Him in all of His prophecies. The person not listening and obeying this coming Prophet was to be cut off. Acts 3:22-23 

We have found Him, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. John 1:45 

The multitude also recognized Him as a Prophet. Mt. 21:11 

The blind man proclaimed Jesus to be a prophet. John 9:17 

Every PRIEST prior to assuming his office must be dedicated by blood, upon the right ear [Hearing to obedience], upon the right thumb [Works of righteousness], and on the great toe of his right foot [A walk of holiness]. First the blood. Lev. 8:23 

Then the anointing oil, mingled with blood was to be sprinkled on their garments. Lev. 8:30 

Blood and oil were also applied to the leper who was to be cleansed. Lev. 14 

As the High Priest, Christ Jesus is the confession of our witness and testimony. He is our eternal High Priest. The only effectual High Priest for the cleansing and forgiveness of sinners. Heb. 3:1 

Jesus was received, honored and proclaimed to be the King of Israel by the multitudes as He entered Jerusalem. They anticipated a natural kingdom to be established by Him, He was to be its KING. They completely misinterpreted the role of the Messiah, relegating that kingdom to be earthly and carnal. Jesus made it very plain that His kingdom is NOT of this world. John 18:36 

Also, that He Himself was not of this world. John 8:23 


There is a parallel, for many today are anticipating that Christians will take over the world and usher in the Millennium. His kingdom is NOT of this world. He is King of kings and Lord of lords.  Rev. 17:14 

His kingdom is not political, it is Spiritual and holy. He is the Christ of God, the Messiah, the anointed one. Anointed to effectively accomplish the mission of redemption and the salvation of all who will receive Him.





            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  36

DISCOVER OR CONSIDER THE TRUE, THE GREAT HIGH PRIEST. 
There is only one who can fit into this category, and that is Christ Jesus. Christ is the ultimate of many offices in the plan and purpose of the Lord. He is also "the Apostle", a messenger, bringing and preaching the Gospel in a most unique and perfect manner. Heb. 3:1 

The magnitude of His position as the GREAT HIGH PRIEST cannot be over stated. Christ, and Christ alone can satisfy the demands of such a high and holy status before the throne of the Lord. None other has the ability to represent a sinful petitioner before the Father. 

Of His exceeding greatness and excellency there is no end. His ministry is not in an earthly Temple but in the original, the heavenly, that of which the Tabernacle and Temple were but copies or shadows. 

The priesthood of Christ is, heavenly, spiritual and very complete. It does not demand daily sacrifices, but is a once for all accomplished work. Heb. 4:14


GAZING INTO THE HEART OF THE GREAT HIGH PRIEST. 
In Christ we find the vital emotions that are so necessary to a caring, loving High Priest. There is none other who could begin to compare to Christ. He is the ultimate expression of every thought and word of empathy and compassion. No one comprehends our human problems more that Christ.

Physically and spiritually, what we face in life, He has already faced and conquered. Our dire situations, our strong hurts and sorrows He completely understands and has a solution for us. He feels, with us and for us. Christ our High Priest is our consolation and constant companion. He has promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Heb. 4:14-15

To obtain the necessary sensitivity, that He might fully understand the many and sometimes strange emotions of man, He became like us, a man, born of a woman. Thus enabling Him to know and understand the need of man for a High Priest who is the very epitome of mercy. Faithfully, He performed and fulfilled all the divine requirements of the Priesthood.

Establishing an example that far exceeded all who had been Priests in faithfulness, love and compassion for those whom he represented before the Throne of grace. Only in Christ, can any man be reconciled to the Lord. He is THE reconciliation for both old and new testament saints. 

The sacrifices of the Law could not, nor will they ever bring, or reconcile any person to the Lord. Every difficult and troublesome circumstances in life He faced, and over came. He is touched, He is moved by the adverse problems that each of us will encounter from time to time. Rest assured, Christ has been there in that hard place. He thoroughly understands the strong emotions which sweep over our lives and empathizes with us. Heb. 2:17 

Imagine this, even Jesus, the Son of God, learned obedience by the things He suffered. Heb. 5:8 What will it take for us to come to a place of full obedience? He is there to execute a complete victory in our lives. We are more than conquerors through Christ.





            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.   37

THE HIGH PRIEST, WHO WOULD NOT BE A PRIEST, IF HE WERE HERE.
Christ was not a descendant of Aaron, but of Judah. Therefore He was not in the lineage of the Levitical priesthood. Heb. 8:4 

No one except a person who was a descendent of Aaron could serve in the Tabernacle or the
Temple. Num. 16:40 

Under the Law, Christ could never have become a priest serving before the Lord. There is one great, gigantic, immense and huge contrast between the priesthood which He received and that which is under the Law. As the mediator, the only mediator, the one mediator and as the man, Christ Jesus, He is situated at the right hand of the Majesty in the Heavenly. Heb. 8:1, 1 Tim. 2:5 

Though a comparison is made, there is really no comparison between the old and the new. Christ our true High Priest is serving in the true Tabernacle. One established and built by the Lord. Like shadows cast by the rising sun, the sacrifices under the Law were but a shadow of that which is reality. The physical Temple was but a replica, a copy of that which is genuine. The real Temple is spiritual, it is in the
heavens and is eternal. Heb. 8:5 


THAT WHICH MAN BUILT WAS ONLY AN IMAGE OF THE REAL. 
It is not possible that the Lord will ever acknowledge another Tabernacle or Temple established in Jerusalem, or else where. The sacrifice of animals for religious purposes is completely contrary to the will of the Lord. The Lord asks the question, "Where is the house that ye build unto me?" Isa. 66:1

Indeed, where is it? When the Lord has created all that exists in this world and has provided the perfect sacrifice, His Son, where is there a need for further sacrifices? Isa. 66: 2-3 A rebuilt Temple and restored sacrifices are the ultimate insult to the Lord, and to the truth of the Word. The once for 
all sacrifice of Christ is sufficient for all of time and for all who have lived in time. Heb. 10:10 

How positively and so very definitely the scriptures declare the impossibility of the removal of sin, under the sacrifices of the Law. "Can never", is the word. Heb. 10:11 

Christ offered one, single sacrifice unto God and was fully accepted and sat down at the right hand of God. Heb. 10:12 

Christ, by His one offering has sanctified and perfected, forever those who believe in Him. Heb. 10:14 

With the offering of His own blood, He has entered into the true Most Holy Place. Where He has obtained eternal redemption for us, not temporarily or until next time we have sinned, but, everlasting and complete forgiveness and redemption for us. Heb. 9:12 

Having thoroughly accomplished the will of the Father with His one time sacrifice, the offering of Himself, there is no longer a need for daily sacrifices. He has perfectly supplied the demands of the Lord for a true sacrifice. "This He did once". Heb. 7:27 

This perfect high priest, the Lord Jesus is accounted as being holy, without fault or blame, clean and pure. Sinless, He knew no sin. Never committed sin of any sort. Exalted, by His Father into the highest and holiest of heavens. Heb. 7:26 

His sacrifice, His mediation between God and man the only acceptable way. The Father engineered it. The Son fulfilled the requirements necessary for a perfect sacrifice. Now the Holy Spirit make it to be real and effective in our lives.




            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  38

ABRAMS PRIEST. 
The very introduction of this one who went out to meet Abram and was the "Priest of the most high God", should forever settle any question as to His identity. Here is a High Priest who is not of the Aaronic priesthood. A ministry which clearly preceded that which was established under the Law. It is a priesthood of faith, relating to the faith of Abraham and all who are of faith who are blessed with faithful Abraham.
Gal. 3:9 

The fact that this very special Priest brought forth bread and wine and gave it to Abram and his men, must be given significant attention. This is the first sharing of the cup of blessing and the bread of life ministered by the one who is the bread of life. John 6:33-51 

This incident was prophetic of that which would take place under the New Covenant. He is the fulfillment of the Passover meal. Mt. 26:26-28 

Further more, this Priest of the most High, had it within His capabilities to bestow a blessing on the
man of faith, Abram. Gen. 14:18-19 

Abrams action must also be given considerable thought, for he paid tithe of all that he had taken of the spoils of war, while keeping none of it for himself. Tithing, was not instituted under the Law, but was before the Law and practiced by the Father of all who believe. This powerful High Priest received tithes of Abram, attesting to the exalted position which was His and the great respect Abram had for Him. He recognized Him as more than just an earthly priest, truly, the Priest of the Most High God. 


THE REVELATION OF A NAME. 
As much as any other name found in the scriptures the name of Melchisedek is a great revelation of who and what the one who bears that name is to be. His name means, King of righteousness. The Son is accredited as one possessing a Throne. Acts 2:30 

He is also declared to be God. The man, the High Priest who will reign in the kingdom of eternal righteousness. He was also the King of Salem [Peace or peaceful] which should speak volumes to us of the greatness of this person, Melchisedek. Heb. 7:1-2 

The scriptures so beautifully and wonderfully unveil Him. The prophecy of Isaiah was that He, Jesus, would be the Prince of peace. Isa. 9:6 

He has committed His peace to those who believe on Him. His peace is full and complete. It erases the heart that is filled with trouble and consternation with the fear that accompanies it. Granting the peace that passes understanding. Peace in the face of testing and trial. John 14:27 

His greeting to the Disciples as they had gathered together, in fear, after His death and resurrection was one of Peace. Most assuredly with His greeting to them came also that wonderful peace. John 20:19 

The God of peace will work in the lives of His children in a manner and method that will produce peace. The heart that the Lord has sanctified is at peace. The total man, spirit, soul and body rejoices and is blessed by being at peace with the Lord. 1 Thes. 5:23 

Jesus is the very essence of peace. There is no peace apart from Him. He is our peace. In these last days, more than ever before we will need His peace. His peace is yours if you walk with Him.
  




                  THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  39

MELCHISEDEC IS A THEOPHANY OF CHRIST. 
There can be no question but what this very special High Priest is the Son of God. It is not the policy of the Lord to have those who are not of a righteous nature perform His work. Abram recognized and paid honor to Him as one who was truly sent of the Lord. 

An incident of this nature is also known as a Christophany or a preincarnate appearance of Christ in human form. The statements of the Word are too strong and straightforward for one to doubt the person and magnitude of Melchisedec.


THE ORDER OF MELCHISEDEC. 
A very special rank, reserved for one man, the man Christ Jesus. He and He alone could satisfy the needs and necessities for this high and holy office. 

The order of Aaron required that the priesthood be passed from father to son. 

The order of Melchisedec involves just the one person. 

There are none who could ever take His place. With the voice of prophecy, the LORD [Jehovah], by an oath and will not, under any circumstance altar His intentions, has proclaimed that this is an eternal office. Ps. 110:4 

As is the office, so is the individual fulfilling the office. He is the high priest, eternally. Heb. 5:6 

The priesthood of Aaron was one of succession. In the priesthood of Melchisedec, there is no one who is the first or the last, no succession. Jesus was called of God to be the high priest of the order of Melchisedec. Heb. 5:10 

As the true high priest and in accomplishing His duty, Jesus has entered into the most holy place. The ministry of the Aaronic was earthly. The ministry of Melchisedec is in the very presence of the throne of God and is heavenly. Heb. 6:19-20

The failure of the Levitical made it necessary that it be replaced with a better priest, one called after the order of Melchisedec. Heb. 7:11 

Under ordinary circumstances it was not possible that any outside the tribe of Levi become priests. Jesus, our Melchisedec was born of the tribe of Judah. We have then, an entirely new order, setting aside the old Levitical succession. This man, did not continue the law of the carnal commandment but demonstrated and introduced "the power of an endless life". Heb. 7:16 

His priesthood is eternal, everlasting, forever and forever. Heb. 7:17 

This man, Jesus has established an unchangeable priesthood. One which cannot fade away. It cannot cease, for any reason. The priests under the order of Aaron, all died. This Melchisedec, Jesus, continues for time And eternity, because He has the power of an endless life. The highest order of the priesthood is that of Melchisedec and there is but one person who can match all the divine requirements for that specific activity as a high priest, that is the Lord Jesus Christ. 

For all its religious activity and its millions of animal sacrifices the Aaronic priesthood was utterly dependent on the coming of one who would be a priest after the order of Melchisedec. It is absolutely impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to produce a cleansing from sin. Heb. 10:4 

The entire process and activity of the Aaronic priesthood depended entirely on the priesthood of Melchisedec.





            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  40

REASONS WHY MELCHISEDEC IS CHRIST. 
Melchisedec is the king, the sovereign of righteousness. The word of the Lord proclaims His righteousness. Isa. 45:23 

Jesus is that righteous Branch of the lineage of David. He is also named, "THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS". Displaying beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus/Melchisedec are one and the same. Jer. 23:5-6 

Moreover, He intends to include His Bride in all of His benefits. She too will bear that name and with it embrace all the blessings that are involved. She, shall be called, "The LORD our righteousness". His Bride, those of His kingdom will reflect and manifest all that He is in His nature and character. Jer. 33:16 

All the kings, the political leaders, presidents and potentates who have ruled, however long their reign has been, It is only temporary. While that of Christ is eternal and everlasting. They have governed but He has been in control. He is noted as being the ruler over the kings of the earth. Rev. 1:5

The authority which is governing is ordained of God. However much we may dislike them and perhaps even want to resist them. They are still under the control of the Kings of all rulers. Rom. 13:1 Jesus is, 'a' "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS". Rev. 19:16

He is the King of Salem (Peace). Which is interpreted to mean King of Peace. It is not in reference to a particular city of which He might have been its King. If we need a place of origin for Him, then how about the city which Abraham sought, whose builder and maker was God. That which is "eternal in the heavens". 2 Cor. 5:1 

It is Isaiah who introduces Him as the Prince of Peace, More than a title this is a name invoked upon Him. One of those prophetic names which will give insight into His nature, character and ministry. Isa. 9:6 

He wins, by peace. Mk. 4:39 Because He is Peace, He is capable of giving peace to each and everyone who will come to Him, regardless of the problem they face. John 14:27 

Those who are spiritually minded are they who are filled with His peace. Rom. 8:6 
He is the God of peace. Dispensing peace into each and every heart that will follow Him. Rom. 15:33 

He is the Lord of peace, the source of all peace and tranquillity. 2 Thes. 3:16

He is without father [Gr. Apator].  Heb. 7:3 

Not having an earthly father He could not have existed as an earthly, human person. This further strengthens the fact that He had to be one who originated from another, a spiritual environment. His eternal position was as the Logos, the Word. Not until He was born of the virgin Mary did God become His Father and Jesus became the Son of God. Luke 1:35 

Without mother [Ametor]. The fact that He was motherless attests to the actuality that He did not possess a human body, therefore was not of the element of the earth, earthy. He was the Lord from heaven. 

Each and every test that is applied adds to the strength of the Spiritual status of this person Melchisedec. In the scriptures it is not at all unusual for the Lord to assume the form of a man in order to appear and give a message to a person. There are several such instances. 
       




                    THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  41

REASONS WHY MELCHISEDEC IS CHRIST. 
Without descent or genealogy. It would stand to reason that as He had no father or mother there would be no lineage which could be attributed to Him. How wonderful it is when we take the Word at face value, in all of its simplicity and just believe what it says. 

This is just another indication that prior to His appearance to Abram, Melchisedec was not occupied by the service of a high priest. His very first ministry as Melchisedec was to Abram. The office of His ministry was established at that time. Heb. 7:3

Without beginning of days. Any being who exists but has no beginning of days, is eternal. This is a statement that can only be properly made in relationship to Deity, the true and living Jehovah. His very name is a perfect expression of His nature and being. HE IS, He ever lives. 

He is entirely self existent. Needing nothing nor any other person to enable Him to exist. He does not need us as a source of life for Him to live. We desperately need Him in order to live, naturally or spiritually. True life is to be found in Him. John 1:4 Heb. 7:3

He is without an end or a conclusion to His life. Once again this is proof of His eternal being. Because God is life, He cannot die. Melchisedec has never died, His ministry continues, even today. He "abideth a priest continually". Heb. 7:3 

As the Son of Man He gave Himself as a sacrifice on Calvary. Paul spoke of Jesus as having "immortality". That is deathlessness, ever living, the Logos cannot die. The eternal God is very life itself. That life is eternal and will not ever cease. Jesus the Christ is the same, unchangeable, immortal source of life. He is today what He was in every yesterday and what He will be for all of the tomorrows of eternity. Heb. 13:8

Made like unto the Son of God. Jesus is uniquely, "The Son of God". Heb. 7:3 

The Father God has no other Sons born in the same manner as the Lord Jesus. The seed was, that eternal Logos, the living Word, eternal and abiding forever. The Holy Spirit created the conditions under which the Word became flesh. 

Jesus, in the strictest sense, is the only begotten of the Father and so He will ever be. Our "new birth" is Spiritual and takes place within the Spiritual nature of man. His spirit is brought to life and man is born again. He is made to be a Son of God but not in the same manner as the Lord Jesus. As the Son of God He has a continuos heavenly priesthood which He is performing. Heb. 4:14 

The individual recognizing and confessing Jesus as the Son of God is assured of the ever abiding presence of the Lord. A beautiful relationship is formed where the believer is in the Lord and the Lord is in Him. That is the very apex of Godly fellowship. It is the spiritual alliance that must be in existence, the more so as we approach the end of the age. 1 John 4:15 

It is the goal of the Lord that the same deep association that exists between the Father and the Son, exist between Himself and His church. 




              THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  42

REASONS WHY MELCHISEDEC IS CHRIST.
Abideth a priest continually. The priesthood of the Melchisedec who met Abram is one that is enduring. It remains, eternally. It is a continuing and a continual priesthood, in other words one which knows no consummation. 

Beautiful language used here to show the perpetuity of the ministry found in the priesthood of Melchisedec/Christ. It is the one and only priesthood which abides, remains and is continual. ever active, ever present. Heb. 7:3 

This is the priesthood of the "OATH OF GOD". Jesus was to be an eternal priest after the order of Melchisedec. Of necessity, the office and the person must be of equal status. The position is that of Melchisedec, while the person occupying that office is the Lord Jesus. Therefore they had to be one and the same person. There is only one Lord Jesus Christ, one faithful high priest who is eternal. 

This man Jesus/Melchisedec has "an unchangeable priesthood". It is one, which unlike the Levitical, cannot be passed on or transferred to another person. That would require that one single person be responsible for the priesthood of Melchisedec and that person is the Lord Jesus Christ.

"Now consider how great this man was". Abram was a man of considerable stature and power. His capability in battle was demonstrated in his defeat of the five kings. He was well respected and honored by those of his generation. It is a statement of the actions of Abram which could easily be overlooked, perhaps some would prefer it to be that way. However. it is evident that Abram felt himself to be in the presence of one greater than himself. "He gave him tithes of all". Gen. 14:20 

Thus instituting a practice and system of giving which preceded the Law. Jacob, on his encounter with the Lord promised to tithe. It very definitely accompanies a spiritual awakening in the life of the individual. It was then incorporated into the Law and a tithe of everything was to be brought. Lev. 27:30 

Jesus placed His seal of approval on tithing. Luke 11:42 

It was the responsibility of the Levitical priest to receive the tithe of the people as a part of his office. But in this case one who was not of the descent of Levi received tithes of Abram. Furthermore, Melchisedec blessed Abram, the possessor of the promises. Abram was now in the full and complete will of the Lord, he had the promises and the blessing. 

Without any contradiction, certainly strong and positive language, the lesser [Abram] was blessed by the greater [Melchisedec]. 

That makes Melchisedec to be of greater stature than Abram. It must also be noted that the Levitical tithe was collected by men who die, but in the case of Melchisedec/Jesus it is "witnessed that he liveth". Heb. 7:8 

This is not a hidden spiritual mystery. Repeatedly the Word makes reference to the truth that Melchisedec could be none other that the Lord Jesus Christ. The witness and testimony concerning this man, Melchisedec is overwhelming. Surely the account would not have been recorded in the Word were it not that the Lord is showing us something that is of importance to Him. 




               THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  43

REASONS WHY MELCHISEDEC IS CHRIST.
Why a priest after the order of Melchisedec, if the Aaronic satisfied the needs and requirements of a Holy and Just God? The order of Aaron is the ultimate of frustration. It is a priesthood which offered "CAN NEVER" sacrifices. That is, animal sacrifices can never remove the sin of any sinner. The continued offerings were sacrifices of futility. Heb. 10:11

Through the WORD we hear and understand the voice of the Lord. Thus, we come to a comprehension of His will and His purposes. The Law was but a shadow of the good things to come. Surely we would greatly prefer the object creating the shadow, than the shadow. The Aaronic priesthood "CAN NEVER" with the sacrifices offered bring the worshipper to perfection. Heb. 10:1 

"IT IS NOT POSSIBLE" that animal sacrifice removed our sins from us. Because of its inability to remove sin, the priesthood of Aaron was a failure and failed to accomplish its goals. Heb. 10:4 

Furthermore the Lord proclaimed His displeasure with the whole system of sacrificial offerings. Heb. 10:6 

Hear the voice of the Lord, "I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand". Strong language. Mal. 1:10

The order of Melchisedec is to replace the Levitical. If the Levitical accomplished it purpose there would not have been a need for a replacement of the shadow with a real and effective ministry. The new
order is to bring perfection to its adherents. Not only in the forgiveness of sin but also in the cleansing of sin, and deliverance from sin and all its corruption. 

The Old, forbids sin and brought condemnation without deliverance from sin. The New, while making sin to be exceedingly sinful, delivers the individual from committing sin as well as being forgiving. There has been a great change from Law, to the great grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Heb. 7:11-12 

Righteousness was not accomplished under the Law. It could not be consummated by Law. If it could be, then Christ died in vain. Gal. 2:21 

The weakness and unprofitability of the Law caused it to be annulled. Mainly, through its inability to produce perfection. However, under Melchisedec, what was impossible is not made possible. Heb. 7:18-19 

Finding the first covenant faulty, the Lord replaced it with a new covenant. A covenant established and certified by our great Melchisedec, the Lord Jesus Christ. Heb. 8:7-8

The will and desire of the Lord toward His people is no longer written on tables of stone but now they are written in their minds and hearts. Because of the Life of Christ everyone born of the Spirit has a strong desire for the Word of the Lord, whereby His will and His desire is made known to them. Heb. 8:10 

Under the Law it was religious activity, but, now under the new covenant it is a life lived. The manifestation of the life of Christ Jesus being constantly renewed and revealed in the hearts and lives of all those who are truly in Christ. The person receiving Christ will experience great changes in their daily life. New desires, a new manner of living and most of all a new hunger to know Christ better.





            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  44

REASONS WHY MElCHISEDEC IS CHRIST. 
The priesthood of Aaron was not intended to be eternal. All of its ceremony and ritual was conducted by men who as men would die. The weakness of the Law was in the very ones who declared it and performed its duties and regulations. Contrasting that, we see the redemptive powers of that of Melchisedec. An eternal priesthood which is based on the fact that it is that which administers indestructible "LIFE". Heb. 7:16

The "power of an endless life", is the distinguishing feature of the identity of Melchisedec. The Father, who is life, living and eternal has given to His Son the same capacity to be life. John 5:26 

It is not just a situation where the Father and the Son possess life but it reveals the source of life. So, the ministry of Melchisedec/Christ is that which administers life, everlasting and eternal to all who come to Christ. The law of the Spirit, the Spirit of life is that which is found in Christ Jesus. It brings liberty and freedom from the condemnation of sin. Rom. 8:2 

So effective is that life which is found in the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus that the physical man is renewed and revived, quickened, and brought to life. Rom. 8:11 Christ Jesus is the priest eternal, forever and ever after the order of Melchisedec. There is only one who can fit the established and divine requisite established for this high and holy priesthood. Heb. 7:17  

The eternal oath proclaiming Jesus to be the perpetual priest after the pattern of Melchisedec was spoken by His Father, therefore is unchangeable and cannot be revoked. Heb. 7:21 

Jesus is the surety, both the bond and the bondsman, the one assuring that the promises of the Lord will be fulfilled in the believer. In fulfilling the demands of a holy and just Lord, He accomplished what the Law could not do. Therefore He established a better testament, one that is vastly superior to the old. It is declared to be a more "excellent" ministry, far superior to that which had been. It is also stated that it is a "better" covenant than that of the old. Also it is a covenant that has been founded on promises which are "better" than those which had been in effect. Heb. 8:6 

The achievements of the old covenant could only be completed by the new. Without the new all those who trusted in the old would be lost. Only through the new can the transgressors under the old find forgiveness. For all its pomp and circumstances, its multitude of sacrifices, it places of worship and their beauty, it would have all been in vain, had there not come the high priest after the order of Melchisedec. Heb. 9:15 

Only the blood of Christ is efficacious for the forgiveness of sin. There is none other which may be acceptable to the Lord. His blood is the blood of the New Covenant, the Everlasting Covenant. Heb. 13:20 

The blood of Christ was shed as an atonement for sin. Rom. 5:11 

The blood of Christ was shed for our healing. 1 Peter 2:24 

Jesus, our high priest, in order to pay the full price would of necessity have received the full forty stripes. Once a man had been beaten with forty stripes he could never be beaten again. Christ suffered once and for all. Deut. 25:3  




                    THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  45

REASONS WHY MELCHISEDEC IS CHRIST.
One of the keys to the identity of Melchisedec is the fact of the office being eternal. The NIV replaces "this man", with "because Jesus lives forever". Heb. 7:24 

Thus readily exhibiting that "this man", is none other than the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. The contrast is once again made between the priesthood of succession and the priesthood that is everlasting. With the everlasting, the priest will abide and continue as the mediator for perpetuity. An office occupied and fulfilled by but one priest and that one is the Lord Jesus. 

A position which is unchangeable, and cannot be passed to another. That in itself should be persuading enough to establish the truth that Melchisedec and Christ are one and the same person. A rank that can only be consummated by the Lord Jesus. 

Then again, the NIV speaking of this Jesus states that "he has a permanent priesthood". Not only is it untransfereable but it does not cease, or come to an end. There is only one God and one who has the responsibility of mediatorship. That is the Lord Jesus whose office of a mediator is after the order of Melchisedec. 

Whether we use the name Melchisedec or Jesus, they are one and the same person. There is only ONE go between, between God and man. No one else has the responsibility of performing the ministry that saves those who call upon His name. 1 Tim. 2:5


The spiritual prerequisites, the high standard of spirituality for this ministry can only be satisfied by one who is Deity, and that one is the Lord Jesus. Most certainly, for a God who is holiness personified, any and all who would ministry before Him must be holy. Being of a divine character, exhibiting the character of very God Himself in all holiness. 

Jesus came manifesting the holiness and purity of the Godhead. He was the harmless one, with the nature of the Lamb of God. Innocent and separate from all wrong acts or works of unrighteousness. Being born a man, He faced all the temptations which we must face He remained aloof and unsoiled by the filth and contamination of this world. Living His life as a perfect example of righteousness. 

We must always keep in mind the human nature which is in us was also in Him. He was tempted in every point of temptation possible, all of that which is common to man. As He overcame, we too may be victorious. The same Spirit which dwelt in Christ now dwells in us. He was separate from sinners. He made no room in His life to be a part of the iniquity of that day. 

He ministered to sinners but did not participate with them in their evil deeds. Evil companions produce weak and failing Christians. He was made to be higher than the heavens. He is above all. More than heaven, the eternal resting place of the redeemed, is the person who has made it all possible. 

The place called heaven is marvelous beyond description, but over and above all that is this glorious high priest who is one of a kind. The man who alone can be both sacrifice and the most high priest. The man whom the Father has exalted to His throne on high. Our savior, the Lord Jesus. Heb. 7:26  
    



            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  46

REASONS WHY MELCHISEDEC IS CHRIST.
The order of the priesthood is that of Melchisedec. It is very apparent from the scriptures that Christ Jesus is the eternal and only priest who could satisfy the high standards of that position. The measuring rod for this unique status is the Lord Jesus. 

All who would be named to the order of Melchisedec, including Melchisedec himself must meet the life of righteousness which is found in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is Jesus, who is the priest and the office. He has established the Godly requirements of the office. Anyone who would be placed in that high and holy priesthood would have to be like Jesus in every aspect and detail of righteousness. 

Jesus is the only one who could satisfy the demands of purity and holiness. There never has been nor will there ever be one like the Lord Jesus. He is the only begotten of the Father. John 1:14

Mission accomplished. This cannot be said of the Levitical sacrificial order. It required many daily sacrifices. There was no end to their number for they only appeased, never fulfilling the demands made by the Law. Heb. 10:11 

Will the Lord reestablish that which cannot by any means bring release and pardon from sin? Heb. 10:4 

The Lord has an attitude toward animal sacrifices and expressed it through the prophet Isaiah. The person who would sacrifice an ox, even as unto the Lord, would be committing an act equal to murder. 

Slaying a lamb is paramount to cutting off a dogs neck as an offering. Bringing an offering or a gift as an oblation is equal to offering the blood of a pig. Those who burn incense in a religious act are performing an act of worship before idols. 

Direct and specific statements of the reaction of the Lord toward the Levitical offerings. Any and all of these are insulting to the Lord. They are the grossest sort of blasphemy. Isa. 66:3

Now, in Jesus the perfect sacrifice is offered. The sacrifice of Himself, ONCE, for all of time and for all of humanity. Heb. 7:27 

There is no need for Him to die again. He now lives and lives forever more. Rom. 6:10

Jesus, and Jesus alone has entered into the most Holy Place, the very throne of the living God. There He has made intercession for all of mankind who will accept His sacrificial work of redemption. It was sufficient for Him to enter but one time and the work is accomplished. Heb. 9:12 

The succession of the Levitical priesthood elevated men of infirmity, men who were morally weak and sinful. But now, the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, establishing and fulfilling the office of Melchisedec is the faithful High Priest. 

He is the perfect one, both as the sacrificed Lamb and as the minister of the New Covenant. Heb. 7:28 

Without sin, yet understanding the weakness and frailty of the human makeup, He is able to free us from all our sin and to grant absolute pardon. One savior. One Son of God. One redeemer. One sacrifice. One who satisfied all the demands of a just God for a full and complete sacrifice which would produce total and absolute forgiveness. 

One individual who would be Christ and Melchisedec.   
 



    THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  47

AN AMAZING DISPLAY OF HIS DEITY. 
Little would one anticipate that a diminutive lamb would ever be used in revealing the very nature and being of Deity. Jesus, the Son of Man, the Son of God, very God. High and lifted up, exalted to the very highest of all that is called God and all that is life eternal. 

For all His everlasting splendor and glory, He is a lamb, The lamb of God. John, His forerunner on seeing Jesus approach spoke with the voice of revelation and proclaimed Jesus to be the Lamb of God, the only one who could remove, completely, the sin and condemnation from the heart of every person who has ever lived in this world. John 1:29 

His complete lack of retaliation toward His accusers, His submission to their wrongful and unjust treatment of Him is great evidence of the God like Spirit which dwelt within Him. He totally accomplished the words of the prophet Isaiah with His silence and refusal to contest their wrongful doings. Isa. 53:7


AS A LAMB, JESUS FILLED A MANY FACETED OFFICE. 
Lambs, under the Levitical Law were frequently sacrificed for the various offerings required by the Law and as sacrifices for special days and times. Among them, the same offering was used for the dedication of the tabernacle, Num. 7:1,88

Also for the dedication of the high priest. Lev. 9:3 

The crowning of Solomon. 1 Chr. 29:21, for the purification of the temple, 2 Chr. 29:21 and also for the cleansing of the leper. Lev. 14:10-25 and many other purposes. Of all the sacrifices made involving lambs there is one which is of vital importance in its symbology, that is the Passover Lamb. The Lamb was to be set aside on the tenth day of the first month. Ex. 12:3 

It was hidden until the fourteenth day of that month, or for four days. A day with the Lord is as a thousand years. 2 Pet. 3:8 

From Adam to Christ there were four thousand years, or four days. Ex. 12:6 

Jesus, God's Lamb, was revealed at the proper time. Not only did He come in the time established by the Lord but He was crucified precisely as the Lamb was being sacrificed according to the Law. His crucifixion fit exactly into the pattern of the Passover Lamb. Even to the day and the hour of the day. Therefore it is fitting and proper that He be called the Passover Lamb. 1 Cor. 5:7 

The Lord Jesus is that unblemished, the blameless Lamb. The perfect, sinless, spotless one who shed His blood, the precious blood, the blood of the of very God Himself. Blood originates from the Father. It required sinless blood to free the sinner from their sin. There is no other price, there is no greater price which can be paid for the redemption of mankind. 1 Pet. 1:19 

How true the words of Abraham to Isaac were when he said that, God will provide himself a lamb. Gen. 22:8 

There was no other source, no other system or method whereby He could provide a way of salvation for mankind. The Lord had to prepare for himself the kind of sacrifice which was necessary for men to be saved. The most gracious, loving, tender Lamb of God, the only one of His Father bore the sin of the world that all men might be saved. He loves you.




            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  48

THE EXALTED LAMB. 
The very heart, the essence of the throne is occupied by the Lamb. He bears the marks of Calvary, for He is noted as a Lamb which had been slain, nevertheless He is standing in victory, not fallen in defeat, very obviously a resurrected Lamb. The witness and testimony of the redeeming blood of the Lamb is in full view of the whole of heaven. The Lamb is the very center piece of the throne and very heaven itself. Rev. 5:6


THE LAMB FULLY EQUIPPED. 
The seven horns. The number seven is a divine complete number and the horns are significant of power. Therefore the statement of "all power" in two worlds, heaven and earth is solidly met in the Lamb. A gentle Lamb, yet possessing ultimate power. The Lord has promised that He will exalt the horn or power of His anointed, who is the Lamb. 1 Sam. 2:10 

The magnitude of His great power is displayed in His work of creation. He is the creator of "all things". Not only that which involves things earthly but those which are in heaven itself. All that is visible to the eye even to the borders of the universe, is a part of His work of creation. That which is invisible, the microcosm, even to the most infinitesimal, He has brought into being. 

The order of earth and universe proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that a divine intelligence brought forth all that is in existence. Likewise all political authorities are in office and maintained according to His will and power. Col. 1:16 

The horn of the
Lord is a horn of salvation, bringing liberty and freedom from sin. Utterly defeating the power and force of sin. Luke 1:69 

The seven eyes. Indicative of the intelligence and spiritual comprehension manifest in the Lamb. Rev. 5:6 

No intellect of man, or should it be said that the accumulated intelligence of all who have ever lived of the earth could not begin to match the divine knowledge and comprehension of the living God. The sevenfold Spirit of the Lord is seen in Isa. 11:2 

It embraces everything that makes the Lord to be the all sufficient person that He is. There is no area where there is a hiding place from the eyes of the Lord. The eyes of the Lord move to and fro through out the whole of the earth. 2 Chr. 16:9 

The Lord is the absolute power and rule over the whole earth. His eyes constantly look upon the doings of men. There are no undertakings by men but what He sees and knows the ways and purposes of men. Ps. 66:7 

In the ultimate, every person who has ever been a part of the human race will sing His praises, and worship Him. That does not mean that they are saved or will be, but it does mean that they will have to acknowledge exactly who He is and the greatness of His personage. Rev. 5:12 

Only the Lamb is found worthy and capable of opening the seals which will introduce the end of the age. The redeemed of the earth give great glory and praise unto Him because of His ability to institute the of the age. Last day events which even now are being accomplished as the Word of the Lord is being fulfilled. While for the world it is a time of judgment for the saved it is a time of rejoicing for the end draws near. Rev. 5:9




            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  49

THE FALSE LAMB. 
An item of great value will cause an imitation, a counterfeit. The true Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ is of the greatest value. No object nor person compares to Him, in heaven or in earth. His worth is beyond comprehension or comparison. Small wonder then that there would arise a charlatan. A man, to whom the masses will take great heed, both Christians and non Christians. 

Those who do not possess a strong and deep knowledge of the Word of the Lord will be deceived. The individual who is without the gift of the Spirit, that is, discernment must rely entirely on the Word that they have laid up in their hearts, if they have not done so, they are going to be deceived. Jesus warned concerning these last day that there would come "many" using His name and claiming to be Christ. This deception we already have with us in the world. He also stated that "many" would be deceived. Mt. 24:4 

The deceived, who are Christians are light, frivolous and totally undedicated to Christ. They seek a dollar story religion where they are fed on junk food. They gag at the depths of the Word and are completely unaware of its beauty, grace and revelation.


THE FAKE LAMB, THE FALSE PROPHET. 
He is second beast to appear. The word used in relationship to these two beasts who will emerge is the Greek word "therion, a wild, dangerous, venomous animal". It was a venomous beast which attached itself to Paul. He simply shook it off into the fire suffering no ill effects. Acts 28:4-5 

Paul used the word in Titus 1:12 in describing the people of Crete as being liars, evil beasts and lazy gluttons which is a good description of this false prophet. But note, he comes from the earth, he is then an earthling a human being. Most assuredly one who has wholly sold out to satan. 

Following the pattern established in the Word of the origin of the antichrist, this false prophet will likewise be a tremendous last day leader in the church and one in whom people have great confidence. Look at him, he looks like a lamb, every bit as much as the Lamb of God. The false prophet appears to be like a lamb. But there is a difference. Do you know what it is? Rev. 13:11 

This false lamb has but two horns, while the Lamb of the Lord has seven [Fullness of power]. The true Lamb is seen as having seven eyes [Complete knowledge and insight of past present and future], the fulness of the Spirit. The true Lamb is a slain Lamb, the evidence, the witness of redeeming blood is with Him. Rev. 5:6 

The voice, ah yes the voice, how important the voice. The Word of the Lord is His voice. It is a more sure Word of prophecy. If the prophetic utterance does not measure up to the Word, throw it out. 2 Pet. 1:19 

The false lamb has the voice of the dragon [the devil]. It is the voice of the beast. If it speaks the Word it will be warped and twisted. We are acclimaticised today to listen to voices. Radio and TV form our opinions and invade our thoughts with all manner of propaganda. 

Today's world is being prepared for the coming of the fake lamb. The true sheep hear the voice of the Lamb and follow Him. John 10:27 

They read, they study His Word and so get to know His voice.  





            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  50

WILL REAL CHRISTIANS FACE THE UNGODLY TRIAD? 
The dragon represents satan himself, who will give his power and authority to the antichrist. Rev. 13:2 

The beast to whom the dragon delegates his position is the antichrist who is to rule and reign on the earth. Rev. 13:4 

The third member of this unwholesome counterfeit deity is the false prophet. Rev. 13:11 

There are three scriptures which mention conflict between this wicked force of evil and those who belong to the Lord. This is positive confirmation that there will be saints who face his wrath. He will be permitted to make war with the saints. Rev. 13:7 

This will take place during the span of the reign of the antichrist on this earth. The third portion of scripture which places some, but not all Christians, entering into the tribulation. When the woman of Revelation twelve is removed from harm and danger and the dragon has been unsuccessful in his attack on her, he turns to the remnant of the woman's seed to attack and kill them. Rev. 12:17 

Of necessity this places some saints on the earth who will be found in the great tribulation period. This group of saints are seen again as they who came out of great tribulation and are relegated to a special place in the kingdom of our Lord. Rev. 7:13 

Then there are the two witnesses who give testimony of the Lord Jesus during the entire tribulation period and are overcome and murdered at the conclusion of the same. Rev. 11:7

The woman, the Bride is delivered. She alone will not go through the tribulation period. An escape enjoyed only by the Bride. Regardless of having prophesied and cast out devils, having done wondrous works, some who say Lord, Lord will enter the tribulation. Pathetic, but toying and playing with spiritual things will have its judgment. Mt. 7:21-23  


WOLVES COVERED WITH SHEEPSKINS. 
Jesus identified them as being false prophets. So white, so smooth, so soft on the outside but within 
that beastly nature of a ferocious wolf prevails, hardly able to contain themselves awaiting the moment when they can bite, tear and destroy the true sheep. Mt. 7:15 

In his discourse at Miletus, Paul indicated that the problems would arise from within the church, "even from your own number". Acts 20:30 

Judas participated together with all the others at the Passover Feast. It is there that Jesus spoke to him and revealed him as the one who would betray him. Mt. 26:25-26 

Peter warned of false prophets and teachers of falsehoods who would enter in among the people. Bringing in heresies, among which is a denial of Jesus as the Christ or Deity. Many will follow their wicked ways. Filled with greed they make merchandise of the people. While their judgment is certain, they will first have destroyed many sheep. 2 Pet. 2:1-3 

The false prophet has all the power and authority of his predecessor, the first beast. He has the ability to cause all the peoples of the earth to worship the first beast. His purpose in executing his office is 
to exalt the antichrist and to cause the nations to come into submission to him. Not only in a political manner but spiritually as well. Rev. 13:12 




            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  51

THE WORKS OF THE PSEUDO LAMB. 
Not only will his prophesies be convincing but they will be accompanied by great signs and wonders, not just the tricks of a magician, but satanic displays.  There is an inherent curiosity in the heart of all men, which creates a strong desire to see signs and wonders performed by the Lord. What Jesus said was, these signs shall follow them that believe. Not, the believer shall follow signs and wonders. Mk. 16:17 

He causes fire to fall from heaven as an indication of his prowess. While Paul was speaking of the antichrist, it is apparent that the antichrist truly transferred his power and capabilities to his protegee, the false prophet. Note 2 Thes. 2:9 

This take us back to the courts of Egypt where the magicians Jannes and Jambres [2 Tim. 3:8] duplicated the signs of Moses and Aaron, before Pharaoh. The two witness of the Lord will demonstrate a judgment of fire against those who fight against them, during the tribulation period. Rev. 11:5 

So, once again the powers of darkness duplicate the manifestation of the power of the Lord. Signs can
be deceiving, the Word is truth.


THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF THE FALSE PROPHET. 
That this man has the disposition and character to mislead and misguide people is blatantly evident. In direct contradiction to the Word of the Lord he will cause an image to be constructed after the likeness of the antichrist. It goes without saying, that replicas of the image, of all sorts will be made and will be worn and displayed throughout the world. 

Are we looking at a clone of the beast? The image has life given to it, by the false prophet. The image will have the ability to speak. It will also be capable of manifesting an ungodly, wicked thought pattern and judgment, for the image will cause those who do not worship the image of the beast, to be killed. Rev. 13:15 

How far will the Lord permit man to go in his quest to create life? This living, breathing, thinking image of the antichrist is to be most life like and will be the very apex of mans ability to imitate the works of the Lord. 

To simplify the commerce of the world an identifying mark will be developed and placed in the forehead or the right hand of every individual in the world. How much easier to have one mark other than the many cards we carry today. Rev. 13:16 

Be warned that to receive this mark is to assure one of the mighty judgments of the Lord. There is no salvation for anyone whose hand or forehead is tattooed with the number, name or mark of the antichrist. Yet without it one cannot buy or sell. Rev. 13:17 

Christians will have to make a decision to accept or reject this mark. They are seen standing on the sea of glass before the throne and "had been victorious over the beast and his image and over the number of his name". Rev. 15:2

Also these martyrs are depicted as "not having worshipped the beast or his image and had not received his mark." Choosing death, beheaded for Christ than to be contaminated by the political and commercial system set up for the tribulation. They live and reign with Christ a thousand years. Rev. 20:4
 




                          THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  52

AN ANGRY LAMB. 
It seems entirely out of context to find a Lamb that is filed with wrath, but such is the case. Rev. 6:16 

The conditions which provoke this fury are those which depict the world in absolute ungodliness, rampant sin and unrighteousness prevailing. A generation of people who are completely without restraint of any kind. Totally sold out to the devil and doing his will. 

This event is scheduled for enactment at the close of the tribulation period. It is the scheduled Second Coming of Christ. The second coming of Christ is not a nonchalant episode in the history of this earth. It will be the catastrophe of the ages. It is the moment of His revelation. 1 Cor. 1:7 

The day of His revelation is seen as having the same effect as the day of the judgment on Sodom. A revelation is not something which is accomplished in secret but is a happening that is open for all to see. Luke 17:29 

Not only will the living see this glorious occurrence but all who have ever lived will see it. Every eye, even those who were at the cross and partook in His crucifixion will see His coming. Rev. 1:7 


EVENTS TRANSPIRING AT THE REVELATION OF HIS WRATH. 
The ungodly, the wicked, the unrighteous will seek themselves a "spider hole" in which they think they will be able to escape the frightening wrath of the lamb. It is the great day of the revelation of His wrath and none will be able to hide or withstand that day. 

They will seek for the mountains and the rocks where they have dug their holes to fall and crush them. Better this avenue of death than to face an angry Lamb. No individual, regardless of their status in life will be able to escape from the happenings of that day. It is scheduled and marked on the calendar of the Lord.  Rev. 6:15-17 

The horrific judgments of the Lord will not only have their results on this earth but will be manifest in the whole of the universe. The earth will quake. Not just a localized earthquake but one involving the whole of the earth at one and the same moment. Such violent shaking could well cause the whole of the earth to become like one big ball of mush. Note that every mountain and every island will be moved out of their current geographical position. Rev. 6:14, 16:20 

The completeness of the destruction is also depicted in Jer. 4:24-26 

The signs wrought in space are events which coincide with the return of the Christ of God. The sun to be darkened, not an eclipse but a total turn off at the hands of the Lord. The moon covered with blood, reminding the world of its rejection of the atonement of the Lord Jesus. The earth to be blasted by meteorites, [just one star would completely destroy and burn up the earth, therefore this has to be a great shower of meteorites]. Rev. 6:12-13 

The rolling back of the heavens will completely release the atmosphere of the earth which is so vital in sustaining life on the earth. Rev. 6:14 

The exhibition of the wrath of the Lamb will terminate all natural life on our planet. It is an absolute impossibility for any sinner to find his way past this great judgment into the millennial period, therefore sinners will not be in the Kingdom age, only the redeemed.




            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  53

THE LAMB TO BE MARRIED. 
His bride is to be a prepared bride. This is a Bible statement that is most important. The Lord has always established high and holy requirements for those who are called to fulfill His will. Where would there be a greater need for holiness and righteousness than that of a bride who is to be joined together with the one who is the very essence of purity. The call of the Spirit is issued to the bride in such prophecies as in the book of Isaiah 52:1 

It certainly is most fitting, especially for the church of today. It opens with a cry to awaken! It is repeated again so as to emphasize the great need for an awakening to righteousness and spiritual preparedness for the glorious coming event of the marriage of the Lamb. Few seem to acknowledge or realize it but the next great event for the church is the marriage of the Lamb. 


PUT ON THY BEAUTIFUL GARMENTS. Isa. 52:1 
How carefully, how thoughtfully the bride chooses her bridal gown. Do we dare suppose for a moment that just any garb will do? This will not be an occasion where casual clothing will be accepted. The man without the wedding attire was cast out of the wedding because of his untoward garments and he was but a guest. No one will be in the bride, with its higher demand without the proper wedding gown. Mt. 22:11-13 

The garment of salvation is a definite requirement. The robe of righteousness is another. The jewels of the Spirit, its fruit and gifts are also necessary. Isa. 61:10 

Because she is to be married to a King, she is to be crowned with a diadem of beauty and clothed with the garment of praise. Isa. 61:3 

She is to be clothed with the garments of royalty, the "new man" the spiritual entity. That which has the nature, attitude and character of the Lord. That individual who has been created a second time into the likeness of Christ who is true righteousness and holiness. Eph. 4:24 


THAT WHICH IS WORN IS OF EXTREME IMPORTANCE. 
Is there any thing to be worn of more importance than the Lord Jesus Christ himself? We are exhorted to "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ". More than an exhortation it is a command. An order, which if not obeyed has dire consequences. It is when we are clothed with Him that the desires, longings and the lusts of the
flesh are set aside. Rom. 13:14 

It is that new creation which enables one to reach forward to the high and holy standards which are in Christ Jesus. The Spirit and the Word work in harmony with the spiritual cravings of that person who is in the process of change. The grand and glorious aim of the Lord is to find a people who will totally follow Him with the whole heart, soul and spirit into a mighty transition where they are renewed into His
image. Col. 3:10 

No one in the church is to be excluded from the opportunity to be a part of that beautiful bride. The choice is up to the individual. Wear the bridal gown which He has chosen and prepared for His bride and be a partaker of the wedding. Refuse to measure up to His standards and be left out. We make our own choice. Deity is to be married.  





               THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  54

THE WEDDING GOWN OF FINE LINEN. 
The Bride of Christ, with the aid of divine instructions has obtained a gown of the finest and most costly linen. The process of the preparation of linen given by the New Ungers Bible Dictionary is of great interest in relationship to linen. 

It first had to be separated from its seeds. Much like the new Christian must become separated from their old life of sin and unrighteousness.

It was then bunched. The Lord gathers His own in families. The babes in Christ are surrounded by a whole new family and way of life. They are gathered together in bunches that they might be cared for and fed.

Next, it had to be retted, soaked in order to release the fiber from the wood. The new Christian must become soaked with an understanding of the Word in order to have the contamination of the world removed.

It was then laid out in the sun. This would place it in the light. The light of the Gospel must become the light of the new Christian. The sun would also warm it and assist in the process of bleaching.

The next step was to immerse it in water to assist in the process of bleaching and softening. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Water baptism is a must for everyone who would serve Christ. Repeated contact with the Word will both cleanse and soften the life of the believer.

It was then beaten and combed in preparation for the loom. Those who suffer with Christ will also reign with Christ. There is a procedure of suffering which will come into every life. Its results are beautiful if we maintain a proper attitude as we go through these times. All things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purposes. Rom. 8:28 It is not possible to live in this life and not face reverses, trial and tribulations. Some are to stimulate spiritual growth in us.

Others are just plainly acts of our own stupidity. Even so, the Lord is there to encourage us and help us overcome.


THE APPEARANCE OF THE GOWN. 
It is stated to be white [Gr. Lampros, radiant, bright or clear]. Rev. 19:8 

The same word is used in relationship to the "bright" and morning star. Rev. 22:16 

The garment of the Bride is a garment of pure light, she is scintillating with the glory of the Almighty. She is a being of light, the light of the glory of the Lord. The linen is described as being clean. Separated from all contaminants. Pure and spotless. Eph. 5:27 

She is a radiant Bride, in more ways than one. The fine linen is the righteousness of the saints. Unconditional purity is her very nature and essence. She is holy, she is without spot or wrinkle. No blemishes are found in her. She is holy and blameless. Outside of the Lord there has never been another creature like her. The attributes of the Lord are to be found in her. She has reached that high and holy estate where she is joined to Christ and has become one with Him. She has reached the same stature as her beloved, therefore is ready for marriage. Eph. 4:13




               THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  55

WHITE, THE CLOTHING OF THE BRIDE. 
We get a glimpse of what is portrayed by this exquisite gown worn by the Bride of Christ, Rev.19:8 when we compare it to the clothing of the two men, two who are now witnesses, who stood by the tomb of the Lord Jesus. Their clothing is described as "clothes that gleamed like lightning". There is much more to these fine linen garments than just the color white. Luke 24:4 NIV. 

Another most interesting event which took place at the empty tomb was the appearance of the angel of the Lord. He not only rolled the stone away from the entrance but sat on it, no doubt in triumph. The angel of the Lord is the Lord Jesus in angelic form. See the glory of the Lord that was upon Him. His face shone like lightning, while His garment was as white as the snow. Mt. 28:3 

All those associated with the throne of the Lord will have become accustomed to living with the lightning glory of the Lord. Lightning's proceed from the throne. We would expect that all who live in the presence of the throne will shine with the same glory. Don't worry, the glory of the Lord is not lightning but appears as lightning and is unquestionably much more beautiful. Rev. 4:5


WHAT IS MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN BEING CLOTHED WITH THE SUN. 
That is, being filled and clothed with the light of the Almighty. The destiny of the righteous bride is to shine as the sun at the time of the wedding of our Lord Jesus Christ. Mt. 13:43 

To put on Christ is to be clothed with the sun like glory of the Lord. "for the LORD God is a sun". No sun or star could ever be God but He does outshine them all. The light bearing heavenly bodies should never, ever be worshipped. Ps. 84:11 

When the bride has fully "put on Christ" she will be wearing the "sun of righteousness". Beautifully and marvelously clothed. How greatly and intensely the Lord Jesus is desirous of a bride which is totally consecrated and dedicated to Him. Mal. 4:2 

The wise, those whose actions are prudent and spiritually intelligent will shine forth with the brilliancy of the heavens. Those who turn others to righteousness and themselves are righteous will shine forth as the stars. Surely the Lord will reveal His glory in His people. Dan. 12:3 

The beauty, the glory of that perfect church is illustrated in the poetic language of Solomon. She will rise suddenly to the status of a bride. Like the brilliant dawning of a new day, after the gross darkness of the night. She is beautiful beyond description, as pure and white as the moon. As clear, as pure, beloved and completely empty of self. Glowing, as bright as the sun for she is a sun clothed woman. 

The evidence of the scriptures plainly shows that the most gorgeous, the most majestic bride is that which will be the Bride of Christ. She is like a great army unfurling and waving their banners. Awesome and fearsome. A bride, yet ever on the alert knowing that there is yet an engagement, a battle that must be fought. Song 6:10 

This is a bride, an army which will not be defeated. They will march in perfect unison, as one body, ever triumphant, ever victorious.  




               THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  56

THE TABERNACLE OF THE BRIDEGROOM. 
The universe proclaims the majestic existence of the Lord in a language which is universal. "The heavens declare the glory of God". Ps. 19:1 

Scientists are trying to tune into the voices, the sounds coming from the heavens, in the possibility that there are other intelligent beings in the heavens with whom we may establish contact. They hear noises, static but not messages. Nevertheless the Word states that daily, the heavens pour forth speech, to every language and country, until there is no language where their speech is not heard. 

The Lord has sent a man from space, from the heavens and written a book which He is using to reveal Himself. On earth, He has manifest His presence in tabernacle and temple. The heavens are as a tent or a tabernacle which He has pitched for the sun. The sun is depicted as a bridegroom, one ready for marriage, emerging for the wedding. He is a champion, a conqueror always victorious. Ps. 19:2-5 

Habbakuk made reference to the sun and the moon standing still in the skies, in their habitation, their dwelling place or residence. Hab. 3:11


AN AMAZING SITUATION. 
An angel standing in the sun. To be observed He must be brighter than the sun. A being of glorious light. How fitting a place for the Angel to stand and announce the coming event. Rev. 19:17 

Anyone who associates with the Lord of glory will assimilate that spectacular light and glory which is found in the presence of the Lord. Jesus Himself is seen manifesting that splendor which is the Lords alone. His face shined as the sun shining in all of its might and power. Rev. 1:16 

John also saw a mighty, strong, powerful Angel descending from heaven. He was clothed with a cloud, no doubt a cloud of glory. A full rainbow, a complete circle was round about His head. The rainbow with its three primary colors typifies the Godhead, three colors yet one rainbow. 

God is revealed in Christ. His face gleaming, glowing, shining forth like the sun. He is the sun of righteousness. Those who are found in His presence will appropriate the same glory. His feet were like pillars of fire. What an awesome personage. Surely He will strike fear in the hearts of all who try to withstand Him. Rev. 10:1 

Moses during his visit with the Lord on MT Sinai assimilated the glory of the Lord until his face shone with that majestic glowing sun like light. Ex. 34:30 

So great was that glory which was in him that he had to wear a veil when in the presence of the children of Israel. Ex. 34:33

However, when he went before the Lord to speak face to face with him, it was on a common plain, like speaking with an equal he removed the veil. Ex. 34:34 

He was the friend of the Lord. What a tremendous relationship. Ex. 33:11 

If in the giving of the Law, which was to be set aside, there was such a mighty glory, how much greater is the glory which is found in the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Cor. 3:11 

The revelation of the true glory of the Lord which is yet to be revealed in the church will be the ultimate glory, the fullness of the magnificent presence of the Lord in the body of Christ.





            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  57

THERE IS NO BRIDE LIKE THIS ONE. 
The Bride of Christ is that majestically clothed woman of Revelation twelve. The leading women in the Bible, the outstanding mothers in Israel, are all in some measure or another types of this woman who is to be the Bride of Christ. Yet, none of them measure up to the extremely high status and position which this woman will occupy. 

The woman of Revelation twelve is not, nor could she be Mary the mother of Jesus. The book of Revelation was not written as a book of history but definitely is a prophecy. The manchild is not Christ. Take a good hard, prayerful look at her. She is glorious. She is gorgeous. She is wondrously and marvelously arrayed. No woman has ever been dressed in this manner. She is most unique. One of a kind. 


SHE IS CLOTHED WITH THE SUN. 
All the splendor and brilliant light of the sun is found to be her garment. While we do not anticipate that the sun will descend from the heavens and wrap itself around her. The Lord who is light will fill her and embrace her with the glory of His own being and nature. He who is light. 1 Jn. 1:5 

Will fill her and clothe her with the light and presence of Himself. Inwardly and outwardly. The dwelling place of the Lord now is a place of unapproachable light. The natural man could not stand in the brilliant light, known as the Lord. He is the light of the world. All light emanates from Him. Without Him there is no light. He is surrounded by light. There is no darkness in Him. 1 Tim. 6:16 

When we walk in His light we have sweet communion and fellowship with Him. The light is pleasant. It brings great joy. 1 Jn. 1:7 


A WORLD OF FIRE, OUR SUN. 
Is it strange that the woman be clothed with clothing of fire? Fire should not be a strange commodity to the people of the Lord. The Lord has declared Himself to be a consuming fire. We should anticipate that this is exactly what He is. A God of fire. Nebuchadnezer had them heat the furnace seven times hotter for the three Hebrew young men. Dan. 3:19 

But because of the fourth man, the greater fire, the fire of the Lord was a shield and protection to them. Not even the smell of fire was on them. Dan. 3:24-25 

John said, that Jesus had come, bringing a baptism of fire for His church. Luke 3:16 There is nothing more wonderful, more enjoyable, more satisfying than the fire of the Holy Ghost. Who will dwell in the presence of such a God. Who can stand the fire of His presence? Isa. 33:14-15 

The righteous, the upright they will dwell eternally with the God of fire. The fire of the Lord is not distressful to the redeemed. To the unsaved it is judgment, to the saved, great joy. Before the throne of the Lord is that great sea of glass and fire. We often stress the glass and overlook the fact that it is mingled with the very fire of the Lord Himself. Rev. 15:2 

The feet of the Lord Jesus are as pillars of fire. Rev. 10:1 and His eyes blaze with the fire of the Lord. Rev. 19:12 Heaven will be a place of wondrous, comforting, enjoyable fire of the Lord.





              THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  58

THE LORD REVEALING HIMSELF BY FIRE. 
It must be restated here that fire is not the Lord, but that according to the scriptures, "the LORD is a
consuming fire". Deut. 4:24 

We would then anticipate that He will chose to reveal Himself in just such a manner. It was a blazing, burning flame contained within a bush that attracted the attention of Moses. The bush was prickly or a bramble bush, not one for a garden. The Lord does not always use the most eloquent to accomplish His purposes. It was here that the angel of Jehovah appeared to Moses and called him. Ex. 3:2 

To the human eye, the sight of the glory of the LORD appeared as fire. Mt Sinai must have seemed to Israel as a flaming volcano, spewing out smoke, lightning and fire. Ex. 24:17 

The presence of the LORD is an awesome thing. The LORD descended on Mt Sinai in fire. The mountain literally trembled violently. Ex. 19:18 

It is further described as darkness, gloom and storm. Heb. 12:18 

Anything, anyplace anyone who is a recipient of the glory of the LORD is going to appear as the Bride in Revelation twelve. Clothed with the sun, clothed with light, clothed with fire. Moses entered into that glory until that glory entered into and saturated him. Ex. 34:35 

Israel lived by and were led by the cloud and the pillar of fire. It was the presence of the LORD among them in the wilderness. To the Egyptians there was no benefit other than darkness from the pillar of fire. To the Israelites it gave the best of light all during the hours of darkness. Ex. 14:20 

To the redeemed, the fire of the Lord is joyous but to the unsaved it is darkness.


FIRE AND THE ALTAR. 
The two are associated throughout the history of Old Testament sacrifice. Fire was used to consume the flesh of the sacrifice. It foreshadowed not only the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus but also the presentation of the Christian as a sacrifice unto the Lord. We are to present ourselves as "living sacrifices" unto the Lord. This is a must for everyone who would serve the Lord to the fullness. The day of Pentecost evidenced the fire falling on the living sacrifices of the one hundred twenty in Jerusalem as they were filled with the Spirit. Acts 2:3 

The fire on the altar of the Tabernacle was lit by the Lord Himself. Lev. 9:23-24 

It was to be a continual fire and never be let die. Lev. 6:12 The fire of the Spirit once lit in
us should never die but be fed continually, ever blazing, ever burning. When Solomon dedicated the Temple in Jerusalem once again the glory descended from the Lord and filled the Temple. At the same time the fire on the altar of the Temple was lit. 2 Chr. 7:1 

The Lord always glorifies a temple or tabernacle which is dedicated solely to Him. So the Bride of Christ will be filled with all the fullness of the Lord Himself. She is manifest to the world as a woman clothed with the sun and all of its glory, might and majesty. The beauty of he Lord will be made known to the world through her. She is the climax of the workings of the Spirit and the Word. She bears his likeness and image. She has his Spirit and personality as her very life. She is like the Lord.




                THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  59

WAR AGAINST THE LAMB. 
A futile attempt for satanic powers and all associated with him to conqueror the living Lord. The display of the powers of darkness used in presenting them is that of a strong ferocious beast, such as the great red dragon and other beast like creatures. Scary, to say the least to the natural man. 

However, the Lamb is proven to be victorious. The gentle, loving, kind nature of the Lamb will prevail. The disciplined, godlike Spirit and nature of the Christ of God will always win and overcome. 

There is certainly a great lesson to be learned here as we compare the two natures involved in human lives, one brutish the other having the tenderness of a Lamb. The Lamb will triumph, though He did not start the battle. 

His high and holy position assures Him of the victory for He is Lord over and above all lords and is the King ruling over all earthly kings. All earthly and satanic powers are subject unto Him. The King's army is composed of the called, the chosen and the faithful. There will never be a causality in this majestic army. They all possess life everlasting and will never see death, for it is impossible for them to die. Rev. 17:14


THE IMPERSONATOR, BEAUTIFUL BUT EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. 
The second great woman of the book of Revelation. She stands in direct opposition to the glorious woman of Revelation twelve. She is the epitome of every false, religious spirit. Total decadence, sold out to satan, demon possessed to the core. 

The bride of the antichrist. Beautiful, awesome to behold. Impressive and attractive to the eye. Like the whited sepulcher, filled with the bones of the dead. 

She is not the embodiment of one religious group. She is not the Roman church. She is an amalgamation of all the religions that have ever been concocted by satan and men. She is a mixture beyond the greatest imagination, everything religious is brought together and united in her. 

They have no choice. There will be but one object of worship, the beast. The whole of the unredeemed population of the earth will make him their object of worship. Rev. 13:8 

Idol worship is the very heart and soul of their religious activities. When the false prophet has created an image of the antichrist all men will be commanded to worship not only the man, the antichrist, but his image as well. 

The sentence for not giving homage to beast and image is death. Those who do worship will receive a condemnation of the second death. 

In that second death they will have no rest, day or night. They will be eternally tormented. There is a special judgment assured these people. There is no freedom or liberty on the earth during the reign of the antichrist and his queen of great beauty. Idol worship is the sin of adulterous worship, therefore she is given the title of the great whore. Rev. 17:1 

Note her association with the "many waters", the nations of the earth. She is a world wide religious, political power and rides the waves of the world. She is impressive beyond measure. The whole world will follow her. 




                        THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  60

THE MYSTERY OF UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. 
The area of ungodliness with which we will be dealing is the harlot church. She is the pinnacle of iniquity. Her great sin is religious as well as secular. She is called the great prostitute, which bears the connotation, figuratively of that of an idolater. The only form of worship permitted during the tribulation period will be that of the antichrist and his image and this woman will be the instigator
and ally of this false religion. Rev. 17:1 

She is the amalgamated, the ecumenical church of the last days, embracing every known religion. Unifying them into the church of Babylon. For those who have an ear to hear, there is a call of the Spirit, even now, to "come out of her my people and be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not her plagues". Rev. 18:4 

A stern but very fair warning. As there will be a double portion, [full and complete] of the Spirit of the Lord in the last days culminating in the Bride of Christ. So there will be a double portion meted out to the harlot church, but her portion will be in judgment. Rev. 18:6 

She can talk the talk and be very convincing, but can she walk the walk? Be watchful and careful of the religious trends, the popular doctrines of these days. Measure them, very carefully with the Word of the Lord. More than ever before we need to involve ourselves in great depth with the Word, that the discernment of the Word might be our stay and strength. 

This is not a time to be half hearted in our walk before the Lord. It is time for full and complete consecration to Him. If we have the Spirit and the Word, we will not be deceived.


SHE IS POLITICAL AS WELL AS RELIGIOUS. 
She is seen being lifted up and carried by the multitude of the political and religious powers of the world. She is popular beyond measure with forces and authorities who are in power at that time. Rev. 17:15 

When she is seen in the Revelation she is coming to the time of her fierce judgment. The Lord has a controversy with her. Though she has enjoyed great popularity and riches, she will be cut off. Is it any wonder that the church of today is already displaying tendencies toward politics and prosperity. It is an awesome thing to stand back and see how exceedingly popular politics and prosperity have become in the church, world wide. Jer. 51:13 

Strangely enough this prophecy was directed at Babylon of old. The church of Babylon, the harlot church is being formed at this very time. The very powers that have brought her into being and sustained her are also the powers which will destroy her. Jer. 51:42 

The Lord uses her very own sponsors to completely destroy her. Their admiration turns to hatred. How fickle and utterly unreliable are the plaudits and support of the wicked. 

She will be stripped of all her pomp and ceremony and be left completely void of any covering. Because Babylon was included among Israel's lovers the Lord pronounced this same judgment on them. Eze. 16:37 

Like the animals that they are, her lovers will consume her flesh and burn her with fire, reducing her to ashes. Rev. 17:15 




                 THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  61

THE LEADERS AND THE PEOPLES OF THE EARTH FOLLOW THE WOMAN.
They become deeply involved with her sin of idolatry. Immorality of the basest kind will be practiced to such a degree that they become "intoxicated", drunken and overwhelmed with their supposed liberty. Rev. 17:2 

The whole world will be attracted to her. She is like a shining, glittering cup of gold. All will drink of her fornication's and become completely irrational, insane and without restraint will be given over to her practices and madness. Jer. 51:7 

It does not take a revelation to see that the beginnings of this drunkenness are already coming to pass, they are already a factor in today's life.


THE DESCRIPTION OF THE WOMAN OF SIN. 
It must be taken into consideration that the Spirit carried John into the DESERT, a wilderness. This woman is the pseudo, the false, the counterfeit church. There is no truth to be found in her. Rev. 17:3 

So absolute is the deception that which is false assumes the same location as that which is true. During this period of tribulation the true church is harbored by the Lord in a place called the wilderness or a desert.  Rev. 12:6 

In an attempt to convince the world that she is the real thing, the imitation will position herself in the desert. The woman will be situated on a scarlet beast. Colored scarlet as a pretense, a substitute, copying the blood atonement of the Lord Jesus. 

She is exalted by the beast and used as a front for his purposes and deceptions. As the beast upon which she sits enthroned is full of the names of blasphemy so is she. She will receive everything that the beast has to offer her. Even to his names of blasphemy. Rev. 17:3 

Satan will do his best trying to get his name on the inhabitants of the earth. Rev. 13:16-17 

The devil, always the copy cat, for the overcomer will have the name of the Lord Jesus Christ written on them. Rev. 3:12, 7:3, 14:1 

The political forces that are to be a part of that beast are represented by the seven heads and the ten horns. The ten horns are far more extensive than just a restored Roman empire. While the Roman empire may be considered to have been a type of that which is now forming, what we are seeing here in the scriptures is far more comprehensive than just the nations of Europe. 

Today we deal with spheres of influence or nations banding together for common purposes. What we see in the Book of Revelation relating to the government of the world is to be world wide. One world, one world government led by an amalgamation of a council of ten leaders representing ten unified areas of the globe. 

For example, NATO, SEATO and so on. This is not to say that these alliances are a part of that which is to come, though they could be. What will be, is already taking shape in our world today. We are looking at the streams as they begin high in the mountain pastures while the Book of Revelation depicts these happenings as overwhelming floods. 

Changes take place gradually and we adjust to them however when you look back over a life time you realize how great those changes have been. The world has changed and is changing and will change greatly in the immediate future. The prophecies of the book are upon us.  





                THE DEITY OF CHRIST. 62

BABYLON, THE GREAT CITY. 
Destined to fall, to be destroyed. Every false and imitation of things spiritual will be found in her. False Christ's, false prophets, fake ministries, erroneous teachers will abound in her. 

The frightening thing is that these spurious individuals are already practicing in the religious world and are so readily accepted. Rather than placing their trust in the Word of the Lord many seek signs and wonders. An extremely dangerous practice. 

With these wonders happening some place other than our church we run to see them and are trapped. Heed the warnings of Jesus concerning "seduction" which is the spirit and the practice of the harlot. Even the very elect, the Bride of Christ, will be tempted in this manner. None will escape the manipulations of the great whore. Mark. 13:22


MANY VIEW THIS WOMAN AS THE CITY OF ROME. 
There is no doubt that Rome is a type of the great harlot city. However, Rome is the seat and heart of only one religious body in the earth today. It always has been and always will be. 

The great harlot is the very heart and core of all religious activity. Often overlooked is what the scriptures have to say about the city that is honored by the Israelis, Moslems and Christians. It is already a so called, holy city to these three predominant religions of the world. 

Give heed to the words of the Lord Jesus. First, He rebuked the city for its treatment of the prophets that came to her. Then He spoke of His attempt to reconcile them to the Lord, but, "ye would not". Therefore, their house was to be left desolate. Empty and void of the presence of the Lord. Mt. 23:38 

Jesus prophesied the complete physical destruction of the city, with dire results. This is now but a matter of history. Luke 19:43-44


THE HARLOT CITY IS AKIN TO SODOM AND GOMORRA. 
These ancient cities had the same spirit and attitude as the harlot church. They surrendered themselves to fornication and all manner of sexual immorality and perversion. Their attitude is one of self pollution, the rejection of authority and slander spiritual beings. Now isn't that a word picture of our world? Jude 7-8 

The harlot city is the city where Jesus was crucified. It is the city that in the eyes of the Lord is comparable to Sodom and Egypt. This is not the saying of a religious individual or doctrine but it is a true, "thus saith the Lord". Rev. 11:8 

When the choice was made to release Jesus or Barabbas Those present cried out that the blood of the innocent lamb, the Lord Jesus be their responsibility. Mt. 27:25 

While martyrs have been slain everywhere, there is only one city which can meet the requirements recorded in the Word. A city guilty of the deaths of prophets as well as saints. That covers both those slain in the time of the Old Testament and the New. She will be held responsible as will the whole unrepentant world for the shedding of the blood of those sent by the Lord. Rev. 18:24 

The last two to die in the city are the two witnesses who have plagued the world for the entire length of the tribulation. Rev. 11:8



          
                        
                                     THE DEITY OF CHRIST. 63

THE EXTREMELY GORGEOUS CLOTHING OF THE HARLOT CHURCH. 
Her clothing is of beautiful and attractive colors. The scarlet color is in keeping with the beast whom she is riding, the one who sustains her. This color is in conformity to her life style. Scripturally, it relates to sin. Isa. 1:18 

In mockery and stupidity a scarlet robe was placed on the Lord Jesus and a crown of thorns on His head. Then He was proclaimed, "king of the Jews". Little did they realize that He was the conqueror, the king triumphing over sin. Mt. 27:28-29 

The common practice was to double dip cotton into the dye in order to obtain the rich color desired. This false church is that which will receive a double reward for her sin. She is the pinnacle of wickedness
and unrighteousness. Rev. 18:6 

The purple is representative of riches and royalty. It was also used in the tabernacle and temple, therefore symbolizes worship. In this case false worship. With so much emphases on riches in the church today it is no wonder that this woman glitters with all of her gold ornaments, her precious stones and costly pearls. A golden cup, impressive, attractive, appealing but extremely deceptive. 

Sin has its attractions to the natural man, but the ultimate price paid is horrendous. The cup is filled to the brim. Significant of the complete lawlessness of the tribulation period. The cup is filled with the detestable immorality of her spiritual idolatry or fornication. What a dangerous and very greatly deceptive church or religion she represents. Rev. 17:4


HER TITLE. 
This title is emblazoned on her forehead where it is easily observed. Her mind and life are under the full domination of satanic powers. 

MYSTERY. 
A mystery is something that is secret or hidden. There is a constant and consistent attempt by that which is false to duplicate the real, the true article. Rev. 17:5 

Paul speaks of the mystery of Christ and His church as being a great mystery. Eph. 5:32 

The false church will represent itself as being that true church, the Bride of Christ. It has a great and strong appeal to the natural senses. It looks like, it sounds like the real thing but is deception personified. Its magnetic attraction is so powerful that if it were possible the very elect would be deceived. It is the result of the mystery of iniquity reaching its final stages. 2 Thess. 2:7 

BABYLON.
The city which is typical of tyranny, confusion and captivity. On the positive side, great architectural advancement, riches and security. Lulled to sleep in the lap of luxury. As Babylon of old was to be destroyed, so the Babylon of the immediate future will also know the full wrath of the Lord against all that she represents. Jer. 51:55-57 

The Lord has a charge or a controversy with the nations of the ungodly and will yet make manifest His displeasure against all who join with the spirit of Babylon. Jer. 25:31 

Even if they be of Israel, Mic. 6:2 or of Judah. Hos. 12:2 

Any and all who align themselves with the last day Babylon will seal their eternal destiny to be punished with everlasting destruction. Pathetic, yet true and will be done exactly as the Word declares. 2 Thess. 1:7-10




            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  64

BABYLON, THE GREAT. 
The woman, Babylon of Revelation seventeen, is a complete entity. She is religious to the core, displaying and propagating all beliefs which are pleasing and popular with humanity. She is political and is courted by the politicians of her day, until she displeases them. Then the very ones who have supported her and exalted her will destroy her. Her complete destruction is assured. Rev. 17:16 

She is attractive, a being of great beauty and much to be desired. She is great in membership. Extremely popular with the people of the world. Her doctrine of "gain is godliness", is well received and practiced. But they do not hear the Word of the Lord saying, "from such withdraw thyself". 1 Tim. 6:5 

Contrariwise, "godliness with contentment is great gain". v.6 

To oppose her is an invitation of certain martyrdom. Note, she is "drunk" with the blood of saints and of those who give testimony of the Lord Jesus. Thus, we see into the heart of this false church. 

She has the spirit of murder, the spirit of satan, a spirit of anger against all opposition. She is wealthy beyond imagination. Finances will flow through her coffers like a mighty river. She is everything that appeals to the "lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life". 1 John 2:16 

She is the worldly, carnal, religious Babylon, THE GREAT.


SHE IS A MOTHER. 
How interesting, she is the impersonation of the true church and Bride of Christ, who in Revelation twelve becomes a mother and gives birth to the manchild. This false church is responsible for all manner of corruption and sin to be practiced by the false church. 

Not only will she practice idolatry but every sexual perversion known to man, will be accepted, practiced and be found rampant in her. While there is mercy and forgiveness extended today to those who are involved in this manner of sin, there is no forgiveness for the members of that false church. Their doom has been sealed by their satanic acts of worship, and their involvement with the antichrist. They will have fully involved themselves in the sin and iniquity recorded in Romans 1:21-32 

This woman is aligned and unified with the beast. Her term of power and great glory is during the great tribulation. If all the saints are raptured at the beginning of the tribulation, who are these whom she persecutes and murders? It is positively evident that there are some Christians who enter the great tribulation. She will become drunken on the blood "with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus". Rev. 17:6 

The beast who is the antichrist will make war with saints and to conquer or kill them. Rev. 13:7 

Heaven, the saints, apostles and prophets of that day as well as those of the past will all rejoice over the destruction of the capitol city of the antichrist and his bride, the false church. Rev. 18:20 

It is very evident from the Scriptures that not all saints are delivered from the great tribulation. Some very definitely will escape. They are those who have "made themselves ready". They have spiritually reached the high standards of the Bride of Christ. Get ready! 




                      THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  65

HOW AMAZING IS SHE? 
John for all his spiritual and biblical back ground is seen as being deeply impressed by this woman. Everything about her appearance is that of great beauty. Her status in the political and religious community is extremely imposing. John was in great wonder and admiration of her beauty and power. She is all that a worldly, carnal, power hungry religious body could desire. Her appeal and consequence on a Laodicean church cannot be over emphasized. Her influence is pointed out by the Apostle Peter when he speaks of, "pernicious ways". 2 Peter 2:2-3


A STERN WARNING AND CALL TO THE TRUE CHURCH. 
A voice from heaven heard calling the redeemed to separate themselves from her. Rev. 18:4 

This is a cry of the Spirit and the Word that from of old has been heard by the saints of the Lord. It was a message that came to Lot as the Lord urged him to, "bring them out of this place". Gen. 19:12 

It is a message that has in the past and is in the present sounding out to the true church of the Lord. "Come out, be ye separate". Touch not the unclean and I will receive you. You shall be mine. 2 Cor. 6:17-18 

Those who refuse to participate in her sin will not have to partake of her plagues. There is great blessing in standing for righteousness. The blessings of the Lord are assured the individual who will refuse to walk or participate with the church of compromise. Because his delight is in the Word, he has been led of the Word into a fellowship of righteousness where his life is blessed of the Lord. Ps. 1:1-2


THE CHURCH OF INIQUITY. 
The measure of her sins has extended even to heaven. The Lord is moved to bring her to an end. It is time for retribution. She will receive a double portion of judgment. The measurement of her punishment will be according to the magnitude of the self glorification and luxurious living that she has heaped upon herself. 

There is great danger in a heart which seeks self aggrandizement and luxurious living in this life. Rich, worldly achievements in this life do not assure one of the same in eternity. The rich man did not gain heaven. Therefore his rewards were only for his life. The benefits to Lazarus were eternal and everlasting,
though he had nothing in this life. Luke 16:25 

She will embrace and disseminate the popular doctrine of prosperity. Paul warned those whose impetus is toward riches that they would face many temptations and snares. Also many foolish and hurtful lusts which would plunge them into ruin and destruction. 1 Tim. 6:9 

This certainly embraces "the love of money" which is the root of all manner of evil. Causing some to lose their faith and bring upon themselves a multitude of grief. 1 Tim. 2:10 

The greatest source of supply for our needs is the Lord Himself. He has promised to meet all your need. A provision that comes directly from the bank of heaven. Phil. 4:19 

Great and true gain is "godliness". 1 Tim. 6:6

There is no greater contentment to be found. 




                   THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  66

JESUS IN PERFECT UNITY WITH HIS FATHER. 
So much so, that He was able to say that He and the Father were one. He did not mean one and the same person, but in absolute unity in everything pertaining to the things of God. The Greek word used is indicative of unity, not one and the same. Throughout the ministry of the Lord Jesus He proclaimed this oneness with His Father. Neither He or His Father could be God if there was any division between them. Absolute harmony is required in the relationship of the Godhead. John 10:30 

When Jesus in this manner proclaimed His full and complete unity with the Father, they thoroughly understood Him and took up stones to stone Him. v.31 

To them He had committed blasphemy by making Himself to be God. The Lord Jesus, united to the Father could 
only be all that was to be found in the Father. Union, to really be a proper and true union must be to the fullest degree. Jesus, in His life, expressed the comprehensive nature and being of His Father. Further evidence of that blessed union is given by Jesus when He said, "The Father is in me and I am in Him". John 10:38 

The physical man of the Lord Jesus originated with the Father, every man must have a Father or one who supplies the seed. The Spiritual man of the Lord Jesus likewise came forth from the Father. Therefore in body and spirit He was born of His Father. It would be expected that He have the same nature and character as the Father. He consistently worked the works of the Father and ascribed the glory and power to His Father.


FROM THE VERY BEGINNING. 
The confession of the Word is that it was with God and was God. John 1:1 

Furthermore the Word is given gender, He, and is stated as having been with God from the beginning. v.2 

To solidify the position and status of the Lord Jesus as the Word it is confirmed that the Word became flesh. Amazing, something as spiritual, as eternal as the Word could be embodied in human flesh, but it was. We are still seeing and enjoying the glory of the only begotten of the Father, as the grace and truth of the Lord is revealed to us. 

Blessed, blessed wonder that He loves us and is willing to make Himself known to us in the fullness of His presence. Of Christ and of Christ alone may it be said that He was with the Father. That He came forth from the Father. In every act, in every step He made, He fully performed the will and purpose of His Father. 

That precious union, that marvelous and unique accord that existed between the Father and the Son became self evident in His works. Now it is our blessed privilege to enter into that fellowship and be united with Him by the Spirit of the living God. 

There is a unity, yet to be expressed, which will be manifest in the body of Christ, the Church of His perfecting. Only by such an alliance may the ultimate work of the Spirit be accomplished in these last days. 1 John 1:3 

The days of an admixture in the church will soon come to an end. Its members will find themselves totally committed to Him or totally excluded. The choice is ours. He will not force anyone to do His will. Commitment is entirely voluntary.




            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  67

THE FATHER HIMSELF EXALTED JESUS TO BE LORD AND CHRIST. 
There could be no higher authority provide that wonderful appointment. With the bestowal of the names "Lord" and "Christ" came the supremacy and power of the name. He whose earthly name was Jesus now possessed a three fold name. Acts 3:36 

The Father who had revealed Himself to the old testament saints as Lord, had said, "I am the LORD [Jehovah] that is my name and My glory will I not give to another". Isa. 42:8 

Nevertheless, when it came to His Son, the Father gladly, proudly bestowed that name upon Him and it became a shared name. All that it imbodied, all of its authority, its strength and command is shared equally. In the mysteries of the Godhead, "the Lord is the Spirit [The Holy Spirit]. And, where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty". 

The Spirit is also called by the name of the Lord. This shows a complete and absolute sharing and equality, without ever loosing individuality. 2 Cor. 3:17 

We are well aware that God is a Spirit and they who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth. John 4:24

Because the Lord is Spirit it is very fitting that the Spirit also be called after His name. "It is the Lord, who is the Spirit". NIV 2 Cor. 3:17 


THE NAME OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. 
Holy Spirit is not His name. It is the title of His position in the Godhead. His name is well understood by His work in the life of the believer and the church. He is the anointing, the unction that energizes the believer. 

He is that other comforter who should come. 

He is the one who brings the believer to birth. 

He fills them with His presence making them to be one with the Lord. 

It is He who takes the things of the Lord Jesus and reveals them to the church. He is our vital link with the Lord ever imputing the life of the Spirit unto us. 

God has made this same Jesus both Lord and Christ. Jesus has not replaced them but as the Word states, "in Him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead", In a physical body. Jesus did not take the duty of, nor did He succeed either the Father or the Holy Spirit but now, in the economy of God, the fullness of God dwells in Him. Col. 2:9 

The fullness of the name has been given to Him. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are to be found in Him. Col. 2:3 

All power is relegate to Him. Mt. 28:18 

Jesus has been highly exalted by God and the fullness of that name that He has been given is a name exceeding all other names. There never has been nor will there ever be a name like that of the Lord Jesus Christ. There will come a day when all in heaven, and on earth and under the earth will bow before Him and confess that God has made Christ Jesus to be Lord. All of which is to glorify the Father and for the Fathers good pleasure. Phil. 2:9-11 

The attitude of the Father in all this is that of great joy and rejoicing because the Lord Jesus has fulfilled the Fathers will to the nth degree. 

Jesus is the Son of the Father, therefore all the integrity and righteousness of the Father is found in Jesus. He is in the image and likeness of His Father and bears all the divine nature and demeanor of His Father. 





            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  68

THE FATHER INTRODUCED HIS SON TO THE WORLD. 
The great entertainment of those days was a rugged character name John, commonly identified as John the Baptist. Of such magnitude was his dynamic ministry that the people of that day of his day flocked into the countryside to receive of his teachings. He was "THE THING" of that day. 

What else was there for entertainment? Absolutely nothing. One has to have lived in one of the ends of the earth to realize how attractive John was to those living in that day. The scripture says, "The people went out to him". Some to receive spiritual instruction, others for entertainment purposes only. Mt. 3:5-7 

This is the man to whom Jesus came to be baptized. He established an example for all true believers to follow. Note, believing is not sufficient. Jesus taught that the beginnings of our spiritual experience were to be built on faith and action or water baptism. Mk. 16:16 

Jesus authenticated the ministry of John by His acceptance of John's method, or formula of water baptism. This act of humility and obedience opened the door for the Holy Spirit to descend upon Him. It was not necessary for John to lift Jesus out of the water for He was immediately transported up and out of the water. The heavens were opened unto him, the sky, the heaven of the universe and then the abode of the Father. Please note, the Spirit descended like a dove, as a dove dives toward a landing. There was no dove but rather the Holy Spirit of whom the dove is a type. The Spirit came and remained upon Him. Mt. 3:16


THE VOICE OF THE FATHER WITH STATELY JUBILATION. 
This is My Son. Showing the pride and joy of the heart of a Father whose son is obedient and embarking, as an adult on the purpose of His coming into this world. The Son of His love. How great that love when it proceeds from the heart of the One who is the author of love and the very essence of love. God is love. 1 Jn. 4:8 

The approbation of the Father was upon him for He was well pleased with Him. Jesus fulfilled every desire of the Father toward achieving the goal of a perfect Son. Mt. 3:17 

On the Mount of transfiguration, enveloped in an aura of the glory of the Lord the Fathers voice is heard again, this time adding, "hear Him". Mt. 17:5 

Peter wrote of it being the voice from the "excellent glory" the "Majestic Glory". 2 Pet. 1:17 NIV. 

The proclamation of the voice of the Father brought honor and glory to His Son. The Father spoke forth and let the world know the strong feelings of His heart for the Lord Jesus. The obedience, the commitment of the Lord Jesus to the work of redemption not only won the heart of the Father but has a tremendous influence on all those who love Christ and follow Him. 

It is possible for every child of the Lord to achieve the same high and holy status in the Lord. The Lord is no respecter of persons. Where there is full hearted surrender to Him, there is the same attitude and acceptance by the Lord. He would gladly say of each of those who have been born of His Spirit, this is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased. We can please the Father.





                    THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  69

THE EQUALITY OF THE SON WITH THE FATHER. 
Power, control, leadership, dominance in any power structure established by man is always a source of trouble. Not so, with the Lord. There is full and complete agreement and sharing together in the Godhead. It is very evident from the scriptures that the Father is dominant. As a Father He bears full and absolute authority, but He does not place the Son in an inferior position. The Word proclaims the precise unanimity of the Son with the Father. 

Eternally, there is no separation nor disagreement. The Father has committed "all power" in two spheres, Heaven and earth, that which is forever and that which is temporal, all is in the control of the Son. Mt. 
28:18

Again it is stated that, "all things have been delivered" to Jesus of His Father. That speaks of perfect trust and confidence. Mt. 11:27 

Because of the tremendous adherence of the love that is the very essence of God this is made possible. John 3:35 

The nature of the love of the Lord in its ultimate measure far exceeds the capability of man to conceive it. Only when we are one with Him will we know and understand the magnitude and the emotion of His great love. 


KNOWLEDGE OF THE FATHER AND THE SON COME BY REVELATION.
The Father and the Son are in complete compliance with each other. Their thoughts, their motivations are identical. Never, ever, has there been nor could there be any inequalities in thought or purpose. Quite contrary to humans, we even argue with ourselves, let alone someone else. 

The Father and the Son are in full comprehension of the thoughts and will of each other. They thoroughly know each other. No man may know either the Father or the Son except a revelation be given by the Son. Mt. 11:27 

The fact that Jesus was able to truthfully say that the Father and He were one demonstrated the bond that is in existence. This is perfect union. This common sharing of being and essence is borne out in the meaning of the word one, which indicates a joining together. John 10:30 

Jesus continued to stress this relationship by reporting that He was in the Father and the Father was in Him.  John 14:10 

That such a relationship could exist should be no wonder to those who are born of the Spirit and especially filled with the Spirit. The capacity of the person who has been brought to life in Christ Jesus is astonishingly limitless. To be able to receive the Spirit of the Father and of the Son in the person of the Holy Spirit is marvelous beyond words. 

John the Baptist came baptizing with water and he declared that the one to come would baptize with the Holy Ghost and fire. The Spirit makes Christ real. He sows the seed the Word whereby we are born of that incorruptible seed. The Father is the one who draws men unto Christ. John 6:44 

Salvation is a work which involves the completeness of the Godhead working to produce a new creature. A Spiritual man. One whose interest is in things Spiritual and eternal. The benefits of such an experience are glorious in this life and without a cessation of marvelous and wonderful eternal benefits in heaven.  




               THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  70

BY VIRTUE OF HIS NAME, JESUS IS GOD. 
It was that very special angel who appeared to the shepherds, most likely those to whom it was assigned to watch the temple flocks, and made known the name of the Son of God. This name is most important for identifies, beyond a shadow of doubt, that this Savior [Jesus], is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 

To those gathered on the day of Pentecost, Peter by the inspiration of the Spirit was to publish the Deity of Jesus by the name that the Father had bestowed upon Him. The Father, God, had made this same Jesus both Lord and Christ. In order for there to be no doubt as to the person of whom he is speaking, He is singled out to be the one whom they had crucified. Acts 2:36 

The Father took His name and conferred it upon His Son and with it imparted to Jesus all that the Father is in His Being. The name Christ was also given at the same time for all that is found in the character and nature of the Christ, the Spirit, the anointing was to be evidenced in Jesus. Jesus alone, uniquely, is the physical embodiment of God. He is the result of the visitation of the seed, the Word being planted in the womb of a virgin. Having been born of the Lord, His body was prepared to be the human receptacle of the fullness of very God Himself. This was the intent and good pleasure of the Father, "that in Him should ALL FULNESS dwell". Col. 1:19 

Remember the Father had sealed and verified the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ, by His own proclamation when He said, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am WELL PLEASED, hear ye Him". It was stated
at His baptism. Mt. 3:17 Also at His transfiguration. Mt. 17:5 Mark 9:7 Luke 9:35 

It is further stated that the completeness of God is housed in the corporeal body of Jesus the Son of God. Col. 2:9 "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form". NIV. 


THE FATHER AND THE HOLY SPIRIT REMAIN UNCHANGED. 
The fact that the completeness of the Godhead is resident in the Lord Jesus does not, in the slightest way, alter their status or standing. Only one time was that matchless, marvelous union broken and that was at Calvary where Jesus took upon Himself our sin, our sickness. Because He who had never sinned became sin for us, God forsook Him, leaving Him void of all that had been His, eternally. The cry of the Cross is that of a man who is completely emptied of all that is Godlike. While He uttered the words, "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" Mt. 27:46 

It is really the cry of every human being who is outside of the blessed salvation purchased for us by His death and the shedding of Jesus precious blood. The real agony of the cross was in taking the place of every sinner and experience the extreme anguish of those who are eternally lost. The pathos, the vast emptiness of every lost soul was upon Him. The sinless, the perfect was made to be sin, not just taking the place of one sinner, but becoming the wickedness and corruption of sin, in its totality. offering us a glorious exchange, His righteousness, purity, holiness and eternal life. 2 Cor. 5:21   
 




                 THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  71

THE SHARING OF THE DIVINE NATURE. 
In Christ Jesus it was established that the Divine nature of the living Lord was and can be distributed to human kind. This becomes a challenge to the church of today. Will we be like Him? The scriptures establish the fact that it is His desire to fully extend to His church the privilege of being like Him. 

The exceeding great and precious promises of the Word call us to a participation with Him of that Divine nature, which is His essence and being. 

This is the solution to the imperfection of the body of Christ. We need not live with the weakness and failures of the flesh. That is not the will of the Lord. When we partake of the "Divine nature" we are liberated from the corruption and sin of his world of wickedness and all of its evil desires. 2 Pet. 1:4 

The presentation of the church as seen in the New Testament is not that of a weak, puny group of half hearted saints. The Word relates to a conquering, victorious church which will become the bride of Christ. It is time for the Ministry to quit coddling the church and begin to preach a message of deliverance and victory over sin. His invitation to His people today is the same as always. There is a place in Christ where the petty elements of the world are no longer a part of the life of the church. 


WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE BORN AGAIN? 
Everyone who receives Christ is delegated POWER to become a son of God, by believing on His Name. These are not born after the will of the flesh nor that of man but have been born of the Spirit of the Living God. The true new birth is a working of the Spirit of the Lord within the spirit nature of man. John 1:12-13 

As it requires birth to become an inhabitant of this world, so birth is absolutely necessary for entrance into the kingdom of God. Jesus made it so very plain that if one has not been born of the spirit he cannot see or know that there is such a place as the kingdom of God. John 3:3 

The only possibility of obtaining entrance into that grand and glorious eternal home is to be born of the water and the Spirit of the Lord. The natural is a type and symbol of the Spiritual. For natural birth there must be water and spirit [breath] for Spiritual the same must be in evidence. John 3:5-6 

Faith and baptism are a necessary part of the process. Mark 16:16  


THE AFTEREFFECT OF THE WORD IN THE NEW BIRTH. 
The New Birth is accomplished by the workings of the Word of the Lord in the spiritual nature of man. The Word is quick and powerful and will achieve a cleansing in the spiritual man. The Word separates from works of unrighteousness, by its very nature. As we read and study the Word it will perform in the believer a work of holiness. 1 Pet. 1:23 

The Lord can only receive a Bride for Himself which has been through the cleansing force that is known as the Word of the Lord. The whole of the Christian experience must be a complete adherence to the Word. A total commitment to the precepts that are established by the Word. Eph. 5:26    






            THE DEITY OF  CHRIST.  72

AS MANY AS RECEIVED HIM. 
That statement is all inclusive and involves everyone who would believe on and receive the Lord Jesus as their savior and Lord. What these who receive Him are to become has become controversial because some have taken what the scripture says to an extreme. Nevertheless, that Word is still a truth and a truth unto which the Lord has called His church. He has given, "power to become the sons of God". John 1:12 

This is a work of the Spirit and a gift of the great love of the Lord toward His people. 1 John 3:1 

The evidence of sonship is in the direction given by the Lord to the individual. They are led by the Spirit.  It soon becomes very obvious that they are truly sons of the most high. Rom. 8:14 

There is another very important evidence of those who are really serving the Lord. That is that they are a separated people. They recognize and opportunity to live in the joy and liberty of the Spirit of the Lord and 
therefore detach themselves from all impurities, whether of the flesh or the spirit. They are accepted and received of the Lord and are accounted worthy of full sonship. 2 Cor. 6:17-18 

They are not servants though they serve the Lord with full and complete enthusiasm and are accounted to be sons. Furthermore they are heirs of God, through Jesus Christ. Gal. 4:7 

The inheritance of these sons exceeds all the riches of this world. This inheritance is eternal and everlasting, while all worldly things will pass away. The recipients are counted as being coheirs with the Lord Jesus. Their heritage is the fullness of the wonderful and marvelous glory of the Lord. Rom. 8:16   


THE GIFT OF HIS DIVINE POWER. 
The Lord never sells His people short - in all the gifts, blessings and benefits which He bestows upon them. He is generous and copious in His gifts to His children. The Lord is the perfect giver. He has given, "all things that pertain unto life and godliness". Purity, righteousness, holiness are not virtues which we earn or seek out for ourselves. They are the evidences of the moving and working of His Spirit in our lives. 2 Pet. 1:3 

He takes advantage of our weakness as opportunities to display that His power is greatly manifest in the overpowering of those same weaknesses. 2 Cor. 12:9 

It is time to give good heed to the Word of the Lord and realize that He is searching for a church patterned after His own life. His challenge to us is to "put off" the life and character of the old man. The man of corruption and lusts and seek that renewal of mind and spirit which is available to the children of the Lord. Put on the new man. That man which is a new creation in Christ. A creation which bears he image and likeness of the Almighty. Created in righteousness and true holiness. Eph. 4:22-24 

The Lord has never altered His purpose of a people who love righteousness and hate iniquity. If there is a special call of the Spirit to the church in two thousand four it will be in the form of a call to repentance, spiritual cleansing and a departure from the spirit of lethargy which is gripping the church. It is time to return unto the Lord for He will abundantly pardon. 






              THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  73

WE HAVE FOUND THE TREASURE. 
A finding of immense, immeasurable value. The Apostle Paul said, "We have this treasure". Something on which he placed great value. A treasure that was already in his possession. It is not beyond the capability of every Christian to obtain this precious treasure and to thoroughly enjoy it to the full. 2 Cor. 4:7 

This great find is identified by the Lord Jesus as being the kingdom of heaven. Its hiding place was in a field. When a man found it he was filled with exceeding great joy and proceeded to sell all that he possessed with the single purpose in mind of buying the field where he had found the treasure. None of his previous possessions where of equal value. He cut all ties with the past to purchase the field in which the treasure was hidden. Mt. 13:44

Jesus urged His followers not to gather the treasures of this world. A person can so easily have them be corrupted or stolen. But heavenly treasures are everlasting and cannot be destroyed. The moral of the story being that where our treasures are, there will our heart, our attention, our emotions and desires be also. Are we seeking earthly treasures of those which are heavenly and Spiritual? Mt. 6:19-21 

To really possess the treasure there must be total commitment, anything less will fall short.


TREASURE STORED IN JARS OF CLAY. 
The Lord has purposely chosen to place the treasures of His kingdom in the least worthy of all containers, those made of the dust of the earth. That the power of the Lord might be displayed and His ability to maintain the vessels. Also, that no flesh would find anything to brag or gloat about before Him. 1 Cor. 1:27-29 

Today, in the hodgepodge that is called the church there are a great variety of vessels. Some to honor and some to dishonor. But, that will change. There will be a definite division made in the house of the Lord. There is a purging, a disunion, a disassociation due to be exercised in the household of faith. Most unfortunately, not every vessel is dedicated to the work of the Lord. The Word and the Spirit will perform a definite work of cleansing and purification. 2 Tim. 2:20-21 

The door to a perfect church is by way of the cross. Not His cross but ours. The old, the carnal man must be crucified, not literally but spiritually. The sinful nature must die. This is the secret of an overcoming life in Christ Jesus. The life of sin must be completely destroyed and eliminated. Otherwise, it only appears to be dead until an occasion arises to stir it up, then it becomes glaringly apparent. Life in Christ is contingent on our experience of dying to self and sin. All Christians, at conversion are released from some measure of sin in their lives, some more than others. The will of the Lord is absolute liberty and freedom from all that hinders and binds our Spiritual liberties. Rom. 6:6-7 

The full value of the found treasure is only evident where there is complete commitment to the Lord. The total treasure is waiting to be discovered. The price that must be paid for it is minimal compared to the extreme wealth obtained by finding and appreciating the treasure.






            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  74

HOW ABSOLUTE IS THE POWER OF CHRIST? His capabilities are equal to those of the Father. Jesus had been given "all power" in two realms, heaven and earth. That means, power to the extreme. Unbounded, unlimited, full and completeness of power. There is no authority, force, strength or might that is greater than that which was surrendered to Him. Mt. 28:18 

As a King, He has been given the throne of David. A throne that is empowered to achieve a dual administration. The earthly kingdom will be the Millennial age that Christ will establish, here on this earth, at the time of His appearing. The other, the heavenly, is the eternal kingdom built and secured in a New Heavens and on a New Earth. Luke 1:32  


THE STRONG, THE ENDURING, THE LAST ENEMY TO BE DESTROYED. 
His name is death. 1 Cor. 15:26 

Christ has already demonstrated His authority over death in His own death and resurrection. The passing of a Christian is far different from that of the unsaved. The Christian goes into light, the light of the Lord. The unsaved into darkness and eternal separation from all that is true and lovely. The child of the Lord passes into incorruption. The lost into corruption and the second death. Death will ultimately be completely defeated. 1 Cor. 15:53 

Death will be completely destroyed, swallowed up in victory. 1 Cor. 15:54 

Our victory is assured through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 15:57 

The final destiny of death and the grave, hell and all who are incarcerated there, is the lake of fire. That will be the second, eternal death. They will be excluded from all that is heavenly, righteous and everlasting. Rev. 20:14 

They are the ungodly dead and will be resurrected from their current abode. Rev. 20:13 

There is no possibility of any change of destiny for these. That was determined while they were yet alive, in this life. This is termed the second resurrection but it is not a resurrection to eternal life like the redeemed. All whose names were not written in the book of life are to be cast into this lake of fire, which is the second death. Rev. 20:14


I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE. 
Those who believe the Word of the Lord Jesus, even though they die [physically], they shall live again. The seal of resurrection has been placed on them. They are destined for life eternal. All because Jesus was able to say, "I am the resurrection and the life". Life everlasting is found in Him. When death is not death. Jesus said those believing in Him would never die, and it is so. John 11:25 

The promise of the Lord is that when we are absent from this body, we are at home with the Lord. The release of the spirit from this house of flesh is of great benefit, an advancement for we are then in His presence. We will have gained our purpose in his life, and that is preparation for the life to come. 2 Cor. 5:8 

Victory over death and the grave is assured through the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. He has made it possible for all who will, to have eternal life. 1 Cor. 15:57  





THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  75

THE RICHES OF HIS GLORY. 
Stated to be a mystery, and indeed it is. To see the consummate purpose of the Lord in His redeemed is an amazing thing. To think that He could take such useless, weak material as man and make it into His Temple is utterly astonishing. But that is the entire purpose of His coming into the world. He came seeking a people who would fully worship Him and be totally committed to Him. The riches of all riches is, "Christ in you the hope of glory". Col. 1:27 

The indwelling presence of the Christ, the anointing will work in the life of the believer to cause them to realize the absolute will of the Lord in them. The goal of the Apostle was to present every man, "perfect in Christ Jesus". Col. 1:28 

This becomes a challenge to the whole of the church. Can the church reach the perfection that is in Christ Jesus? 


THE CHURCH, A FAILURE OR VICTORIOUS? 
The Lord will not present His people with a challenge that is impossible to be accomplished. He has made ample preparation to bring His bride to perfection, which is His desire for her. 

The church is not for the five fold ministry but the ministry is a gift to the church to guide and direct her to perfection. The ministry is to work for the edification of the church and not for whatever benefit there is in it for themselves. An unselfish ministry of love and devotion is required.

With one aim in mind and that is to lead the church to a status where she is made like unto Christ. Completed and thoroughly furnished for the eternal occupancy of the Lord. Eph. 4:11-12 

Paul, in his day, carried a tremendous feeling of responsibility and a burden for the church. Note the expression of this responsibility which he felt. He said that he "labored", meaning that he worked hard and became fatigued in his efforts for the kingdom. Moreover, he found himself agonizing, striving, in a struggle to guide the church to her proper status in Christ. We also not, that this was a spiritual warfare, for the desire of Christ was working in him, "mightily". In other words with force and power. Col. 1:29 

The same kind of minister is needed in the church today. Those who will labor for the benefit of the church. To bring it to perfection.


WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT. 
To bring a people together who embrace the pure Word of the Lord. Unified in one doctrine and belief. To develop a group of saints who possess complete knowledge of the Son of God. Fully understanding and comprehending Him. A people in whom the Word has had an effect producing perfection in living the life of Christ. 

The standards of Christian living have not been presented to us in the Word, in vain. There will be a group of saints who live it! These are to be identical to Christ. They will have reached His stature Spiritually in every degree. They are like Him. Eph. 4:13 

They will have received and become the habitation of the fullness of Christ. The grand and glorious purpose of the Lord is evidenced in these people. Strive to be a part of them.   





   THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  76

FROM ETERNITY. 
The Logos, the eternal ever living Word. That Word that became flesh, born in a human body, nevertheless, preexistent and eternal. John 1:14 

Jesus became that Word made flesh, born of a woman. That which had existed in eternal and was eternal now became one with man that He might save and redeem all of mankind. The greatness of this act of God staggers the imagination. To think that one of whom it was said, "The Word was God". John 1:1 

The greatness of His love is evident in the fact that He would leave all the worship and praise of the inhabitants of heaven. The high and holy position which was His, to become a sacrifice, to die the worst of deaths, all to redeem man. In this manner He demonstrated the magnitude of His exceeding great and magnanimous love. 


PROCLAIMED TO BE THE COMING MESSIAH. 
His future as the Ruler of Israel was certified by the words of Micah, in his prophecy. Mic. 5:2 

At the same time he announced the city of the birth of the Messiah. Considering all the prophecies of the coming of the Son of God into this world and the precious manner in which they were accomplished, plus all the signs and proclamations that were made concerning Him. It is amazing that the whole of Israel did not flock to Him. 

His activities, His works were from ancient times, or eternity, everlasting. He was not an afterthought of His Father but had been with the Father from time immemorial. The Father had loved the Son prior to the creation of the universe and before the foundation of the world. John 17:24 

Only of the Lord Jesus may it be said that He was formed. Like all babies born into this world He was formed in the womb of His Mother. He is unique, for He and He alone is both formed as a man and at the same time recognized as being Deity. Isa. 43:10


FROM ETERNITY HE WAS APPOINTED TO BE THE LAMB OF GOD. 
The work of redemption was not an after thought with the Lord. In the eternity's past the perfect plan of salvation was determined in the annals and consultations of the Lord. Jesus was chosen to be that redeeming Lamb. Before the world and its contents were created He had committed Himself to life, on this earth, as a man, and to a hideous death of crucifixion. 1 Pet. 1:20 

This He willingly did, while beholding the ultimate joy of having a people with Him, whom He had purchased with His own blood. Heb. 12:2

Those who accept Him become the chosen of the Lord. In the eternal wisdom and knowledge of the Lord we were chosen, in Him from before the foundation of the World. Chosen, not to the exclusion of any others, but because He foreknew those who would love Him and follow Him, He proclaimed it to be so. Please take special note of the result of that calling. We are to be holy and without blame before Him in life. Eph. 1:4 

There is a standard which the Lord has established for His very own and it is our responsibility to measure up to that high and lofty example which He has established. 



       

  THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  77

CHRIST THE TREASURE HOUSE OF THE WISDOM OF GOD. 
He is the revelation of the mystery of God. For in Him are concealed all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Complete comprehension and understanding of all that the Lord is and of all that He has created is to be achieved by the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord Jesus. Col. 2:3 

The Lord not only possess wisdom, He is very wisdom. A wisdom and comprehension which knows no end and cannot be exhausted. The beauty of all this is that He will constantly be manifesting His "manifold wisdom" to His church. Eph. 3:10 

The Lord is desirous to bestow on His people the "spirit of wisdom and knowledge" that all that Christ is might be revealed to His church. Eph. 1:17 

He wants us to know Him is the greatest way possible, coming to a full and complete knowledge of Him. To those who feel they lack in His wisdom, He has promised to give wisdom in a generous fashion and to all who will request the same of Him. James 1:5 

Christ Jesus is the wisdom and the power of the Lord. 1 Cor. 1:24


THE ETERNITY OF WISDOM. 
Certainly the prized possession of the Lord from eternity, prior to its manifestation in the creation of the universe, and all it contains. Prov. 8:22 

Human wisdom has built the machinery and electronics which we enjoy in this modern life. None of them just happened. Men of vision and understanding invented and manufactured them. We recognize that behind every modern convenience there is a person of intelligence. But when it comes to the universe, it just happened? Surely man in His wisdom knew not God. 1 Cor. 1:21 

Wisdom worked together as a unit, as a master craftsman of equal understanding and capability. One who delighted in the Father day after day. Prov. 8:30


HIS BEING AND NATURE, GOD. 
In essence He was one with the Father. He too possessed the Divine attributes that make God to be God. His equality with His Father did not hinder Him from making the necessary sacrifices that He might become the savior and Lord of a people who would serve Him with their whole hearts. Phil. 2:6 

Jesus Himself declared His Lordship when He stated that, "before Abraham was, I AM". The preexistent one, always existing, possessing life eternal that is dependent on no one nor anything. He is very life itself. There is no other force or being of whom that may be said. John 8:58 

He is the beginning and the conclusion of everything that pertains to life, natural and spiritual. He is the source. He is the author of life everlasting. He is the all in all of salvation. He is the door. He is the resurrection and the life. 

From the Lamb of God to coming Savior all is dependent on Him. He is the beginning and the ending and all that is between. Of Him and of Him alone it may be said that He is indispensable to all who would enjoy living forever. He is life and in Him we find life. He is the Almighty, sharing forever with the Father, in full and absolute unity. Each complementing the other as together the plan of salvation has been made known. Rev. 1:8






                     THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  78

JESUS, THE EXACT LIKENESS OF HIS FATHER. 
The Lord Jesus is the precise representative of the Father. Not only did He symbolize the Father but He is the very image of God. He is not the Father, He is the Son, but He is in the exact image of the Father. Col. 1:15 

He expects those who follow Him and claim to know Him to be able to differentiate between the Father and the Son, while at the same time recognizing the fact that to have seen the Son is to have seen the Father. This is readily illustrated by the request posed to Jesus by Philip, whose curiosity got the best of him and desired Jesus to show him the Father. 

Is there to be found a tone of disappointment in the response of Jesus? Have I been so long with you and still you do not know me. Not too unlike Christianity today. How well do we know Him? Jesus first called his attention to the unity that is the Godhead. I Am in the Father and the Father is in me. There could be no closer association. I speak the words of the Father who dwells in Me. 

So, in His words spoken to them, they were hearing the words of the Father. He repeated, for them, that absolute affinity and relationship which can only exist in God. The Father dwells in Me. Also the works that He performed were at the direction of His Father. He exalted and glorified the Father in all things.  John 14:9-11


CHRIST ACTIVE IN THE CREATION OF ALL THINGS. 
The Word is very positive on the action that Jesus had in creation. Paul announced that it was "BY" Jesus that all things were created. That plainly places the responsibility and the workmanship on the Son. He was not only the architect but the builder as well. Col. 1:16 

When we stop to ponder the creation around us and the astoundingly perfect order of everything, from the universe with its multitudinous galaxies to the most minute of living cells, all being maintained by an unknown and unseen power, a mystery to scientist but clearly revealed in the Word of the Lord. Through Him all things were made or brought into being. Nothing was created apart from Him. He was the very center of all creative activity. John 1:3 

He was the origin, the beginning of all things, the very channel through whom all came into existence. 1 Cor. 8:6 

His participation in creation reveals His Deity. For, He who built all things is God. Heb. 3:4 

When the end comes, it is Christ who will fold all of creation and destroy it as if though it were nothing. 
His final action in relationship to His creation will be to destroy it and begin with a new heavens and a new earth. Heb. 1:10-12 

The whole purpose of His creation is seen in the fruit, the nation of the redeemed which He will receive from among His creation. An established seed. The offspring of those who have served Him.  The natural man cannot receive the future plan and purpose of the Lord. But rest assured that the ages to come, be they on earth during the Millennium or in the new heavens and new earth will be the very best that the Lord can possible create. Ps. 102:28 

He will feed His flock and like any good shepherd will pay special attention to the lambs or the young. While at the same time leading those that are yet to give birth. Isa. 40:11  





                THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  79

BEFORE ALL, FIRST IN THE FULLEST AND STRICTEST SENSE. 
He is from before the creation of any kind of being, place or thing. In the foreknowledge of God, Jesus, the Father's Son, was an accomplished action from eternity. Col. 1:15 

He was delivered to be the only sacrifice by the "determinate counsel" of God. Nothing could hinder or thwart the grand and glorious plan of the Lord.  Acts 2:23 

From before the foundation of the world it was foreordained that the Life of Jesus would be as it was 
fulfilled. He fully understood that He was foreordained to become the true sacrifice and to taste of death for every man. 1 Pet. 1:20 

All things were brought into being by Him, by His word. There is nothing existing that He has not brought into existence. That includes the natural world, the Spiritual, or the political. Not only were they made by Him but for Him. Col 1:16 

The whole of the universe and its contents were made for His own purposes. Prov. 16:4 

We have been created for His good pleasure, especially so, those who receive and follow Him. Rev. 4:11 

He is before all things, He precedes them for He is their builder and maker and the one who maintains their continuance. The whole of creation is completely dependent on Him, whether in the natural realm or the Spiritual, all rely on Him for their continued existence. He is the coherence of all. By Him, all follow the
established pattern. Col. 1:17 

He sustains the pillars of the earth. He keeps us safe in our orbit in the solar system. Ps. 75:3 

Being the radiance of the glory of His Father and the precise representation, He keeps all things in the proper perspective by the Word of His power. Heb. 1:3 

"Upholding the universe by His word of power". RSV. All, complete power in heaven and on earth was given to Him. Mt. 28:18


THE SCRIPTURES SHOW JESUS TO BE GOD. 
The Father addressing the Son addressed Him as God. This was done as the Father spoke of the eternal nature of the throne and of His kingdom. Heb. 1:3 

Jesus, the only begotten of the Father. John 1:18 

He came forth from the seed of the Father and returned again to the Father. He is essentially one with His Father. In some translations we find the words, "only begotten God". AMP. Likewise, "God the One and Only". NIV. Thomas was to acknowledge Him to be God, when He called Him, "My Lord and my God". John 20:28 

In relationship to the anointing of the Holy Spirit He is declared to be God (the Son), who is anointed by God (Father). Heb. 1:8 

This then brings us to a dual conclusion. That He is identical to His Father in every aspect. For those who saw Him were beholding the exact living replica of His Father. John 14:9 

The Father was in Christ, drawing and reconciling the world unto Himself. 2 Cor. 5:19 

God, who is omnipresent, in the fullness of His eternal being inhabited the physical body of the Lord Jesus. Not only was He Deity, but Deity lived within His Spirit nature in absolute oneness of purpose and mind. The unity that existed in this relationship is hard for the natural mind to receive and comprehend for it is the characteristic of the Lord. It is a mystery and must be understood by the Word and the Spirit.





             THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  80

JESUS IS AFFIRMED BY THE SCRIPTURES AS THE SON OF GOD. 
Jesus made an interesting statement concerning the sound of His voice. It is the voice of resurrection. The physical bodies of those who are dead in Christ will rise when they hear the voice of the Son of God. He stated plainly for them to hear, that He was the Son of God. John 5:25 

The religious authorities of that day accused Him of blasphemy because He called Himself the Son of God. John 10:36 

In spite of the Godly works that He wrought among them it was in their religiously dead hearts to resist Him. There will always be resistance to the truth. Astonishingly, they thoroughly understood His words and knew exactly what they meant. In stating that God was His Father He had made Himself equal with God. They sought to kill Him because of His declaration. John 5:17-18 

When they stand before the judgment bar of God they will not be able to claim ignorance or misunderstand of His statements. They well knew and comprehended His words.


TO DENY THE DEITY OF CHRIST IS TO COMMIT A GREAT OFFENSE. 
The Word is always straight forward and to the point. There is no question as to the status of anyone who would dispute the Deity of Christ Jesus. 

John boldly stated that person is a liar. More so, he is the antichrist, that is, he has the spirit of the antichrist, because he denies the Father and the Son. 

Neither the Father or the Son exist without the other. They complement each other and are dependent one on the other. Their very existence is dependent one on the other. 1 John 2:22 

This may be used as a measurement in determining a false spirit, for if it denies that Christ is from God it is a false spirit and needs to be avoided. 1 John 4:3 

A denial of the Son indicates that the person is completely out of touch with the Lord. Their rejection of the Son results in the rejection of the Father. Conversely, those who confess the Son have the Father also.  


JESUS WAS WORSHIPPED AS GOD. 
When confronting and rebuking Satan Jesus made a clear statement that only the Lord God should be worshipped and served. Mt. 4:10 

After Jesus' walk on the water and His invitation to Peter to do the same, He entered into the boat on the stormy sea and immediately the wind ceased. Watching such terrific miracles brought forth worship from His disciples who were in the boat. They truly believed Him to be the Son of God. Mt. 14:32-33 

After his resurrection His disciples on being with Him worshipped Him. Luke 24:53 

All angelic beings are commanded to worship the Lord Jesus. Heb. 1:6 

It is well to remember that angels are not Deity. They are created beings and do not have the eternal, everlasting nature of God. Angels, like us have fallen, therefore are not beyond the capability of sin. By the resurrection and His ascension into heaven Jesus is in full authority, angels and authorities are made subject unto Him. 1 Pet. 3:22  





            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  81

AN ACT OF GOD. 
Jesus or Joshua (Heb.) was not an uncommon name for that day. It is still widely used in some countries, perhaps with the idea that anyone bearing that name would be blest. However, God went beyond giving Him a mere earthly name and bestowed on Him the name of very God, the Lord Jesus Christ. He was not just Jesus, which is wonderful in all of its good and excellent implications, but God made Him to be both Lord and Christ. In doing so, the full authority of the name of God was bestowed upon Him. A name is the source of identification. In this case all the power, all the rule, all the strength, all the control, all the supremacy of that glorious and wonderful name was imparted to Him. He had a blank check to act in that name. Acts 2:36 

Note how fully complete authority had been delegated to Him. He was able to say, "All authority in heaven and earth has been given unto me". Mt. 28:18 

This was a performance of pure and absolute love and shows the implicit trust and confidence that exist between the Father and the Son. John 3:35 

Not only is Jesus the Savior and redeemer but it is His responsibility to be the Judge, all judgment is committed to Him. John 5:22 

There is a day in His court which will be faced by each and every individual born into this world. It is an inescapable fact that one way or another we will all stand before Him to give an account for our acceptance or rejection of the Savior/Judge. 2 Cor. 5:10 

The choice is ours, we may stand before the Judge now, in full confession of our sin and find that there is absolute pardon, now, with none in the future or we may ignore the summons to appear before Him with the certain knowledge that we shall stand before Him, eventually. There is no way that it can be avoided. There will be no forgiveness in that day, only a sentence of eternal judgment. 1 Tim. 5:24 

With that position of trust and responsibility is to be found the great honor that is afforded one of such character. He is to be honored equally with His Father. Those who do not give honor to the Son cannot honor the Father. Once again showing the perfect interconnection that exists in the Godhead. John 5:22-23 

Every knee, every tongue, giving honor to and confessing that, He, Jesus Christ [The Messiah, the anointed one] is Lord. There will not be a tongue be it that of a human. angel or devil that will not be involved. The whole of the heavenly realm, the earthly and of the dead will be involved in this moment of time where judgment is meted out to all who rejected Jesus as both Lord and Christ. This is the good pleasure of the Father and is a moment where glory and honor is given to Him. Phil. 2:10-11 

The pride of the Father in His Son is well demonstrated in the scriptures. The Father has orally stated that this Jesus is the joy and love of His heart. The Father took great pleasure in Him. Mt. 3:17 

This Jesus was and ever will be exalted above all. He perfectly and completely accomplished the excellent will of the Father, in all things. His example should be a constant challenge to us. The same powers and abilities to live the life He lived are made available to all who would serve Him and walk with Him. We can do it. We can be like Him.





                  THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  82

THE WITNESS AND TESTIMONY OF OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS. 
They spoke in a manner that indicated the coming Lord and Savior. Note the agreement between the prophet Isaiah and the Apostle Peter. Isaiah said, that the LORD Almighty, the LORD of hosts was to be held in high esteem because of His righteousness and holiness. It is He who should be our fear and dread but only in a sense of failing to please Him and in doing His will. He is awesome in every sense of the word, yet is so gentle that He carries the lambs in His arms. Isa. 8:13 

Peter declared that we are to sanctify the Lord in our hearts. To honor Him and to magnify the standard of holiness that He has brought to us. Making a very special place for Him in our hearts and lives. He should always have first place. 1 Pet. 3:15


OH TASTE AND SEE, THAT THE LORD IS GOOD. 
So is the invitation of the Psalmist. Ps. 34:8 

Anyone who has partaken of the good things of the Lord can verify the truth and joy of participating in them. The Apostle Peter was to touch on this theme with his statement, "if so be that ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious". 1 Pet. 2:3 

The goodness and graciousness of the Lord is extended to the whosoever will. All may participate of his bounty. Jesus is the manna, the living bread from heaven the eating of which assures one of eternal life. John 6:58 

He supplies the milk and the meat of the Word of the Lord. 1 Pet. 2:2 Heb. 5:14 

Butter and honey supplied to all who come. Isa. 7:22 

He dispenses living water to those who ask of Him. John 4:10 

Try the Word of the Lord, try His ways and participate in that which is good. Try that which produces life everlasting. The stores of His bountiful house are available to all who will come and partake of His blessings. Just taste and see how good the Lord is. There is full and complete satisfaction to be found in Him.


THE ONLY LORD GOD, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. 
A comprehensive recognition of who Jesus is made by Jude. Jesus is acknowledged to be the Lord God. To further verify the person of whom he is speaking Jude uses the fullness of His name by calling Him the Lord Jesus Christ, which is indeed the full name that the Father gave to His son. Jude 4. 

He is also recognized as Lord and His involvement in delivering the people of the Lord from Egypt, is recorded in verse 5. 

Michael, the arch angel, who is none other than the arch angel of resurrection, the Lord Jesus used the name of the Lord when contending with the devil. May the Lord teach us to use His name in like manner. Jude 9 

Jesus is coming, and that soon, as the Lord of lords and the King of kings. He is coming with the multiplied thousands of the redeemed. All of whom are shining with the glory of the everlasting Lord. Jude 14 

They are the cloud which will surround Him in that glorious day of His promised appearing. Like the cloud in the tabernacle and the temple was the majestic presence of the Holy Spirit of the Lord. So the same glory will fill that bright shining cloud out of which Jesus will appear in the day of His coming.






            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  83

JESUS IS LORD OF ALL. 
Whatever the realm Jesus Christ is Lord. He is acknowledged to be Lord of all. Acts 10:36 

His resurrection is the proof and seal of the great love and care that the Father has for Him. For, not only did the Father raise Him from the dead but He has been exalted to the right hand of the throne of God. In so doing, Jesus was placed "far above" all in every aspect, whether it be rank or place, He is above all. There is no force, rule, principality that supersede Him. There is no greater power, none are found who are mightier than He. He is the perfection of dominion and leadership. 

There is no other name that can compare to His. Salvation, healing, deliverance, yes, all things are made available to us through His name, the Lord Jesus Christ. The majesty of His name is not only something that is ours to call upon in this life but in the life to come His name will never leave our lips. There never has been a greater name nor will there ever be. There is just something most wonderful and satisfying in that lovely name. Eph. 1:20-21


HIS NAME CHOSEN AND CONFERRED UPON HIM BY HIS FATHER. 
Exalted by very God Himself to the very highest place and the most lasting position of time and eternity. Surely His Father greatly loved Him as no other Father ever has loved. So tremendous is the love of the Father for Him that the Father has arraigned that all who exist or have ever existed will bow before Him and confess that He is Lord. Phil. 2:9-11 

Jesus is Lord of both the living and the dead, sealed and verified by His resurrection from the dead. Though He died, He was raised again by the glory of His Father that He might be verified to be the Lord of the living and the dead. Rom. 14:9 

The true confession of the stature of Christ comes from a heart that is filled and led by the Spirit of the Most High. Anyone may speak and say that Jesus is Lord but if it is not with the unction and comprehension of the Spirit it is meaningless. 1 Cor. 12:3 

Jesus is Lord. Appointed and acclaimed to be so by the Father.


THE MINISTRY OF JESUS VERIFIED HIS LORDSHIP. 
He consistently demonstrated that He was a source of life. He restored the dead son of the widow to her, because He is the resurrection and the life. There was no special reason why He should have done this, except to demonstrate that He was, who He said He was and could do what He said He could do, that they might believe on Him. Luke 7:12-15 

He healed, even those of a long standing illness, like thirty-eight years. He performed this particular 
healing in a unique manner by simply commanding the man to take up his bed and walk. Immediately he was made whole. John 5:5-9 

Most importantly, He made known His power and ability to forgive sin. Many things are vital in our Christian walk but is there anything greater than to have our sins forgiven? Even at Calvary He prayed for the forgiveness of those who crucified Him. What great compassion. What marvelous love. Mt. 9:5-6   





            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  84

ENLIGHTENMENT, WHILE INTERNED FOR JESUS SAKE. 
John set a beautiful example for those who may be called upon in these last days to know persecution, internment and perhaps even death. His secret was to be found in his spirituality. He "was in the Spirit".  A high state of Spirituality is the supreme priority for those who would know and understand the Lord. Rev. 1:10 

John heard, he had ears to hear what was about to be said to him. He did not hear a trumpet sounding but rather a voice with the volume of a trumpet. What he was about to receive from the
Lord was not just for himself, but he was commissioned to write and send the message to the churches of that day. However, the message of the Revelation was not just for them but reaches down to the end of the age. We are living in the day of the fulfillment of the prophecies of the book.

JOHN SAW JESUS IN ALL OF HIS GLORY AND SPLENDOR. 
All qualms about this being the voice of the Lord Jesus vanish when He introduced Himself to John as being the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last. Rev. 1:11 NIV 

The one who is all and in all. Everlasting and eternal, God. John saw Him standing as the son of man, in the midst of His church, the seven branched lampstand. The body of believers who are responsible for carrying the light of the Gospel to the whole world. Jesus appeared to him as the great high priest with His royal priestly garment reaching to His feet. He is Lord and ministers in a dual office as Priest and King. He is therefore clothed appropriately. In all dignity and honor. His sash of gold portraying His eternal Deity and Kingship. Rev. 1: 12-13 

The attention of John is attracted to His head which is as white as wool, as white as snow. The Lord Jesus crowned with the fullness of the glory and purity which is the eternal nature of the Lord. Righteousness and holiness manifest as His nature and being. His eyes as blazing fire, piercing, seeing within that which is hidden from human eyes. Bringing condemnation to the sinner
but joy and love to the saved. He will try the hearts of all men with just a glance. His feet as burnished brass yet glowing with the heat of the melting pot. Judgment is in His hands. He will tread the winepress of the wrath of the Almighty. Rev. 19:15 

But again, to the redeemed He will make the place of His feet to be glorious. Isa. 60:13 

His voice, how soothing and marvelous to those who love Him. Like the song of a babbling brook, most pleasant and relaxing. But to the sinner, a fearsome and awesome sound of impending doom. The seven stars, the leaders of the seven churches held safely and securely in the hollow of his right hand. The living sword, the declaration of the Word of God. The Word spoken with faith and power. 
effective and cutting like a two edged sword. Rev. 1:14-16 

His face, glowing with the full strength and power of a noonday sun. He is the receptacle of the fullness of the Godhead and therefore that radiance of light and glory shine froth from within Him. As Deity it is His right and privilege to be filled with all the fullness of the ever living Lord. He will shine as the most brilliant of all lights among a people, His saints who are also recipients of His light.





            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  85

WHAT MANNER OF MAN IS THIS. 
Words of amazement came even from those who were closest to Him. What kind or of what sort or even of what country is this man? These whom He had chosen to be His disciples and Apostles. They had followed Him wherever He had gone and were constantly beholding His mighty works. Yet they marveled that even the elements of nature were in subjection to Him. Mt. 8:27 

During the short three and one-half year ministry of Jesus there are some thirty-five miracles attributed to Him. There is, of course strong evidence that these were but a small portion of the vast number of mighty works wrought by Him. John 21:25 

When He stated that "all power" was given unto Him it was no misstatement. Mt. 28:18


    WHEN JESUS COMMANDED IT WAS ACCOMPLISHED. 
Water was turned into wine. This was the very first of His miracles, the beginning. Prior to this moment in His life He had not demonstrated the mighty power of the Lord which was resident in Him. This was the very first. John 2:11

There were no inconclusive or unplanned events in the life of Christ. All were done with the deliberate determination of the Lord. How fitting that, most conveniently there were six water pots of stone sitting there in the place of the wedding. 

Water represents the Holy Spirit. Six is the number of man. These water pots were of stone in contrast to clay. They were carved, symbolic of the carving and shaping of our lives into the Life of Christ. The church is composed of lively stones. They were duplicated after the pots of the water of purification. The Lord will purify His church. 

In ordinary, everyday use they were filled with two firkins of water, but on special occasion they were filled with three firkins of water. The Lord would fill us to the brim with His very own presence. We are coming to the conclusion of the sixth day, each of a thousand year duration. The time allotted man, from Adam to the second coming of Christ. At the conclusion of the six thousand years the vessels will be filled to the full. 

We will see a Christian of such a nature and power as has never been seen before. The Lord has revival for His church in the end of the age. Before He visits in wrath, He will manifest the greatness of His mercy. Astonishingly, what had been water was now turned into a fine wine of exquisite taste. 

The Master of the wedding feast was called to order because this transformed water was far better than that which they had been served. Wine is always a type of the joy of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The water is about to be turned into wine, the best has been reserved for the last. Lets not forget that this miracle, His very first was performed at a wedding. 

There has to be a Word from the Lord contained in the circumstances under which it was performed. He is soon to become a Bridegroom and is as excited about it as any Bridegroom who is in love would be. He has had a wedding on His mind for a long time now. Just consider in His teaching how many
references there are to weddings. He has a wedding on His heart. John 2:6-10




            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  86

THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, THE LORD OF GLORY. 
What a beautiful expression of the exhalted position afforded the Lord Jesus. The inspiration of the Apostle James came from the Holy Spirit to proclaim Jesus to be the Lord of Glory. It is meant to be applied to Him in every way possible. No one is more glorious or deserves more glory than Jesus. James 2:1. 

He is the shining, radiant, brightness of the glory of His Father. The light of His glory extends far beyond the ability of the human eye to see. Now His glory is veiled but there is coming a moment of time when that covering will be removed and the greatest, the most glorious of all that is light will be revealed, as the person of the Lord Jesus. Heb. 1:3 

The exact person and recipient of the glory of God is revealed by the cross. The Lord of glory is the one who was crucified there. 1 Cor. 2:8 

Looking back we see the cross, looking forward we see the one who was crucified coming again. This time coming in the absolute fullness of the glory of the Lord. Titus 2:13 

It is forecast that He is coming in blazing fire. A manifestation of flame and light that is totally beyond the comprehension of those who do not know Him. What a fearful yet glorious sight. 2 Thess 1:8 


HIS GLORY WAS MADE KNOWN IN GRACE AND TRUTH. 
He came introducing the grace and truth of the Almighty to the whosoever will. He was the vessel of the living God. He was fully clothed with that glory. He was the true presentation to the world of all that His Father was. May we too behold His glory as the Disciples of old did. It is not withheld from us but is revealed by the Word. John 1:14 

The glory of the Lord Jesus prior to His birth as a man had been the covering presence of the Father. In the prayer of the Lord Jesus, He is praying with great anticipation of once again having that overshadowing glory which had been His before the foundation of the world. John 17:5 

There is no question but what the Father had it in His grand and glorious purpose to restore His Son once again to that exalted and glorious status. Jesus is praying that His followers might be where He will be that they might behold that majestic glory that the Father had bestowed upon Him from before the creation of the world. John 17:24 

As the shekinah glory lightened the Most Holy place, so the light and splendor of the glory of God will be seen in the Lord Jesus throughout the eternity to come, time without end. The city of the Lord, the New Jerusalem will be completely without any current source and supply of light, from the sun to the light globe. The glory of the Father and the LAMB will be the light of that city, eternally. There will never be a dark day and absolutely no night in that glorious city. The majestical beauty of it beggars description. It is not like our cities here on earth. No earthly city has ever been constructed which can be used to compare to Its splendor and beauty. Don't expect things to be like they are here on earth. Rev. 21:23

  




               THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  87

THE RETURN OF THE KING OF GLORY. 
What a momentous event when the Lord Jesus entered heaven with the blood of His sacrifice. He refrained Mary from touching Him, for at that moment He had not yet entered into the heavenly Holy of Holies with His blood. He was yet to ascend with that precious blood of redemption which will ever be on the heavenly mercy seat. John 20:18 

For all His Divine nature, He was still the son of man, and as such could only enter before the Father by the offering of blood. Heb. 9:7 The high priest had to enter in to make atonement every year, but Jesus entered once and for all, An eternal everlasting sacrifice. Heb. 9:12 

He now, is the one and only mediator between God and man. There is none other who has been granted the authority and power to forgive those who call upon His name. 1 Tim. 2:5 

Because His blood originated from the Father, it was verifiable the blood of God. Glorious and wonderful sacrifice far too wonderful to comprehend. There could be no better sacrifice offered by
anyone who even begins to compare to the Lord Jesus. His offering was the absolute matchless and impeccable, eternal, once for all sacrifice. There is none other nor will there ever be. Heb. 8:6 

It is utterly impossible and most reprehensible for us to say that there will be an altar reestablished on which will be offered animals once again. There could be no greater insult to the Lord than to reestablish the sacrifices of the Law. See how the Lord feels about it. Isa. 66:3


THE ENTRANCE OF THE KING OF GLORY. 
A time of stirring and activity in the gates for the King of Glory is about to enter in. The gates are to swing wide in great welcome to this conquering King of kings. What a precious commodity He is bringing with Him. The redemption of every man who will ever enter into heaven is in His hands. The salvation of old and new testament saints all depend on the atonement that He is about to  present to the Father. Glad moment the destiny of the redeemed is sealed and the heavenly mercy seat is forever established. Ps. 24:7 

He is both the King of glory and the most glorious King. Most unique, the only one of His kind. He has fulfilled every demand that was presented to Him. He is the lamb of sacrifice. While at the same time He is the high priest offering the sacrifice. He is the slain Lamb of God ever present before the throne of God. He is the mediator. He is the King majestic and mighty. Victorious in battle and now received home with great fanfare and adoration. Ps. 24:9 

Rejoice and be glad for the King of glory will enter not only heaven but the hearts of His people also. He is constantly seeking a closer relationship with all those who are hungry of heart and spirit. The King of glory desires entrance but He is seeking those who are of a positive spirit, ready to openly receive all that He has for them. The most important person of time and eternity, of heaven and earth is desirous of making a full and complete acquaintance with those who will open to Him. Ps. 24:10 

Behold I stand at the door and knock. What a visitor is about to be let into our open hearts door! Rev. 3:20





            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  88

THE HIGH CALLING OF THE CHURCH. 
The intent and design of the Lord is that He might share His glory with His people. That stretches far beyond casual Christianity [If there is such a thing]. Too many are content to be forty percent Christians, while the Lord would have all to be one hundred percent. When such marvelous Spiritual riches are offered, why should we live in Spiritual poverty? His people have been called "to glory and virtue".

His voice is constantly heard through His Word. He is not slack in making known all the divine gifts and abilities that He has made available. We are called to share and share alike in all of His eternal glory and power. His spiritual gifts are only understood as we acquire knowledge of Him, and that comes by the study of the Word of the Lord. Every Christian should be a student of the Word. 1 Pet. 5:10 


THE HIGH CALLING OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS. 
Limitless, boundless a spirituality that knows no ultimate, in measure, time or any other dimension or capacity. As the Lord is absolutely unlimited so will be the fulfillment of that high calling. It is a Godly calling, it is spiritual, it is eternal and everlasting, and it is for the here and now, this very present time. Even more so, as we approach the end of the age. That high calling is something worth striving for in our spiritual lives. Its prize is the greatest ever. There is no greater reward than to be a part of that glorious Bride of Christ in these last days. Phil. 3:14 

The mighty working of the Word of the Lord is constant and daily as we expose ourselves to it. Either by reading it or hearing it preached. For faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of the Lord. The effectual working of the Word will involve the working and manifestation of the "divine nature" within us. The dwelling of that divine presence in us is that which sanctifies and purifies us from all the works of the flesh. The Lord will have a glorious church in the end of the age and what makes her glorious is the divine nature and being of the Lord Himself that dwells within her spirit nature. 2 Pet. 1:4 

The new man, that man who has been born of the Spirit, is in a process of renewal. He is undergoing a process of spiritual creation with the intent that he be made in the image and likeness of the Lord. That does not mean, in theory, but in full actuality. The Lord wants His very own to be like Him in every aspect of the word. Possessing the same Spirit and being as that which makes God to
be God. Col. 3:10 

The new man has a new spirit, a new mind, new aims, a whole new language, a new love, all things become new. He can be no longer the old corrupt man but now is renewed after the Lord Himself. The new man is created after the likeness of the Lord in righteousness and true holiness. Eph. 4:23-24 

If we will permit the Lord to do in us what He wants to do we will see an entirely different brand of Christian in the church. If we do not commit to His will and way we will find ourselves on the outside looking in at those who were privileged to enter into the marriage of the Lamb. Remember, five were wise and five were foolish. Mt. 25:1-12





            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  89

HIS DEITY SEEN AT HIS SECOND COMING. 
The first scripture that we are going to reference may be called the second coming in simplicity. It presents what may be termed an introduction to the happening. It gives a picture of the event that is elementary and basically focuses on the fact of His Kingly separation of the ungodly from His saints. 

His coming as the Son of man, coming in glory to establish a throne of glory is noted. Here it speaks only of the angels who will accompany Him. We know that the redeemed of all ages will likewise be in attendance. [1 Thess. 4:16-17]

There are but two classes of people mentioned, the sheep and the goats. That this is an act of Deity is emphasized that both groups, simultaneously, will stand before Him for judgment. This will not only include the living but the dead likewise. All who have lived in this life will be faced with this moment of decision to be made by the Lord Jesus. 

The logistics of this event are astonishing. Is it that they are gathered before Him or does He appear before them, world wide and instantaneously? He is Deity and therefore Omnipresent. 

Those who are on the right hand, the sheep, are granted the privilege of entering into the eternal kingdom of the Lord. Those on the left, the goats, are excluded from the kingdom and sent away to everlasting punishment. Mt. 25:31-46


JESUS WILL BE REVEALED FROM HEAVEN. 
Something that is revealed may have been a secret but is now openly and generally known and seen. There comes a moment when His coming is not secret nor unseen. 2 Thess. 1:7 

Those who accompany Him are termed to be mighty angels. This incident is likewise the time when He will be glorified in His saints. This can only be determined to be the same moment as that when He separates the sheep from the goats and establishes His throne of glory. 2 Thess. 1:10 

It must be considered here, that along with what would seem to be a casual circumstance, there is one horrendous time of judgment for the ungodly. For He is coming in flaming fire. Most certainly this is in keeping with one of the descriptions found in the Word which relates to the person of the Lord. God is a consuming fire. Heb. 12:29 

The fire of the Lord can be both exceedingly pleasant and horribly unpleasant. It is most dreadful when it is displayed in judgment, which will be the case at His revelation. 

We have an example in Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, and therefore priests. They knowingly offered strange fire before the Lord which they well knew was forbidden. Their judgment was in keeping with their sin. Fire came from the Lord and destroyed them. Lev. 10:1-2 

In an act of rebellion against leadership which the Lord had appointed, the fire of His judgment was manifest. At which time two hundred fifty men who burned incense in defiance were destroyed by the fire of the Lord. Num. 16:35 

It becomes very apparent that when the sin exceeds the point where the mercy of the Lord may be displayed that the extreme judgment by fire is displayed. Woe be to those who in the day of His coming are found offering false incense to the Lord. 
 




THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  90 

THE LORD HIMSELF SHALL DESCEND FROM HEAVEN. 
There is no question as to the person who will appear. It is plainly stated that He is the Lord. He is coming as the ruler of all, not only humanity, but all of creation. There is no area over which He does not have complete dominance. He will appear in all of His splendor and glory. 1 Thes. 4:16 

"Look, He is coming". He is coming with clouds. The second coming of Christ is not to be invisible nor an event that only the redeemed will see. The true Word is directly from the Lord Jesus. He, personally was involved in the deliverance of this all important message. Rev. 1:5 

The truth is that "every eye shall see Him". None who have ever lived on the earth will escape visually beholding that awesome and terrible appearing of the Lord Jesus. Those who pierced Him will be among those who see His coming. That includes all those who are in the grave. All kindreds of the earth will mourn when they realize that what has been prophesied over millenniums is indeed taking place. Rev. 1:6 


CONCERNING THE TIME OF THIS EVENT. 
It is a one time happening. There is but one phase. Jesus very clearly spoke of that event and left no doubt as to it taking place and the events which accompany it. 

Firstly, He said that the sign of the Son of man would APPEAR [Greek - To lighten, shine, be seen] in the heavens. 

Consider how frightening this will be for the unsaved. They will see Him coming in the clouds and in tremendous or the completeness of His glory. Majestic beyond description. His glory is like the flaming fire and will be manifest in its very fullness of might and power. 

Secondly, Please note, that JESUS said that this will be announced with the trumpet sound, which is another seal as to what will happen when He appears. 

Thirdly, This is the time of the gathering of the saints from all over the earth, both the living and the dead. These are the circumstances and prophecies which are accomplished at the time of His second coming. Mt. 24:30-31 

To further verify the circumstance of that moment when He comes, as flaming fire, there are two occurrences which must be made plain to us, from the scripture. 

It is the moment when the wrath of the Lord will be revealed against the ungodly forces that have been in power. They will be punished with everlasting destruction. 

Does that seem harsh? Not when one knows the absolute wickedness and the hatred which has been displayed toward the Lord. It will be a just and proper judgment. Those who receive it are indeed worthy of the same. 

Conversely, this is a wonderful moment for those who are in Christ Jesus. It is that long waited glorious and most wonderful moment of time when He will manifest the power of His resurrection. He will be glorified in His saints, which translates into the meaning that they will receive their resurrected, glorified, eternal bodies. 2 Thes. 1:7-10 

The rewards of eternal life or eternal death are in His hands and will be executed when He comes, openly and visibly even as the Word of the Lord declares it to be. 





    THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  91

HIS KINGDOM ESTABLISHED AT THE TIME OF HIS COMING. 
When Jesus will come in His glory [Mt. 25:31] and the glory of His Father [Mt. 16:27] He will establish the throne of His glory. Mt. 25:31 

He then will occupy the throne of His glory, which can mean only one thing and that is that He will at that time cleanse His kingdom from all unrighteousness. Therefore, with the manner of His coming, visibly and in a great manifestation of the glory of the Lord, all nations will be confronted instantaneously, at one and the same moment of time. Those who are in the grave as well as those who are living at the time of His appearing. Rev. 1:7 

He then will separate the righteous from the unrighteous. The sheep from the goats. The righteous will be ushered joyously into their inheritance in the kingdom of the Lord. Mt. 25:34 

The unrighteous will be judged and consigned to eternal punishment. Mt. 25:46 

They participate in a punishment that was not prepared for them, but by choice they are partakers of a judgment which had been prepared for the devil and the fallen angels. Mt. 25:41  


NOT ONLY IS HE THE KING OF KINGS, HE IS A MIGHTY WARRIOR. 
The second coming of Christ is not a casual, secret episode. It will be a moment where there will be a mighty clash between two great kingdoms. The kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light, of satan and Christ Jesus. 

The forces of wickedness and darkness, all the ungodly kingdoms of this world will be gathered together by the unclean, satanic spirits to do battle with the Lord. This tells us that there is some kind of intelligence that warns them of an impending conflict. Rev. 16:14 

Jesus said, that the lack of the knowledge of His return would be limited to the day and the hour. 
Mt. 24:36 

That does not mean that a broader meaning of time and season will not be understood. Note the words of Paul, But ye, brethren are not in darkness that days should overtake you as a thief in the night. 1 Thes. 5:4 

Jesus will only come as a thief to those who are in darkness. The redeemed will be able to read the signs that precede His coming and know that He is nigh. There are numerous events that must come to pass before the great and terrible day of the Lord shall come. Satan is not an ignoramus, he knows what the Word says and will anticipate the climax of the coming events. He knoweth that he hath but a short time. Rev. 12:12

This gives us evidence that he is knowledgeable of end time events. Perhaps more so than most Christians. Remember he used the Word when he tempted Jesus. Therefore we see the great activity of the powers of darkness in marshaling earth's forces to resist the second coming of Christ. As usual, satanic powers have one thing in mind but the Lord sees to it that things are done His way. 

The Lord, makes manifest His authority and power and gathers them together in a place called Armageddon. [Meaning, the hill of slaughter] The Lord does not do battle but on His own terms. Every enemy that comes against Him is not only defeated but is manipulated into a situation where he is easily and grossly defeated by the Lord. Rev. 16:14-16  





            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  92

JESUS IS COMING AS A THIEF. 
The advantage of the thief is that he comes in a manner and at a time not anticipated. He comes with stealth. The element of surprise is on his side. So, Jesus has given fair warning that His second coming carries the basics of one huge surprise. 

Jesus made that plain in His discourse of the man whose house was broken into, who, had he known would have made preparation for the event. He then compares this to His second coming. But notice please, that it is only the hour of that visitation that contains the unanticipated arrival. Mt. 24:43 


TO WHOM DOES HE COME AS A THIEF. 
Will all the people on the face of the earth be surprised and shocked when He comes? The Apostle Paul stated that Christians, those who anticipate His return have certain and positive knowledge of the fashion of His return. 

One of the many, many signs that will preface His return is a period of time when the politicians and leaders of the world will be able to say peace and safety. So it is very evident that between now and His coming there will be a time when wars and insurrections will cease in the earth. 

Oddly enough, that will be the accomplishment of the antichrist for at least a brief time during his reign on the earth. It will be just prior to the return of Christ for "sudden destruction", the coming of Christ Jesus will come upon them with great shock. It is written that they shall not escape. This is another view of Armageddon. 1 Thes. 5:2


TOO OFTEN OVERLOOKED IS THE DEFINITE, POSITIVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE COMING OF THAT DAY. 
Understanding Christians must possess the wisdom and teaching of the Word and the illumination of the Holy Spirit pertaining to that day. Be challenged to make a through study of the subject. 

Paul made a statement concerning a vital truth relevant to the second coming. To the Christian he wrote and proclaimed that we are not in darkness and that day will not overtake us as a thief in the night. Every born again, spirit filled person should be able to receive the revelation given by Paul. We are children of the light. 1 Thes. 5:4 

Here is a part of His second coming that every student of the Word must consider. He is coming as a thief, secretly and covertly. 

When He comes as a thief, the ozone and the atmosphere of our earth will explode, ignited by the fire of His coming. That will be one big bang. An explosion such as has never been before. 

All the basic elements of the earth will melt with the fire and heat of His coming. The earth and all the works of men will also be destroyed with the extreme heat generated by His coming. All will be dissolved. 

Consider carefully, this will happen when He comes as a thief. 2 Peter 3:10 

When Christ comes secretly, as a thief, He will be the most conspicuous person who has ever taken anyone, anywhere by surprise. The topography of the earth will be completely altered by the impact of that fiery descent from heaven on high. Blessed is the man watching and cleansed and who is prepared for the moment of His coming as a thief. Rev. 16:15   




            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  93

HIS DEITY IS VERIFIED BY HIS NAME. 
His Father very clearly and definitely endowed Him with the name Jesus. A name which indicates the work of redemption that He was to accomplish. Jesus, Joshua, savior, redeemer. The only way of salvation is found in Him, for there is salvation in no other name. There is positively only one name which brings salvation and that is the name of Jesus. Acts 4:2 

From the very beginning the intent of the Lord was that in His name repentance and remission of sins should be preached in all the world. Repentance, a confession of our sin is a vital step in having our sins remitted. Jesus made it very clear that no one can, or will ever be able to come to the Father except by Him. Therefore He presented three vital truths. He, Jesus is the way.. He is the only means, the single road that leads to an understanding of the Lord. 

Every and all other attempts to reach the Father, in the ultimate prove to be in vain. Jesus is the truth. He is the express and spoken truth. There is no falsehood to be found in Him. He is truth personified. To those who accept Jesus as the way and the truth, He becomes the life. Not just natural life but spiritual, eternal, everlasting life. In bringing us to eternal life, He has added the bonus of knowing Him and living for Him, in this life. John 14:6 

He daily loads us with benefits. Living in this life without Him is extremely vain and empty. He, now and in this life, is a very present help in every time of need. He is always with us. He will not forsake us. He is the only source of all spiritual life. Without the confession of His name there can be no eternal life in us. John 20:31


BLESSINGS FOUND IN BELIEVING IN HIS NAME. 
The first is foundational. He must be received and His Deity must be acknowledged. Those believing on His name, are granted the right and power to become "sons of God". Given the strength and right to live His life, in this life, which is His supply to us by the working of the Spirit of the Lord in our lives. It is only by His power and might that sinners may be completely changed and find an absolutely new life style, in Him. John 1:12 

Virtue for the healing of the human, the physical body is found in His name. Prayer offered for the deliverance of those afflicted by sicknesses is to be in His name. The man lame from his mothers womb. Daily laid at the gate called Beautiful, had not found any beauty in his life at all. The temple, the religion had not brought him deliverance. But when he was introduced to the man who bore that glorious name, Jesus, he had an immediate reaction. What a stir that day in the temple as he went leaping and shouting through the place. Acts 3:1-7 

It was the name of Jesus, with faith in that name that produced the marvelous results in this man. It is not sufficient to know about Jesus, to have a knowledge of who He is, and His place in the history of humanity, but there must be an exercise of faith in His name. The very fountainhead of faith is the Lord Jesus Himself. His promises must be believed and His ability to do just what He has promised. Acts 3:15-16





            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  94

PAST TENSE. 
By whose stripes ye WERE healed. It is Christ Jesus who bore the full brunt of our punishment. 

Our debt has been paid. There is no need for His people to continue in bondage to sin or sickness. We have been pardoned and healed. The sinless One became sin in exchange for our liberty. 

He who had never been sick, bore the full impact of all our sickness and diseases in His own body. He filled the gap between sin and righteousness. He became the bridge between sickness and health. He, personally, stepped in between the judgments pronounced against sin and disease and took the full brunt of the punishment due. 

Jesus paid it ALL. What needed to be done has been accomplished all that remains is for mankind to accept an accomplished work. 1 Pet. 2:21-24


BY WHOSE STRIPES YE WERE HEALED. 
What sick person would not accept care when they knew that the care giver was fully successful in their administration of healing. The physician who could accomplish such a miracle would be overwhelmed with patients 24/7. 

There is one, his name is Jesus. Too often we yield rather than resist the attack of the enemy, therefore are not delivered. In seeking healing from the Lord Jesus we are dealing with Spiritual values which need to be upgraded. Persistent faith must be exercised. 

We are in a warfare and must be aggressive in order to overcome. Consider the words of the Psalmist who declared that the Lord forgives ALL our iniquity. We are in deep trouble if that is not true, but we know that it is a fact, we are fully forgiven. We have our pardon to prove it. 

In the same breath he proclaimed that the Lord heals ALL our diseases. Ps. 103:3 

The two go together and both are completely effective in our lives. The prayer of faith is also doubly effective. It produces health and restoration to the individual who is sick and also the forgiveness of sin. The two are positively tied together and are fully operative in the church,
today. James 5:15 


BY HIS STRIPES. 
Under the law a man who was to be punished for his wrongs could not receive more than thirty-nine stripes. If they gave him more it was a sign that the man was held in contempt and was vile in their sight. Deut. 25:3 

Paul was punished five times in this manner with never more than thirty-nine stripes being administered that they might repeat this punishment as many times as they pleased. Anyone receiving forty stripes could not be beaten again. 

Roman law had no such restriction. With Jesus they were able to inflict Him with as many stripes as they desired. The place of scourging was in the synagogue. The individual was laid out on the ground and whipped with a special whip containing pieces of iron or bone that it might tear the flesh. Jesus bore the full punishment. Surely with Him they did not stop at thirty-nine but went on to strike Him innumerable times until His back was like a plowed field, full of furrows. Ps. 129:3 

Jesus paid the full price. Never again will He suffer the torments and sorrows of sin and sickness. 





            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  95

LIFE IS FOUND IN HIS NAME. 
Not only the Gospel of John but the whole book is written for the purpose of the salvation of the world. Those who will believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the anointed of the Lord are the recipients of eternal life, through His name. John 20:31 

This life cannot be compared to that which is found in the Lord Jesus. Life in this world is carnal, resulting in death. The life found in the Lord is spiritual and very real, endless and eternal. It is available to all who will confess that Jesus is the Son of God. God dwelleth in him and he in God. Relationship above all relationships. 

The individual who obtains life through His name has the amazing privilege of becoming the house of the Most High. Astonishing, almost unbelievable but nevertheless the recorded Word of the Lord.  1 John 4:15


AS ALWAYS, THERE ARE DIVINE REQUIREMENTS. 
Obedience to the Word and the Spirit of the Lord is of prime importance. There can be no presence of the Lord in the life of those who follow Him where there is disobedience. The manifestation of the Spirit will be evidenced in the life of that person who is fulfilling His will. 1 John 3:24 

With the submission of the carnality of man and his subsequent freedom from the control of the flesh, room is made for the presence of the living Lord of life. His declaration is that "God dwelleth in him and he in God". 1 John 4:15 

We talk about heaven and the future but here is a promise for the here and now. There is no time designated only a meeting of the requirements and the promises will be fulfilled in the Christian of all generations. Not only is acknowledgment of Christ and all that He has accomplished for us necessary but a very positive key is LOVE. 

In order for that abiding presence to be with us there must be an unequivocal love for one another. The question is, "if we love one another". Inasmuch as the Lord Himself in being and character is LOVE that certainly is not an unreasonable requirement. We should strive to fulfill it with our whole being. Loving even those who may hate us and do spiteful things against us. 1 John 4:12 

Dwelling with a person will cause one to take on their attitudes and even actions. How true this becomes if we are really dwelling with the person who not only emits love but is very love itself. Outside of Him there is no love. He is true, eternal love. It is impossible to be in a relationship with Him and not assimilate the nature and essence of His love. 1 John 4:16 

The seal and assurance of the abiding presence of the Lord in mankind is the precious presence of the Holy Spirit. In ourselves we are incapable of living the life of Christ, but He has sent another, like Himself, into the world to lead and guide His church into all truth and to reveal Christ, not only to us but in us as well. Rom. 8:9 

It is the Christ in the believer who causes the sinful nature of man to die and produces that wonderfully new life in the Lord Jesus Christ. Rom. 8:10 

It is His Spirit in us that causes our physical, mortal bodies to be quickened, brought to life, both in anointing and in healing. We are dependent on the power of the Spirit to be manifest in us that we might lives His life now. Rom. 8:11

 




            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  96

THE LORD SPOKE TO THE FATHERS. 
The Lord always chose His own way and time to communicate with them. He repeatedly spoke to them over a period of thirty-six hundred years and then went silent for four hundred years for they were without out a prophet because of their spiritual condition. His method of conversation was of a variety, from signs and wonders, on one occasion a donkey, orally, by dreams, visions and through the prophets. The Lord was never slack in letting His will be known. 

Now in these last days, the last two thousand years of time. The last two days, the end of which He will establish His kingdom on earth. Now, to those living in the last of the last two days it is imperative that we hear His voice. That is the voice of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the voice of the Lord to this world. 

What He has to say has been recorded in His Word. It contains the revelation of who and what constitutes the person of the Lord. There is no question but what the Lord is much greater than He has revealed Himself to be in His Word. When we have come to a full understanding of Him as He is seen in the Word then He will be able to reveal Himself in His fullness. 

So far, we have only begun to discover all that there is to know about the Lord, regardless of how many years we have studied His Word and how much we may think we know about Him. The most knowledgeable among us are yet babes when measured wit His intelligence and knowledge. Heb. 1:1-2


THE MAN WHOM HE HAS APPOINTED TO BE THE HEIR OF ALL THINGS.
The only man who has ever walked on this earth who is worthy of such a high and worthy possession. One cannot become an heir until the possessor of the goods has died. The Father never dies, nevertheless it is the Fathers intent that all of His wealth and possessions become the inheritance of the Son. Heb. 1:2 

So immense is the love of the Father that He has given all things into the hand of His Son. John 3:35 

The Father has placed "all things" in under Jesus feet, there is nothing that is not brought
in subjection to Him. Heb. 2:8 

Consequently, if we have been truly born of the Spirit and have become Children of the Most High we too are made to be heirs of the Lord and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. All that He is we are to become. All that His Father is we are to inherit.  Rom. 8:17 

In the amazing formula and determination of the Lord His people are destined to be completely filled with all the might and glory of the Lord from the time of the perfecting of the church and throughout eternity. As heirs we are foreordained to be the recipients of the brightness of His glory. Heb. 1:3

A church, a woman, a bride who in these last days will shine as the sun for she will not only be clothed with the intense glory of the Lord but is to be filled with that same glory. His glory and brightness is not only to be received as clothing but is to be revealed within that glorious church. Rev. 12:1 

Remember we are His heirs and are to be joint heirs with Him. All that He is, we too are to be. What a future is ours.





            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  97

THE LORD JESUS AND HIS ENTITLEMENT. 
The statement of the Father to the Son. "Thy throne, O God". Heb. 1:8 

At one and the same time proclaiming the Lord Jesus to be both God and the recipient of the throne of God. As God, Jesus is coequal with His Father. Their attributes are identical only Jesus recognized His Father to be Lord and honored Him as such. From everlasting Jesus, as the Logos, the Word had been in the form and nature of God. He therefore had every right to account Himself as being in the complete likeness and in full agreement with all that was God. Phil. 2:6 

All that He was, His high and holy status in eternity, He willingly and graciously laid aside. Humbling Himself to become a man and a servant. An offering and a sacrifice and the Lamb of God. The mystery of that which is Godlike is tremendous. This Jesus, who is God, was born in human form after having lived eternally with His Father. The Spirit of the Lord proved Him to be the just and true one by anointing Him for service. 1 Tim. 3:16 

His tenancy of the throne is well documented. Particularly in the book of Revelation. 


THE ETERNAL THRONE OF HEAVEN. 
Throne rights are to be granted to those who are triumphant. The Lord Jesus Himself is seated on the throne of God with His Father and has extended to the overcomer the same right to be established in that throne with Him. Rev. 3:21 

It is a vast throne, far more extensive than the imagination of man has ever thought it to be. Take for instance, the time that Isaiah saw the throne that was very lofty and very active. It extended high into the atmosphere. Isa. 6:1 

Ezekiel saw it lifted up above the firmament and exceedingly beautiful. Eze. 1:26 

One is seen sitting on that majestic throne. God has but one physical body and that is the body of the Lord Jesus. Jesus plainly stated that He was in the Father and the Father was in Him. John 14:10-11 

As it was then, so it will ever be. The Father in the Son and the Son in the Father. Therefore the only physical body seated on the throne is the resurrected body of the Lord Jesus. God was in Christ. 2 Cor. 5:19 

And so that blessed relationship continues even to his day. Anyone who is Spirit filled should be able to understand the relationship that is accomplished by the Spirit when He fills an individual. It is Christ in you. As we continue to walk with the Lord we continue "in the Son and in the Father". That same unity and relationship is ours in the Spirit of the Lord. 1 John 2:24 

It is marvelous that the very center, the heart of the throne is the evidence of a slain Lamb. Inasmuch as He is standing it is evident that He is no longer dead, but is alive forever more. Horns speak to us of power, seven is a divine complete number. All power is in His hands. He is the King of kings. The seven eyes, the seven Spirits of God, or better, the Sevenfold Spirit of the Lord. The Spirit is not divided up into seven fragments but the number denotes fullness, fullness
of Spirit. The sevenfold Spirit may be found named in Isaiah 11:2 

On the throne the Father and the Spirit are resident in the Lord Jesus. Don't worry, we will recognize the Father and the Spirit. 





            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  98

THE REWARD OF LOVE. 
Because of His love for righteousness and hatred of iniquity He was rewarded above all with an anointing of the Spirit unequaled in others. This is the perfect example for all who would live Godly in Christ Jesus. 

There must be an extremely strong love for the purity and holiness that is in Christ. While hatred is not a part of the Christian life, to detest strongly all sin and unrighteousness is necessary for a victorious life. When our stand is adamant toward wickedness of all kinds it is easier to gain victory over all temptations. 

The reward given to the Lord Jesus was that of the fullness of the Spirit. The anointing and power of the Spirit which rested upon Him was greater than all others. When we make the right stand, we reap a full reward. Heb.1:9  


JESUS WILL RULE A KINGDOM OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. 
This is an established kingdom. There will never be a change of its leadership or authority. It is the eternal kingdom of the Lord. The scepter, the rod of authority, the sign of this king is that of justice. 

Not only righteousness but of certain and absolute just and right. In using His rod of iron in dealing with the nations, He will bring judgment upon them. In dealing with His people His rod becomes a shepherds crook. Rev. 2:27, 19:15 

The whole of His kingdom, the temple and all who are found in His kingdom must meet the measurement of the full stature of the Lord Jesus. Jesus is the standard for all things that are heavenly and eternal. Rev. 11:1 

Once His kingdom is established there will never, eternally, be any action or word that will disrupt or disturb. Ps. 45:6 


THE KINGS OF ISRAEL. 
Ironically something that has not taken place and can only happen to a nation that will accept Him for all that He is to those who believe on Him. He came as their King and Redeemer. For His redemption to be worked out in the life of His subjects, they must receive Him and acknowledge Him as their King. Isa. 44:6 

The scriptures present two Israel's, one of the flesh, and one of the spirit. Both are considered to be the offspring of Abraham. 

Those who are the children of the flesh are not automatically considered by Paul [Himself a Hebrew of the Hebrews] to be the children of God. 

Those who have embraced the promise of the Word and have fully received it are the true children of Abraham. A spiritual seed who have been called in Isaac, who is a type of the Lord Jesus. Rom. 9:7-8 

They who would become the true family of the Lord and be made to be His children are those who are born of God. The natural descent may be included but only if they have been born of the spirit. The household of faith in our day is composed of those who have received the Lord Jesus as their savior and have been born again. John 1:12-13 

There is no method or means whereby any can come any other way into the kingdom of the Lord Jesus but by Jesus. It is not a way of multiple choice. There is only one way, one truth and one life. At the beginning and end of which there is only one door and that door is the Lord Jesus.





            THE DEITY OF CHRIST.  99

THIS IS WHAT THE LORD SAYS. 
A strong, positive statement made by Jehovah Concerning His Israel. He is their King, therefore anticipating that they will acknowledge Him as such. Not only with the words of their mouths but in their deeds as well, the giving of honor, obedience and acquiescence to His will and desire toward them. 

The guidance of a King is to be accepted and followed, especially this King. Not only is He their King but He is also their redeemer. He is that very special man who according to the Law must buy back those who have been caught up in slavery. He was known as the "near kinsman" and was required to marry a relatives widow to sustain her livelihood and to continue the name of his dead brother. Deut. 25:5-10 

Such was the case between Boaz and Ruth. Ruth 3:9. 

Christ Jesus is our "near kinsman" and has fully redeemed those who believe in Him from all their sin. He has paid the ultimate price for full and complete salvation. 


HE IS JEHOVAH ALMIGHTY. 
There will be a group of people who have gone through the tribulation and faced the antichristal forces and been triumphant over them. These are brave, hardy souls who will gather before the throne with harps and will sing a very special song. It is a song of victory. 

They are Law keepers for they sing the song of Moses and of the Lamb, the Lord Jesus. They are converts who receive Jesus as their Messiah under the witness and testimony of the two witnesses, which indicates that there will be believers in the tribulation. 

The witnesses are Moses and Elijah, the Law and the prophets. Compare the display of power by these two witnesses and it is identical to the miracles accomplished by Moses and Elijah in their first ministry on earth. Rev. 11:3-6 

Their song is one of exaltation and glorifying the Lord God Almighty. He is recognized for His greatness and His superiority.  There is none like Him. His method and manner of all that He does is right and true. There is no fault to be found in Him. He is the perfection of truth and justice. The one by whom came grace and truth will then be recognized as the Kings of Saints or King of the nation. That new nation built by the Lord. Rev. 15:3 

He introduced Himself to John on the isle of Patmos as the Lord God the Almighty. Not a position or an entitlement that may be denied Him. He is the beloved Son in whom the Father is well pleased. Also as the Alpha and the Omega, the Greek alphabet but more so, the WORD of the Lord. Likewise He made manifest His eternal being in the statement, "who is, who was and is to come". Eternal, everlasting, preexisting the whole of creation. Making Him to be equal with the Jehovah who revealed Himself as "I AM". Rev. 1:8 

The Lord Jesus is the chosen of His Father. Jesus is the Fathers beloved Son. Emotions that are far beyond any human feelings in intensity, for Jesus is the very heart throb of His Father. In manifesting that tremendous pleasure and joy that He had in His Son He filled Him with the fullness of His Spirit. Mt. 12:18 

Without measure, the completeness of the Spirit dwelt within Him. Please the Father and He will do the same for you. 










incomplete
11:52 21-02-04