Jesus Christ Said He Is God

 Title: Jesus' Declarations of Divinity: Quoting Himself as God

Introduction

The divinity of Jesus Christ is a central belief in Christian theology. While some critics argue that Jesus never explicitly claimed to be God, a closer examination of his teachings and statements reveals several instances where he unequivocally declared his divinity. In this article, we will explore how Jesus quoted himself as God through various passages in the New Testament.

1. "Before Abraham Was, I Am" (John 8:58)

One of the most powerful declarations of Jesus' divinity comes from the Gospel of John. In John 8:58, Jesus says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." By using the phrase "I am," Jesus intentionally invokes the divine name of God revealed to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). This statement equates himself with the eternal God, asserting his preexistence and divine nature.

2. "I and the Father Are One" (John 10:30)

In John 10:30, Jesus states, "I and the Father are one." This statement underscores his unity with God the Father, emphasizing their oneness in essence and purpose. The Jewish audience's reaction to this statement, as they sought to stone him for blasphemy, further illustrates that Jesus' claim was understood as a declaration of divinity.

3. "He Who Has Seen Me Has Seen the Father" (John 14:9)

In John 14:9, Jesus tells his disciples, "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father." Here, he asserts that seeing him is equivalent to seeing God the Father. This declaration indicates that Jesus is not merely a representative of God but is, in fact, God incarnate.

4. Forgiving Sins (Mark 2:5-7)

In Mark 2:5-7, Jesus forgives the sins of a paralytic man. The scribes present question, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" By forgiving sins, Jesus implicitly claims divine authority. His actions and words demonstrate that he possesses the prerogative of God – the power to forgive sins.

5. "I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6)

In John 14:6, Jesus states, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." This assertion is not just a claim to be a moral teacher or prophet; it is a declaration that salvation and access to God the Father are exclusively through him. Such a claim implies a divine role in the redemption of humanity.

Conclusion

While Jesus may not have uttered the explicit phrase, "I am God," his teachings and statements throughout the New Testament unmistakably point to his divinity. Through declarations of oneness with the Father, the use of divine titles, and the assertion of divine prerogatives, Jesus quoted himself as God. These passages are foundational to the Christian belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, fully divine, and part of the Holy Trinity.

Hypostatic Union Jesus is Fully God and Man

Title: The Hypostatic Union of Jesus Christ: Divine and Human in One

Introduction

The concept of the hypostatic union is central to Christian theology, as it attempts to explain the unique nature of Jesus Christ – fully divine and fully human. This theological doctrine has been the subject of extensive discussion and debate throughout Christian history and plays a pivotal role in understanding the nature of Jesus.Defining the Hypostatic UnionThe term "hypostatic union" originates from the Greek words "hypostasis," meaning "individual substance" or "person," and "union," signifying the joining together of two natures. In Christian theology, it refers to the union of the divine nature and human nature in the person of Jesus Christ.Fully DivineTo understand the hypostatic union, one must first acknowledge the divinity of Jesus Christ. According to Christian belief, Jesus is the Son of God, the second person of the Holy Trinity, and co-eternal with the Father. This means that Jesus possesses all the attributes of divinity, including omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence.Fully HumanSimultaneously, the hypostatic union affirms the full humanity of Jesus Christ. He was born of a human mother, experienced human emotions and physical sensations, and lived among humans. He hungered, thirsted, grew weary, and felt sorrow, just as any human would.

Theological Development

The formulation of the hypostatic union was a response to various theological controversies in the early Christian Church. The Council of Chalcedon in 451 AD played a pivotal role in defining this doctrine. It declared that Jesus Christ is "perfect in divinity and perfect in humanity, truly God and truly man."Two Natures, One PersonThe Chalcedonian Creed established that in Jesus, there are two distinct natures – the divine and the human – perfectly united in one person. These natures do not mix or merge but exist together in a mysterious, inseparable union. This union allows Jesus to be both fully God and fully human without compromising either nature.

Importance and Implications

The hypostatic union has profound implications for Christian belief and practice:Redemption: Jesus' dual nature is fundamental to the Christian understanding of salvation. His divinity enables Him to provide redemption for humanity, while His humanity allows Him to represent and empathize with human suffering.Mediation: Jesus serves as the mediator between God and humanity. His divinity bridges the gap between the Creator and creation, and His humanity makes Him relatable to humanity's struggles.

Moral Example: Jesus' humanity serves as a moral example for Christians, as they strive to emulate His virtues, compassion, and love for others.Incarnation: The hypostatic union underscores the significance of the Incarnation, emphasizing that God became flesh to dwell among us, demonstrating God's immense love for humanity.ConclusionThe hypostatic union of Jesus Christ is a foundational concept in Christian theology, providing a framework for understanding the nature of Christ as both fully divine and fully human. This doctrine, established through centuries of theological reflection and debate, holds profound significance for the Christian faith, shaping beliefs about redemption, mediation, and the Incarnation of God. It serves as a reminder of the depth of God's love and the unique nature of Jesus Christ as the Savior of humanity.

Summary

 The idea that “Jesus Christ is true God and true man” is also referred to as the hypostatic union and is a central tenet of Orthodox Christianity. Indeed, the Christian doctrine of salvation depends on the belief that Christ had to become fully human to share his full divinity with humanity.

Chinese Year of the Rabbit?

🐰2023 Chinese Horoscope Year of the Rabbit?

Silly rabbit, tricks are for kids!

🔭Astrology is the “interpretation” of an assumed influence the stars (and planets) exert on human destiny. According to astrology, the sign you were born under, impacts your destiny. This is a false belief which places creation in the place of God.

🧙‍♂️Astrologers are false guides. We need to understand that all true guidance comes from God and threw his prophets. The royal astrologers of the Babylonian court were put to shame by God’s prophet Daniel (Daniel 1:20) and were powerless to interpret the king’s dream (Daniel 2:27). Only Daniel (God's prophet) was able to interpret the dream which God the king. God specifies astrologers as among those who will be burned as stubble in God’s judgment (Isaiah 47:13-14). 

🔭Astrology as a form of divination ( python spirit, see Acts 16:16-18 fortune teller possessed with the spirit of divination) is expressly forbidden in Scripture (Deuteronomy 18:10-14). God forbade the children of Israel to worship or serve the “host of heaven” (Deuteronomy 4:19). Several times in their history, however, Israel fell into that very sin (2 Kings 17:16 is one example). Their worship of the stars brought God’s judgment each time. My friend, do not be deceived by the false soothsayings of the horoscope, but they will lead you down a dark deceptive path by Satan (the crooked serpent of divination) and away from the divine destiny and influence that God has in and for your life to be blessed. 

**Unveiling the Deception: The Dangers of Chinese Horoscopes and Astrology**

In a world inundated with various forms of divination and spiritual practices, it's imperative for believers to discern between what aligns with God's Word and what leads astray. One such practice that warrants scrutiny is Chinese horoscopes and astrology. While they may seem innocuous or culturally significant to some, delving deeper reveals their deceptive and potentially dangerous nature, contrary to God's commands and teachings. Let's explore why Chinese horoscopes and astrology should be approached with caution and avoided by those seeking to walk in obedience to God.

### The Origin of Deception

Chinese astrology, like its Western counterpart, is rooted in pagan beliefs and superstitions. It draws upon the alignment of celestial bodies and the interpretation of their movements to predict the future and discern individual characteristics and destinies. However, such practices stand in direct opposition to the teachings of Scripture, which unequivocally condemn divination and seeking guidance from sources other than God (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).

### False Promises and Deceptive Guidance

One of the most insidious aspects of Chinese horoscopes and astrology is their tendency to offer false promises and deceptive guidance. By assigning arbitrary characteristics and predictions based on birth years and zodiac signs, adherents are led to believe they can ascertain their destinies and make decisions based on these dubious insights. However, such reliance on human wisdom and superstition only serves to lead individuals away from God's truth and sovereignty over their lives.

### Idolatrous Practices and Spiritual Bondage

Engaging with Chinese horoscopes and astrology can also lead to idolatrous practices and spiritual bondage. By placing trust in celestial forces and seeking guidance from sources other than God, individuals open themselves up to spiritual deception and manipulation. Scripture warns against such practices, urging believers to seek guidance and wisdom from God alone (Isaiah 47:13-14; Jeremiah 10:2).

### Contrary to God's Word and Commandments

Above all, Chinese horoscopes and astrology are fundamentally at odds with God's Word and commandments. Scripture explicitly forbids divination, astrology, and seeking guidance from mediums or sorcerers (Leviticus 19:26; Deuteronomy 18:14). By engaging in these practices, individuals risk incurring God's wrath and distancing themselves from His truth and protection.

### The Call to Discernment and Obedience

As believers, we are called to exercise discernment and obedience in all aspects of our lives, including our spiritual practices and beliefs. Rather than seeking guidance from worldly sources or trusting in human wisdom, we are called to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). By aligning ourselves with God's Word and seeking His will above all else, we can avoid the pitfalls of deception and walk in His truth and light.

### Conclusion

In conclusion, Chinese horoscopes and astrology represent a deceptive and potentially dangerous form of divination that is contrary to God's Word and commandments. By engaging in these practices, individuals risk falling into spiritual bondage and idolatry, straying from God's truth and protection. As believers, we must exercise discernment and obedience, rejecting the allure of worldly wisdom and seeking guidance from God alone. May we remain steadfast in our commitment to follow God's commands and walk in His truth, avoiding the deceptive snares of Chinese horoscopes and astrology.

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