[The credit for this discussion belongs to Pastor Robert Morris whose Easter
message was… not sure what word to use – fantastic. I’m just sharing my
understanding that came from his message. I felt it needed to be shared –
just remember that it’s my understanding.]
“When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” [Matthew 16: 13-16]
“By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. “
[1 John 4:2-3]
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.” [Philippians 2: 5-7]
If you understand these 3 scriptures, you are well founded. This provides you with a defense, a method of confirmation, and an understanding that comes with great confidence.
Who do you say Jesus is? Have you acknowledged that He came in the flesh – that Jesus was human and divine, both? If he wasn’t both then why would He need to be anointed by the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38)? And how could He understand what humans experience (Hebrews 4:15-16)? It’s also the reason why WE need to test every spirit (1 John 4:1) to see if they say Jesus was human. Other scriptures speak about Jesus being human and why He had to become both: 2 John 7, Hebrews 2: 14. Don’t be misled or deceived. Anyone can say that Jesus came, that they ‘believe’ in Him. The point is – Jesus came in the flesh and all that represents.
The greatest declaration is made by Peter, who knew Jesus as a human. Yet, in his answer to Jesus He proclaimed the ultimate truth that provides all that believe the ultimate truth.
“[Jesus speaking] But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the Son of the living God.” [Matthew 16:15-16]
Being, Becoming begins and ends in Jesus and your relationship with Him There are attitudes that contribute and behaviors that evidence this. But this is FOUNDATIONAL! But who do YOU say Jesus is?
