As we go through the book of Colossians, we see Paul dealing with the heresy of Gnosticism. In my last post, the apostle contrasted a false worldview with a Christian mindset. Now He talks about the person of Jesus Christ.
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form…
Colossians 2:9 NIV
Let me just say “Thank You!” to the Apostle Paul for such a clear, simple statement about the divinity of Christ. Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, no matter what anybody chooses to believe about Him.
The literal Greek is so undeniable. It even has repetition so there’s no mistaking what’s being said. In Christ ALL the COMPLETENESS of God permanently lives in bodily, material form.
That’s the foundation of what we believe as Christians. God took on bodily form and lived among us. Then, He took it upon Himself to bear our sin to the cross. Having risen from the dead, He proved that our salvation was complete.
There are many organizations who deny the deity of Christ. If you’re in such a “church”, then you are a part of a cult. You need to search the Scripture and find a Bible believing group of Christians.
Why do I say this? Jesus Christ, Himself, made the claim to be God in the flesh.
“I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.
John 8:58-59 NIV
Jesus was talking to a crowd of His fellow Jews. He tells them, point blank, that He is the I AM. That is clearly the God who revealed Himself to Abraham in the Old Testament. The crowd knew exactly what He was saying, which is why they wanted to stone Him to death for it.
I know there are many who want to believe that Jesus was merely a great teacher. They feel that His teachings are a good example to follow. But the Lord doesn’t give us that choice.
I like the way the author, Josh Mcdowell puts it. He explains that Jesus Christ never wanted us to see Him as only a good teacher. He claimed to be God.
That means we have one of three choices to make. He knew He wasn’t God – which makes Him an evil liar. He didn’t know that He wasn’t God – which makes Him a lunatic. Or He was telling the truth – which means we need to follow Him as Lord.
Personally, I have chosen the last option. He is the Savior and Lord of my life. And, actually, He has made good on all that He and His apostles have said. I’ve never regretted my choice to receive Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior.
Now the ball is in our court. It’s up to each one of us to decide on our own. How do we handle the knowledge of who Jesus Christ is?
It doesn’t matter who you are, what you’ve done, or where you live. At any time you can say a simple prayer accepting Him into your life. Declare your desire to receive Him as Lord and Savior.
At that point everything in your life will change. Then, find a group of Bible believing Christians who will encourage you in your new found faith. You won’t regret it!
Question: How has Jesus Christ changed your life?
© 2023 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 