Christ’s identity is a very
important mystery
The God and Savior of Israel hides himself:
“Truly You are God, who hide Yourself, O God of Israel, the Savior!” [Isaiah 45:15]
How God could appear in the flesh is a great mystery:
“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.” [I Timothy 3:16]
The mystery of the Father’s relationship to Christ is a treasure. There is a danger that some might rob you by misleading you:
“That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the
treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words.” [Colossians 2:2-4]
Christ is mysterious concerning his own identity: Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ.
[Matthew 16:20]
For Thomas, Christ’s divine identity was a mystery that God revealed to him:
“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. Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” [Matthew 16:15-17]
WATCH OUT! Resolve this mystery correctly.
Don’t let anyone rationalize away Christ’s divinity:
“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. ” [Colossians 2:8-9]
DANGER! You will die in your sins if you believe wrongly concerning Christ’s identity:
“If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” [John 8:24b]
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