Anthropology,     Anthropos (man) the Study of Man or Doctrine of Man

I.   THE CREATION OF MAN:

     1.  Atheistic evolution, it is based on materialism; it has faith in materialism.

          Now, Bible believing faith is based on evidence of the Word of God.

          Example, I’ve never seen heaven, but I know it exists simply because the Bible says so. That is Bible faith.

·        The Evolutionist believes that something chemical existed that created man. He believes man just got here. (Theos) means god and when we place an a before it then it means he doesn’t believe; thus combining of the two we come up with the Atheistic or Atheist. Meaning he doesn’t believe in God.

·        All the public text books in schools and colleges are atheistic textbooks teaching we came from gases; an explosion in the sky. The Big Bang Theory in the high schools.

o       A person has to have faith to believe that man came into existence that way. But we have faith that man was created by God because the Bible says so. Genesis 1: 1 ¶ In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

   ** The Evolutionist says something came together chemically and there became a man.

Once I was an ameba, when I begin to begin, then I was a tadpole with my tail tucked in, then I was a monkey in a banyan tree; now I’m a doctor with a PH D.”

Evolutionist say man came from lower forms of life; well, where did lower forms of life come from? Cells. Well, where did cells come from? Gases. The evolutionist believes that gases exploded creating stars. His god is just chance, his god is luck; Lucky Lucifer.

     2.  Theistic evolution: This is taught in some of the leading schools. This teaches that man got here by God using evolutionary processes. Theistic evolutionist believes in accidents, selective happenings; but God directed it out.

·        This is a coward’s way out. He can keep his unbelief and still hoodwink a lot of God’s people.

·        He believes God was involved in the progress of man; that God evolves things.

·        But the Bible says, “God created”; so the Theistic evolutionist is a wolf in sheep’s clothing; he gets to go to church with his false beliefs.

     B. The Approach of Creationism: (This means that God created!)

          Looking at the creation of Adam we find there are some things that will not fit the theory of evolution.

          1.  Man was given intellectual faculties; in other words the ability to perform certain tasks. Genesis 2: 7  And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

      Genesis 2: 15  And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.  Notice that man was given an intellectual mind and ability to perform certain tasks.  So we find He commanded the man. Genesis 2:16 ¶ And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17  But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. Something else about man he needed companionship. Genesis 2:18 ¶ And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. Man had the ability to call and name the living creatures. Genesis 2: 19  And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof. 20  And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.

·        An evolutionist does not believe Adam had intelligence in the garden; now you don’t find an ameba with intelligence. God didn’t tell an ameba to get into the garden and care for it.

·    Adam was the only man directly created by God! Genesis 2: 7  And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

          2.  Adam possessed moral and spiritual faculties and some tests were given him.

                   a.  The moral test; will he obey God or disobey God? Genesis 2: 16 ¶ And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: 17  But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. God allows Satan to be the instrument in testing. Genesis 3, God allows the entrance of the serpent. Will he listen to the serpent or God? 2 Corinthians 11: 14  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Satan can look like an angel of light. He can change himself to look or appear as an angel of light, a representative of God. The serpent is the devil. Revelation 20: 2  And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

Genesis 3: 1 ¶ Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? The devil in the serpent questions God’s command; Yea, Hath God said? That’s the way Satan gets people to agree with him; he questions the Word of God. Genesis 3: 1 ¶ Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2  And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3  But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4  And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5  For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. Here you have the greatest Bible perversion in all the Word of God.

·        Satan questions the Word of God

·        Satan denies the Word of God

·        Satan changes the Word of God

·        Perversion comes when people begin changing the Word of God; adding to the Word of God. This is where you get false teaching from; right here we find it in Genesis chapter three.

·        So man fails the moral test and he also fails the spiritual test; which is, if he would obey God.

·        You cannot present this test to an animal of any kind. They do not possess moral and spiritual faculties.

3.  Special creation; this is a view that man is a direct product from the hand of God and the statements made in Genesis 1 and 2 are to be taken at face value.

·        Needless to say, Special creation is the position of Bible Believers.

II.  THE FALL OF MAN:

     A. The temptation that led to the fall. Genesis 3: 1 ¶ Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? We see here Satan disguised in the serpent entices and tempts Eve to take of the forbidden fruit and eat it. Satan begins by slyly doubting the Word of God, but soon he is blatantly denying the Word of God.

     B. The transgression that caused the fall. Genesis 3:  2  And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3  But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. In these verses Eve commits two fatal mistakes. (1) She adds to God’s Word (2) She takes from God’s Word. She omitted the original command, “thou shalt surely die” Genesis 2: 17  But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

     C. The trial that followed the fall. Adam the sinner after a brief and futile attempt to hide now confesses his crime. At this point the righteous Judge sits in judgment in Eden and the trial begins. A three-fold sentence is soon passed down.

          1.  Upon the serpent, Genesis 3: 14 ¶ And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: The serpent will craw upon his belly all the days of his life.

          2.  Upon Satan, Genesis 3: 15  And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

                  This indicates a great hatred against Christ and eventually Christ will crush the head of Satan receiving a heel wound in the process at Calvary.

              Romans 16: 20  And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

          3.  Upon Adam, Adam and Eve will experience a seven-fold sentence because of their sin.

              a.  Shame, try to cover with fig leaves, Genesis 3: 7  And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

              b. Fear, try to hide, Genesis 3: 8  And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. 9 ¶ And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? 10  And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

              c.  Discord, blaming others, Genesis 3: 12  And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. 13  And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

              d. Death, Genesis 5: 5  And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.

                        Psalm 90: 10  The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years,… die physical and spiritual death if he doesn’t get saved.

                        Matthew 25: 41  Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

                        Revelation 2: 11  He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

                        Revelation 20: 6  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

                        Revelation 20: 14  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

                        Revelation 21: 8  But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

                        Spiritual death is separation from God forever!

              e.  Suffering, Genesis 3: 16 ¶ Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

              f.   Weariness of labor, Genesis 3: 17 ¶ And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18  Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19  In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

              g. Separation, Genesis 3: 22 ¶ And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: 23  Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. 24  So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. Cherubims are angels.

                        Exodus 25: 19  And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof. 20  And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubims be. 21  And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee. Cherubims are angels.

     D. Interpretations of Genesis chapter three.

          1.  It is an allegory; a story made up to teach a deeper hidden truth.

·        Those that teach this say, “Moses made it up.” This is infected with the germ of infidelity. (Totally false).

          2.  It is just Hebrew poetry, which is a myth in Hebrew culture. Just stories past down from generation to generation. The liberals and modernist hold to these views; The allegory view and the myth view.

          3.  The normal literal interpretation, this is exactly what the Bible says and we believe it.

·        Needless to say, that is the position of Bible Believers.

     E. The nature of the fall.

          1.  The fall was a voluntary act of the will.

·        He sinned because he hearkened to the voice of his wife.

·        God knew man didn’t have to sin, but God knew man would sin even before he did sin.

          2.  It came from an outside source, which is the serpent used of Satan.

          3.  It was a positive disbelief in the Word of God.

     F. The results of the fall.

          1.  All mankind without respect are sinners. Psalm 51: 5  Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. It does not mean having babies is sin, but that every child born has the sin nature.

                  Psalm 58: 3  The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.  Again proving that one has the sin nature at birth.

                  Romans 3: 8  And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just. 9  What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; 10  As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: 11  There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 12  They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Paul was slandered.

          2.  This sinful condition is vitally connected with the sin of Adam. Romans 5: 12  Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Adam was our representative. This shows that everyone who would have been in Adam’s place would have done the same thing.

·        Eve’s disobedience didn’t affect mankind until Adam disobeyed. The commandments were given to the man. Most theologians believe if Adam had admitted he sinned things would be a lot different today.

          3.  The whole world is under the condemnation of God. John 3: 16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. The unsaved will not be condemned later, but is condemned already right now. John 3: 36  He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

·        Noting John 3:16 we see some things about God’s love.

o       It is an unselfish love. God gave to an unthankful world.

o       It is an unasked love. No one asked for Jesus, in fact they cried crucify him.

o       It is an undeserved love. No one in this world deserves this love, but Jesus came into this world and He loved us and He died for us.

o       It is an unending love. Why did He send him? V-. 17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

              4.  The whole race of man is in captivity to sin and Satan. 2 Corinthians 4: 3  But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. The devil doesn’t care about you, in fact he wants you to go to hell.

·        The devil is in the business of blinding minds so they won’t believe the preaching of the Word of God.

              The devil is an imitator, slick, able to change himself, 2 Corinthians 11: 14  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. The devil’s preachers will give the impression of being righteous preachers.

·        They are tools of Satan leading to damnation. They make people think they are righteous, but they are tools of the devil and the devil is an imitator of God.

·        The devil teaches doctrine; he has preachers, so why not doctrine. 1 Timothy 4: 1 ¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Note, these are doctrines inspired by devils, the author is Satan himself.

·        Just believing there is a God won’t save you. James 2: 19  Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. Even Satan himself, believes in Jesus Christ, but he is not saved. A person has to trust Jesus Christ as the sacrifice for their sins in order to be saved.

·        So, the whole race of mankind is in captivity to sin and to Satan.

          5.  The entire nature of man; mentally, morally, physically and spiritually is affected by sin. There are four areas affected by sin.

              a.  Mentally, the Bible tells us the understanding of man is darkened. Ephesians 4: 18  Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Man cannot understand spiritual things unless he is saved. 1 Corinthians 2: 14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

b. Morally, the nature of man is morally affected, the mind and conscious is defiled. Titus 1: 15  Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. To defile means to make dirty, to make corrupt. Jeremiah 17: 9  The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?

·        Don’t follow feelings or your heart; but follow the Word of God!

              c.  Physically, the flesh and spirit of man is filthy, 2 Corinthians 7: 1 ¶ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Only a man that has the Holy Spirit in him can cleanse himself.

                        1 Peter 3: 21 ¶ The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: This is figuratively speaking! How does a man have a good conscious before God? He must be saved!

              d. Spiritually, (the will is feeble),  Romans 7: 18  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. The weakness of the flesh causes one to break the law. The will is weak spiritually.

·        A person must have the Holy Spirit living in his body to have a chance of doing anything spiritually right.

                        2 Corinthians 4: 4  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

          G. A Biblical definition of sin.

              1. Sin is lawlessness. (No one has the right to tell me what to do.)  1 John 3: 4 ¶ Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. Trespassing the law or God the boundaries of God

              2.  Sin unrighteousness.  1 John 5: 17  All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. Missing the mark. It is missing the bulls eye of God’s righteousness.

          H. Sin in relation to the Christian.

              1. The fact of sin.

                   a.  When a person is saved that does not mean he is totally free from sin. 1 John 1: 10  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

                              Romans 7: 18  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

                              Romans 7: 23  But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

                              The law of sin still exists in a believer’s body. A war is going on. The two natures are fighting. When you got saved your body did not get saved. Now one day it will be redeemed.  Romans 8: 23  And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. Why do we groan? Because we have an old body that has not been redeemed yet. This old body is as wicked as ever. Paul says there is not one good thing that dwells in this flesh.

                                      2.  What is God’s provision for preventing sin in a Christian’s life?

                   a.  The Word of God, Psalm 119: 11 ¶ Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

                              John 15: 3  Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. The Word of God is like detergent it has cleansing power.

                   b. The Intercessory work of Jesus Christ, John 17: 15  I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

                   c.  The work of the Holy Spirit, Romans 8: 26 ¶ Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27  And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

·        So this is God’s provision for us to help us not to sin.

     A. False views concerning the destiny of man.

          1.  Nirvana, this is an oriental Hindu philosophy; it teaches that at death man ceases all personal existence and is absorbed by some great life giving principle in the universe.

·        According to this thought man while he lives can be pictured as a small wave ripple skimming on top of a mighty ocean but when the wind stops (death), the wave is received back into the ocean from whence it came and forever looses its previous identity.

·        This is refuted by the Bible. Matthew 17: 1 ¶ And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, 2  And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. 3  And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him. 4  Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

This philosophy has a problem here as Moses had died 2000 years earlier and Elijah had departed over 7 centuries back and now, Moses and Elijah both appeared on the mount before Peter, James and John talking with Jesus. 1 Corinthians 15: 12 ¶ Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13  But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: 14  And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 15  Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. 16  For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17  And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18  Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19  If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

1 Corinthians 15: 42  So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43  It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44  It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45  And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 46  Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 47  The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48  As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49  And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

·        So, this oriental philosophy is completely false and refuted by the Word of God.

          2.  Restorationism, the belief here is that in a future life all men will be given a 2^nd chance to make their choice for God they did not make during this life. It is totally refuted by the Word of God. Proverbs 29: 1 ¶ He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

                  John 3:3  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

                  Verse 16  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Note the contrast here; perishing – everlasting life.

                  Verse 18  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

·        There is no Scripture that teaches a person gets a 2^nd chance after they die.

          3.  Materialism, this is the atheistic belief that man upon death forever ceases to be and quietly rocks into nothing. It is refuted in the Bible.

              1 Corinthians 15: 50  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51 ¶ Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. This doesn’t sound like it goes into nothing. This body shall be changed!

          4.  Annihilationism, this theory taught by Jehovah Witnesses and various other groups teaching that all the ungodly will be uncreated or annihilated by God. (Another one of those crazy false teachings, but we must deal with it.)

              Matthew 25: 46  And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

                  Revelation 14: 9  And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, 10  The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11  And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

     5.  Soul sleep, this teaches that the soul sleeps between death and the resurrection. Also refuted in the Bible. 2 Corinthians 5: 6  Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7  (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8  We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9  Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

Philippians 1: 23  For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24  Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

·        Notice the saved go immediately to be with Jesus Christ upon their physical death. Revelation 6: 9 ¶ And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 10  And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? 11  And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

     6.  Purgatory, the Roman Catholic doctrine teaching all those who die at peace with the Church not perfect must under go peno and purifying sufferings; however, this is for those who die in lesser sins; for all who die in mortal sins are condemned forever in hell.

·        Roman Catholic doctrine teaches a person’s stay in purgatory may be shortened by gifts and services of the living people done in behalf of the dead love one. All is refuted by God’s Word!

Hebrews 9: 11  But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; 12  Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13  For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: 14  How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Hebrews 9: 24  For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: 25  Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; 26  For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Jesus Christ died for sinners!

Hebrews 10: 12  But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; 13  From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. 14  For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 15  Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, 16  This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; Jesus Christ died for sinners!  

7.  Limbo, this is another aspect of the Roman Catholic theology, which teaches that all unbaptized children and the mentally incompetent upon death will proceed to a permanent place of happiness but not heaven. Totally untrue!

          Matthew 18: 1 ¶ At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? 2  And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3  And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4  Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5  And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6  But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 ¶ Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! 8  Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. 9  And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. 10  Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.

So as you can see the Lord Jesus Christ looks at children as something special whether they’re baptized or mentally incompetent or not. Until a child reaches the age of accountability they are safe!

     8.  Reincarnation, this is the belief in the transmigration or rebirth of the soul, which has been fundamental to most religions and philosophies of India. A quote of one or their own, “as one sows in the present life, so one shall reap in the next; good deeds results in a good state of rebirth.”

·        Needless to say, there is no Scriptural support for this view of reincarnation. Some try to use John 3:3, but it is mis-applied.

Christology (Study of Christ)       by Dr. Paul O. Dabdoub

I.   THE PERSON OF JESUS CHRIST:

     A. Names and types of Christ indicate personality;

          1.  Jesus, his human name used some 612 times in the Gospels. It is used 71 times in the rest of the New Testament.

              Jesus means Jehovah is salvation. This is his redemption name and has to do with humiliation. The Gospels deals with humiliation and Acts through Galatians deals with his glory.

          2.  Christ, this is his title and means Anointed One. Deuteronomy 18: 15 ¶ The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; 16  According to all that thou desiredst of the LORD thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. 17  And the LORD said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. 18  I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 19  And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. All the way back to Deuteronomy we see prophetical Scriptures speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ø     Acts through Revelation the name Christ is used some 256 times; the Gospels use the name Christ 56 times.

Ø     In the Gospels the name Jesus is used 612 times and Christ is used 56 times. The name Jesus refers to “humiliation”.

Ø     Acts through Revelation the name Jesus is used 71 times but Christ is used 256 times. The name Christ refers to his glory.

o       To the saved; He is both, Lord and Christ. Acts 2: 36  Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

      Romans 10: 9  That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, …

          3.  Messiah, this name means Christ. John 1: 41  He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

          4.  Lord, title of authority. Matthew 4: 7  Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

          5.  Jesus Christ, a combination of his personal name and his official name.

          6.  Christ Jesus. Philippians 2: 5  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Here his official title is used first with his personal name following. Then sometimes it is reversed.

          7.  I AM THAT I AM. John 18: 5  They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth . Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them.

                  Exodus 3: 13  And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? 14  And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel , I AM hath sent me unto you.

                  John 8: 58  Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.  

Ø     Jesus is God and is the God of Exodus 3:13-14

          8.  Son of God. Jesus has the 3-fold right to be called Son of God.

              1.  His humanity was a direct creation by God. Luke 1: 35  And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

                  2.  Because of his resurrection. Jesus Christ was raised bodily and is sitting at the right hand of the Father.

              3.  Because of his eternal relationship with God the Father. John 5: 17 ¶ But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. 18  Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

          9.  Son of man. Luke 9: 58  And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. This name is used 84 times in the Gospels; Jesus was primarily a minister to Israel .

Ø     The name, Son of man is not found in the Pauline Epistles; for we are in the body of Christ.  I Corinthians 12: 13  For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Ø     During the 4 Gospels stage no one was baptized into the body of Christ for that ministry of the Holy Spirit was not in force yet.

          10.    Son or the Highest. Luke 1: 32  He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: This is speaking of the lineage of David.

          11. Word of God. John 1: 1 ¶ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2  The same was in the beginning with God. Word is capitalized!

                  Revelation 19: 13  And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

          12. Emmanuel. Matthew 1: 23  Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

          13. Saviour. Luke 2: 11  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

          14. Rabi. (His Hebrew name) John 1: 38  Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?

          15. Rabboni. (Master or Chief or Teacher) Chaldean form John 20: 16  Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

          16. Master. (one who instructs others) Matthew 9: 11  And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?

Ø     Jesus loved to mix with sinners so that he could reach them.       

          17. Lord our righteousness. Jeremiah 23: 5  Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. 6  In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Notice the caps here. There is no unrighteousness in Him!

     B. The humanity of Jesus Christ:

          1.  The virgin birth. Matthew 2: 2  Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. Matthew emphasizes Jesus being a King.

                  Luke 2: 11  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke emphasizes Jesus as being a Saviour.

                  a.  He had one human parent. Galatians 4: 4  But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

                  John 2: 1 ¶ And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee ; and the mother of Jesus was there:  Notice not a man, but his mother, one parent.

                  Luke 2: 33  And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. 34  And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

                  Luke 2: 43  And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem ; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

                  ** Mary says nothing about worshipping her. Luke 1: 46  And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47  And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Mary was a sinner and rejoiced in her Saviour. Mary got saved!

              b.  Prophecy of the virgin birth. Prophecy goes all the way back to Genesis.

                   Genesis 3: 15  And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Jesus is the Seed of the Woman!

          2.  The human development of Jesus. Child, Luke 2: 40  And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. Man, Luke 2: 52  And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Jesus grows into a man; a sinless perfect man. 100% man without sin and 100% God. (Jesus is God in flesh).

          3.  His sinless humanity. 2 Corinthians 5: 21  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

                  Hebrews 4: 15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

                   He never gave into temptation. Matthew 4: 1 ¶ Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2  And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 3  And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4  But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 5  Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, 6  And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 7  Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 8  Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9  And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10  Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 11  Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Jesus hungered as a man, but Jesus never gave in to the temptation of the devil. He resisted never one time sinning.

     C. The reasons for the Incarnation. (It means that Jesus Christ was God in the flesh.)

          1.  To reveal God to man. John 1: 18  No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

          2.  To provide an example for living. 1 Peter 2: 21  For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

          3.  To provide a sacrifice for sin. Hebrews 10: 1 ¶ For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. 2  For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. 3  But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. 4  For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. 5  Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: 6  In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. 7 ¶ Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. 8  Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; 9  Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. 10  By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

          4.  To destroy the works of the devil. The devil still has a certain amount of activity that God has allowed. When a person gets saved he/she will not go to hell, so the works of the devil has been destroyed on that part. However, the devil is still in business of tempting you and I to sin and sometimes causing us to sub come to that temptation. The devil doesn’t care how he gets us to sin; so, it is up to the believer to stay close to the Lord Jesus Christ in order to overcome the temptation.

     D. The Person of Christ: This will include 3 facts of Christ.

          1.  His undiminished Deity. 100% God

          2.  His perfect humanity. 100% man

          3.  His Deity and Humanity was united in one person forever. 1 Timothy 2: 5  For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

II.  PROOFS OF CHRIST’S HUMANITY:

     A. He has a human body.

          1.  He was born of a woman. Galatians 4: 4  But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

          2.  He was subject to growth. Luke 2: 52  And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

          3.  He was seen and handled by man. 1 John 1: 1 ¶ That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

          4.  He was sinless even though he had a body. Hebrews 4: 15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

     B. He had a human soul and spirit. Matthew 26: 38  Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

                  Luke 23: 46  And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

      C. He was subject to the limitations of humanity; not all, but some of them.

          1.  He hungered. Matthew 4: 2  And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.

          2.  He got thirsty. John 19: 28  After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

          3.  He grew tired. John 4: 6  Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.

          4.  He wept. John 11: 35  Jesus wept.

          5.  He was tempted. Hebrews 4: 15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

     D. He had human names:

          1.  Son of God,  Matthew 14:33  Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

          2.  Jesus, Matthew 1: 21  And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

          3.  Son of David, Mark 10: 47  And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.

          4.  Son of Abraham, Matthew 1: 1 ¶ The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

          5.  Son of Man, Luke 19: 10  For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

          6.  Man, 1 Timothy 2: 5  For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; He had human names.

     E. He was able to die and did die. Luke 23: 46  And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

            1 Corinthians 15: 3  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

III. THE PROOFS OF CHRIST’S DEITY: (Deity means that Jesus was God).

     A. His Deity is proven by His Name: he is called God, he is called the Son of God, he is called Lord and he is called King of Kings.

     B. His Deity is proven by His Attributes:

          1.  He’s Omnipotent, (all powerful) Matthew 28: 18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

          2.  He’s Omniscient, (all knowing) John 1: 48  Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.

          3.  He’s Omnipresent, (every where present) Matthew 18: 20  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

          4.  He’s the Life, John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

          5.  He’s the Truth,  John 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

      C. His Deity is proven by His Works:

          1.  His work in creation. John 1: 3  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

          2.  He sustains the creation. Colossians 1: 17  And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

          3.  He forgives sin. Luke 7: 48  And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.

          4.  He raises the dead. John 5: 25  Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

                  1 Thessalonians 4: 13 ¶ But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

          5.  He judges mankind. John 5: 27  And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

          6.  He sent the Holy Spirit. John 15: 26 ¶ But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

     D. His Deity is proven by the worship that is given Him:

          1.  He is worshipped by angels. Hebrews 1: 6  And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.

          2.  He is worshipped by mankind. Matthew 14: 33  Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

                  Matthew 2: 11  And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

          3.  One day every knee shall bow and recognize the Name of Jesus is above every name. Philippians 2: 10  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

                  Romans 14:11  For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

     E. His Deity is proven by His equality in the Trinity:

          1.  He’s equal with the Father. John 14: 23  Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

          2.  He’s equal with the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28: 19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

                  2 Corinthians 13: 14  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

IV.     THE DOCTRINE OF THE KENOSIS (KENOO):

     A. The Meaning is an emptying. Jesus completely emptied Himself.

     B. The Scripture: Philippians 2: 7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Ø     He humbled himself, became a man even a servant, and became obedient unto death on the cross. (A most shameful death).

Ø     Jesus emptied himself so that he could qualify as a man that was sinless so that we could be forgiven.

V. HIS IMPECCABILITY: (Christ was not able to sin.)

     2 Corinthians 5: 21  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

     Note God the Father made God the Son to be sin for us. The Lord Jesus had no experience with sin; He knew no sin.

     No doubt He had seen others sin; which grieved his heart; but He knew no sin.

     Hebrews 4: 15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. What were the results of this doctrine?

          1.  The temptation proved the sinless ness of Jesus Christ.

          2.  The temptation made Him a sympathizing High Priest. (He knows how we feel even today.)

VI.     THE DEATH OF JESUS CHRIST:

     A. It’s importance:

          1.  It is repeatedly prophesied in the Old Testament. Luke 24: 27  And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

          2.  In the New Testament it is mentioned over 175 times.

          3.  He came to go to the cross as a ransom for many. Matthew 20: 28  Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

          4.  In relation to the Gospel, the death of Jesus Christ is at the very heart of the Gospel. 1 Corinthians 15: 1 ¶ Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2  By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3  For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4  And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

     B. The description of the death of Christ Jesus:

          1.  It is called a ransom, Matthew 20: 28  Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

                  1 Timothy 2: 6  Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

          2.  It is called a reconciliation, 2 Corinthians 5: 18  And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19  To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

            3.  It is pictured as a propitiation. (Satisfaction). 1 John 2: 2  And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Ø     Jesus Christ completely satisfied God for the payment for sin!

      Isaiah 53: 1 ¶ Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed? 2  For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. 3  He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 ¶ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5  But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6  All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7  He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 8  He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. 9  And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. 10 ¶ Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. 11  He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. 12  Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

          4.  It is looked upon as being a substitution. 2 Corinthians 5: 21  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Ø     Jesus came into this world to be our sin even though He knew no sin!

          5.  It is seen as proof that of the love of God. Romans 5: 8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

VII. THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST:

     A. The fact of the resurrection:

          1.  You have an empty tomb. John 20: 11 ¶ But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12  And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13  And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 14  And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15  Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16  Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17  Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

          2.  The many appearances of Jesus after His resurrection.

              a.  He appeared to Mary Magdalene, Matthew 28: 9  And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

              b. He appeared to Peter, 1 Corinthians 15: 5  And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

              c.  He appeared to the disciples, Luke 24:36 ¶ And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37  But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38  And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39  Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. 40  And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. 41  And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? 42  And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. 43  And he took it, and did eat before them.

              d. He appeared to more than 500 brethren at once, 1 Corinthians 15: 6  After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

              e.  He appeared to the 12 disciples, Matthew 28: 16 ¶ Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17  And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. 18  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

              f.   He appeared to Thomas, John 20: 26 ¶ And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27  Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28  And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29  Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

            3.  If there is no resurrection, how do you explain the existence of the Church?

Ø     The Church came as a result of the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ!

     B. The nature of the resurrection of the body of Jesus Christ:

          1.  It was a real body; not a spirit, but a real body. John 20: 20  And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21  Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22  And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23  Whose so ever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose so ever sins ye retain, they are retained. 24  But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25  The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26 ¶ And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27  Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28  And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29  Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

          2.  This body is identified as the same one laid in the tomb. John 20: . 25  The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26 ¶ And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27  Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

          3.  This body of Jesus Christ was changed so that it would never again be subject to death.

     Hebrews 9: 26  For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27  And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: 28  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

1 Timothy 6: 16  Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

     C. The significance of the resurrection:

          1.  In relation to Jesus Christ.

              a.  It proved Him to be the Son of God with power. Romans 1: 4  And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

              b. It confirmed the truth of all that He said. Matthew 28: 6  He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

          2.  In relationship to all men.

              a.  It makes certain of the resurrection of all the saved. 1 Corinthians 20: 20 ¶ But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21  For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

              b. It makes certain of the coming judgment. Acts 17: 31  Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

          3.  The special significance to the believer.

              a.  It gives assurance of acceptance with God. Romans 4: 25  Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Romans 5:1 ¶ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

              b. It guarantees the believer’s resurrection. 2 Corinthians 4: 14  Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

              c.  It designates Christ as Head of the Church. Ephesians 1: 19  And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20  Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

              d. It means a sympathetic High Priest. Hebrews 4: 14  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

VIII. THE ASENCION OF JESUS CHRIST:

     A. The significance of His ascension:

          1.  There’s an exaltation of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1: 20  Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22  And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

          2.  It guarantees the fact that our forerunners have already entered into heaven. Hebrews 6: 20  Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

          3.  This began His High Priestly Ministry. Hebrews 4: 14  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

          4.  He is the Headship over the Church. Colossians 1: 18  And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

IX.     THE FACTS CONCERNING THE SINLESSNESS OF JESUS CHRIST: While Jesus was upon this earth we have many witnesses and some of them were his enemies, which testify that Jesus was sinless.

     1.  Pilot, John 19: 4  Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.

     2.  Pilot’s wife, Matthew 27: 19  When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.

     3.  Judas Iscariot, Matthew 27: 3  Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4  Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.

     4.  The dying thief, Luke 23: 40  But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41  And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.

     5.  The Roman Centurion, Luke 23: 47  Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.