An Expectation for Growth

The Apostle Paul had made clear to the Corinthian believers that God had given his children his Spirit “that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God” (I Corinthians 2:12).  In spite of that blessed privilege, they had remained spiritually immature so Paul found it necessary to rebuke them for their lack of spiritual growth.  “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ” (I Corinthians 3:1).  Yes, they had been born again by faith in Christ having believed the gospel.  But they had remained babes in Christ.

Paul did not question the reality of their faith here, but he did express genuine disappointment that they had not grown in the Lord.  To become a Christian is to become a follower of Jesus Christ.  We enter into a living relationship with him through the new birth and grow in likeness of him by living out our faith.  The believers in Corinth had not grown as they should have and this was made plain to Paul by their behavior.  They were given over to “envying and strife and divisions” (I Corinthians 3:3). 

Just as newborn babies are expected to grow and develop, so, too, Christians are expected to grow in their likeness of the Savior.  When infants do not mature (gain weight, learn to sit up, crawl, walk, speak) parents grow rightfully concerned and seek medical help.  Growth is the greatest evidence of a healthy new life.  This is true in the spiritual arena as well.  God expects his children to grow, but this was not the case with the believers in Corinth.  Their striving and envying and causing divisions betrayed a selfishness that was inconsistent with the testimony of Christ.  Because of this Paul ministered unto them “as babes” and fed them “with milk and not with meat” (I Corinthians 3:2)

Growing in Christ is a lifelong pursuit for the believer.  It means learning of him in every venue of life – my role as an employee, as a parent, as a spouse, as a neighbor, as a citizen, etc.  We grow as a result of obeying what we know from God’s word concerning Christ. 

The writer of Hebrews encountered believers who were not where they should have been spiritually.  Listen to his burden for his audience.  “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God and are become such as have need of milk and not of strong meat.  For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:12-14; emphasis added).  Clearly, his audience had been Christians long enough to be teaching others of Christ, yet were not.  Note the phrase “by reason of use.”  The key to growing is doing!

We must be “doers of the word and not hearers only” as James told us (James 1:22) if we are to mature in our faith and bear fruit for God.  What does your growth chart look like?  Are you a doer or a hearer only?

His Understanding is Infinite

The Psalmist wrote “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite” (Psalm 147:5).  It really should not surprise us to understand that the God who created all things quite literally knows all things, as well.  One naturally follows the other.  He created the galaxies, our universe and solar system; he hung the stars in space – billions of them.  Yet he also created the earth with its seasons, varying topographies, and creature inhabitants of both land and sea. 

When Moses balked at going back to Egypt to lead the children of Israel out, he said that he was “not eloquent…but…slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.  And the LORD said unto him, who hath made man’s mouth? Or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I the LORD?” (Exodus 4:10-11).

Speaking of the tongue, David acknowledged that God knew his very thoughts.  He confessed to the LORD “there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, that knowest it altogether…Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it” (Psalm 139:4-6).

Frankly, isn’t that the way we would want it if we were to make up our own God?  Wouldn’t we want a God who knew all things?  Wouldn’t we want a God to whom we could go with every problem, every question, every care?  But we have such a God!  We do not need to create such a God.  We have a God who created us and knows ALL things. 

The Bible teaches us “the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him” (2 Chronicles 16:9).  This God who knows all things knows our fears and how to quiet them.  He knows our weaknesses and how to strengthen us.  He knows our perplexities and how to guide us through them.  He knows the dangers we face and how to deliver us.

Do you know this God?  His name is Jesus and in him are “hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).  There are many that profess to know him.  What a tragedy it would be in the day of judgment for this God who knows all things “to profess unto them I never knew you; depart from me ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21).  But for the child of God he declares “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by name; thou art mine” (Isaiah 43:1).

Five Reasons to be of Good Cheer

We live in challenging times, do we not? Perhaps, many might think “challenging” is a bit of an understatement. Truth seems to be such a rare commodity. We do not trust our government, the media, even one another. There is little in the way of civil debate over social or political issues. Rather, harsh condemnation marked by vitriolic speech seems to be the path most followed. Evil is called good and righteousness is increasingly condemned. Furthermore, the economy has grown oppressive. We work more and take home less, struggling to eke out a living. If what we watch on the evening news were all that we knew, we would indeed be most miserable. But there is hope. I want to share five reasons to be of good cheer – reasons that are not contingent on anything this world provides.

The first and foremost of these reasons is our salvation is permanent. When Christ was ministering in Capernaum, “they brought unto him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins are forgiven thee” (Matthew 9:2; emphasis added). The man perceived his need to be physical; Christ saw his real need as spiritual (though the Lord healed him completely). We, too, often fail to see our real needs and, consequently, look for remedies that are short-sighted and miss the mark. His physical need was temporary, i.e. this life only, but the forgiveness of sins transcends this life unto life eternal. The forgiveness of sins is ours to enjoy regardless of our circumstances. Do you know the forgiveness of your sins?

A second reason to be of good cheer is that our Savior is present. After feeding a great multitude (five thousand men plus women and children), Christ sent his disciples by boat across the sea of Galilee while he spent time in prayer. During that trip a great storm arose and threatened their very lives. As they struggled to bring the ship to shore, “Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea…and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid” (Matthew 14:22-26; emphasis added). This storm became a threat even though they were in the will of God (remember, he had instructed them to go across the sea). In spite of the peril, Christ was present with them! Likewise, we are never alone in the storms of life. Furthermore, Peter was moved to step out of the boat and walk on the sea toward Jesus. He was able to move out of his comfort zone and do something beyond his ability by the presence of Christ. We, too, can achieve beyond our own capability by his presence for his presence is provision enough. What is the Lord urging you to do that is in your mind beyond your own reach?

The Lord is our sustaining peace provides a third reason to be of good cheer. In the upper room immediately prior to his crucifixion, the Lord told his disciples “A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father” (John 16:16). Later, in that same discourse, he told them they would be scattered and that in the world they would have tribulation. Nevertheless, he told them “be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:32-33; emphasis added). His departure to the Father resulted in the coming of the Spirit to dwell permanently within every believer. His indwelling made possible a communion with the Father sustained by a new prayer dynamic not possible prior to the Lord’s departure. “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24). The world brings turmoil; communion with the Father through Christ brings lasting peace. Are you abiding in Christ? Do you know that peace?

Another reason to be of good cheer may not seem so obvious as those mentioned already. The Scriptures teach us that our service potential is a reason to be of good cheer. Paul’s preaching of the resurrection in Jerusalem resulted in great dissension among his audience. As a result, Paul was taken prisoner by the Roman soldiers to safeguard him and bring order to the tumult. But “the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome” (Acts 23:11; emphasis added). Christ had work for Paul to do, work that was not subject to life’s circumstances for our Lord is the God of circumstances. The fact that we as believers are still here (and not in heaven) testifies that the Lord has a work for each one of us. We should pursue that labor and trust in him for the necessary enabling or provision in the midst of our circumstances. Are you working for the Lord or has this world’s troubles hindered your pursuit?

Finally, the fifth reason to be of good cheer is the Scriptures’ power. When Paul was taken prisoner in Jerusalem, he exercised his right as a Roman citizen and appealed to be tried before Caesar. Accompanied by a Roman guard, he embarked on the long boat ride from Jerusalem to Rome. While at sea a severe storm arose. The safety of the ship and all those aboard was threatened. After many days of duress, “all hope that we should be saved was taken away” (Acts 27:20). Nevertheless, the angel of God stood by Paul that night saying, “Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar; and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.” Encouraged, Paul told those on board with him, “be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me” (Acts 27:23-25; emphasis added). The Scriptures record that all 276 souls reached shore safely even though the ship was destroyed. There are many promises in God’s word we can claim as Paul did. None of them can ever fail. Rest your soul in the promises of God and be of good cheer! 

A Warning Against Contentious Behavior

The Apostle Paul thanked God greatly for the evident grace in the lives of the Corinthian believers (I Corinthians 1:4).  Even so, as often is the case with every Christian, they had just as evident a need for correction as well.  Consequently, Paul rebuked them for the contentions that had arisen among them as reported by the house of Chloe (I Corinthians 1:10-11).  What could have been so grievous as to drive a wedge between various groups of believers? 

As it turned out, it was nothing more than a favoritism or partiality displayed for different ministers and it had affected the entire church.  Paul related “that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ” (I Corinthians 1:12).  Some liked Paul because he had led them to Christ and founded the church; others liked Apollos because he was an eloquent speaker and “mighty in the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24); still others favored Peter because he was the Apostle of the Circumcision (Galatians 2:7); finally, those no doubt among the most pious perhaps because they had seen the risen Savior (I Corinthians 15:6) said they were followers of Christ. 

Paul’s main argument in addressing their folly was the organic unity in the body of Christ, i.e. the church.  One can sense the passion in his questions to the believers there in Corinth.  “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or, were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (I Corinthians 1:13) The obvious answer is “No!”.  This unity purchased by the Savior’s blood was not to be treated lightly.  Paul dealt similarly with the Ephesians.  He charged that audience with “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2-3).

Why don’t we work harder at keeping the peace? It seems we can readily find something to disagree about and usually manage to “make a mountain out of a mole hill” as the proverb goes.  We simply do not place the premium on peace that God does and, consequently, are ready to offer it up on the altar for the smallest of things.  Contention is a chief characteristic of our society today and it is increasingly finding its way into the church.  Yet, we do well to remind ourselves of Solomon’s warning to his son.  “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: a proud look…and he that soweth discord among the brethren” (Proverbs 6:19).

Granted, sometimes peace is necessarily elusive.  James does acknowledge that “the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable” (James 3:17) teaching us that truth is never to be surrendered to secure peace.  Even so, we do well to remember Paul’s urging as well that “if it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). The next time you are in an escalating situation, remember this.  “A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).

A Steward of the Manifold Grace of God

The Corinthians had some question about spiritual gifts and Paul took time in his letter to respond. He first reminded them that before becoming Christians, they were “carried away unto… dumb idols, even as ye were led” (I Corinthians 12:2). Simply speaking, they knew not Christ. But the new birth changes their relationship to God through their faith in the Lord Jesus. Paul writes “Wherefore, I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is Lord, but by the Holy Ghost” (I Corinthians 12:3). To call Jesus Lord is to acknowledge that he is God come in the flesh. This is the personal testimony of anyone and everyone that calls himself or herself a Christian.

Paul prefaced his instruction on spiritual gifts by identifying those included in his remarks. Only those who are indwelled by the Spirit of God have spiritual gifts and these ones are known by their personal testimony of Jesus Christ. By implication, every believer has at least one spiritual gift. This is confirmed expressly in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, “But unto every one of us is given grace (spiritual gift) according to the measure of the gift of Christ” (Ephesians 4:7).

Paul then writes concerning spiritual gifts that there are different gifts though granted by the same Spirit; these gifts differ in their administration but are all under the authority of one Lord; and these gifts result in varying operations but all receive their power from the same God (I Corinthians 12:4-6).

 The purpose of these gifts is clearly stated in I Corinthians 12:7, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.” The “manifestation of the Spirit” (spiritual gift) is to be used by its recipient to the benefit of all other believers, i.e. the church!

All of this ties to together very neatly. It was necessary to point out that only believers in Christ had spiritual gifts. These gifts are to be used for the benefit of the body of Christ. The exercise of spiritual gifts was so vitally important to God that every member of the Trinity was involved.

Now for the application – are you a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ? If so, then you have, on the authority of Scripture, at least one spiritual gift. Do you know what it is? Are you using it for Christ in his church to the benefit of other believers? Peter gives us this insightful command, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (I Peter 4:10). Are you being a faithful steward?

A Soldier’s Life for Me

As he closed out his letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (I Corinthians 16:13). Every exhortation in this brief series of commands is comprised of language with a military origin. Paul frequently used such language because it was readily understandable given the pervasive presence of soldiers throughout the Roman empire.

Just as soldiers kept watch throughout the night, believers are challenged to likewise have a keen attentiveness to their circumstances and surroundings. Convinced of the truth and committed to following it, we watch tirelessly for the encroachment of falsehood and evil wherever they might occur. We dare not let down our guard for our “adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8). While his mindset is that of a roaring lion, the Scriptures admonish us that “Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). The deceptiveness of falsehood demands a vigilant scrutiny of the events and circumstances of our times. Someone has wisely said that rat poison is 99% pure corn. Therefore, we must watch!

We are not to yield territory to the enemy, but rather are commanded to stand fast in the faith. As soldiers are commanded to hold their position in the face of the enemy, so Paul admonishes believers to do likewise. Peter used this same militaristic language, exhorting believers concerning Satan, to “resist steadfast in the faith” (I Peter 5:9). The enemy will indeed attack for truth is not a popular commodity. But we are to resist falsehood and hold fast to the truth. Christ promised his disciples that when it came to building the church even “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).

Tireless watching and unflinching resistance against an unrelenting enemy requires great courage. So the Spirit of God urges us to be brave. The phrase “quit you like men” is a literal translation of the ancient Greek language and is mindful of soldiers engaged in the battle. We are to be brave, courageous, not overcome by fear though fear may be all around us. The Christian life is not for the faint-hearted.

Finally, we are to be strong. We are to be given to the fight and move to where the battle is the hottest. Serving the Lord Jesus Christ will bring us to many encounters with falsehood. We are to be valiant for the truth and engage the enemy. There is no retreat in the Christian life.

God calls upon his children to watch, stand fast, be courageous and strong as good soldiers of the cross. It is interesting that he immediately follows that instruction with “Let all your things be done with charity [love]” (I Corinthians 16:14). What a seemingly paradoxical set of commands. The Christian life is a soldier-like commitment to truth tied to the operation of love in all things. Does that describe you?

The Gadarene Demoniac

In Mark 5:1-20, the gospel writer records for us Christ’s encounter with “a man with an unclean spirit, who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones” (Mark 5:2-5). The magnitude of this man’s evil predicament is that a multitude of demonic spirits had taken residence in him. We know this because when Christ had commanded the evil spirit to come out, he answered “My name is Legion: for we are many” (Mark 5:9).

The fact that a multitude of demons possessed this poor man was inconsequential to the Lord. They knew who Christ was and submitted immediately to his authority. “And all the devils besought him [Christ], saying, send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits came out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea…and were choked in the sea” (Mark 5:12-13).

Those in the region having heard the news of the swine came out to see what had become of the man. They found “him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind” (Mark 5:15). After his great deliverance, the man sought to go with Christ back across the sea to Galilee. But the Lord gave him this command. “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee” (Mark 5:19).

There are two important points for believers to take away from this record when it comes to our witness for Christ. The first is the sphere of our witness. We are to “go home to thy friends.” Our primary sphere of intended witness is right where we live day to day and among those whom we know and see most frequently. Each one of us has a unique sphere of encounter and influence. God intends for us to “bloom” where he has planted us and “brighten the corner where we are.”

The second point is the content of our witness. We are not required to give some deep theological testimony of Christ’s great salvation. Rather, we are to “tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” Note the words “for thee” and “on thee.” We are to tell what Christ has done for us! Yes, we declare that he can save. But, more importantly, he saved me. He died for me. He forgave my sins. Consequently, he can do the same for those to whom we testify.

Do you struggle with telling others about Christ? Begin by telling them what he has done for you. God will use every earnest testimony from a grateful child for his glory.

Lovest Thou Me?

Those who are familiar with the account of our Lord’s passion are mindful that Peter denied the Lord three times the night our Lord was betrayed. Christ had foretold Peter that he would indeed “be offended because of me” though Peter denied it (Matthew 26:33-35). When it came to pass, Peter “wept bitterly” (Matthew 26:75).

Later, when Jesus had arisen from the dead, he appeared to his disciples on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias. They had returned to fishing and were out all night, yet had caught nothing. Christ changed their empty effort to full success with his word. As they brought their catch to the shore, the Lord greeted them with a meal of fish and bread over a fire of coals. There he lovingly confronted Peter in the matter of his previous denial before the servants of the High Priest.

On the night Jesus was betrayed, Peter had declared boldly “Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended” (Matthew 26:33). That night he denied knowing the Lord three times. He had declared a love and loyalty to Christ that would exceed that of all others. Our Lord on the seashore now lovingly restores Peter at the very point of his failure. He asks Peter “Lovest thou me more than these [the other disciples]?” (John 21:16). Though Peter affirms his love to him, Christ repeats the question three times to fully address his three denials.

In Christ’s second and third questions, he merely asks “Lovest thou me?” To each of Peter’s affirmations, the Lord responds “Feed my sheep” or “Feed my lambs”. The true test of love for Christ is faithful service to him. Though Peter had denied his Lord three times, the Lord lovingly restored him to a place of service and did so before his brethren. Our God is faithful to forgive and to restore.

It is interesting to note that Peter had denied the Lord out of fear for his own life, possibly crucifixion, since this was the desire of the High Priests for our Lord. The Lord on the seashore after restoring Peter tells him that he shall indeed die from crucifixion (John 21:18-19). History teaches us that Peter did suffer martyrdom by crucifixion. However, he was crucified upside down at his request for he was not worthy to suffer it in the manner of his Lord.

Love for Christ compels us to serve him. True disciples of Christ will falter often for we are but sinful creatures saved by grace. Yet our Lord’s faithfulness to forgive invites us to seek his cleansing. His love is unfailing and rejoicing in his love we are constrained to serve him more. Paul wrote of this love to the church at Corinth. “The love of Christ constraineth us…that they which live should not live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). What Jesus asked of Peter he asks of you and I. “Lovest thou me?”

Drawn Away

We all know and understand what it means to be tempted.  It is after all a universal phenomenon.  What is just as universal is that we have all yielded to temptation.  Thankfully, to be tempted is not a sin; however, yielding to temptation is.  In the New Testament James offers some inspired insight into this experience that comes into all of our lives that we would do well to heed.  First, he tells us “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempted he any man” (James 1:13).  This verse tells us two truths about God.

First, God cannot be tempted with evil.  That is, it is impossible for God to yield to something that it is impossible for Him to do – sin.  Recall the temptation of Christ by Satan.  Three times the Lord was tempted of the Devil and in every instance he did not yield.  Second, God does not tempt man to do evil.  When we are drawn to do something that we ought not do, rest assured that God is not the one doing the drawing.  God has no delight in our yielding to sin.  Sin is an affront to his holy character!  These truths seem obvious and we often take them for granted.  But we would do well to remind ourselves of the goodness of God and his holy nature.

James goes on to say “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.  Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:14-15).  It is our very own desires that do the drawing, i.e. lead us into temptation.  We might think it is because we hear, we see, we smell, or we taste something; our senses are stirred; and then our desire pursues willingly.  Make no mistake about it, the fault is in our own self.  That is why James then admonishes his audience with “Do not err, my beloved brethren” (James 1:16).    

Our passions are many and diverse, but they have one thing in common.  They seek satisfaction.  James uses the word “enticed”.  These unsatisfied desires draw us into temptation and give birth to sin.  For example, our desire to be recognized and praised gives rise to jealousy and envy when we see one of our fellow workmates or students recognized and extolled for work well done.  James calls this outcome sin.

James sets forth one very significant truth in his treatment of the matter of temptation.  He reminds us that the inevitable outcome of sin is and can only be death.  Sin destroys all that it touches.  You might be thinking, I’ve yielded to temptation before and I’m still alive.  Again, in the words of James, “Do not err”.  In the end, apart from the grace of God in Christ Jesus, sin wins.  Need convincing?  Look at the cemeteries around us.  They are full and continue to fill.

There is hope nonetheless.  Jesus died and was raised again that we might have victory over sin and death.  Jesus said “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die” (John 11:25).  Victim or victor – the choice is yours.

The Wisdom of God and the Wisdom of the World

Man cannot find out God by his own wisdom.  In fact, God has decreed it so for he tells us that “in the wisdom of God the world by (its) wisdom knew not God” (I Corinthians 1:21).  It could not be any other way for how could the eternal God, infinite in wisdom and understanding, somehow be discovered and known by the “wisdom” of finite, sinful man.  After all, the LORD through his prophet Isaiah tells us “my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). It is clear that if this God is to be known in any way by his creation then he must condescend to make himself known.  Praise God, this he has done in the person of his Son, Jesus Christ, and his gospel. 

This gospel, i.e. that “Christ died for ours sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried; and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (I Corinthians 15:3-4) was not well received. The preaching of this gospel was “to the Jews a stumbling block and unto the Greeks foolishness” (I Corinthians 1:24).  The Jews stumbled over it because the Messiah they looked for would come to reign and deliver them from Rome; the Greeks found it foolishness because they could not see any of the gods whom they served coming to die for them.

But “it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching (the gospel) to save them that believe” (I Corinthians 1:21).  The wisdom of God is bound up in the person of his Son. To know the Son is to know the Father. Christ declared as much to Thomas just prior to his crucifixion – “he that hath seen me hath seen the Father” (John 14:9).  For “no man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him” (John 1:18). Again, the writer of Hebrews reminds us that “God…hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son” (Hebrews 1:1-2).  God has indeed revealed himself in the person of his Son. 

We’ve seen that man cannot know God by his own wisdom.  It is impossible for a blind man to speak of light.  He simply does not and cannot know.  We’ve also seen that God in love for his fallen creation has revealed himself to man by his Son. He became a son of man that man might become a son of God.  This message, foolishness to the Jews and Greeks, is received by faith.  We find out God not by our own wisdom, but by his revelation.  “He that believeth not God hath made him a liar because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.  And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son” (I John5:10-11).