Jesus Is Not An Ordinary Man But A "Very Special Man"
Lesson - 3J


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From the preceding lessons, we've studied the scriptures that "True Jesus" is indeed the Christ the "Son of God" (Lesson-3G).  As the "Son of God", the scriptures are also very clear that Jesus is indeed a Man in nature and state of being (Lesson 3H). As a Man the scriptures are consistently and unmistakably clear that the Lord Jesus Christ is a Man yesterday, today, and forever (Lesson-3I). Although Jesus is a Man, He is not an ordinary man but a "Very Special Man" according to the His Apostles and His disciples who knew Him very well. But many people still refuse to believe that the Lord Jesus Christ is a Man because of the many special attributes that differentiate Him from ordinary man. And these special attributes are mistakenly used by other people to declare that Jesus is God. 

Let us therefore continue our study of the scriptures so we may come to know the truth. . . . 

  • If the "True Jesus" is indeed God because of His special attributes like. . .
    • He committed no sin.
    • He is Lord
    • He is Savior
    • He is the only Mediator between God and men
    • He will judge the world on the Day of Judgment
  • Or, Is the Lord Jesus Christ a "Very Special Man" who is distinct (separate being) from the "Only True God", the Father in heaven (Lesson-2J).

Let us study the clear verses written by Apostles in the Bible so we may come to know why the "true Jesus" is a Man and not God, even though He possesses special attributes that distinguishes Him from ordinary man.  This is to make people aware of the scriptural truth so they cannot be misled or tricked to believe "another Jesus" who is different from the "true Jesus" preached by the Apostles (Lesson-3E).

Why Jesus is a "Very Special Man"

3J.1   Why is the "true Jesus" a Very Special Man?

In Acts 2:22, this is written:

People of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus from Nazareth was a very special man. God clearly showed this to you by the miracles, wonders, and signs he did through Jesus. You all know this, because it happened right here among you. (NCV)

The "true Jesus" is not an ordinary man but  was a "Very Special Man" because . . .

  • It is only through Jesus that God clearly showed many miracles, wonders and signs that happened right among the people of Israel.

God endowed Jesus Christ with many great attributes which differentiates Him from all men and these attributes are mistakenly used by other people to declare Him God. Let us continue our study of the scriptures so we may come to know the truth about the "true Jesus" based on what is written in the Holy Bible.

A.  Jesus committed no sin

Many people are led to believe that Jesus is God because He committed no sin. They argue that since all men sins and Jesus committed no sin, therefore Jesus must be God. Is this belief based on the truth written in the Bible? Or Is this just one of the teaching that are used to deceive people into believing "another Jesus" that was not taught by the Apostles? (Lesson-3E)

3J.2   Did Jesus committed no sin?

In 1 Peter 2:22, this is written:

"He committed no sin,
and no deceit was found in his mouth." (
NAB)

The same verse in another version of the Bible:

He never sinned, never told a lie, (LB)

Apostle Peter declared:

  • Jesus committed no sin or never sinned, and no deceit was found in his mouth or never told a lie.  

3J.3   Why is Jesus the only man who committed no sin?

In John 10:36, Jesus Himself said this to the Jews: 

can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, "I am God's Son'? (NRSV)

The same verse in another version of the bible:

Do you say of him whom the Father made holy and sent into the world, Your words are evil; because I said, I am God's Son? (The Bible in Basic English)

Jesus Himself said that . . . . .

  • He was sanctified(freed from sin) or made holy by the Father and then sent into the world.

3J.4   Why did God sanctified Christ Jesus then sent to the world? 

In 2 Corinthians 5:21, the answer is given:

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (NKJV)

The same verse in another version of the Bible:

For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. (NLT)

God sanctified Christ or made Him holy, so that . . . . .

  • God can make Christ, who never sinned, "to be sin for us" or "to be the offering for our sins" . . . .

What is the purpose of God in doing this? 

  • So that we might become "the righteousness of God in Him" or so we could be "made right with God through Christ".

3J.5   How could Jesus Christ be made the offering for our sins so that we could be made right with God through Him?

In Romans 3:25, this is written:

God offered him, so that by his sacrificial death he should become the means by which people sins are forgiven through their faith in him. God did this in order to demonstrate that he is righteous. (Romans 3:25, TEV)

God offered Jesus, so that by his sacrificial death He should become the means by which people sins are forgiven through their faith in him.

The fact that Jesus was sanctified (freed from sin or made holy) by the Father (John 10:36), is undeniable proof that Jesus is a "Very Special Man" for He is clearly distinct (separate being) from God who sanctified Him or made Him holy. The very fact that it is God who offered Jesus, so that by his sacrificial death he (Jesus) should become the means by which people sins are forgiven by God through their faith in him (Romans 3:25), is another proof that Jesus is not God but a "Very Special Man" for God never die. Therefore, the belief that Jesus must also be God because He never sinned is not true.

Questions to Ponder: < Click for details
  If Jesus is indeed co-equal and co-eternal, in one in essence, nature, power, action, and will as God in the Trinity (Lesson-2C.1), then. . . . .
  • Why did Jesus himself say that "He was sanctified or made holy by the Father and sent into the world", if He is already God? Are they not suppose to be co-equal as one Triune God?
  • How can God offer Jesus to die on the cross for people's sins if they are one and the same Triune God? Are they not suppose to be co-eternal?

B.  Jesus is Lord

Many people believe that Jesus is God because Jesus is called Lord in the Bible. They argue that since God is Lord they assume that Jesus must also be God since He is also Lord. Is this belief based on the truth written on the Bible? Or Is this just one of the teaching that are used to deceive people into believing "another Jesus" that was not taught by the Apostles? ((Lesson-3E)

3J.6   How did the Apostles declare how special Jesus really is to the Jews and residents of Jerusalem?

In Acts 2:14 &36, Apostle Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said:

14 Then Peter stepped forward with the eleven other apostles and shouted to the crowd, "Listen carefully, all of you, fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem! Make no mistake about this.
36 So let it be clearly known by everyone in Israel that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified to be both Lord and Messiah!" (NLT)

The same verse in another version of the Bible:

14. Then Peter stood up with the eleven, raised his voice, and addressed them, "Men of Judea and everyone living in Jerusalem! You must understand something, so pay close attention to my words.  
36. Therefore, let the entire house of Israel understand beyond a doubt that God made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!"
 (ISV)

Peter with the eleven Apostles, said to the Jews and residents of Jerusalem: "You must understand something, so pay close attention to my words".

  • "So let it be clearly known to everyone or understand beyond a doubt that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!" 

What should be clearly understood beyond doubt?
That God made Jesus, whom the people crucified, both Lord and Christ!

It is also very clear from the Apostle's pronouncements that Jesus being Lord is not inherent in Him because His Lordship was bestowed to Him by God. Thus, to assume that Jesus is God because He is Lord, will result to the absurd conclusion that Jesus is God because He was made as such by another God.

The fact that it is God who made Jesus both Lord and Christ is undeniable proof that He is not God Himself but a "Very Special Man", for He is clearly distinct (separate being) from God who made Him Lord and Christ.

3J.7   What did God do to Jesus and what was the purpose of God in making Jesus both Lord and Christ?

In Philippians 2:8-9, this is written:

8. he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death--
even death on a cross.
9. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, (NRSV)

Because of His obedience to God, God exalted Jesus and gave Him the name above every name,

What was God's purpose?

10. so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11. and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2: 10-11, NRSV)

The same verses in another version of the Bible:

so that all created beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father.  (Philippians 2: 10-11, The Message)

God wants everyone to "bow in worship" and "call out in praise" that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory or glorious honor of God the Father. Please note, that Jesus in not being worshiped just because He is God but He is being worshipped because it is the will and for the glorious honor of God the Father.

Why is worshiping the Lord Jesus Christ to the glorious honor of God the Father?

"that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. (John 5:23, NKJV)

He who honors the Son honors the Father who sent Him. Thus worshiping Jesus is for the glorious honor of God the Father.

The scriptural fact that it was God who made Jesus both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36) is undeniable proof that Jesus is not God Himself but a "Very Special Man", for He (Jesus) is clearly distinct (not the same being) from God who made Him to be Lord and Christ.  The fact that it is God's will for everyone to worship Jesus (Philippians 2: 10-11), is further proof that Jesus is not God Himself but a "Very Special Man" for He (Jesus) is clearly distinct (a separate being) from God who exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name. Therefore, the belief that Jesus must also be God because He is also Lord" is not true and unscriptural. It also follows that worshiping Jesus does not make Him God for there is only one true God, the Father in heaven.

Questions to Ponder: < Click for details
  If Jesus is indeed co-equal and co-eternal, in one in essence, nature, power, action, and will as God in the Trinity (Lesson-2C.1), then . .
  • Why is it still necessary for God, the Father, to make Jesus Lord if He is already God? Are they not suppose to be co-equal and one being as God in the Trinity?
  • Why is worshipping Jesus for the glorious honor of God the Father? Does that mean that God the Father is greater than Jesus? Are they not suppose to be co-equal as God in the Trinity?

___________________

 

C.  Jesus is Savior

Many people believe that Jesus is God because He is also called Savior in the Bible.  It is true that God the Father is Savior (Isa. 45:21-22)  and that Jesus Christ is also Savior (John 4:42; Eph. 5:23). However, to assume that Jesus is also God because He is Savior is to ignore the teachings of the Holy Scriptures on how and why Jesus became Savior.

3J.8   How did Jesus became Savior?

In the following verses, these are written:

It was Jesus, a descendant of David, whom God made the Savior of the people of Israel, as he had promised. (Acts 13:23, TEV)

God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior that he might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. (Acts 5:31, NRSV)

It is very clear that Jesus became Savior because He was exalted and made as such by God. Now, if one insist that Jesus is God because He is a Savior, then comes the absurd conclusion that Jesus became God because He was made as such by another God.

3J.9   Why do we still need Jesus as Savior if we already have the God the Father as Savior or for salvation?

Questioning the authority of the Man Christ Jesus as Savior is to overlook, the biblical pronouncements on the manner through which the Father will grant Salvation.
In the following verses, these are written:

 And now--all glory to him who alone is God, who saves us through Jesus Christ our Lord; . . . . . . . . (Jude 1:24, Living Bible)

because he has fixed a day when the whole world will be judged in uprightness by a man he has appointed. And God has publicly proved this by raising him from the dead." (Acts 17:31, NJB)

The Father who is the only true God (John 17:1,3) will give salvation through the "Man Christ Jesus", for God has appointed the Man Christ Jesus to judge the world for Him.

3J.10   How can the Man Christ Jesus give salvation if He is not God?

In the Following verses, these are written:

"Listen to these words, fellow Israelites! Jesus of Nazareth was a man whose divine authority was clearly proven to you by all the miracles and wonders which God performed through him. You yourselves know this, for it happened here among you. (Acts 2:22, TEV)

Salvation is to be found through him alone; in all the world there is no one else whom God has given who can save us." ((Acts 4:12, TEV)

"and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. (John 5:27, NKJV)

Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: "Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You,  "as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. (John 17:1-2, NKJV)

Jesus is a Man whose divine authority was clearly proven by the wonderful works that God performed through Him. Salvation is to be found only through Jesus, for there is no one else whom God has given authority to execute judgment and give eternal life.

For anyone to assume that the man Jesus cannot give salvation, because He is not God, is entirely wrong because it is contrary to God's will. Jesus is a Very Special Man who was made Savior by God and given the authority to execute judgment and to give eternal life to as many as God will give Him.

The fact that it is God who made Jesus a Savior is undeniable proof that Jesus is not God Himself, but a "Very Special Man" for Jesus is clearly distinct (not the same being) from God the Father who made Him Savior.

Questions to Ponder::
  If Jesus is indeed co-equal and co-eternal, in one in essence, nature, power, action, and will as God in the Trinity (Lesson-2C.1), then .
  • Why did God the Father made Jesus a Savior if He is already God? Are they not suppose to be co-equal and one being as one Triune God?
  • Why is there still a need for God to give Jesus the authority to execute judgment and give eternal life to as many as God will give Him if they are one and the same Triune God? Are they not suppose to have the same power, action and will as God in the Trinity?

_____________________

 

D.  Jesus - The Only Mediator Between God and Men

Many people also believe that God became the man Jesus so He can represent men to God and Jesus remain as God so He can represent God to men.  They explain that Jesus as God added human nature to his divine nature in order to be a Mediator or go between God and men. Is this the truth written in the Bible?

3J. 11   What is the truth that God wants all men to know in order to be saved?

In Timothy 2:2-5, these are written:

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,  who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, (1 Timothy 2:3-5, NKJV)

The same verse in the New Jerusalem Bible:

To do this is right, and acceptable to God our Saviour:   he wants everyone to be saved and reach full knowledge of the truth.   For there is only one God, and there is only one mediator between God and humanity, himself a human being, Christ Jesus, (1 Timothy 2:3-5,New Jerusalem )

This is what God wants all men to know in order to be saved. All men must know that "there is only one God" and "there is only one Mediator between God and men", and that Mediator is the Man Christ Jesus.  Very clear indeed, the Man Christ Jesus is the "only one Mediator" between the "only one God" and men.


3J.12 
 How did Apostle Paul clarified the truth that "the Man Christ Jesus is indeed the Mediator between God and men"?

In Galatians 3:20, this is written:

Now a mediator is not for one party only; whereas God is only one.  (New American Standard Version)

The same verse in another version of the Bible:

Now there is no mediator when only one party is involved, and God is one. (New American Bible)

Christ being the mediator could not be God at the same time, because that would lead to the ridiculous notion that Christ is a mediator of one. 

First Party Mediator Second Party

God (only one)


The Man Christ Jesus


Humanity (many men)

It is however perfectly correct to say that He (Christ), the mediator, is Man, because there is not only one man but rather many men, being mediated to the only one God.

3J.13   What further proves that Christ Jesus "the only one Mediator between God and men" is a Man and not God?

In Romans 8:34, this is written:

who is to condemn? Is it Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us? (RSV)

The same verse in another version of the Bible:

Who, then, will condemn them? Not Christ Jesus, who died, or rather, who was raised to life and is at the right side of God, pleading with him for us! (TEV)

In Hebrews 10:10,12, this is also written:

10. By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
12. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,
(NKJV)

The scriptures is very clear, Christ Jesus the "only one Mediator" between the "only one God" and men is indeed a Man who pleads with God on men's behalf.

The fact that the Christ Jesus sits at the right hand of God proves that He is a Man and not God himself, for how can He be at the right hand of God, if He is also God Himself. Furthermore, the fact the Jesus pleads to God on men's behalf undoubtedly proves that He is not God himself, but a "Very Special Man", for He (Jesus) is clearly distinct (not the same being) from God to whom He is pleading to. Therefore, the belief that God became the man Jesus so He can represent men to God and Jesus remain God so He can represent God to men is not true for such belief is contrary to the truth written in the Bible.

Questions to Ponder:
  If Jesus is indeed co-equal and co-eternal, in one in essence, nature, power, action, and will as God in the Trinity (Lesson-2C.1), then . .
  • What is the need for Jesus to be a Mediator if He is also God? Is it not absurd for Jesus to mediate men to Himself if He is the same God He is mediating for?
  • Why did Jesus sit at the right hand of God if He is also God. How can they be one being as one Triune God if God the Son sits at the right hand of God the Father? Are they not supposed to be co-equal and one in nature and power as one Triune God? How about God the Holy Spirit?
  • Why is there a need for Jesus to plead to God on men's behalf if He is God Himself? How can "God the Son" pleads to "God the Father" if they are one and the same Triune God? Are they not suppose to be co-equal and one in power, action and will as one Triune God? 

_________________

 

E.  Jesus - The Man Chosen by God to judge the world for Him

Many people believe that Jesus is God because He will judge people on the Day of Judgment. They cite verse John 5:22 saying "The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son"(RSV) Then they argue, "Who else can judge people besides God? Jesus is God".   However, to assume that Jesus is God because He will come to judge people on the day of judgment is to ignore the teachings of the Holy Scriptures on how and why Jesus came to be chosen to Judge the world in righteousness on the Day of Judgment.


3J.14   When Christ returns on Judgment Day to judge the world, will He come to judge all people as God or as a Man?

In Acts 17:31, this is written:

He has set a day when he will judge the world's people with fairness. And he has chosen the man Jesus to do the judging for him. God has given proof of this to all of us by raising Jesus from death. (Contemporary English Version)

The same verse in other version of the Bible:

because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead." (NASB)

The verse is very clear,

  • "God has chosen the the man Jesus to do the judging for Him".

Thus, the Man Christ Jesus was chosen to do the judging for God.

What is the proof that God indeed has chosen the Man Christ Jesus?

  • God has given proof of this to all of us by raising Jesus from death.

Thus, Christ Jesus will come to judge the world as a Man, not God, for God has given proof to all men by raising Him from the dead. The fact that Jesus was raised from the dead by God is proof enough that Jesus is a Man not God.


3J.15  How will God judge the world through the Man Christ Jesus?

In the following verses these are written:

5. . . . . . . . .  For there is going to come a day of judgment when God, the just judge of all the world,
6. will judge all people according to what they have done.
7. He will give eternal life to those who persist in doing what is good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers.
8. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and practice evil deeds. (Romans 2:5-8, NLT)

according to the gospel that I preach, God, through Jesus Christ, judges all human secrets. (Romans 2:16, NJB)

On the Day of Judgment, God―the just judge of all the world, will judge all people according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who persist in doing what is good. He will pour out His anger and wrath to those who refuse to obey the truth and those who practice evil deeds. According to gospel, God―the just judge of all the world, judges all human secrets through the Man Christ Jesus.

How will the Man Christ Jesus make judgment for God?

In John 8:16, this is what Jesus said to the Pharisees who were questioning Him:

Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is valid; for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father {Other ancient authorities read [he]} who sent me. (NRSV)

Clearly, even if Jesus was chosen by God to do the judging, it is not He alone who judges but He and God the Father who sent Him.


3J.16   When will God send the Lord Jesus Christ to judge the world in righteousness for Him?

 In Mark 13.32, this is written:

"But of that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.  (NKJV)

NO ONE KNOWS the day or the hour when God the Father will send His Son, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for the second time to judge the world in righteousness for Him. 

Will the Lord Jesus know the day and hour when the Father will send Him?

Definitely not, the verse clearly says that the Son does not know it and neither does the angels in heaven.

Who only knows about it?

The verse is clear, "only the Father knows it".
"ONLY THE FATHER KNOWS" when Judgment day will happen.

The fact that Jesus does not know the day and the hour when God will send Him for the second time undoubtedly proves that Jesus is truly a Man and not God.

Questions to Ponder::
 If Jesus is indeed co-equal and co-eternal and in one in essence, nature, power, action, and will as God in the Trinity (Lesson-2C.1), then . .
  • What is the need for God to choose Jesus to judge the world on His behalf if they are one and the same Triune God?
  • Why did Apostle Mark say that only the Father know the day and hour of Judgment Day? How can God the Father and God the Son be one and the same Triune God if one knows and the other does not know the date and hour of Judgment Day?

Jesus is indeed a "Very Special Man" for He is the Man chosen by God to judge the world for Him. Being chosen to judge the world does not make Jesus God, because there is only one true God, the Father in heaven (Jn.17:3) who choose Him and who will send Him for the second time on the Day of Judgment. Therefore, the argument that Jesus is God because He can judge people is not the scriptural truth and such belief will lead people to the wrong way.

_________________

From the forgoing topics the scriptural truth is very clear that the "true Jesus" is a Very Special Man not God even though He possesses special attributes,  bestowed to Him by God, that distinguishes Him from ordinary men. Jesus committed no sin; He is Lord; He is Savior, He is the only Mediator between God and men; He will judge the world on the Day of Judgment. These special attributes does not make Jesus God as proven in the forgoing topics, for Jesus Himself clearly teaches that the "only true God" is the Father in heaven. By knowing the scriptural truth may you not be misled or tricked to believe "another Jesus" who is different from the "true Jesus" preached by the Apostles.

__________________________

 
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