JESUS CHRIST: THE PROMISED MESSIAH

THE GOSPEL OF THE CHRIST:

The Gospel is not just the news that Jesus Christ preached! The Gospel is the news about Jesus Christ and the forgiveness of sins offered through him by which the saints will participate in the Kingdom of God. Jesus IS the promised “seed” (son) and is essential to all three great promises of God. He fulfills each of them wonderfully! Let’s have a look:

1. Eden’s Promise: We have read this promise which refers to the ‘seed of the woman’ which will destroy sin and death! (Genesis 3:15) Even though Jesus is the ‘son of God’, he is also the ‘son of man’ by his birth from a woman. As such, he was a man who endured temptation just as all men do, and yet did not allow his human nature, with lusts and sinful tendencies to have any effect in his body, Matthew 4:1-11. His victory over sin is the focus which is highlighted: “we have a great high priest … who was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 2:14; 4:14-16.
2. Abraham’s Promise: Abraham’s faith resulted in God’s promise of a ‘seed’, or descendant, Genesis 17:19. The scriptures confirm that it is through Jesus Christ as his seed that ‘all families of the earth would be blessed’: Genesis 12:3. Galatians 3:16. All who have the faith of Abraham will be blessed when he returns Romans 15:8, Acts 3:20,21. It is only through baptism that we ‘put on Christ and become heirs of the inheritance with Christ! Galatians 3:26-29
3. David’s Promise: David is another faithful descendant of Abraham, who also is promised a ‘seed’. Jesus is confirmed as the “Son of David” Matthew 1:1; Romans 1:3. He will sit on David’s throne to rule the kingdom of God centered in the very land promised to Abraham.

The Gospel is the Good News that identifies Jesus as the Messiah (Christ) and becomes the foundation upon which the New Testament is based. The fullness of the time of God’s promises has come, Galatians 4:4! See on the time chart the period when Christ was born.

Is Jesus the promised “seed”? The New Testament begins with the words: “The book of the ‘GENESIS’ of Jesus Christ…” Matthew 1:1,18 The Greek word genesis is translated ‘generation’ in v1 and ‘birth’ in v18 making it clear that Jesus was born, as are all men. The Bible emphasizes that Jesus was born of Mary, a ‘virgin’ who had no physical relations with any man, Matthew 1:25. This is an important detail provided by the prophet Isaiah who reveals the virgin birth as a sign to watch for. Unfortunately, the historical teaching of ‘the church’ has elevated Mary to an untenable role and place. Mary describes herself as a ‘handmaid of the Lord’. She was specially chosen by God to bear His son, and by His power of the Holy Spirit, ‘overshadowed’ her and thus she conceived and bore a son and named him Jesus, just as the angel of God had instructed.

Jesus: In Greek, Jesus’ name means: ‘Yah shall save’, as expressed in the words of the angel: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

Christ: The Greek word for ‘Christ’ is lifted from ‘Christos’ and is the equivalent of ‘Messiah’, which simply means ‘one anointed’.

Therefore, we read in the teaching of the Apostles that “Jesus is the Christ”, which confirm him as the Savior through whom ‘all families of the earth would be blessed’.