The Rapture and End Time Prophecies
Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man. Luke 21: 36
Who the Bible says Jesus is Part I.
A Bible Study All About Jesus:
This is for those that like serious Bible study.
Does the Bible tell us that Jesus is divine? What did Jesus say about himself? Did Jesus say he was God? Do we see the Trinity, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in the Old Testament? What are we told about the Holy Spirit? Is the Holy Spirit an active force or energy, or is the Holy Spirit a person?
You may say I already know the answers, but do you know the scriptures.
This is an in-depth Bible Study. Take some time to read and study this. This is fairly detailed, has a lot of scriptures. If you can’t read it all at one sitting, I have it in two parts. I also have each part in two parts if you can’t read them all at one sitting. While I share a lot of scriptures, these are in no way all the scriptures. There’s just so many more. You see, the whole Bible is all about Jesus. Be sure to read Part II. Compares New Testament scriptures to Old Testament scriptures about Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Part I is laying the foundation for Part II.
There are many that think that Jesus was just a good and wise man, or just a prophet or messenger, or an angel that God sent to the earth. Most believe he came into existence when he was conceived in the virgin Mary. You will see that he is more than just a man, prophet or an angel. He’s more than just ‘a’ god. This is important because to have eternal life you must believe in, have fellowship with the Father and the Son. It’s important to know the truth of what the Bible teaches us, so we must search the scriptures to get the truth. We must know and believe the truth concerning Jesus. There are those that teach and preach a gospel, a Jesus other than the Jesus we see in the Bible. We’re told;
Galatians 1: 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!
John 5: 23 that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.
John 14: 23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.
John 17: 3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.
1 John 1: 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
Acts 4: 11 Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected,
which has become the cornerstone.’
12 Salvation is found in no one else,
for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Proverbs 30:
4Who has gone up to heaven and come down?
Who has gathered up the wind in the hollow of his hands?
Who has wrapped up the waters in his cloak?
Who has established all the ends of the earth?
What is his name, and the name of his son?
Tell me if you know!
Matthew 16
Peter's Confession of Christ
13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"
14They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
15"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Notice what John records Jesus saying in chapter 17. We see from the Bible that Jesus existed before he was born here on earth.
John 17: 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
John 17: 24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.
John the baptist said that Jesus was before him yet John was born first.
John 1:15John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'"
This prophecy was made over 400 years before Jesus came into the world and it foretold the exact city from which he would be born. You see, there were two towns called Bethlehem. Notice, whose (origins are from of old, from ancient times). We read with Psalm 90, 2 Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. The Hebrew word for everlasting is the same word for ancient times. Strongs Hebrew H5769.
Micah 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose (origins are from of old, from ancient times).”
Jesus also said this. With him saying ‘I am’, he was referring back to what was told to Moses from the burning bush.
John 8: 58 “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”
Exodus 3: 14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM’ has sent me to you.’”
So far, we have seen that Jesus existed in heaven with the Father before the world was created. We see that Jesus, the Son, existed in heaven with God the Father before he was conceived in the human body of the virgin Mary. Keep reading, we’re given more insight into who Jesus is.
With Jesus saying, “before Abraham was born, I am!”, we see with John 8 verse 59, ‘At this, they picked up stones to stone him’. They considered this blasphemy, for they understood Jesus was saying it was he that spoke to Moses, that he was God. We see this again with John chapter 10.
John 10: 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
John 10: 14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep (Gentiles) that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
John 10: 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” 31 Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, 32 but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” 33 “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”
A couple of things to notice. Jesus said, he is the shepherd and there’s only one flock and one shepherd. He said he gives eternal life. He said he and the Father are one. Compare with the Old Testament.
Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
Psalm 80: 1 Hear us, Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock.
You who sit enthroned between the cherubim,
shine forth
Isaiah 40: 10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power,
and he rules with a mighty arm.
See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him.
11 He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.
Ez. 34: 11 “‘For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. … 15 I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign LORD. … 17 “‘As for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats. .. Compare verse 17 with Mt. 25:31 – 32.
These as well as many other scriptures are why they understood that Jesus was saying he is Jehovah, that he is God. This is why they wanted to stone him. Keep reading. There’s more.
Exodus 3: 13Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” 14 God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM’ has sent me to you.’” 15God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’
Exodus 3 verse 13,14,15, God is the Hebrew 'ĕlôhı̂ym el-o-heem' meaning Strongs H430, Plural of H433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God;
I Am is the Hebrew hâyâh haw-yaw' means Strongs H1961, A primitive root (compare H1933); to exist,
Exodus 3 verse 15, the LORD
In the Old Testament when you read the English translation, “the LORD”, it is the Hebrew word Yahweh, Strongs Hebrew H3068, yehôvâh yeh-ho-vaw'. From H1961; (the) self Existent or eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God: - Jehovah, means the Lord. Jehovah is the English word for the Hebrew yehôvâh. There’s no J in Hebrew. Jehovah = 'the existing One' the proper name of the one true God. … That is the Jewish, Old Testament name.
As I said above, with Jesus saying, “before Abraham was born, I am!”, they considered this blasphemy, for with this Jesus was saying it was he that spoke to Moses, that he was God. Take a look at this, Jesus said,
John 5: 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me.
Matthew 1: 23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" —which means, "God with us." This was prophesied by Isaiah, see Isa. 7:14, more than 700 years before Jesus was born here on Earth.
Also prophesied by Isaiah...
Isa.9: 6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
The Hebrew word translated here, Mighty, is gibbôr ghib-bore', Strongs H1368, means, Intensive from the same as H1397; powerful; by implication warrior, The Hebrew word translated here, God, is 'êl ale – Strongs H410, means, strength; as adjective mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity): - God.
Mighty God is 'êl gibbôr. EL-GIBHOR [el-ghee-bohr]: The Almighty God.
Everlasting, Hebrew ‛ad ad Strongs H5703 From H5710; properly a (peremptory) terminus, that is, (by implication) duration, in the sense of perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or without a preposition): - eternity, ever (-lasting, -more), old, perpetually, + world without end.
The NIV as do other translations have, he will be called. The KJV translation as do some others have, his name will be called. The original Greek has, he will be called. Called is the Hebrew word shêm sham, it means position, an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character: This is not implying that the Son is the Father. We just read where one of the Hebrew words for God is 'ĕlôhı̂ym el-o-heem' meaning, specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; So, we see there is the Father and the Son. The two are separate yet they are one.
Here Father is the Hebrew word, 'âb awb A primitive word; father in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application: - chief, principal. Compare names in “Abi-”, founder of, father of. The Son is the founder of, father of creation. We will see this more clearly when we look at John 1 and Colossians 1.
Look at why Joseph was told to give him the name Jesus.
Mt. 1: 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because (he) will save his people from their sins.”
Jesus, Strongs Greek G2424, Ἰησοῦς Iēsous ee-ay-sooce'
Of Hebrew origin, the transliteration of the Hebrew [H3091]; Jesus (that is, Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites: - Jesus. ("Yehoshua"/Jehoshua, contracted to "Joshua") which means "Yahweh saves" (or "Yahweh is salvation").
Definition: Jesus or Joshua, the name of the Messiah
Usage: Jesus; the Greek form of Joshua;
Look at Psalm 130,
7 Israel, put your hope in the LORD,
for with the LORD is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
8 He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.
“the LORD”, Hebrew word Yahweh, Strongs Hebrew H3068, yehôvâh yeh-ho-vaw' From H1961; (the) self Existent or eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God: - Jehovah, the Lord.
Psalm 130 says it is Yahweh, Jehovah, that is full of redemption and will save Israel, save his people from their sins. The angel Gabriel told Josheph that Jesus would save his people from their sins. Jesus has redemption. So Gabriel is saying that Jesus is Yahweh, Jesus is Jehovah. So, Jesus cannot be a mere human or a created being, for only Yahweh, God can save.
Luke 1:68 “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because ‘he’ has come to his people and redeemed them.
Gal. 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”
Titus 2: 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
Read again, Matthew 1: 23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" —which means, "God with us."
The original Greek has the word, ὁ (ho) which means, ‘the’, saying with us ‘the’ God.
We see here with Isaiah 9 verse 6 that the Son, Jesus, will be called Mighty God, Everlasting Father. Says Jesus will be the Everlasting Almighty God. When Jesus said in, John 10 verse 30, I and the Father are one, it would appear he meant more than He and the Father are one in agreement. From the scriptures we have just read, the LORD, Jehovah is referring to Jesus. Jesus is Jehovah. But Jesus is the Son of God. Keep reading.
In Part II’s lesson will get into this in more detail, for now take a look at the reference, I am the first and I am the last. Concerning the LORD, remember, the LORD is Jehovah.
Isa. 44:6“This is what the LORD says—
Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty:
I am the first and I am the last;
apart from me there is no God.
Isa. 41:4 Who has done this and carried it through,
calling forth the generations from the beginning?
I, the LORD—with the first of them
and with the last—I am he.”
Isa. 43: 10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD,
“and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me.
11 I, even I, am the LORD,
and apart from me there is no savior.
Isa. 45: 21 Declare what is to be, present it— let them take counsel together. Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the LORD? And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me.
Isa. 48: 12“Listen to me, Jacob, Israel, whom I have called:
I am he; I am the first and I am the last.
13My own hand laid the foundations of the earth,
and my right hand spread out the heavens;
when I summon them, they all stand up together.
What does he mean when he says he’s the First and the Last? We read of the LORD, Jehovah, he’s calling forth the generations from the beginning, who declared it from the distant past. Jehovah’s own hand laid the foundations of the earth, and his right hand spread out the heavens. Isiah 41 verse 4, I, the Lord—with the first of them and with the last—I am he. He was with the first generation and he will be with the last generation. Jehovah is eternal.
We just read from Isaiah 44 verse 6, apart from me there is no God, Isaiah 45 verse 21, there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me. Isaiah 43 verse 11, apart from me there is no savior, and verse 10, Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. Isaiah 48 verse 12, I am he; I am the first and I am the last. We see that Jehovah is our savior and redeemer, the Lord God Almighty, the First and the Last. We read these same statements in the book of Revelation.
Rev. 1: 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.
Rev. 2 8 “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last,
We just read from the Old Testament scriptures the first and the last is referring to God, Jehovah. Well, read verses 17 & 18 of Revelation chapter one and the rest of verse 8 of chapter two. These are the words of Jesus. John says with Rev. 1, 10 On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me.
Rev. 1: ”17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
Rev. 2 8 “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.
How or when did Jehovah die and come back to life unless Jesus is Jehovah?
Jesus said he’s, the First and the Last, the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End: We’re told that Jesus is our savior and has redeemed us. With Revelation 1 verse 5 we read he has freed us from our sins by his blood. Revelation 5 verse 9 says, For You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood. NKJV.
Rev. 22: 12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. ... 16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.
In the Old Testament we see Jehovah says he’s the first and the last, here in Revelation, we see Jesus says he’s the first and the last. And this is after Jesus has resurrected and ascended back to heaven. Look at where we see Jesus. Rev. 5: 6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne.
We see the Lamb, Jesus is praised and worshiped.
Rev. 5: 11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. 12 In a loud voice they were saying:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”
13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying:
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”
14 The four living creatures said, “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped.
John makes the point that ALL the angles, EVERY creature was praising and worshipping not only the Father, but the Lamb also.
Look at what we are told God the Father says in Hebrews.
Heb. 1: 6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”
But we’re told,
Mt. 4: 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’
Luke 4: 8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.
Deuteronomy 6: 13 Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name.
So how could God the Father tell the angels and us to worship Jesus. Well, read what God the Father continues saying.
Heb. 1: 8 But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy.”
Angels are not to be worshiped. No one but God is to be worshiped. So Jesus cannot be a created being. We’re told that Jesus is the only begotten Son, the one and only Son of God. Keep reading. We’ll get into this in more detail.
It was foretold the Messiah would be preceded by a messenger – We see the messenger would prepare the way for God, prepare the way for Jehovah.
Malichi 3:1 “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the LORD Almighty.
Isaiah 40:3 A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD;
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Says Malichi, “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me” - says the LORD Almighty, Isaiah, “prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God”. The LORD = yehôvâh yeh-ho-vaw' – Jehovah. God is 'ĕlôhı̂ym el-o-heem' used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God;
We see from the Gospels this was fulfilled in John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus.
Matthew 3: 1In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”
Matthew 11 verse 10 and Luke 7 verse 27, This is the one about whom it is written:
“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’
Mark 1: 1The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God 2 as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
“I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way”
3“a voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”
4 And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
John 1: 23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”
John 1: 29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’
Read what we are told with Zechariah chapter 12.
Zech. 12: 10 “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.
Well, we know this is referring to Jesus, the one they pierced.
John 19: 34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. … 37 and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.”
Rev. 1: 7 “Look, he is coming with the clouds,”
and “every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him”;
and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”
So shall it be! Amen.
But look at what we are told with Zechariah 12 verses 1 thru 9. Remember, the LORD is Hebrew, Yahweh, Jehovah.
1A prophecy: The word of the LORD concerning Israel. The LORD, who stretches out the heavens, who lays the foundation of the earth, and who forms the human spirit within a person, declares:
2 “I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. 3 On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves. 4 On that day I will strike every horse with panic and its rider with madness,” declares the LORD. “I will keep a watchful eye over Judah, but I will blind all the horses of the nations. 5 Then the clans of Judah will say in their hearts, ‘The people of Jerusalem are strong, because the LORD Almighty is their God.’
6 “On that day I will make the clans of Judah like a firepot in a woodpile, like a flaming torch among sheaves. They will consume all the surrounding peoples right and left, but Jerusalem will remain intact in her place.
7 “The LORD will save the dwellings of Judah first, so that the honor of the house of David and of Jerusalem’s inhabitants may not be greater than that of Judah. 8 On that day the LORD will shield those who live in Jerusalem, so that the feeblest among them will be like David, and the house of David will be like God, like the angel of the LORD going before them. 9 On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem.
10 “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.
Says I will, Jehovah will, I will pour out, they will look on me, Jehovah, the one they have pierced. When was Jehovah ever pierced? The only one throughout the whole Bible we are told was pierced is Jesus. So, from what we just read, Jesus has to be Jehovah.
We see that the New Testament descriptions of Jesus are the same as the Old Testament scriptures descriptions of Jehovah, of God.
Compare Isaiah 43 verse 12 with scriptures that tell us Jesus has revealed and saved and proclaimed. Compare these scriptures from Isaiah telling us that the LORD, Jehovah, is our savior and redeemer with scriptures from the New Testament that tell us Jesus is our savior and has redeemed us.
In Part II’s lesson will get into this in a lot more detail, so be sure and read Part II.
PAUSE HERE: If you have to you can pause and start back here.
Let’s take a look at more from the New Testament who we are told Jesus actually is.
John 1 - The Word Became Flesh
1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was with God in the beginning. 3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
10He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
14The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'" 16From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. 17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God, but the One and Only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.
Now if it wasn’t clear to you let me point out that the Word is Jesus. This is clear from verse 14, the Word became flesh. Let’s exchange ‘Word’ with ‘Jesus’ and for God where it is referring to God the Father, I will exchange God with ‘God the Father’. Notice, In the beginning was Jesus, Jesus was with the Father in the beginning. Says Jesus was God. If you check the original Greek, verse 1 and 18, it says God, not ‘a’ god as the Jehovah witnesses watch tower translation has.
1In the beginning was Jesus, and Jesus was with (God the Father), and Jesus was God. 2(Jesus) was with (God the Father) in the beginning. 3Through (Jesus) all things were made; without (Jesus) nothing was made that has been made. 4In (Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
10(Jesus) was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
14 (Jesus) became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of (Jesus) the One and Only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has ever seen God (the Father), but (Jesus) the One and Only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him (God the Father) known. … NKJV - The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.
The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthians also said,
1 Cor. 8: 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.
Read how John starts his first epistle. He wrote his epistles first. The gospel of John is actually the last book of the New Testament to be written. He wrote the book of Revelation before he wrote his epistles and the gospel of John.
1 John 1: 1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
We see Jesus was from the beginning, he is the Word of life, Jesus is the eternal life. Paul gives us a clear explanation. It will help with what we just read from John.
Colossians 1 - The Supremacy of Christ
Let’s do the same here with using his name where it uses (Son, Him, He) with Colossians 1: 15 thru 20. By the way, the Jehovah witness’s translation adds ‘other’, says ‘all other things’. Again, check the Original Greek, there’s no ‘other’. You see, they believe Jesus was a created being, the arc angel Michael. But that’s certainly not what we are seeing from the scriptures. Keep reading.
15The Son (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For by him (Jesus) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by (Jesus) and for (Jesus). 17(Jesus) is before all things, and in (Jesus) all things hold together. 18And (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church; (Jesus) is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19For God (the Father) was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20and through (Jesus) to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
All the scriptures from the Old as well as from the New Testament say that Jesus created everything, angels and heaven as well. You see that God the Father created everything through Jesus. Jesus created it all. Without Jesus nothing was made that has been made. We see the Son (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, that (Jesus) is before all things.
You see here in Colossians 1 verse 15 that Paul said that Jesus was the firstborn of all creation, not the first created, nor created. Jesus, the Son, was not created by the Father. Jesus was ‘born’ out of God the Father in the beginning. Jesus, the Son, was in God, was in the Father. John 10: 30 I and the Father are one. John 14: 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me.
Jesus was born from the center of the being of God. From the bosom of the Father. Hebrews 1: 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father”? “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”? This occurred in the beginning. In John we’re told Jesus is the One and Only, the only begotten. This was not said of any angel, so Jesus and Lucifer, satan, could not be brothers as Mormons believe. From what we have read, Jesus created Lucifer, as well as Michael, Gabriel and all the other angels. So he cannot be the arc angel Michael as the Jehovah’s wittiness’s believe. We see Jesus was not created like the angels.
Paul, used two separate words, born and created. These two words meaning are separate and distinct. Born and created are not the same. If Paul believed that Jesus was a created being like the angels, he would not have used two separate words with two different meanings, he would have said Jesus was the first created over all creation.
Paul said that Jesus was the firstborn of all creation. With John chapter one verse 18 we are told that Jesus is the One and Only Son, the only begotten Son. The Greek word is, Strongs monogenēs mon-og-en-ace From G3441 and G1096; only born, that is, sole: - only (begotten, child). .. "one-and-only" and 1085 /génos, "offspring") – properly, one-and-only; "one of a kind" – literally, "one (monos) of a class, genos" (the only of its kind). .. Usage - only, only-begotten; unique.
We see Jesus is unique, one of a kind, the only born, the only begotten. We see Jesus was not created, Jesus was born, thus the only begotten Son of God, while the angels and everything else in heaven and on earth were created, and created by the Son, created by Jesus. Jesus is before all creation. The description of Jesus is not the same as that of angels.
Jesus was eternally in God, eternally with the Father. With Jesus being born, coming from within God the Father, he is God. This occurred at the beginning. This is the first thing that ever took place. Remember Matthew chapter one verse 23, "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" —which means, "God with us." And Isaiah chapter 9 verse 6, For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. We’re told ‘to us a son is given’. God the Father gave his only begotten Son, His one and only Son. John 3: 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. By the way, one and only, or only begotten with John 3 verse 16 is the same Greek word as with John 1 verses 14 and 18.
Philippians 2: Christ Jesus:
In Philippians chapter 2, we see his very nature is God. We are told that Jesus didn’t consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage, rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. With that we are being told that Jesus, the Son, was equal with the Father from the beginning. Jesus, while here in a human body, didn’t use his equality with the Father, didn’t take advantage of being co-equal with the Father, didn’t take advantage of being God, for Jesus made himself nothing, he became a servant. He became a human being. The Father is greater in position because he is the Father, but the Son is co-equal in authority. In Matthew 28 verse 18 Jesus said, Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. We just read Colossians chapter 1 verse 19 that God (the Father) was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in Jesus.
Phil 2: Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God (the Father) exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
John 5: 16 So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders began to persecute him. 17 In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” 18 For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.
21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. 22 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.
26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.
Hebrews 1, God’s final Word: His Son.
In Hebrews chapter one we see Jesus is the radiance of God and the exact representation of his being. We see Jesus is superior to the angels. So he is superior to Michael and Gabriel or any other angel. We see he has been appointed heir of all things. We see again that Jesus created the universe. Compare Colossians 1 verse 17, He (Jesus) is before all things, and in him (Jesus) all things hold together with Hebrews 1 verse 3, The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.
Heb. 1: 1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and (through whom also he made the universe). 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,
“You are my Son;
today I have become your Father”?
Or again,
“I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son”?
6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,
“Let all God’s angels worship him.”
7 In speaking of the angels he says,
“He makes his angels spirits,
and his servants flames of fire.”
8 But about the Son he says,
“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy.”
10 He also says,
“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands.
11 They will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like a garment.
12 You will roll them up like a robe;
like a garment they will be changed.
But you remain the same,
and your years will never end.”
13 To which of the angels did God ever say,
“Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet”?
We see there’s a distinction between the Son, Jesus, and the angels. The writer of Hebrews with verse 8 and 9 was referring back to Psalm 45 verse 6 and 7.
Psalm 45: 6 Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy.
Again, here with Psalm 45 verses 6 and 7 God is the Hebrew, 'ĕlôhı̂ym el-o-heem' Plural of H433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God;
We see that Jesus, the Son, existed in heaven with God the Father before he was conceived in the human body of the virgin Mary. He was in God, with the Father in eternality past. We’ve seen that the Son was in God the Father, was born from within God the Father. He existed with the Father from the beginning. The Son is eternal with the Father.
Jesus shared in our humanity.
One must understand, when Jesus was here, he was here as a man, in a human body. To be a servant. We see this from Paul in Philippians 2 verses 6,7 & 8. That’s why you see in the gospels Jesus referred to himself as the son of man, which is the phrase the Prophet Daniel used of the Messiah. This is why he referred to the Father as his God. This is why we see he prayed. Jesus while here in a human body, was fully God, but didn’t use being God to his own advantage, he was fully man, he was fully a human being. Again, remember Matthew chapter one verse 23, "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" —which means, "God with us." And Isaiah chapter 9 verse 6, For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Jesus had to become a human to experience everything like we do, from conception to death, to become the sacrifice for our sins, to make atonement for our sins.
Hebrews 2: 9 But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. … 14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— … 17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.
Hebrews 4: 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
Now Jesus is our High Priest, sitting at the right hand of God the Father, meaning, in all the power and authority of the Father. Rev. 5: 6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. .. In case you’re not aware, the Lamb is a symbolic reference to Jesus. We are told that Jesus is the lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. John 1:29, 36. We also see from Colossians chapter one, verse 20, through Jesus, that God was reconciling to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
We see from Hebrews chapter one that Jesus is referred to as God and Lord. Look at this from what Jesus said from John 14 verses 7-9. Compare it with what Jesus said with John chapters 1 and 10. Can’t begin to explain and understand this. But Jesus said it.
Jn. 14: 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”
8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”
9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
John 1: 18No one has ever seen (God the Father), but (Jesus) the One and Only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him (God the Father) known.
John 10: 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” 31 Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, 32 but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” 33 “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.”
Compare Hebrews 1 verse 3, John 14 verse 9 with John 12:44:
Heb. 1: 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being,
John 14: 9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.
John 12: 44 Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 45 The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me.
Compare John 1 verse 18, No one has ever seen God (the Father), but (Jesus) the One and Only Son, who is himself God, with what Jesus said with, John 5: 37 And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form. .. No one has never seen God the Father, seen his form, only Jesus, God the Son. This could possibly include the angels also.
We’ve just read Jesus is the image of the invisible God, being in very nature God, he is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being. Jesus is the firstborn over all creation. He is superior to the angels. By Jesus all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; Ephesians 6: 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. All things were created by Jesus and for Jesus. Jesus is before all things. With Hebrews chapter one, we’re told all God’s angels are to worship him.
Here's just a few scriptures that tell us Jesus is God.
Romans 9: 4the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. 5Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.
Titus 2:13 while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
The blessed hope, the glorious appearing, the Apostle Paul is referring to the rapture.
1 John 5: 20We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.
1 Tim. 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory. NKJV
With the first chapter of John we’re told, In the beginning was Jesus, and Jesus was with (God the Father), and Jesus was God. Jesus, who is himself God. Says Jesus was God, not a god. Jesus was with (God the Father) in the beginning. Through Jesus all things were made; without Jesus nothing was made that has been made. Through Jesus the whole universe, all the planets, all the stars, all the angels were made, were created. In Jesus was life. With 1 John chapter one, we see Jesus was from the beginning, he is the Word of life, he is the eternal life. In Colossians chapter one, we see the Son, Jesus, is the image of the invisible God, that Jesus is before all things, that all the fullness of God dwells in Jesus. In Philippians chapter two, we see his very nature is God. In Hebrews chapter one we see Jesus is the radiance of God and the exact representation of his being, that Jesus, the Son, was equal with the Father from the beginning. From all the scriptures, we see that Jesus eternally existed with the Father.
We’re told in Deuteronomy that the LORD our God is one.
Duet. 6: 4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.
The LORD is yehôvâh yeh-ho-vaw' – Jehovah. God is 'ĕlôhı̂ym el-o-heem' used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God;
As I said above, it appears that when Jesus said, John 10 verse 30, I and the Father are one, sounds like he meant more than He and the Father are one in agreement.
From all these scriptures we have just read, the LORD, Jehovah is referring to Jesus. Jesus is Jehovah. Comparing scripture with scripture, that’s what the scriptures are saying. That’s what the context of the scriptures are saying.
But from the scriptures we see there is God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Here we see the Father and the Son.
John 5: 30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. 31 “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. 32 There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is true. … 36 “I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form,
John 8: 14 Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. 15 You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. 16 But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. 17 In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. 18 I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.”
Here with Jesus’ baptism, we see the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit also.
Matthew 3; 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Mark 1: 9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Matthew gives us from John’s point of view, Mark gives from Jesus’.
We're told that the LORD our God is one, but we see that there is the Father and the Son. We see that God, el-o-heem', plural, exists in, has revealed himself in the persons of, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. That’s what the scriptures are saying. Remember above, Strongs Hebrew H410, God, 'êl, especially the Almighty. But Strongs H430, God, el-o-heem', is plural, meaning, in the plural of the supreme God; .. The meaning is the supreme Almighty God, in the plural, only one God, but God, el-o-heem', plural. Well, God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.
Mt. 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
1 John 5: 7 For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.
Keep reading. With Part II, we will get more insight from Jesus himself. We will see God the Holy Spirit. We will look at what the Bible tells us about the Holy Spirit. We will look more into the name Jesus. Is the name of God Jehovah, or is it Jesus.
From the book of Revelation, we will look more at what Jesus was referring to when he said he was the First and the Last? To get more insight into what Jesus meant, all we need to do is go to the Old Testament. With Part II we’ll compare New Testament scriptures with Old Testament scriptures. The Bible interprets itself. Part II is getting deeper into the scriptures. We see that the New Testament descriptions of Jesus is the same as the Old Testament scriptures descriptions of Jehovah, of God.
Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus.