1476. We Know the Son of God Hath Come
We Know the Son of God Hath Come
"And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know Him that is true * * This is the True God, and eternal life" (1Jn_5:20).
1. We know that Christ is the Son of God. There is no room here for soft pedaling. Jesus Christ is either the Son of God, or the son of Joseph.
If He is the Son of God, He is everything else that He claimed to be.
If He is the son of Joseph, He is nothing vital that He claimed to be.
(1) Query number one. On one occasion, Christ said to the disciples: "Whom do men say that I the Son of Man am?" (Mat_16:13).
The query above was spoken after Christ had turned the water into wine at Cana of Galilee; and showed forth His Deity.
The query was spoken after the healing of the nobleman's son, John's second recorded sign that Christ was indeed the Son of God.
The query was spoken after the impotent man, at the pool of Bethesda, was healed, and Christ was glorified.
The query was spoken after the loaves and the fishes had been multiplied, the hungry fed, and Christ magnified.
The query was spoken after Jesus Christ had manifested Himself as Master of the elements; by walking upon the sea, and stilling the storm.
The query was spoken after the man born blind had received his sight, and had declared that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God.
The query was spoken after the resurrection of Lazarus, and he who had been dead four days, had come forth before them all.
After these seven marvelous signs, and after many other signs which Christ truly did, in the presence of His disciples–after all of this–the Lord turned to His disciples, and said: "Whom do men say that I the Son of Man am? (Mat_16:13).
Peter responded: "Some say that Thou art John the Baptist: some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets" (Mat_16:14, \1911 Bible).
Was it not strange that among the populace there seemed none who proclaimed Him, Son o God? After all the signs He did they gave Him the rank of mere prophet or forerunner.
The Lord then turned to the disciples and said: "But Whom say ye that I am?" (Mat_16:15).
Peter answered: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God" (Mat_16:16).
(2) Query number two. There came a time when the enemy were asking catch-questions of Christ. First, they asked Him concerning the tribute money; then, they asked Him about the resurrection and the woman who had seven husbands; then they asked Him about the greatest commandment in the Law.
After these questions, Christ turned to the Pharisees, and said unto them: "What think ye of Christ? whose Son is He?" (Mat_22:42).
We would like to ask this question of everyone to-day–it is the vital question of all questions, and upon its answer the destiny of the soul must hang.
Martha said: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of God" (Joh_11:27).
Mark said: "Jesus Christ, the Son of God" (Mar_1:1).
The centurion said: "Truly this was the Son of God" (Mat_27:54).
What say Ye?
2. We know that the Son of God hath come. We do not only know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, but we know that He was sent to be the Saviour of the world.
This is the great and the supreme message concerning the First Advent, Jesus Christ was not only the Babe born of the Virgin, but He was the Son of God Who came down from Heaven.
This is the great contention of John's Gospel. It is upon this contention that the Spirit of the Christian, and the spirit of the antichrist is discerned.
"Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world" (1Jn_4:2-3).
The Word of God is final:
"Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God" (1Jn_4:15).
On the other hand, what of the unbelievers? What of those who deny the Son? The Bible is just as plain: "He that believeth not God, hath made Him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of His Son" (1Jn_5:10).
"Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: [but] he that acknowledged the Son hath the Father also" (1Jn_2:23).
We have said it before, and we say it again, that the denial of the Deity of our Lord is conclusive proof of an unregenerate soul.
Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR