Saturday, March 13, 2010

What a Name! Yes, the Name of Jesus!

Hebrews 1:1-14 (New International Version)

1In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. 3The 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. 4So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
 5For 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"? 6And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,
   "Let all God's angels worship him." 7In speaking of the angels he says,
   "He makes his angels winds,
      his servants flames of fire. 8But about the Son he says,
   "Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever,
      and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom.
 9You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
      therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
      by anointing you with the oil of joy." 10He also says,
   "In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth,
      and the heavens are the work of your hands.
 11They will perish, but you remain;
      they will all wear out like a garment.
 12You 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."] 13To which of the angels did God ever say,
      "Sit at my right hand
   until I make your enemies
      a footstool for your feet"? 14Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

- - - o o o - - -

The name Jesus conveys different things to different people. Depending on the individual, it can mean an historical figure, a good teacher, a prophet, or a curse word. Yet to many throughout the world, that name is synonymous with "Lord and Savior."

What is it about that name? Why do some respond in praise and worship while others react in profanity and anger? The answer is that Jesus isn't simply a person; He's an issue. And our response to who He is determines not only our way of life, but also our eternal destiny.

The name of Jesus Christ represents all He is and all He does. Scripture identifies Him as the Son of God, equal to the Father in character and attributes: He is eternal, all-powerful, sovereign, and ever-present. The Bible also says He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things "For by him 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 him and for him." (Col. 1:16).

Jesus came to earth as the God-man for the purpose of saving mankind. Because He lived a perfect life, Christ is the only person in history who is qualified to pay the penalty for someone else's sin. He secured our forgiveness and offers us the gift of salvation on the basis of faith.

One day Christ will sit as mankind's ultimate, final judge. Those who have accepted His payment for their sins will live with Him forever.

Have you chosen to receive Christ's offer of salvation? A transformed life now and an eternal kingdom in heaven await all who call Him Savior and King. If you've never made the wise decision to accept His free gift, why not do so now? Then rejoice in the fact that Jesus will return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

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