"Finding Out" Study2-p8

GOD WANTS HIS SON TO HAVE the same honour that is due to Himself. This argues strongly for the equality of God the Father and the Son. And equality with God clearly indicates divinity. Jesus Christ is, therefore, God the Son!

Although Jesus Christ will be fair in His judgment no one should expect acquittal on the grounds of their own righteousness. This is impossible, as God originally made us perfect , and only perfect obedience can satisfy a pure and holy God. However, acquittal on the grounds of what Christ did on the cross is certainly possible. And this we shall discover in a later study.

Jesus’ teaching on the rebirth is important. No one can be saved unless they are born again. Jesus was referring to a life-changing experience, not the teaching of reincarnation found in eastern religions.

SUMMARY: God the Father gave His Son the supreme honour of being the world’s judge so that His Son might receive the same honour as Himself. Jesus was suitably qualified for this high position.

As the God-man, He could appreciate both the justice of His Father and the predicament of sinful men. Furthermore, we shall see from the next study, that Jesus was without sin, making Him the perfect judge.

There will be no miscarriages of justice when Jesus returns to this world. He will sit on His throne and judge between the saved and the unsaved. And He will gather the sheep, for whom He died, to Himself.

Finally, note the teaching of Jesus on the rebirth. We need a radical change of direction to please God, and only God’s Spirit can give it.