What Do You Think of Christ? Whose Son is He?
Introduction – This paper was written by a high school and college mathematics instructor. It was not written or produced by any particular church or denomination. It is provided free of charge as an expression of God’s love for mankind.
Who is the Father of Christ? This is the question that Jesus Christ asked the religious leaders in Matthew 22:42 and this is a question that every person will answer or ignore. If you can answer this question correctly from your heart, you are truly blessed. Many people have at least heard the Bible verse, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). But, what does it really mean to believe in Christ? Surely it is not enough to simply admit that there was once a man named Jesus.
Was Jesus just a famous prophet or teacher? People often think He was a nice fellow, who was unfortunately mistreated and killed. However, leaders of one large religious group have taught for two thousand years that Jesus was an illegitimate deceiver. Therefore, they frequently become defensive or angry, when we say that Jesus loves them. Sadly, there are millions of people all over the world who hate the name of Jesus Christ. In some situations, it is even against the law to mention His name. Other groups resent the notion that they need a savior. They would rather answer to no one on earth or in heaven. If their behavior is questioned or deemed inappropriate, they become offended or hostile. Nevertheless, “23all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24 KJV).
Opinions on Christ, salvation, and eternal life abound. One very large world religion teaches that the Son of Mary will one day return to the earth, only to die after forty years and be buried next to their prophet. Another prominent group says that any man can eventually become a god over his own planet by following their teaching. Some eastern religions see their god as only a force or energy found in any object. One popular cult says that only 144,000 will earn top ranking seats and you must work hard to compete for one of these limited positions. Obviously, all of these conflicting opinions cannot be true. Furthermore, opinions are not facts. You may like green beans better than carrots. That is your opinion and it is real to you. However, it does not change the nature of green beans or carrots. I met a college professor who did not believe that man had traveled to the moon. He thought it was impossible. In his opinion, after spending millions of dollars, the government staged a movie with special effects showing a lunar landing. But, a person’s opinion cannot put a flag on the lunar surface or remove a flag that is already there. The truth is not changed by opinion.
Finally, a great number of people choose to just ignore the subject of Christ altogether. Neglect is their response to God’s love. God gave His most precious gift, His only begotten Son. He did it to redeem mankind from sin, so we could be clean and righteous in His sight through the mercy and grace of God. God loves us! He actually wants us to be in His presence eternally. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 KJV). Hell was not created for man; it was created for the devil and his angels. Man goes there by choice. “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation” (Hebrews 2:3 KJV).
From a logical perspective, Christ cannot be just a nice man. He made too many claims that were extreme and exclusive. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6 KJV). Jesus declared all other religious systems and beliefs to be completely counterfeit and without merit. ”Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber” (John 10:1 KJV). “7Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them” (John 10:7-8 KJV). He condemns all other attempts at salvation. There are not many ways to God. There is only one way and His name is Jesus Christ. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12 KJV). While some critics say that only His disciples made these extreme claims, the historical record indicates that the claims of Christ were extreme enough to result in His crucifixion. The religious leaders accused Him of blasphemy (making Himself equal with God) and they considered His miracles and healings to be sorcery. The choice is really straightforward. We accept Jesus Christ as the only begotten Son of God or reject/ignore God’s plan of redemption and hand of mercy.
So, who is the Father of Christ? While it is a simple question, no person can ever find the correct answer in their heart without God’s help. Jesus said, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:44 KJV). Without the Holy Spirit, we walk in absolute spiritual darkness. We are blinded by Satan and cannot possibly hear God’s voice. “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Corinthians 4:4 KJV).
If the Spirit of God is speaking to you today, then today is your day of salvation. Second Corinthians 6:2 says that at just the right time, God heard you. If you cry out to God, He will hear you. On the day of salvation, He will help you. He will send the Holy Spirit to guide you and draw you to Him. Certainly, the "right time" is now. Today is the day of salvation! There is no guarantee of tomorrow. Your heart may become hard and your ears deaf to His call. Today, if you are fortunate enough to hear His voice, I urge you to say yes to Christ and His love.
Jesus Christ is truly the only begotten Son of God, who came to this earth to fulfill His plan of redemption from the foundation of the world. He “7made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:7-11 KJV).
You can experience a spiritual rebirth today. Romans 10:9 (KJV) says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
Will you pray today and begin your journey with Christ? “Lord Jesus, I confess with my mouth today that You are the only begotten Son of the living God. I repent and turn from my sins. I believe that You died on the cross to save me from my punishment and I receive You as Savior and Lord of my life. Please help me to grow in Your fellowship and serve You all the days of my life. I ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
If you prayed that prayer today from your heart, then you have become a child of God. You have been born again and your adventure with Christ begins. Read the Bible each day, beginning with the book of John. Talk to God each day and ask for His help. Find a church that loves Jesus, loves people, worships God with enthusiasm, and teaches the Bible. They will help and encourage you on your journey with Christ.
May God bless you,
Ken Campbell
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