As we stated last week, John has a way of putting things into stark contrast. There is urgency in his tone when he describes Divine imperatives. Take John’s writings lightly at your own peril. For the issues he presents have life and death consequences. In our Scripture reading John introduces the idea that the spirit of antichrist is working in people already, long before the actual Antichrist arrives on the earth (I John 2:18,22 cp. 4:3; II John 7. See also II Thessalonians 2:1-13). Last week we noted that what you think of God is most important. Today, we will focus on what you think of Jesus Christ. Many people imagine and worship a generic god, rather than the true God of the Bible. Eternal life depends on having a relationship with the Father and with His Son. While we admit that understanding the triune nature of God is complex and humbling, we must be clear that certain errors in these matters are called “lies” and have their origins with Satan (I Timothy 4:1; II Corinthians 4:3-6).

The Lies – I John 2:21-26

To deny that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah) is to deny the Father and the Son. You can not acknowledge the Father without also acknowledging His Son. Many doctrinal lies exist concerning the nature of Jesus Christ. There are too many to explain here, but knowing who Jesus really is and what He has done and will do is of vital importance (Matthew 16:13-17; John 8:23-24; I John 4:1-6; 5:10-12; II John 9-11).

The Life – I John 2:20-21, 24-25, 27

To acknowledge the Son of God – to believe His partnership and oneness with the Father; to receive His gift of forgiveness – is to have eternal life (John 3:16-17; 5:24; 6:27-29; 14:1-6, 15-27; 17:1-10; Colossians 2:8-10; I John 4:9-10, 14-15; 5:1,5,20).

Some basic truths about who Jesus is

“Emmanuel” means “God with us.” Matthew 1:21-23 cp. Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; John 1:1-3,14; I Timothy 3:16 (KJV / NKJV).

Jesus claimed to be equal with God.
• John 5:17-18 cp. Philippians 2:6, 9-11 cp. Isaiah 45:22-23
• John 8:36-59 (note the phrase, “I AM” cp. Exodus 3:13-14; John 18:4-6)
• John 10:27-39 (note vs. 30, 33, 36)

Jehovah is identified as the “God of Glory” (Psalm 29:1-3; Acts 7:2). Jesus Christ is also prophetically identified as the “King of glory” (Psalm 24:7-10; Matthew 25:31-46) and the “Lord of glory” (I Corinthians 2:8; James 2:1 cp. Isaiah 40:5 with 42:8). See also Revelation 1:5-8.