The Prove That Jesus is Lord
The Believer’s Understanding of who Jesus is
The intersection of religious beliefs often sparks profound discussions, and one of the most debated figures is Jesus Christ. While Islam recognizes Jesus as a prophet, the foundational Christian belief goes beyond that, proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God and the Lord. This exploration seeks to delve into the theological aspects surrounding the divinity of Jesus, emphasizing key scriptures and contrasting Islamic perspectives.
Islamic Beliefs Regarding Jesus
In Islam, Jesus holds a significant position as a revered prophet. The acknowledgment of his sinlessness is a cornerstone of Islamic belief, with the conviction that he stands as the only prophet without sin. However, three crucial tenets diverge Islam from Christianity regarding Jesus:
- Denial of Sonship: Islam categorically rejects the notion that Jesus is the Son of God. This belief forms a profound theological distinction, setting the two faiths on separate trajectories.
- Crucifixion Refutation: Muslims firmly reject the idea that Jesus died on the cross. Instead, they propose that someone resembling Jesus took His place. This assertion raises questions about the nature of divine deception and challenges the core Christian narrative.
- Resurrection / Deification Denial: Islam steadfastly denies the Resurrection of Jesus. According to Islamic teachings, attributing divine qualities to any being other than Allah is a fundamental deviation from monotheism.
Jesus as God Incarnate
The Christian narrative asserts that Jesus is not merely a prophet but the incarnate Son of God. Central to this belief is the concept of the Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus, as the Son, is sinless and divine. Several scriptures validate these claims:
- Jesus’ Declaration of Divinity: In John 8:58, Jesus unequivocally declares, “Before Abraham was, I am.” This statement not only asserts his pre-existence but also aligns with the divine title “I am,” used in Exodus 3:14.
- God Incarnate: The theological underpinning of Jesus as the Son of God rests on the idea that God sends a piece of Himself, in the form of Jesus (The word of God), to save humanity. This aligns with the concept that salvation can only be achieved by the divine.
The Divine Purpose: Overcoming Sin and Death
The essence of God’s plan for salvation is encapsulated in Jesus’ earthly mission. Unlike any other prophet, Jesus actively participated in overcoming sin and death, proving His divinity:
The only way that the devil could test if a man was truly God was to test his ability to 1. Overcome sin and 2. Overcome death
- Testing of Sin: The biblical narrative portrays Jesus as the only sinless being. This, according to Christian doctrine, establishes His divinity as only God can be without sin.
- Triumph Over Death: The resurrection becomes the ultimate manifestation of Jesus’ divine nature. Rising from the dead solidifies His claim to deity, as only God has the power to conquer death. Romans 1:4: “and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.”
The Kingdom Manifested: Power and Authority Given To Us As Believers
The manifestation of the kingdom of God, finds its roots in Jesus’ triumph over sin and death. This victory provides believers with:
- Prevailing Power: Through Jesus’ conquering of sin and death, Christians claim a prevailing power that empowers them to live victoriously.
- Administrative Authority: Believers have been given the power and authority to operate in the name of Jesus. Wielding authority over principalities and powers. Colossians 1:12: “giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.”
They Were About To Stone Jesus, Because He said He Was I am
In Exodus 3:14: “God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: “I am” has sent me to you.”
The Isaelites knew God as I am from the time of Moses, so when Jesus said “before Abraham was I am”, They were ready to stone him to Death because they said He was blaspheming by calling Himself God.
The Power in the Name of Jesus
“In the name of Jesus” is more than a phrase; it represents the authority and power bestowed upon believers. This power is rooted in the victory Jesus achieved over sin and death, as evidenced by the resurrection.
Conclusion: Confession of Jesus as Lord
In conclusion, the assertion that Jesus is Lord goes beyond a mere proclamation. It is rooted in a narrative that encompasses divine incarnation, triumph over sin and death, and the conferring of power and authority to believers. This exploration highlights the divergence of beliefs between Islam and Christianity, emphasizing the significance of Jesus’ identity and mission in Christian theology. Ultimately, the confession “Jesus is Lord” becomes a declaration of faith in the divine nature and redemptive power of Christ.