Page 11 - January 2023 - Truth & Tidings

Transcendence To prove this invisible reality, He outlined
“He that cometh from heaven is above visible works that He would perform. His
all” (Joh 3:31) and “I am from above” works are the classic works of deity: salva-
(8:23) are statements of transcendence. tion, condemnation, adoration (vv21-24).
Though a lowly carpenter who walked The works are described as being given
Galilee’s roads, He was still inhabiting by the Father, showing the functions of
eternity, higher and greater than all. The the Godhead. But they all spring from the
one who came down from heaven was still same source – the Father and Son have
the Son of man in heaven (3:13). He was the same essence, distinct persons not-
far beyond man’s reach, but came so near withstanding. Who else but an everlasting
person could impart everlasting life? Who
that He was seen and touched. else but an omniscient judge could know
Inscrutability every case and assess every heart in global
Though He came in flesh and blood, judgment? Christ did these works exactly
there is an aspect to the person of Christ as the Father would have done them.
that is far beyond our comprehension No wonder He said, “He that hath seen
– unsearchable. Job understood this to me hath seen the Father” (14:9), the perfect
be a divine attribute, saying, “Touching and visible expression of the substance of
the Almighty, we cannot find him out” God (Heb 1:3). Only God can reveal God.
(37:23). Luke concurs, recording, “No man Titles
knoweth who the Son is” (10:22). This Eternality is another proof of deity,
refers to the inner life of the Son, aside and this attribute is revealed as a title in
from His dealings with man. Had He not Scripture: “I am the first, and I am the last
chosen to reveal Himself, we would still … beside me there is no God” (Isa 44:6).
be blind. The New Testament equivalent is, “I am
Works Alpha and Omega, the first and the last”
In order to prove the invisible reality (Rev 1:11). John ascribes this title to the
of His divine nature, the Lord Jesus per- Son of man, the Lord Jesus. John further
formed miracles. The healing of the lame describes the Son of man as the Ancient of
man is a classic example. The Lord Jesus Days of Daniel’s prophecy (cf. Dan 7:9; Rev
claimed to forgive his sins (Mar 2:5), but 1:14). He doesn’t use the title but mirrors
the Jews thought that this was a work only the same features. Daniel saw the Son of
God could do (v7). Being omniscient, He man and the Ancient of Days as distinct
knew their thoughts (v8) and presented persons. John saw the same essence. Both
them with a humanly impossible di- were right.
lemma. Sins forgiven, or lame walking? The Lord Jesus is also called the “Holy
To prove the invisible reality – that this One” (Act 3:14), “true God” (1Jn 5:20)
man’s sins were forgiven and that He was and “Son of God” (Mat 14:33). He has the
God – He told the lame man to walk. No names and titles of God, for He is God.
wonder they said, “We never saw it on Conclusion
this fashion” (v12). When considering the mystery and
Similarly, when the Lord Jesus claimed wonder of our blessed Lord, we can only
that God was His Father (Joh 5:17), He was fall at His feet and exclaim, “My Lord and
claiming to have the same nature as God. my God” (Joh 20:28).

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