The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Timothy 3:16,
"Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:
He appeared in the flesh,
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory."
This passage, most likely a well known confession of faith adopted by the early church, and possibly sung as a hymn, (given, what is felt by many, the "rhythm of its phrases") is sweeping in its claims.
The passage begins and ends with the visit God made to planet earth through his one and only Son, Jesus Christ. The Creator visited his creation as a member of it! "He appeared in the flesh..." The arrival of Jesus Christ to this world was attended with great glory and heavenly fanfare. Of the original Christmas we read, "Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:13-14.
When his mission was completed, Jesus "was taken up in glory", returning, in a glorious ascension, from whence he came. The stunning account is provided for us in Acts 1 where we read of his followers "looking intently up into the sky as he was going" when "he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight." There we read of angels appearing to his followers, assuring them Jesus would return a second time in the same way they just saw him return to heaven.
This confession identifies four things about the Son of God relative to his visit here. He was:
vindicated by the Spirit
seen by angels
preached among the nations
believed on in the world
What captures my attention this morning is that Jesus was vindicated by the Spirit. Some may interpret this as "vindicated in the spirit", but either way, it is that "vindication" that strikes me. Merriam-Webster defines "vindicate" as "to show that (someone or something that has been criticized or doubted) is correct, true, or reasonable."
While here, Jesus Christ brought a message of redemption, "the Kingdom of God is at hand." This is a redemption that becomes ours through faith. Jesus said, "whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24. While here Jesus claimed, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." While here, Jesus vindicated both his offer of salvation, as well as the claims he made of himself. Jesus Christ is God the Son and is the only way, the truth and life.
"Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:
He appeared in the flesh,
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory."
This passage, most likely a well known confession of faith adopted by the early church, and possibly sung as a hymn, (given, what is felt by many, the "rhythm of its phrases") is sweeping in its claims.
The passage begins and ends with the visit God made to planet earth through his one and only Son, Jesus Christ. The Creator visited his creation as a member of it! "He appeared in the flesh..." The arrival of Jesus Christ to this world was attended with great glory and heavenly fanfare. Of the original Christmas we read, "Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:13-14.
When his mission was completed, Jesus "was taken up in glory", returning, in a glorious ascension, from whence he came. The stunning account is provided for us in Acts 1 where we read of his followers "looking intently up into the sky as he was going" when "he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight." There we read of angels appearing to his followers, assuring them Jesus would return a second time in the same way they just saw him return to heaven.
This confession identifies four things about the Son of God relative to his visit here. He was:
vindicated by the Spirit
seen by angels
preached among the nations
believed on in the world
What captures my attention this morning is that Jesus was vindicated by the Spirit. Some may interpret this as "vindicated in the spirit", but either way, it is that "vindication" that strikes me. Merriam-Webster defines "vindicate" as "to show that (someone or something that has been criticized or doubted) is correct, true, or reasonable."
While here, Jesus Christ brought a message of redemption, "the Kingdom of God is at hand." This is a redemption that becomes ours through faith. Jesus said, "whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24. While here Jesus claimed, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." While here, Jesus vindicated both his offer of salvation, as well as the claims he made of himself. Jesus Christ is God the Son and is the only way, the truth and life.
The attestation of the Scriptures, authenticating the claims and the deeds of Jesus Christ are beyond compelling. The fulfillment of the many prophecies concerning his coming are remarkable. We have in our hands a copy of the book of Isaiah from the Dead Sea Scrolls dated two to three centuries before the birth of Jesus Christ. In chapter 53, as well as many other places, the life and mission of Jesus Christ are clearly laid out, as originally penned by Isaiah some seven centuries earlier.
In addition to the many fulfilled prophecies of Jesus Christ are other factors vindicating his claims and deeds. While here Jesus clearly demonstrated his transcendent control of the laws of physics that govern his creation. His many miracles attest to his role as our Creator (see John 1:1-3 and Hebrews 1:2). The first of which sets the table for many others as he turned water to wine, John 2:1-12.
Jesus' dominance of the spiritual realm is seen in many places, such as Matthew 8:28-34. While here he forgave people their sins, (and attested the forgiveness by miracles of healing, etc.) See Matthew 9:1-8. Jesus raised people from the dead, Matthew 8:11-17 and John 11:38-44.
Many other items could be added to the list of attestations for the vindication of Jesus Christ. What would you add? The vindication of all Jesus said and did as our Messiah and Savior is amply provided to all who will listen and take note.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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