The Truth About Jesus

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched -- this we proclaim concerning the Word of Life." -- 1 John 1:1

One of the purposes for writing 1 John was to confirm the church's teaching concerning the incarnation of Christ. John was writing in response to a group of people who left the church and were teaching that the Christ was not really the human being Jesus, but was instead a spirit which came upon the body of Jesus at His baptism and left Him when He was on the Cross. This group of people, called Gnostics, were doing all they could to convince the church that Jesus was a man used by the Christ but that Jesus Himself was not God or the Christ. John wanted to assure believers Jesus was actually a human being and God our Savior. John was emphatic in his writing that Jesus was 100% human flesh and 100% God when He walked this earth!

John knew the importance of "getting it right" when it comes to Jesus. If you misunderstand the truth concerning Jesus, you miss the salvation He offers mankind. Muslims believe Jesus was just a prophet, a man and good teacher. Mormons believe Jesus was the brother of Lucifer and that his plan of salvation was chosen over Lucifer's plan for saving the world. Jehovah Witnesses believe Jesus was Michael the Archangel who came to earth in order to save the world. In each of these instances the followers of these various groups have misunderstood or denied the truth concerning Jesus. The result of this misunderstanding or denial is separation from God!

Each and every person who walks the earth must decide for themselves the answer to the question, "Who is Jesus?" Your answer to this very important question will determine whether you participate in the salvation Jesus brings through His death, burial and resurrection. What do you believe about Jesus? What do your neighbors believe about Jesus? What does your family believe about Jesus? The answer to this question really does matter! John wanted everyone in his day to know the truth about Jesus so he "proclaimed" his personal experience with Jesus. In order for everyone to "get it right" concerning the truth of Jesus in our day, we too must proclaim our experience with Him! Be not afraid!

James