Churches Of Christ/Jesus as the Christ:

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Expert: - 3/15/2004


Question
What does it mean to believe that:

a.  Jesus is the Christ?
b.  The Son of Man?

Answer
Hi!

Ken, in contrast to my last question, this is so brief, I am not quite sure I understand which answers you seek. I will attempt to answer, but if I miss the gist of your question, I would appreciate the opportunity to do a follow up for you.

A) Jesus is the Christ. The Greek for Christ, khris-tos', simply means "annointed." The Hebraic form of the same word is maw-shee'-akh (Messiah), and while meaning annointed, it is specifically applied to a king or priest. Simply put, He is the chosen one of God.

John 1:1-14 clearly states that Jesus is in fact God (unless you use the New World Translation of the Jehovah's Witnesses).

What does it mean to believe this? Belief (faith) is essential to our salvation. However, the devils also believe, but tremble (James 2:19). Therefore, belief alone is not enough. There must also be works (of obedience to God) according to James 2:24-26. Does this passage contradict Ephesians 2:8-9? Of course, not. Works in Ephesians is talking about our inventions; things which would make us feel superior. We would be able to boast in these. The works of God's design make us equal, and we could not boast in these. Thus, we see a distinction in two types of works.

B) The Son of Man. This was one of Jesus' favorite descriptions of Himself. It constantly reminded His followers of His human side. This left Him room for temptation and fears just as we face.

The combination of both really allows us to appreciate the sacrifice and suffering He endured. If we truly believe both, we will not quibble over the things He commands, we will just do them. This is very much like Naaman of old (II Kings 5).

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to answer. If this is not what you seek, please rephrase your question for me.

In His Service,
Marvin Howard
preacjerman_1962@yahoo.com
http://www.geocities.com/preacherman_1962

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Marvin Howard

Expertise

I consider myself to be a "doctrine specialist" if there is such a thing. I offer scripture to support or refute (as needed) any doctrine practiced within what is commonly termed "Christianity" today. I am willing to try questions on prophecy and history, though they are weak points. I have learned a little, however. Also, as I am disabled, I have time to research many things. For example, I can find a congregation of the church within twenty miles of your ZIP Code if one exists. If traveling, I can locate a congregation for your visit. I am accountable in this ministry to a group of Christians. I will share my answers with them for review. If a question is private, I will redact the names for privacy.

Experience

I became a Christian on April 7, 1969. I have been a substitute, spur-of-the-moment preacher for thirty years. My last pulpit was with the congregation in Braswell, GA. My sermons have always contained at least fifty percent scripture. On occasion, I have preached in seven states, and four foreign nations. This is beside my online ministry. I am now, officially retired.

I hope to never mislead anyone saying I'm a member of one group, when I'm really in another as one here does. By his own admission, he isn't a member of the church, but of the "Christian Church" (sic) denomination. If I can be honest, I don't know why others would want to lie.

Education/Credentials
Having already acquired significant Bible education from self-study, I attended 1.5 years of Bible college through the church at Dyersburg, TN (before my health waned) in an attempt to get paper to say I know what I know.

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