WEEK 36
THIS JESUS—
Who He Is_1
“He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory” (1 Tim 3:16 ESV).
JESUS is the ruler of GOD’s creation (Col 1:15)—He’s the Son of GOD (2 Cor 1:19). He’s the image of the invisible GOD (Col 1:15), the exact imprint (Heb 1:3). He is GOD’s mystery (Col 2:2)—the Cornerstone (Eph 2:20). He is “a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation”(Isa 28:16 ESV).
CHRIST is all and in all (Col 3:11)—fills all in all (Eph 1:23). Through Him are all things (1 Cor 8:6); He is heir of all things (Heb 1:2). He is head over all rule and authority (Col 2:9-10), and judges the living and the dead (2 Tim 4:1). Therefore He is called, “the Author of Life” (Acts 3:15). “Jesus is the Lord, the Maker and Upholder of all things in the universe.”1
All the fullness of Deity dwells in Him and through Him (Col 1:19-20). “[W]hat he naturally and necessarily enjoys [is] by a participation of the same undivided nature and essence with the Father and Spirit.”2
JESUS was anointed by GOD with the HOLY SPIRIT and power (Acts 10:38). He is both LORD and CHRIST (Acts 2:36)—Mediator between GOD and man (1 Tim 2:5).
The CHRIST is JESUS (Acts 5:42). On earth He was meek and gentle (2 Cor 10:1)—and suffered greatly (Acts 3:18)—to eventually be delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of GOD (Acts 2:23).
“Christ has the rights or privileges of the ‘first-born.’ [T]his does not mean that Jesus was the first being created for both the Father and the Son have always been.”3
It was impossible for Him to be held by death’s power (Acts 2:24). He was raised from the dead by the glory of the FATHER (Rom 6:4). Therefore He is the firstborn from the dead (Col 1:18) never to die again. Death no longer has dominion over Him (Rom 6:9). And He delivers those who fear death (Heb 2:5).
He has been exalted to the right hand of GOD (Acts 2:33); and is now Head of the body—the church (Col 1:18). His throne is forever and ever (Heb 1:8).
“While yet upon earth our dear Lord commenced that work of intercession for the sanctification of the church, which He ascended on high more fully to carry on. This was the burden of His prayer, ‘Sanctify them through thy truth’ (John 17:17).”4
ENDNOTES
(36) This JESUS, the Cornerstone
1. ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2001, ESV Text Edition: 2011) 2294.
2. John Gill, “Commentary on Colossians 1:19,” 1999, The New John Gill Exposition of the Entire Bible, 22 February 2021 https://www.studylight.org/commentary/colossians/1-19.html#verse-geb.
3. Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994) 243.
4. Octavius Winslow, “Christ and Sanctification,” Free Grace Broadcaster 215 (2011) : 16.
5. “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,” (Ephesians 2:20 ESV).
6. “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11 ESV).
7. “For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things . . .” (Colossians 1:19-20 ESV).
8. “ . . . Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father . . .” (Romans 6:4 ESV).
9. “ . . . Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering. . .” (Ephesians 5:2 ESV).
10. “God spoke . . . to us by his Son . . . the heir of all things” (Hebrews 1:2 ESV).
11. “ . . . Christ . . . the head of all rule and authority” (Colossians 2:8,10 ESV).
12. “ . . . the Son of God, Jesus Christ . . .” (2 Corinthians 1:19 ESV).
13. “For by him all things were created . . .” (Colossians 1:16 ESV).
14. “But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits . . .” (1 Corinthians 15:23 ESV).
15. “And he is the head of the body, the church” (Colossians 1:18 ESV).
16. “ . . . God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus . . .” (Acts 2:36 ESV).
17. “ . . . God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power” (Acts 10:38 ESV).
18. “And he . . .gave him as head over all things to the church,” (Ephesians 1:22 ESV).
19. “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25 ESV).
20. “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16 ESV).
21. “and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses” (Acts 3:15 ESV).
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