Is Church Relevant?

John 1:43

Because there are a number of false churches in the world, many false teachers deceiving the unsuspecting, and too many scandals related to modern Christianity people are turned off by religion and church. Even in mainstream Christian denominations people have a growing sense that church has no real contribution to make in their lives. They have their education, careers, and families to worry about and church does not help them much with either. Church is merely one more thing to fit into already very busy lives.

But, what if we entertained the idea of what Jesus deems relevant instead of what we think is relevant. Perhaps we are thinking about relevance in terms far too small…. In John 1:43, Jesus issues an invitation to “Follow me.” What does He have in mind, and how does that relate to church involvement today?

What must we understand about the invitation Jesus made to “Follow me” in John 1:43?

“Follow Me!” These are great words because of the One who spoke them and great because of the privilege they offered. The Savior is still issuing this simple, yet sublime, invitation to all men everywhere.^[1]

There are several valuable points relevant to the invitation Jesus made to “Follow me.” He means the following:

1.       Followers keep company with Jesus and one another.
2.       Followers live His way.  It was a call to live life His way in relation to the Father and to others.
3.       Followers join Him in the redemptive initiatives of God. The call to discipleship essentially means a call to live His way and join Him in the redemptive enterprise.

Furthermore, it was customary for a disciple to take the initiative and select the rabbi they would follow. Jesus intentionally broke with this customary practice by choosing his own followers.  

What does the call to discipleship have to do with the relevance of the Church?  What does discipleship involve?

The call to discipleship is the nature of the church, when that call is lived out in its intended way.  An individual disciple is one part of that body, the church. Discipleship involves joining the company of others who are also disciples and working together with Christ to bring persons to God. Yet many reject church membership and regular attendance because they reject organized religion…they prefer to pray and worship at home privately. They believe that church is a human creation and subject to human manipulations advanced under the administration of fallible human leaders.

While any and every church is not worthy of attending or belonging to, there are some who still afford disciples opportunities to fellowship with Christ, share life with fellow believers, participate in Christian lifestyle, and cooperate in sharing the Gospel of Christ with the world. Truly following Jesus Christ today is effectively executed through serious involvement in a local Bible-believing church. That is a church that understands its nature and mission from Christ’s perspective and not merely one pandering to the culture’s demands, traditions, or expectations.     

What is the essential nature of the Church?

The Bible affords great insight regarding the very nature of the Church. We see in the New Testament several functions and responsibilities that are true of specific local congregations, and these are portrayed in a positive light (Acts 2:40-47).  The church in Jerusalem early on was very pleasing to the Lord Jesus Christ. Evangelizing, worshiping, fellowshipping, training and teaching, and ministering were all major features of this ministry. But, the point here is to define its essential nature.

A closer look at the word “church” should be helpful. It is used 115 times in the KJV. In 114 of those passages the Greek word translated “church” is ekklesia. (In Ac. 19:37, the Greek word hierosulos, meaning “a robber of a sacred place,” is translated also “church.”) Ekklesia means called out. Also philologically, that is the way a word is used, not merely its root meaning, a church is an assembly. We need to be just as concerned about how a word is used, not merely what its roots may be.  The meaning of the word ‘ekklesia’ is defined by its common usage in Biblical times. This being the case, the meaning of ‘ekklesia’ is “a called out assembly.”

Now, a local assembly operated through democratic processes under the laws of the Empire.  A Christian assembly function is the great commission, Matt. 28:19-20, its government is democratic (Acts 1:15-26), and it operates under the laws of King Jesus Christ.  A church is an assembly, city of believers, on earth within the Kingdom of God. A church should be comprised of believers who have been baptized in accordance with the Scriptures and voluntarily covenant together to fulfill the Great Commission. This includes evangelizing the unsaved, baptizing the new convert, training the saved to live and serve as Christ Jesus taught us. This is to continue through starting new churches in new places the world around until Jesus comes back for us.

The first mention of the word “church” in the N. T. is Mt. 16:16-19. Consider some important lessons from this passage:

1. The Church was started and built by Christ (“I will build”). This is one of His most important  present occupations.  This refutes the idea that the Holy Spirit started the church on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2.  The Holy Spirit came to Fill and Empower the Church not to start it!  Jesus is the Originator and God’s great arm of creation– and He created the church.
2. The Church was built upon Christ. The “Rock” upon which the church is built is Christ Himself--not Peter (compare 1 Co. 3:11; 10:4; Eph. 2:20; 1 Pet. 2:6).
3. The church did not exist until Christ came. It is an entity distinct from Israel.  There was no church in the O. T.  times (1Cor. 10:32; Eph. 3:3-11).

So, a genuine Church is a called out assembly of baptized believers following Jesus Christ, and associating with fellow believers to live out the Gospel and share it with the world. Following Christ requires involvement with one of His genuine churches. Forsaking churches altogether is forsaking God’s plan for Christian fellowship, development, ministry, and purpose. Yet, it is common to plead with believers to attend church regularly and to involve themselves in the life of the ministry!

What is the mission of the Church?

The mission of the Church is to make known the manifold wisdom of God: the Gospel (Eph. 3:10).  Christ gave his churches the responsibility of unbinding the gospel, letting it loose in the earth.  But with this responsibility comes also the possibility that a church might not unbind the gospel and, by this very default, will bind it.  Not all children obey the Father.

A church is a fellowship of disciples making known to all the gospel of Jesus Christ. Its mission is not to be a fellowship. That is its nature.  It is a fellowship.  Its mission is to make the gospel known.  It is a fellowship on a global mission.

A genuine church from Christ’s point of view affords believers opportunities to follow Him corporately. Being a part of and engaging a church in meaningful worship, ministry, and mission are practical ways of following Jesus Christ today. The Lord Jesus did not start another entity to support Christian living and missions, so it is safe to conclude He deems His original plan as relevant still. To belong to a solid Bible-obeying church with a heart to reach the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and devoted to life and ministry Jesus’s way is the plan of God for every believer without any exceptions.

I know there are those who have had bad experiences with rotten churches who feel they are the exception. Yes, you may feel justified by walking away from that awful church, but Christ expects you to follow Him still. That means finding a solid church who understands its nature and mission from Christ’s perspective and joining it. Join it to live in right and fuller fellowship with Christ Jesus. Join it to support and cultivate biblical Christian thinking, values, living, and service. Join it to advance the only hope God offers lost humanity of eternal value, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The invitation to follow Jesus Christ is the most valuable invite you and I will every give consideration to. Accept it and follow Him with as little interruption as possible until He returns for us in the Rapture.

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^[1] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1472). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Behold, The Lamb of God

JOHN 1:29, 36

Theme: Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, provided the sacrificial substitutionary death that appeased God’s wrath against sin and sinners making our salvation possible. 

Introduction:

Remember, God is not only loving and merciful, but He is also holy, just, and perfect. How can God forgive us without our dying for sin? (See Romans 3:23.) Evidently, Jesus came to deal decisively with our sin problem. W. MacDonald, a Bible scholar and commentator, points out what sin is stating,

Sin is any thought, word, or deed that falls short of God’s standard of holiness and perfection. It is a missing of the mark, a coming short of the target. An Indian whose arrow fell short of its target was heard to say, “Oh, I sinned.” In his language, the same word was used to express sinning and falling short of the target.^[1]

Sinful is an accurate description of every human being since we do not measure up to the perfection of God. Yes, we actually come far short of it because of our sinful thoughts, words, and deeds. The good news is that Jesus paid the penalty in our stead and as our substitute. Recall that Romans 3:23, says “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; ²⁴ Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus”^[2] Then the divine sentence upon sin is rehearsed in Hebrews 9:22, stating “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.”^[3]

Twice in John chapter 1, John the Baptist calls Jesus the Lamb of God—“Behold the Lamb of God” (vs. 29 & 36). What was John saying? Though Scripture reveals the Lord Jesus as the Lamb who will bring fantastic judgment in the future (Rev. 5:6, 12; 7:17), the reference here indicates Christ substitutionary sacrifice for sin. Jesus is the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (Jn. 1:29). Yes, our Lord’s death has far reaching implications for not only Israel, but you and me also…and the entire world. 1John 2:2, says, “And he [Jesus Christ] is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” ^[4]  Just as the need for salvation is universal/worldwide, the provision of God in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, is likewise equally available to all who will repent believing the Gospel.

The Scriptures predicted this ministry of Jesus Christ hundreds of years before when Isaiah said in chapter 53:7, “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, Yet he opened not his mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, So he openeth not his mouth.”^[5] As fascinating as it may seem, God foretold the ministry of Jesus as the Lamb of God—it is one of the greatest anticipations of the Old Testament eras.

Now note what The Bible Knowledge Commentary says concerning Isaiah 53:7,

In verse 7 the quiet, gentle nature of sheep is stressed. Seeing many sheep sheared for their wool or killed as sacrifices, Israelites were well aware of the submissive nature of sheep. Jesus, as the Lamb of God (John 1:29), quietly submitted to His death. He did not try to stop those who opposed Him; He remained silent rather than defend Himself (Matt. 26:63a; 27:14; 1 Peter 2:23). He was willingly led to death because He knew it would benefit those who would believe.^[6]

Let us explore the Old and New Testaments to discover the wealth of meaning John the Baptist involved when he called the Lord Jesus the “Lamb of God.” Let us “behold” this Lamb as John commanded.

THE WORK OF THE SON OF GOD AS THE LAMB—THE SIN-BEARER

The sacrificial substitutionary death of Jesus Christ appeased God’s wrath against sin and sinners making our salvation possible.  Let us recall just a few thoughts from the previous article entitled, The Lamb of God:

Fact: Jesus Christ Is both the Son of God and the Lamb of God. In the Bible, Jesus is referred to by many different names. Each name signifies a particular office or responsibility that He has, and illustrates the functions of that office.

As the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ Was Offered as a Sacrifice by God just as an Israelite would Offer a Lamb in the Old Testament.

John the Baptist was Sent by God to Declare that Jesus is the Christ that Israel had been Waiting for, and that He was also the "Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world" (Jn. 1:29).

Now with that recap in mind, consider Jesus, our Lord, as God’s substitutionary payment for our sin. Our only legitimate Sin-Bearer. Please pause with me to “Behold the Lamb of God.”

JESUS, THE ANTICIPATED SUBSTITUTE FOR OUR SINS (Jn. 1:29, 36)

As the Lamb of God, Jesus came to bear the sin of the whole world that we, through His blood, might have everlasting life. When Jesus died on the cross, He paid the penalty for every sin that was ever committed (2 Cor. 5:21).

2 Cor. 5:21, For he [The Father] hath made him [Jesus] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.^[7]

So, the Lord Jesus (as God’s perfect and pure Lamb) willingly and voluntarily took our sins upon Himself and suffered the consequences of our sin as if he was actually responsible for our failures. Beloved, this was the Father’s grand plan all along. W. MacDonald adds,

How can He [God] receive guilty sinners who come to Him in repentance and faith? The answer is that the Lord Jesus has effectively dealt with the whole problem of our sins, so now we can be reconciled to God.In other words, God made Christ to be sin for us—Christ who knew no sin—that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.^[8]

Dr. W. Wiersbe, pastor and prolific commentator, expands noting,

The Person who reconciles us to God is Jesus Christ, and the place where He reconciles us is His cross.

Another key idea in this section is imputation. This is a word borrowed from banking; it simply means “to put to one’s account.” When you deposit money in the bank, the computer (or the clerk) puts that amount to your account, or to your credit. When Jesus died on the cross, all of our sins were imputed to Him—put to His account. He was treated by God as though He had actually committed those sins.The result? All of those sins have been paid for and God no longer holds them against us, because we have trusted Christ as our Saviour. But even more: God has put to our account the very righteousness of Christ! “For He hath made Him [Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor. 5:21).^[9]

Now follow me as I recount the Biblical history and progressive revelation of this idea and notion of a substitutionary sacrifice for sinners.

      1. The Principal Lamb—a Picture of Atonement

When Adam and Eve sinned, God made them coats of skin for clothing (Gen 3:21). Their sin had opened their eyes to the fact they were naked. They had lost their original innocence and had become unrighteous before God. Blood had to be shed to cover their nakedness. An innocent animal was sacrificed because of their sinful actions.

It is evident from reading the very next chapter (Gen. 4) that the animal sacrificed was very likely a lamb. God had commanded that both Cain and Abel bring a sacrifice, and God had respect to Abel's offering only because it was "of the firstlings of his flock" (Gen. 4:4).

This was a picture of the Lord Jesus Christ as a lamb because He would voluntarily die in order to cover or atone for humanity’s sins. This is exactly the Scriptures describe the work of Christ in

Rom 5:10-11, For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. ¹¹ And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.^[10]

MacDonald observed,

The entrance of sin had brought estrangement, alienation, and enmity between man and God. By putting away sin, which had caused the alienation, the Lord Jesus restored those who believe on Him to a state of harmony with God. ^[11]

The term “atonement” here means at-one-ment; the act of making two estranged parties one or at harmony. Christ’s sacrifice so thoroughly covered our sin debt, that God and repentant sinners can be reconciled.

       2. The Provided Lamb—a Picture of Substitution

In Genesis 22:1-13, the account is given of Abraham when he is told to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. Just as Abraham is about to plunge his knife into Isaac, the angel of the Lord stopped him and told him not to injure his son. As Abraham looked up, he saw a ram caught in a thicket and offered it instead of his son.

In the same manner, Jesus is our substitute. Substitute means one life given in the stead of another. He paid the penalty for our sin as our substitute.

Isaiah 53:6, All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Matthew 20:28, Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

1 Tim. 2:6, Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

1 Peter 2:24, Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

1 Peter 3:18, For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

1 Cor. 5:7, Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

  

Substitute as used here means, that something happened to Christ, it need not happen to us.  Christ died for our sins; we need not die for them if we accept His sacrifice.

       3. The Passover Lamb—a Picture of the Cross

The first time that Israel observed the Passover was during the terrible plagues that the Lord sent against Egypt when Pharaoh would not allow the children of Israel to leave Egypt (Ex. 12).

At that time God told Moses and Aaron to tell every head of the household to take a lamb and kill it. They were to sprinkle its blood on the doorposts (the top and sides of the door frame) of their house. On a given night, the Lord was to pass through the land of Egypt, and in every house that did not have the blood applied to the doorposts, God would kill the firstborn of the household.

The shedding of Christ's blood on the cross, and us applying it to our hearts by faith has the same effect as the blood of the Passover Lamb. It assures safety to those who have applied it, but judgment to those who have not.

Col 1:20, And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

The Believer in Jesus Christ is therefore safe from all the wrath of God!

Exod 12:13, And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

1Thes 1:10, And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

1Thes 5:9-10,  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

        4. The Perpetual Lamb—a Picture of Sacrifice

In Exodus 29:38-42, the Lord institutes a daily burnt offering. The offerings consisted of two lambs, one to be offered in the morning, and one to be offered in the evening. This was to be a continual or daily sacrifice, and it typifies that Christ was made an offering and a sacrifice unto God (Eph. 5:2).

Ephes. 5:2, And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Heb 10:11-12, And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:12, But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; (Also 1Cor. 5:7)

        5. The Precious Lamb—a Picture of Christ

In a great prophetic portion of Scripture in Isa. 53, a description is given of Jesus Christ who would sacrifice Himself as an offering for sin. How precious this Lamb, the Lord Jesus truly is! No one else could do this for us but Him. He willingly and freely gave Himself on our behalf. Note what Isaiah 53:10-12 says,

  Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief:

When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin,

He shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days,

And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

¹¹          He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied:

By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many;

For he shall bear their iniquities.

¹²          Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great,

And he shall divide the spoil with the strong;

Because he hath poured out his soul unto death:

And he was numbered with the transgressors;

And he bare the sin of many,

And made intercession for the transgressors.^[12]

Beloved, it is with great wonder and awe that we behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! What love is this! What excellent mercy towards us sinners! What joy and thanksgiving Christ sacrifice deserves! How incredible that God remains just and becomes the justifier of those who believe the Gospel! Beloved, God was pleased and satisfied with Christ’s great offering and sacrifice for our sins! No more sacrifices are required. Jesus said, it is finished! Truly all that is necessary for us to be saved has been graciously provided for us. Our part is to repent, believe, and receive it. When studying these and other related passages, it is not hard to understand why John the Baptist referred to Jesus as “The Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world” (see also Rev. 5:6 and I Pet. 1:19).  It is so important to pause periodically to behold this Lamb.

Conclusion:

Yes, for centuries godly Jews had anticipated the “Lamb” provided by God; the Lamb who would effectively deal with sin and its guilt. Finally, John stands on the banks of the Jordan declaring he had arrived. Behold, the Lamb of God! John was prompting his original audiences to realize that the long promised substitutionary sacrifice for sins had finally come! No more waiting and anticipating. The Lamb of God is here right now. See there he is—Jesus the Christ!

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He fulfilled His office as the Lamb of God. He died for our sins exactly as the Scriptures foretold He would and in full concert with his own predictions. John the Baptist introduced the Lord Jesus as the “Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” We can believe the testimony of God, John the Baptist, and many others!

Two thousand years ago Jesus paid for my sins fully, and in August of 1990, I actually humbled myself before God acknowledging my sinfulness and need for Jesus Christ. I realized I needed God’s forgiveness and salvation and cried out to Him for mercy and grace. God forgave me because of my trust in Jesus Christ as my Lamb who took responsibility for my sins. So, the Lord Jesus is not only God’s provided Lamb, but he is also the Lamb for me. Yes, Jesus is my Lamb. What about you?

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^[1] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1688). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[2] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Ro 3:23–24). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[3] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Heb 9:22). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[4] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., 1 Jn 2:2). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[5] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Is 53:7). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[6] Martin, J. A. (1985). Isaiah. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 1108). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[7] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., 2 Co 5:21). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[8] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1842). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[9] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 649). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[10] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Ro 5:10–11). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

^[11] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1697). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[12] The Holy Bible: King James Version. (2009). (Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version., Is 53:10–12). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

The Lamb of God

JOHN 1:1-51

Theme: Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He executed His office as the Lamb of God.

Introduction:

Heb. 9:22b says, “Without shedding of blood is no remission.” Why is it so? God is not only merciful, but He is also just. How can God forgive us without our dying for sin? (See Romans 3:23.) Jesus paid the penalty.

Hebrews 9:22, And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

Romans 3:23, For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Martin Luther wrote concerning this gospel, "This is the unique, tender, genuine chief gospel. . . should a tyrant succeed in destroying the Holy Scriptures and only a single copy of the epistle to the Romans and the gospel of John escape him, Christianity would be saved." The gospel of John clearly sets forth that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God and that those who accept this Christ as their Savior will have eternal life.

1)           Fact: Jesus Christ Is Both the Son of God and the Lamb of God. In the Bible, Jesus is referred to by many different names. Each name signifies a particular office or responsibility that He has, and illustrates the functions of that office.

2)           As the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ Was Offered as a Sacrifice by God Just as an Israelite Would Offer a Lamb in the Old Testament.

3)           John the Baptist Was Sent by God to Declare That Jesus Was the Christ That Israel Had Been Waiting For, and that He was also the "Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world" (Jn. 1:29).

THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE SON OF GOD AS THE LAMB

   A.  THE TESTIMONY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST (Jn. 1:1-27)

       1.  I Am Not the Christ (Jn. 1:20)

The Jews heard of John baptizing people and sent a delegation of priests and Levites to inquire of his identity. They were familiar with the Old Testament passages that prophesied of a coming Messiah, and because of John's large following asked him if he were the Christ. John replied that he was not.

Since John has come in the spirit and power of Elijah (Lk. 1:17), and they knew that Elijah would someday return (Mal. 4:5), they asked him if he were Elijah. John again replied, “No.”

The priests asked him if he was that prophet (Jn. 1:21), referring to a prophecy of Moses in Deuteronomy 18:15-18. Again John replied, “No.”

Luke 1:17, And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

Malachi 4:5, Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:

John 1:21, And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

Deut. 18:15-18, The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; [16] According to all that thou desiredst of the Lord thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not. [17] And the Lord said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken. [18] I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.

  

    John then began to point them to the prophecy of Isaiah (Isa. 40:3) to show them he was only the forerunner of Christ and the one who would identify the Son of God (Jn. 1:23).

Isaiah 40:3, The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

John 1:23, He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

  

We learn from these passages (Jn. 1:1-23) that:

               a. John was a lamp, but not the light.

               b. John was a voice, but not the Word.

               c. John was a prophet, but not That Prophet.

               d. John was blessed (Lk. 1:5-25), but he was not the Christ.

         2.   Jesus is the Christ, the Lamb of God (Jn. 1:29-36)

After explaining that he was not the one that the Jews were looking for, John continued to point them to the coming Messiah. God told John that the person on whom he saw the Spirit descend like a dove would be the Son of God (Jn. 1:33-34).

John had already baptized Jesus (Mt. 3:13-17) and knew that he was the Christ. The next day when he saw Jesus coming, he turned and pointed to Jesus and basically said, "There He is! He is the Lamb of God!" (Jn. 1:29, 35)

   B.  THE TESTIMONY OF GOD THE FATHER (Jn. 1:29-36)

God, the Father, also bore witness that Jesus was the Son of God.  He did this in two different ways.

         1.  He Revealed it by a Sign.

God told John the Baptist that the person on whom he saw the Spirit descend like a dove was the Son of God. All four gospels record the Spirit descending on Jesus like a dove (Mt. 3:16; Mk. 1:10; Lk. 3:22; and Jn. 1:33).

Matthew 3:16, And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

Mark 1:10, And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

Luke 3:22, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

John 1:33, And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

         2.  He Revealed it by Statement.

God also revealed Christ's identity by telling John orally at the baptism of Jesus that this was His beloved Son (Mt. 3:17; Mk. 1:11; and Lk. 3:22).

Matthew 3:17, And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Mark 1:11, And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Luke 3:22, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

              a. The Testimony of Scripture is More Reliable Then the Voice of God From Heaven.

2 Peter 1:15-21, Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. [16] For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. [17] For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. [18] And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. [19] We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: [20] Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. [21] For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

               b. The Origin of Scripture is Inspired of God Not Mere Men; The Apostles and First Century NT Prophets Regarded the NT Writings as Scripture!

2 Tim. 3:16-17, All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Peter 3:15, And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

2 Peter 3:16, As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.   

1 Cor. 2:13, Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

   C.  THE TESTIMONY OF OTHERS

There were also others that testified to the fact that Jesus was the Son of God throughout the book of John.

            1. Nathanael: “Thou art the Son of God” (Jn. 1:49).

            2. Peter: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Jn.6:69).

            3. Martha: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of God” (Jn. 11:27).

            4. Thomas: “My Lord and my God” (Jn. 20:28).

            5. John: “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” (Jn. 20:31).            

            6. Jesus: “I am the Son of God” (Jn. 10:36).

Conclusion:

Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He fulfilled His office as the Lamb of God. He died for our sins exactly as the Scriptures foretold He would and in full concert with his own predictions. John the Baptist introduced the Lord Jesus as the “Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” We can believe the testimony of God, John the Baptist, and many others!

Two thousand years ago Jesus paid for my sins fully, and in August of 1990, I actually humbled myself before God acknowledging my sinfulness and need for Jesus Christ. God forgave me because of my trust in Jesus Christ as my Lamb who took responsibility for my sins. So, the Lord Jesus is not only God’s provided Lamb, but he is also the Lamb for me. What about you?