Is the Deity of Christ Essential to Salvation?
The Deity of Christ
30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”
- John 20:30-31 NKJV
Part 2 of John chapter 10 (vs 22-42) deals with yet another claim of the deity of Christ, an essential Christian doctrine. While it may seem obvious to most true disciples following sound doctrine, many struggle to see Jesus as both fully God and fully man. Yet this doctrine stands to prove the uniqueness of Christianity among all the false religions of the world as well as the foundation of our salvation. If Jesus was NOT God, His sacrifice on the cross as just one man of millions would not have paid for the sins of all of us. In our text today, it was the claim of His Godhood and putting Himself on a level above every human that truly enraged the religious elite of the day. Likewise, it is this claim that the world today rejects. They may say they believe in Jesus, but follow that with he was a great teacher or a prophet. But as Jesus said, “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (MT 7:22-23) On the last day, many will claim Christ but never confess His true identity as God. Denying the deity of Christ undermines the core message of Christianity and the validity of the Christian faith. It removes the foundation for salvation, the authority of Jesus, and the uniqueness of Christianity. Jesus invites us to believe in Him (and His deity) not merely because He claims to be the Son of God, but because His actions and words demonstrate the divine authority and power of His Father. The miracles He performed served as tangible evidence, confirming His identity and mission. True followers of Christ recognize His deity, submit to His lordship, and out of their faith, bear fruit “that their deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” (JN 3:21)
How does your life demonstrate that you are a follower of Christ?
- John 20:30-31 NKJV
Part 2 of John chapter 10 (vs 22-42) deals with yet another claim of the deity of Christ, an essential Christian doctrine. While it may seem obvious to most true disciples following sound doctrine, many struggle to see Jesus as both fully God and fully man. Yet this doctrine stands to prove the uniqueness of Christianity among all the false religions of the world as well as the foundation of our salvation. If Jesus was NOT God, His sacrifice on the cross as just one man of millions would not have paid for the sins of all of us. In our text today, it was the claim of His Godhood and putting Himself on a level above every human that truly enraged the religious elite of the day. Likewise, it is this claim that the world today rejects. They may say they believe in Jesus, but follow that with he was a great teacher or a prophet. But as Jesus said, “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (MT 7:22-23) On the last day, many will claim Christ but never confess His true identity as God. Denying the deity of Christ undermines the core message of Christianity and the validity of the Christian faith. It removes the foundation for salvation, the authority of Jesus, and the uniqueness of Christianity. Jesus invites us to believe in Him (and His deity) not merely because He claims to be the Son of God, but because His actions and words demonstrate the divine authority and power of His Father. The miracles He performed served as tangible evidence, confirming His identity and mission. True followers of Christ recognize His deity, submit to His lordship, and out of their faith, bear fruit “that their deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” (JN 3:21)
How does your life demonstrate that you are a follower of Christ?
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Discussion Questions
- People often see the hand of God in their lives and still fail to follow Him. Why do you think that is?
- Jesus says, ‘I told you, and you still don’t believe.’ (vs 25) It seems that the Jews had already made up their mind about Jesus and were just waiting for him to get on board with their thought process. Why is it problematic to come to God's word with our own ideas of who God is?
- Jesus offers His followers security in their salvation. (vs 27-30) How do we find confidence in that security? Is there an element of obedience required?
- Jesus claimed He and the Father are one (vs 30). Why is this verse vital to the deity of Christ? Is the Godhood of Christ vital to the Gospel?
- Miracles from God often demonstrate His mercy and compassion. Where have you seen a sign like this in your life, and how has it pointed you to Christ and renewed your faith?
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