Aug 18
20
Daniel E. Parks (2010.11.07)
The Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the very embodiment of the saving works He was sent to perform and of the saving blessings He was sent to bestow. For example, He is:
1. Both Wisdom Giver and Wisdom Given: 1) “The LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright …” (Proverbs 2:6-7ff; cp. Luke 21:15); 2) “Christ Jesus became for us wisdom from God” (1 Corinthians 1:30; cp. Colossians 2:3).
2. Both Justifier and Righteousness: 1) “My righteous Servant shall justify many” (Isaiah 53:11); 2) “Christ Jesus became for us … righteousness” (1 Corinthians 1:30; cp. Jeremiah 23:6).
3. Both Sanctifier and Sanctification: 1) “I am the LORD who sanctifies you” (Leviticus 22:32); 2) “Christ Jesus became for us … sanctification” (1 Corinthians 1:30; cp. Ephesians 4:24).
4. Both Redeemer and Redemption: 1) “As for our Redeemer, the LORD of hosts is His name” (Isaiah 47:4); 2) “Christ Jesus became for us … redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30).
5. Both Savior and Salvation: 1) “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11; cp. Matthew 1:21); 2) “And all flesh shall see the salvation of God” (Luke 3:6; cp. Psalm 98:2f; Isaiah 49:6; Luke 2:25-32).
6. Both Covenant Personality and Covenant Itself: 1) He is the covenant’s “Messenger” (Malachi 3:1), “Mediator” (Hebrews 12:24), “Surety” (Hebrews 7:22); 2) “I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people” (Isaiah 42:6).
7. Both Peace Giver and Peace Given: 1) “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you” (John 14:27); 2) “And this One shall be peace” (Micah 5:5; cp. John 16:33; Ephesians 2:14-17).
8. Both Light Giver and Light Given: 1) “The Dayspring from on high has visited us; to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:78f; cp. Malachi 4:2); 2) “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12; cp. 1:4-9; Isaiah 42:6f; 49:6).
9. Both Life Giver and Life Given: 1) “The Son gives life to whom He will” (John 5:21); 2) “I am the life” (John 14:6).
10. Both Bread Giver and Bread Given: “I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world” (John 6:51).
11. Both Strength Giver and Strength Given: 1) “The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people” (Psalm 68:35); 2) “My God shall be My strength” (Isaiah 49:5).
12. Both Grace Giver and Grace Given: 1) “Grace to you … from Jesus Christ” (Revelation 1:4f); 2) “… the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11).
13. Both Mercy Giver and Mercy Given: 1) “… mercy … will be with you … from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father” (2 John v.3); 2) “I have trusted in Jehovah’s mercy” (Psalm 13:5).
14. Both Resurrector and Resurrection: 1) “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth – those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28f); 2) “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25f). (Although Jesus Christ will be the resurrector of both the good and the evil from physical death at the last day, He is the Resurrection of only the good, whom He raises from spiritual death to eternal life.)