Jesus is called the Son of Man. What does the title mean? Does the Son of Man and the title Son of God confirm the dual natures of Christ, also known as the hypostatic union? Find out what the Bible has to say about this fascinating topic.
When Jesus healed a man at the pool of Bethesda, he commanded him to, "Get up, pick up your pallet and walk." When the self-righteous Jews found out what Jesus had done, they began persecuting him because it had occurred on the Sabbath.[1] What infuriated them even more was Jesus' response to their aggression:John 5:17-18 (NASB) But He answered them, "My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working." 18 For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill…
The transfiguration of Jesus on Mt. Hermon[1] is considered by some Christians to be proof of his deity, despite the fact that the text does not claim as much. If it is indeed proof, we can expect that this type of transformation would be exclusive to Jesus since fourth century Church Fathers claim he is the unique God-Man. A proper examination of the event in question must include the revelation given just days before. In Matthew 16, Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do people say…
How could Jesus do the works of God and teach with the authority of God and yet not be God? The answer: the principle of agency, a concept theologians and academicians understand, but one that is relatively unknown by laity. In The Principle of Agency in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, we learned that an agent is one who has been "authorized to act for or in the place of another,"[1] In Hebraic terms, the agent or the "one sent" is called the…
The Principle of Agency in the New Testament As we learned in The Principle of Agency in the Old Testament, an agent is one who has been "authorized to act for or in the place of another."[1] In Hebraic terms, the agent or the "one sent" is called the shaliah.[2] Its New Testament equivalent is the term apostle or apostolos in the Greek, and it means: a messenger, one sent on a mission.[3] Regarding agency, James McGrath, professor and New Testament scholar writes: Agency was…
The Principle of Agency in the Old TestamentThe principle of agency, also known as the law of agency, is an important precept that helps us better understand, not only Scripture as a whole, but more specifically, who Jesus is, his ministry, and his relationship to God. Those who traverse the halls of academia have long known about this principle. Unfortunately, those charged with instructing the Christian in the pew either do not know about it, or they have neglected to share it with those in…
In agony, Jesus fervently pleaded with God to the point that his sweat became like drops of blood.[1] Nevertheless, he offered a prayer of submission: Luke 22:41-42 (NASB) And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, saying, "Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done." (emphasis added) Jesus did not want to die. His will was to live. But God's will prevailed. Not my will, but Yours…
Jesus was raised from the dead. All Christians can agree with this statement. But a disagreement quickly ensues when you ask, "Who raised Jesus from the dead?" Some confidently declare that Jesus raised himself from the dead and offer it as proof that he is God. Others contend that God the Father raised Jesus from the dead, while others insist it was the Trinity. But what does Scripture say? Let's examine the evidence to determine who raised Jesus from the dead and learn why it…
One of the most famous prophecies concerning the Messiah is found in the book of Isaiah: Isaiah 7:14 (NASB) "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. Immanuel in Hebrew means "God with us." Many Christians rightly understand that Isaiah's prophecy found its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. However, many have been taught that the name Immanuel (also spelled Emanuel or Emmanuel) is proof that Jesus was…
In another post, we reviewed Isaiah's prophecy regarding Immanuel, God with us. In this post we'll examine another beloved prophecy from Isaiah regarding the coming Messiah: Isaiah 9:6-7 (NASB) For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne…