Introduction
Jesus one asked His disciples: “Who do you say I am?” He asks everybody the same question. It is a question for which everyone must have the correct answer, for what one believes about Christ will determine his eternal well-being.
The Second Article
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the father almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
What does this mean?
I believe that Jesus Christ is true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the virgin Mary; and that He is my Lord. Who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sins, from death and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood, and with His innocent suffering and death; in order that I might be His own, live under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness; even as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.
- Who is Jesus Christ?
I believe that Jesus Christ is true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the virgin Mary.
- Why do you believe that Jesus Christ is true God?
Bible Example: The miracles of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel accounts - Why do you believe that Jesus is true man?
I believe that Jesus Christ is true man because the Bible calls Him man and the Bible ascribes to Him a human body and soul, human feelings and human actions.
Bible Example: Jesus’ birth, suffering and death
- What two natures, then, are there in Jesus Christ?
In Jesus Christ there are these two natures:- the divine and
- the human
- Why was it necessary for our Savior to be true man?
It was necessary for our Savior to be true man in order to- fulfill the law for us (active obedience) and
- suffer and die in our place (passive obedience).
(See Question 20.)
- Why was it necessary for our Savior to be true God?
It was necessary for our Savior to be true God in order that- His fulfilling the law for us and
- His suffering and dying in our place
might be sufficient (vicarious atonement).
- What do you mean when you say, “I believe in Jesus Christ”?
When I say, “I believe in Jesus Christ,” I mean that I am confident that Jesus Christ alone is my Savior, through whom I have eternal life, and that He is my Lord, to whom in thankfulness I owe all worship and praise.
Conclusion
Int he miracle of the incarnation, the divine nature and the human nature were joined in the person of Christ. Through this personal union, the divine nature shared its characteristics with the human nature (communication of attributes), so that the works of Jesus were the works of both God and man. This God-man, Jesus Christ, came into this world to live and die in order to save helpless sinners.
Hymn
We all believe in Jesus Christ,
Son of God and Mary’s Son,
Who descended from His throne
And for us salvation won;
By whose cross and death are we
Rescued from all misery. (ELH 37:2)
Bible Readings
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In class: