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New Article: There is No Debate

 


If you want to start a commotion these days, all you need to do is state an opinion.  Someone is sure to believe differently, and they are usually not shy about telling you why.  Especially online, it is common for people to have arguments with strangers over things that really do not matter.  If you have the time and inclination, I guess there is nothing wrong with kicking around theories and ideas.  However, when it comes to Jesus, certain teachings are not up for debate.

For example, Colossians 1 states that Jesus is “the image of the invisible God” (verse 15).  Some teachers attempt to separate God and Jesus.  This passage makes clear that you cannot have one without the other.  If you want to know God at all, you must get to know Jesus.  As he said, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).

Secondly, Jesus is “the head of the body, the church” (verse 18).  It is tempting to believe that the way I see things is the way God sees them.  In other words, we like to make our standards God’s standards.  This verse reminds us of who is in charge and who needs to change when there is a conflict between what Jesus taught and what we believe.  Jesus has all authority (Matthew 28:18).  In another place, he said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).  He did not say that we should vote on, think about, or modify his commandments, but obey them. 

Lastly, Jesus is the bridge and the peacemaker.  “God was pleased… to reconcile to himself all things through his [Jesus’] blood shed on the cross” (verses 19-20).  To be reconciled means to be put right, or to restore harmony.  Sin separated God and humans, and Jesus’ death brought us back together again.  He took our sin, and we received his righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).  There is no other way to make things right.  You cannot be good enough, nor do enough righteous deeds on your own.  Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

You can debate many things, but there is no debating the importance of Jesus.

 Jesus is what God had to say!

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