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Foreword
My Journey to Life provides the keys for living every day with peace of mind, harmony of body and wonderful relationships. As you read through each lesson guide, your daily outlook will be transformed and renewed by the Spirit. We pray you will experience a growing adoration for the greatest Teacher this world has ever known. Let’s begin walking, step-by-step, on the pathway toward a new life together with Jesus. JTL10 1.1
Preface
Who is Jesus? Was He, as many world religions claim, just a good man? A teacher? We’ve already covered His position in the plan of salvation, but today we’ll explore His role as the Creator of the World, the Word of God in human form, our Redeemer and Friend. JTL10 1.2
Step Ten—Jesus, God’s Son
What does the Bible say about God’s Son–Jesus? “God the eternal Son became incarnate in Jesus Christ. Through Him all things were created, the character of God is revealed, the salvation of humanity is accomplished, and the world is judged. Forever truly God, He became also truly human, Jesus the Christ. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived and experienced temptation as a human being, but perfectly exemplified the righteousness and love of God. By His miracles He manifested God’s power and was attested as God’s promised Messiah. He suffered and died voluntarily on the cross for our sins and in our place, was raised from the dead, and ascended to heaven to minister in the heavenly sanctuary on our behalf. He will come again in glory for the final deliverance of His people and the restoration of all things.”—Seventh-day Adventists Believe, p. 43 JTL10 1.3
Bible Discovery:
Isaiah 53:4-6; Daniel 9:25-27; Luke 1:35; John 1:1-3, 14; 5:22; 10:30; 14:1-3, 9, 13; Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 5:17-19; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15-19; Hebrews 2:9-18; 8:1, 2 JTL10 1.4
Further Reading:
Ellen G. White, Christian Experience and Teachings, p. 246.1 JTL10 1.5
1. Who is Jesus Christ, and how is He important?
Jesus is the central figure of Christianity, the second Person of the Godhead. Existing from eternity, His incarnation brings salvation to humanity through His death on the cross of Calvary. In an act of supreme love, He became sin, taking upon Himself all the sins of everyone who has ever lived or will live. JTL10 1.6
As our Creator, Christ brought us into existence. As our Redeemer and Sin-bearer, He has bound us to Himself by ties that can never be broken except by our own choice. Jesus, the God-man, is the most direct and understandable revelation of God given to humanity. JTL10 2.1
Bible Discovery:
John 1:18; 17:5; Romans 8:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 1:2, 3, 11, 12 JTL10 2.2
Further Reading:
Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 530.3; Selected Messages, book 1, p. 246.3; Signs of the Times, December 30, 1889, par. 4 JTL10 2.3
2. Where does the Bible first mention Jesus’ role as humanity’s Redeemer?
After Adam and Eve sinned, they began to experience rebellion’s life-altering consequences. God met them in their shame and grief and promised them reconciliation through Christ’s sacrifice to come: “And I [God] will put enmity between you [Satan, the serpent] and the woman [God’s people, His church], and between your seed [Satan’s followers] and her Seed [Christ and His followers]. He [Christ] shall bruise your head [Christ ultimately destroys Satan], and you [Satan] shall bruise His heel [Satan’s attempt to defeat Christ at the cross].” Genesis 3:15 JTL10 2.4
What a promise of hope, not just to Adam and Eve, but for all humanity, including us! Though all have sinned and deserve the punishment of death, Jesus’ substitutionary atonement on the cross pays the penalty of sin for every believer. Jesus’ resurrection guarantees our eternal life! JTL10 2.5
Bible Discovery:
Genesis 3:1-15; Matthew 1:21; 1 Peter 3:18; 1 John 3:8 JTL10 2.6
Further Reading:
Ellen G. White, Education, p. 27.1 JTL10 2.7
3. At what point did God make the “Jesus as Redeemer” plan?
Even before the creation of our world and Adam and Eve’s subsequent choice to disobey God, the Godhead had a contingency plan. If sin were introduced to our planet, Jesus would bring the repentant rebel back to God and provide deliverance from sin through the destruction of the works of the devil. JTL10 2.8
Bible Discovery:
Isaiah 54:10; Zechariah 6:13; John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 2:2, 7, 8; Ephesians 1:3-6; 3:11, 12; Titus 1:2; 1 Peter 1:19-21; 1 John 4:9; Revelation 13:8 JTL10 2.9
Further Reading:
Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 64.2 – 65.1 JTL10 2.10
4. At Christ’s first advent, what evidence could have helped people identify Him as Messiah?
One of the first identifiers is that the Messiah would be Jewish (Genesis 49:10), coming from the house of David (Ezekiel 37:24), born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), and would be both human and divine (Isaiah 9:6). He would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14), buried in a rich man’s grave (Isaiah 53:9) and resurrected from the dead (Psalm 16:10). JTL10 2.11
His mission would be to preach the Good News of the gospel to the poor, heal the brokenhearted and engage in acts of compassion for the oppressed (Isaiah 61:1, 2). Tragically, the Messiah would suffer rejection (Isaiah 53:2-4) and be betrayed by a friend for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12). The innocent Messiah and God of love would suffer immensely on behalf of those He came to save (Isaiah 53:4-6) and would at last be brought “as a lamb to the slaughter” to take the sins of humanity upon Himself (Isaiah 53:7, 11). JTL10 3.1
Bible Discovery:
Deuteronomy 18:15; Psalm 41:9; Isaiah 50:6; Luke 4:18, 19; John 16:14 JTL10 3.2
Further Reading:
Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 755.1 JTL10 3.3
5. Does the Bible speak of these Old Testament predictions being fulfilled in Jesus?
Yes! No one else fulfills these prophecies. The New Testament traces His genealogy to Abraham (Matthew 1:1) and identifies Him as the Messiah, who would occupy the throne of David (Acts 2:29, 30). The miraculous virgin birth of Jesus to Mary is described in Matthew 1:18-23, and Jesus was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2:4-7). JTL10 3.4
Jesus’ divine-human nature is reflected in one of His names—Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” The name “Jesus” encapsulates His mission to save His people from their sins. Jesus applied the Messianic prophecy of Isaiah 61:1, 2 to Himself in Luke 4:17-21. His betrayal by a friend is described in Matthew 26:47-50 and His burial in a rich man’s grave in Matthew 27:57-60. His resurrection from the dead is a theme of the New Testament and core of the Christian’s hope (Matthew 28:2-7; 1 Corinthians 15:14). JTL10 3.5
Bible Discovery:
Psalm 119:160; Isaiah 45:19; Matthew 1:21, 23; Luke 1:26-35; John 1:1, 14; 7:18; 8:39-47; 14:6; Colossians 2:9 JTL10 3.6
Further Reading:
Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, pp. 59.3-60.1 JTL10 3.7
6. What does Paul refer to when he writes that God sent His Son to earth in “the fullness of time” (Galatians 4:4)?
In an amazingly accurate time prophecy made by the prophet Daniel more than five centuries before the birth of Jesus, God prophesied the exact beginning of Christ’s ministry and the time of His death and resurrection. Using the biblical principle that a day in prophetic time equals a literal year (Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6), the 70 weeks of Daniel 9:24, 25 represent 490 literal years. This time was allotted to the Jews to fulfill God’s purpose as His witness to the world through repentance and ultimate acceptance of Jesus as Messiah. JTL10 3.8
The 70 weeks began with “the going forth of the command to restore and build Jerusalem” issued in 457 BC. At the end of 69 of these prophetic weeks, Messiah would appear—and indeed, Jesus was baptized and began His public ministry in AD 27. JTL10 4.1
In the middle of the 70th week, the Messiah was “cut off, but not for Himself” (Daniel 9:26). This represented Jesus’ death in AD 31. Because all the Old Testament offerings and sacrifices pointed forward to the death of the Messiah, the entire system of sacrifices ceased at His death—shown by the veil of the Temple in Jerusalem being supernaturally “torn in two from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:51). JTL10 4.2
The stoning of Stephen, the conversion of Saul (who became Paul), and the beginning of the preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles in AD 34 marked the end of the probationary 70 weeks of years allocated to the Jews to collectively as a nation accept Christ as Messiah. This incredibly precise prophecy gives one of the strongest evidences of the fundamental historic truth that Jesus Christ is the long-predicted Savior of the world. JTL10 4.3
Bible Discovery:
Ezra 7:8, 12-26; 9:9; Mark 1:15; Luke 3:21, 22; Acts 10:38; 1 Corinthians 5:7 JTL10 4.4
Further Reading:
Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 327.1-3 JTL10 4.5
7. Though the system of animal sacrifices ended at Christ’s death, can they still inform our understanding of Christ’s work for us?
Throughout the ages of human history, God’s aim has always been to impress our hearts with His unconditional love. God instituted at Sinai the Jewish sacrificial system to graphically illustrate the way that the Son of God would be crucified to eradicate sin. JTL10 4.6
All of us have sinned and God’s law demanded the life of the sinner. But Jesus stepped in to interrupt the consequences of our sin by offering His own precious life in our behalf! Jesus took upon Himself the “guilt” of our sins but not all their consequences. With incredible condescension drenched in love for His created beings, Jesus paid the penalty for our sin to provide us with forgiveness and reconciliation to the Godhead. JTL10 4.7
When an Israelite slit the throat of an innocent lamb, it was to be a reminder of the price the coming Messiah would pay on our behalf. That ancient act of sacrifice symbolized the transfer of sin to the victim, thus depicting the substitutionary nature of the Messiah, who would bear our sins on the cross of Calvary. Surely, this is “The Greatest Story Ever Told!” The more we contemplate its significance, the more our hearts are drawn toward Jesus. No one could ever love us more! JTL10 5.1
Bible Discovery:
Genesis 2:17; 3:19; 4:4; Leviticus 1:3, 4; Isaiah 53:6; John 3:16; Romans 6:23; Hebrews 9:22; 1 Peter 1:19; John 1:29; 3:4 JTL10 5.2
Further Reading:
Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 365.1 JTL10 5.3
8. What about Jesus’ resurrection? Was that also predicted?
The Bible not only predicted the death of Christ, the Son of God, but also His resurrection. Christ’s resurrection makes possible the resurrection of all God’s faithful children who pass away before His Second Coming. It is proof of Christ’s deity, and assurance that Satan’s kingdom will end. JTL10 5.4
Bible Discovery:
Job 19:25-27; Psalm 16:9-11; 22:22; 118:22-24; Matthew 16:21; Mark 9:30-32; Luke 24:13-33; Acts 2:31; 1 Corinthians 15:14; Revelation 1:17, 18 JTL10 5.5
Further Reading:
Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, book 1, p. 343.2; The Desire of Ages, pp. 796.4-799.1-2 JTL10 5.6
9. Scripture calls Jesus both “only begotten” and “first born.” Does this mean Jesus is a created being?
The term “only begotten” comes from the Greek word monogenes and can mean unique, as well as only. Isaac is called Abraham’s only begotten son (Hebrews 11:17) even though he was not Abraham’s only son, or even his firstborn. The Greek word for firstborn is prototokos which means the pre-eminent one, the one who receives the privileges of the firstborn, not necessarily the literal firstborn. For instance, David (Psalm 89:27), Jacob (Exodus 4:22) and Ephraim (Jeremiah 31:9) are called firstborn, yet none were literal firstborn children. They were symbolically called “firstborn” because they were inheritors of their father’s spiritual leadership and privileges. Similarly, Jesus possesses everything that His Father possesses. He has all the privileges and prerogatives of God. His existence is from eternity, with no beginning and no end. JTL10 5.7
Bible Discovery:
Psalm 89:19-29; Isaiah 9:6; Micah 5:2; John 3:13; 8:58; Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3 JTL10 5.8
Further Reading:
Ellen G. White, Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 1126.4-5 JTL10 5.9
10. What are the two natures of Christ?
Jesus took upon Himself our nature with all its liabilities, yet He Himself never sinned! He is the second Adam as well as the unique Son of God and, as such, is humanity’s highest, holiest Example. To reach us where we are and rescue the most hopeless among us, He descended from heaven’s glory to the level of a servant (Philippians 2:7). He understands our struggles because in His humanity, He suffered temptation, as well as hunger, thirst, and weariness. (Matthew 4:2; John 19:28; 4:6). In His ministry to others, He revealed compassion, righteous anger, and grief (Matthew 9:36; Mark 3:5). At times He felt troubled and sad, and even wept (Matthew 26:38, John 11:35)! This is a God who understands our weaknesses and struggles. We can depend on Him for comfort, solace, and victory, just as He depended completely on His Father. JTL10 6.1
Christ's dual divine and human nature gives us insight into Christ’s mission and even into our very salvation. Only the divine-human Creator could ransom humanity with His blood. Jesus took human nature and overcame, that we, through taking His nature, might overcome. He is our Example in all things because in His humanity He “was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). In every category of sin that tempts humanity, Christ was also tempted. How was Jesus “in all points tempted as we are”? His temptations included the broad category of appetite--including intemperate eating, lust, and indulgence in anything that lessens physical, mental or moral power; doubt--including presumption and distrust of God; love of power--including oppression and exploitation as well as greed and pride. Jesus overcame and by His Spirit lives His victorious life within us. He is our righteousness, and in Him we are made complete. This is our only hope of victory over sin. JTL10 6.2
Bible Discovery:
Deuteronomy 29:29; John 1:14; 16:13; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 3:19; Colossians 2:9, 10; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 2:14; 4:15 JTL10 6.3
Further Reading:
Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 664.4; The Faith I Live By, p. 48.4-8; 10LtMs, Lt 8, 1895, pars. 14-21 JTL10 6.4
11. What are Christ’s attributes or roles?
First, Jesus is truly God! Spend some time in contemplation, wrapping your mind around these descriptors of Christ, our Redeemer and Friend: He is omnipotent (Matthew 28:18), omniscient (Colossians 2:3), and unchangeable (Hebrews 13:8). Though His divinity has the natural ability of omnipresence, in His humanity He chooses to transfer His omnipresence to the ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-18). His self-existence was evident when He claimed life in Himself (John 5:26). JTL10 6.5
His heart and being are holiness (Luke 1:35) and love (1 John 3:16). He is eternal (Isaiah 9:6) and existed before all things (Colossians 1:17). He is also Creator (John 1:3) and Sustainer (Hebrews 1:3). That means that not only did Christ create the entire universe, but He keeps it functioning day by day. He not only formed us in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13), but He is the source of every breath we take. He can raise the dead with His voice (John 5:28, 29) and will judge the world at the end of time (Matthew 25:31, 32). Even His names tell us about His person and His longing for us—Immanuel means “God with us” (Matthew 1:23) and Jesus means “to deliver, save, or rescue.” JTL10 7.1
Bible Discovery:
Micah 5:2; Mark 1:24; John 1:4; John 17:2; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 2:10; Hebrews 12:4 JTL10 7.2
Further Reading:
Ellen G. White, 11LtMs, Lt 128, 1896, pars. 26, 27; Selected Messages, book 1, p. 267.3 JTL10 7.3
12. How do I accept Jesus?
The first step is to recognize that you can’t save yourself. The Bible says that all have sinned (Romans 3:23) and that the wages or result of sin is death (Romans 6:23). That’s pretty bad news. JTL10 7.4
But there’s hope for every one of us! The rest of Romans 6:23 reads, “But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Note that our salvation is a gift from God that He extends to us. We can never earn it by our own good works. Jesus took the death that should have been ours, and if we accept Jesus as our Messiah and Lord of our life, we have eternal life (John 3:16). JTL10 7.5
To be justified means “made right with God.” When we accept Jesus as our Savior and ask Him to forgive our sins, He gives us peace. He credits us with His righteousness. By faith in Him, His goodness becomes our goodness. He changes our hearts as we meditate about Him, pray to Him, and read His Word. JTL10 7.6
When we pray, “Lord Jesus, save me! I accept you and believe You died for ME,” God accepts us into His family (John 1:12). All heaven celebrates our adoption! With His blood, Jesus washes away our sins and we stand before God wonderfully clean (Isaiah 1:18). Believe that He has done that on your behalf. Jesus loves you! He has pledged Himself to open before you all the treasures of His grace. JTL10 7.7
Jesus wants us to KNOW that He has saved us (1 John 5:13) and not be in doubt about the status of our salvation. After we have made life’s most important decision, to accept Jesus as Savior, His Spirit teaches us to become more like Him (1 Corinthians 3:9-11). We then keep God’s commandments out of a response to His incredible grace (John 14:15). Don’t postpone your decision to accept Jesus as Lord! Now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2)! JTL10 8.1
Bible Discovery:
Ecclesiastes 7:20; John 14:6; Luke 15:7, 10; Romans 10:9; 2 Corinthians 6:2; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5; Hebrews 3:15; 1 Peter 3:18 JTL10 8.2
Further Reading:
Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 49.3; My Life Today, p. 7.2; Selected Messages, book 1, p. 336.1 JTL10 8.3
Reflection…
The great “mystery of godliness” is Christ the God-man, in whom “dwells the fullness of God bodily.” That Jesus is truly God and truly man is a sacred mystery, a wonder of incarnational love that can be comprehended only through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. Today, in heaven’s sanctuary Jesus mediates for us in His divine/human nature (Zechariah 6:13). Even the most degraded, guilty person who has faith in Jesus as the divine Sin-bearer can be rescued when covered with His righteousness (1 Timothy 1:15). JTL10 8.4
Next Step…
Some of the most asked questions regarding the Holy Spirit stem from a misunderstanding of His role in the Godhead. In our next lesson, we will discover who the Spirit is, what He does, and His significance for us today.
(See Step 11) JTL10 8.5