Why Is It So Important To Believe Jesus Is The Son Of God?

By Eli Stutzman

March 1, 2011

Acts 4; 12, the Bible says: Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

The church was just in its very early stages of growth. Peter and John had been imprisoned overnight for preaching Jesus as the most important person ever in God's dealing with men. If you read Acts 4, you will realize that the above statement was part of a very short statement as to who Jesus Christ is and was. The most important reason to believe Jesus is the Son of God is that there is no salvation possible any other way.

As I pointed out earlier, almost all Christian churches have declared Jesus to be the son of God through the ages. The Catholic Church certainly did that, but also demanded that their practices had to be followed. It was a sad day when the church of that day began to forbid members to disagree on practices not given in the Bible. Many were called heretics and tortured and killed. The church and its practices had become more important than believing in Jesus! There is still pressure today to simply cling to practices and not promote the importance of Jesus being the bedrock of faith that brings salvation.

We can listen to all of Jesus' great teachings and then try to practice self denial and love for others. We can observe communion, live a hard life, wash feet, and sing hymns, pray three times a day, feed the poor etc. and not think about Jesus being the son of God. All this can be done even if we simply regard Jesus as a great teacher. Yet according to what is written in Acts this Lordship of Jesus is a key belief in Christianity. Everything rises or falls on this statement.

What does a church look like if Jesus is not actually regarded as God? Sadly, not a lot would change in many churches. The power of the Holy Spirit would be absent, for one thing. New believers would not be encouraged and helped to grow in understanding of what they are in God's sight. The faith that once was vibrant would falter. People would be taught to follow our example and teaching and to not worry. The Bible would not make much sense to those who chose to read it. Preaching about salvation would lack power. Sinners might even feel right at home sitting under a gospel message. Healing of the sick and deliverance would not happen. The entire Christian religion would be undone. The Old Testament law would still be in effect. Priests would still have to offer sin sacrifices, first for themselves, then for others.

When we sin, the only one who can forgive is God himself. To suggest your sin is forgiven is simply foolishness unless God has authorized it. Jesus Christ has been authorized to forgive and bring into the kingdom those who come to him. As you know, I cannot act on the behalf of someone without being authorized to do it. If you owe $25,000 to uncle Henry, only Uncle Henry can forgive the debt. For instance if cousin Bill came and told you he forgave the debt, it would not mean anything. You cannot experience being set free from sin unless you ask the One who has the power to do it, namely Jesus Christ.

Because Jesus was a man that experienced life as you and I do, he understands. He paid a high price for salvation for you and me. Don't miss it because you are afraid to ask.

John 6; 37 says; All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

And in verse 40 it says; And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

The offer still stands. I too was a sinner that found grace when I asked Jesus for his priceless, yet free, gift!

 

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