The Story of Redemption (Pt. 3)

     In the previous post, we examined seven requirements that a redeemer would have to meet in order to sufficiently restore humanity. I ended the post by claiming that only one Figure in history could fulfill the criteria mentioned–Jesus Christ. Buddha, Krishna, and Muhammad all fall before the throne of Christ because He alone is the true Redeemer. In this post, I want us to focus on the first three qualifications and see how Christ completely satisfies them all.

1. Jesus identified Himself with humanity. Not only did Christ associate with men and women; He took on the nature of a man Himself. “The Word [Jesus] became flesh and dwelt among us” (Jn. 1:14). Of Him, Scripture says, “Therefore He had to be made like His brothers in every aspect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful High Priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people” (Heb. 2:17). He hungered (Matt. 4:2), thirsted (Jn. 4:7), and became weary (Jn. 4:6). Paul captured the incredible humility of Christ when he wrote that Jesus, “who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men” (Phil. 2:6-7). The humanity of Christ is so central to the Christian faith that every spirit that denies it is said to be demonic (1 Jn. 4:2-3).
2. Jesus was sinless.  Though Jesus shared in our humanity, He did not share in our sin. “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in His mouth” (1 Pet. 2:22). The writer of Hebrews  asserted, “For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). Jesus Himself challenged His opposition to convict Him of sin (Jn. 8:46) which they could not do. Pilate could find no fault in Christ (Jn. 18:38) and even one of the men being crucified alongside Jesus finally recognized that Christ had done no wrong (Lk. 23:41).
3. Jesus possessed the power over death. Throughout His ministry, Jesus raised numerous people from the dead. He did so from beside the bed (Matt. 9:25) and from far away (Jn. 11:43-44). Jesus did not shy away from the power that was within Him. He said, “For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He will…For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son also to have life in Himself” (Jn. 5:21; 26). In one of the clearest declarations of deity, Christ said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” (Jn. 11:25-26). Of Jesus, Scripture affirms, “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery” (Heb. 2:14).

     Tomorrow, we will finish by reviewing the final four qualifications for our Redeemer. In the meantime, review the list of criteria again to make sure that you truly understand why all of the requirements must be met.

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