Throughout the centuries, heretical skeptics have launched a barrage of deceptive lies at the Christian camp in a relentless attempt to discredit the truth of Scripture. One of their primary targets is the unique and matchless character of our Lord Jesus Christ. Prideful philosophers and self-proclaimed scholars have rejected both the truth of Christ's deity and His manhood. Our response to these false teachers should always be "let God be true, but every man a liar" (Romans 3:4), for God's eternal truth remains forever impervious to man's opinions.
A Biblical understanding of the person of Jesus is at the very heart of Christianity. Jesus asked His disciples, "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" (Matthew 16:13). Simon Peter responded correctly, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). Christ's true identity is just as important today as it was for His disciples then, for "Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever" (Hebrews 13:8).
Christian creeds have historically been drawn up to refute the onslaught of heretical teaching about Jesus. The Apostles Creed refuted Gnosticism (which denied that Jesus was truly man) and the Nicene Creed refuted Arianism (which denied that Jesus was fully God). While these creeds were not inspired, they served as succinct refutations against false teaching. We would be well served to learn and espouse these abridged doctrinal treatises in our day.
Now, perhaps more than ever, we need to "earnestly contend for the faith" (Jude 3), as these same deceptive assaults toward our Lord run rampant, and are even brought to the very front doors of our homes. May we boldly stand for truth and proclaim Jesus as the Son of God, Son of Man, fully God, and fully Man, all to His glory! MDR
