The Proclamation of Christ
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
In a previous post I examined Hebrews 1:1-4 and identified the supremacy of Christ as the motivation for missions. Christ is supreme because of three truths found in this passage:
- The Son is God
- The Son is Creator
- The Son is Savior
Based on these three truths, we as believers are compelled and commanded to proclaim the supremacy of Christ to every people group around the world. How, then, should we proclaim the Son? Paralleling Hebrews 1:1-4, we can see three ways we proclaim Christ:
#1 – Proclaim the Son as God
If you proclaim the Son as anyone other than God himself, you preach a lie and deceive people. You rob them of the true Gospel (Good News).
We must proclaim Christ as the True God who took on flesh and dwelt among men to live the perfect life, die the death we deserved, and rise again to conquer sin and death.
It is particularly imperative that we uphold the divinity of Christ in light of other religions that deny his divinity. These religions are prevalent and growing.
- World religions like Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism
- “Christian heresies” like Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormonism, Oneness Pentecostalism
#2 – Proclaim the Son as Creator
Proclaim the biblical creation account (creationism)
Don’t be afraid to affirm intelligent design (ID)
Psalm 19:1—“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
Romans 1:20—“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.”
#3 – Proclaim the Son as Savior
In a world that says, “Do enough good things and you’ll make it to heaven,” we preach salvation by grace through faith. No good works can save you, because you’ll never do enough of them. Try all you want, but you’ll never earn salvation. You’ll never impress God enough to make him save you.
In a pluralistic society that says, “All religions are equal and will get you to the same destination,” we preach that no other “god” can save us.
So, I wonder, how will you give your life to proclaim the supremacy of Christ?
- Will you use your job to as a platform for missions?
- Will you move to another country to proclaim Christ to a people group that has never heard of him?
- Will you give up your friends and family to see lost people become brothers and sisters in Christ?
- Will you give up your familiar culture to live in a different (maybe hostile) environment, just so that you can see lost people saved by Christ?
- Will you value eternity over this life?
- Will you value obedience to God’s calling on your life over the expectations of family and friends?
- Will you value Christ over everything and everyone else?