without defense to their evil plans?
But, when we know that God holds them in check so that they can do nothing apart from his will, and that no creature can separate us from his love or his protection, we can be patient in difficulty and very grateful in prosperity. In everything that comes or can come to us we continue to trust our faithful God and Father: because his power is often hidden under suffering and his blessing under trials. John Calvin said when he was dying, “You strike me Lord, but I am satisfied because it comes from your hand!”
Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him and he will do it. Psalm 37:5
The Lord gives, the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord! Job 1:21
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose . . . for I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:28, 38–39
And not only this but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope. Romans 5:3–4
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. James 1:2–3
Thou hast seen it, for thou beheld mischief and vexation to take it into thy hand. Psalm 10:14
Thus says the Lord, “Though they are at full strength and likewise many, even so, they will be cut off and pass way. Though I have afflicted, I will afflict you no longer. Nahum 1:12
In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Bible Readings:
1. God chastens us for our good, in order to make us participants in his holiness: Hebrews 12:4–11.
2. By faith, we never lose courage: 2 Corinthians 4:7–18.
3. God teaches us by suffering: Job 36:1–21.
4. Taste and see that the Lord is good!: Psalm 34.
5. Praise the Lord!: Psalm 148.
Lesson 7
God, The Son, and Our Redemption
SUMMARY: The name “Jesus Christ” means that the Son of God is my only Savior and that God gave him to me to be my Prophet, Priest, and King.
Today, by the grace of God, my Savior wills to communicate to me the gifts that He received from his Father, so that I receive everything I need, and I become with Him, a prophet, a priest, and a king. I am a “prophet” because I have been instructed by Him, and so I confess his Name. I am a “priest” because I have been saved by his sacrifice and his interceding prayer. I can thus offer myself to God as a living sacrifice of thanksgiving and prayer for my brothers. I am a “king” because He has freed me from the power of Satan. I can thus get the victory over sin with a clear conscience, to reign eternally with Christ.
Bible Readings: Monday, Question 43: 1, 2; Tuesday, Question 44: 1, 2, and 3; Wednesday, Question 44: 4, 5; Thursday, Question 44: (6), (7), 8, 9, and 10; Friday, Question 47 and 48: 1 and 2; Saturday, Question 48: 3, 4.
41. Summarize what this second part of the Apostles’ Creed contains.
It teaches that the Son of God is our only Savior and shows the means by which He redeemed us from death and purchased eternal life for us.
42. Why is the Son of God called “Jesus,” which means “Savior”?
Because He saves us from our sins. We ought neither to seek and surely will never find salvation in any other.
. . . and you shall call his name Jesus, for it is He who will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21
. . . but He, on the other hand, holds his priesthood permanently. Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:24–25
And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other Name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
43. Do those who seek their salvation from saints, from themselves, or from elsewhere, believe in Jesus as the only Savior?
No, because even if they claim or pretend to belong to Him, in reality they deny that Jesus Christ is the only and the perfect Savior. Only one of these alternatives is true: either Jesus is not a complete, adequate Savior, or those who lay hold on Him by a true faith must find in Him everything necessary for their salvation.
. . . and in Him you have been made complete, and he is the Head over all authority and rule. Colossians 2:10
For of his fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. John 1:16
Bible Readings:
1. The folly of the gospel: 1 Corinthians 1:17–21.
2. All fullness in Christ: Colossians 1:19–23.
44. Why is Jesus called “Christ”, which means “Anointed One”?
Because He was ordained by God the Father, and anointed (supplied or endued) with all the gifts of the Holy Spirit, so that He could be a holy Prophet, Priest, and King.
Bible Reading:
1. The Christ: John 10:22–30.
First, Jesus Christ is Our Sovereign Prophet and Teacher.
On earth, he was the Messenger and the sovereign Ambassador of God his Father. He completely revealed the will of God for our redemption, and put an end to all prophecies and to all revelations by this completed revelation.
No man has seen God at any time. The only begotten God (or Son), who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him. John 1:18
God . . . in these last days has spoken to us in his Son . . . Hebrews 1:2.
Jesus said to them, “My teaching is not mine, but his who sent Me. If any man wills to do his will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from Myself . . . The One who sent Me is true; and the things which I heard from Him, these I speak to the world . . . I do nothing of my own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught Me . . . I speak the things which I have seen with My Father . . . Me, a man who has told you the truth, which I heard from God . . . The words I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does his works . . . the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me. John 7:16–17; 8:26b, 28b, 38a, 40b; 14:10, 24
Bible Readings:
2. The only Gospel: Galatians 1:6–9.
3. I have revealed your Name to men: John 17.
Second, Jesus Christ is Our Only High-Priest.
The
