Over the ages, there has been a controversy over the subject of who Jesus is. The curiosity and attention given to this subject matter makes it even more appealing.
Exactly who is Jesus? What makes Him different from other religious leaders and prophets?
Some say He was a good man, a wise philosopher perhaps, a teacher of morals, an angel and a lot of other things. The major contention some people had was that He was a self-styled Messiah. Even the Jewish and Roman historians were divided over the astounding claims He made about Himself-that He is god, the Messiah. They were incensed by the fact that He presented Himself as the only avenue to get to God, the only source of forgiveness of sins, and the only way of salvation. They believed God alone has the power to forgive sins; thus, they saw His claim-being equal with God-as blasphemy. their doubts made the Gospel message offensive to them, and because of their erroneous beliefs about who He is, many of them became skeptical and agnostic about His existence.
The response to all the skepticism can be found in the scripture. The Bible clearly declares that Jesus is the visible representative of the Father; the image of the invisible god, and firstborn over all creation (Colossians 1:15). He existed in Heaven before He took on the form of a man (John 8:58). It says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him [Jesus]; and without Him was not any thing made was made" (John 1:1-3). He is the Alpha and Omega; the One who was, who is and who is to come (Revelation 1:8).
He is the Son of the living God (John 6:69), the promised Messiah and hope of eternal life, the Saviour of the world (Matthew 1:21), the risen and reigning King. He is Omnipotent (all powerful), Omniscient (all knowing) and Omnipresent (everywhere). He is the second Person in the Godhead. He's the Saviour, Healer, Deliverer and the mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). He is the only way to God. Though skeptics and agnostics may have their doubts, the scripture has given sufficient proof that Jesus is the only way to the Father (John 14:6, 8:24, Acts 4:12).
He became the sacrifice for man's redemption. Man fell from God's original plan but God, in His infinite love, made a promise that He would send a Deliverer; a Saviour, who would deliver the entire human race from the bondage of sin (Genesis 3:15). And God was true to His Word-He reconciled man to Himself: "For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven" (Colossians 1:19-20). thus, Jesus left His exalted position in Heaven, humbled Himself and became obedient unto death (Philippians 2:8). He made full atonement for sin and obtained eternal redemption for us, "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Therefore, Christ's death makes us free from sin: perfect, faultless and without blemish.
His resurrection after death conquered the grave with a mighty triumph over sin, sickness, Satan and the powers of darkness (Philippians 2:9-11). He conquered death forever and became Lord over all principalities and power (Colossians 2:15). He defeated and stripped Satan and his agents of their authority. His declaration before His ascension portrays His Lordship (authority and power), dominion, and supremacy over all things (Matthew 28:18).
Jesus is all the world needs today. His death on the Cross is for the sinful world. And anyone who looks to and accepts Him as Lord shall be saved. But whosoever rejects Him and His offer of salvation shall be damned for life and eternity.
Indeed there is controversy, Jesus is Lord!