Index of available lessons

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As we noted in the introductory post about this ministry, it will take about two to three years to finish the research, writing, and editing of the envisioned 300-plus lessons. In the meantime, students can enroll in any or all of the five subject areas in the interim curriculum we have prepared (Foundations: Articles of Faith and Biblical distinctives of Baptists; Christology; Apologetics; World religions and cults; Understanding secular religions; Leadership; Creationism; Homiletics; Bible Interpretation; Dispensationalism; and Great Doctrines of the Bible).

Listed below are the available lessons. More lessons are continuously being written, edited, and posted. From time to time, the lessons will be updated, revised, combined, formatted, and edited to comply with the VOA Simplified English word list.

800-plus interactive exercises from various Bible lessons with time limit and automatic scoring (external link, hosted on Bit Balloon, a free website hosting service; each exercise has 10 to 50 items or more, depending on the topic’s complexity)

001 Articles of Faith

Online and interactive review quizzes and activities for Articles of Faith

002 Biblical distinctives of Baptists

Online and interactive review quizzes and activities on the Biblical distinctives of Baptists

003 The power and authority of preaching

004 What is Biblical repentance?

005 The study of God

006 The person we call God

007 The infinity of God

008 God’s holiness and His righteousness

009 God’s holiness and His love

010 God’s general revelation of Himself to mankind

011 God’s special revelation of Himself to mankind

012 The verbal and plenary inspiration of the Bible

013 How to interpret the Bible

Adoption: Abba, Father!

Are you for or against the altar call and sinner’s prayer ?

Assurance of salvation

Church planting materials and resources

Cults: Jehovah’s Witnesses

Cults: Mormonism (Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints)

Cults: Seventh Day Adventism

Developing a theology of music

Doctrine of Jesus Christ, from “The Great Doctrines of the Bible” by Rev. William Evans 

1. The Person of Christ
2. The Humanity of Christ
3. Divine names are given to Christ

Doctrine of God, from “The Great Doctrines of the Bible” by Rev. William Evans

1. Existence of God a fact taken for granted
2. Universal belief in the existence of God
3. Cosmological argument for God
4. Teleological argument for God
5. Ontological and anthropological arguments for God
6. Congruity argument for God
7. Argument from Scripture
8. Spirituality of God (part 1)
9. Spirituality of God (part 2)
10. Personality of God vs. Pantheism
11. God’s personality as proved by His relation to the universe and men
12. Unity of God vs. Polytheism
13. Doctrine of the Trinity vs. Unitarianism
14. Omniscience of God
15. Omnipotence of God
16. Omnipresence of God
17. Eternity and immutability of God
18. Holiness of God
19. Righteousness and Justice of God
20. Mercy and Loving-kindness of God
21. Love of God

Eternal security of the believer / perseverance of the saints

Fifty reasons why Christ suffered and died

Index of lessons and online quizzes from Scofield Reference Notes (1917)

1. Abrahamic Covenant (lesson); online review quiz
2. Adamic Covenant (lesson); online review quiz
3. Adoption (lesson); online review quiz
4. Angels (lesson); online review quiz
5. Apostasy (lesson); online review quiz
6. Atonement (lesson); online review quiz
7. Beast (lesson); online review quiz
8. Christian doctrine of the law (lesson); online review quiz
9. Davidic Covenant (lesson); online review quiz
10. Day of Jehovah (lesson); online review quiz
11. Death (spiritual) (lesson); online review quiz
12. Demons (lesson); online review quiz
13. Dispensation of Conscience (lesson); online review quiz
14. Dispensation of Grace (lesson); online review quiz
15. Dispensation of Human Government (lesson); online review quiz
16. Dispensation of Innocency (lesson); online review quiz
17. Dispensation of Law (lesson); online review quiz
18. Dispensation of Promise (lesson); online review quiz
19. Dispensation of the Fulness of Times (lesson); online review quiz
20. Edenic Covenant (lesson); online review quiz
21. Eight Covenants, summary (lesson); online review quiz
22. Eternal life (lesson); online review quiz
23. Faith (lesson); online review quiz
24. Flesh (lesson); online review quiz
25. Forgiveness (lesson); online review quiz
26. Gospel (lesson); online review quiz
27. Grace (lesson); online review quiz
28. Great Tribulation (lesson); online review quiz
29. Holy Spirit in the New Testament (lesson); online review quiz
30. Holy Spirit in the Old Testament (lesson); online review quiz
31. Imputation (lesson); online review quiz
32. Inspiration (lesson); online review quiz
33. Judgments (lesson); online review quiz
34. Justification (lesson); online review quiz
35. Kingdom (lesson); online review quiz
36. Law of Christ (lesson); online review quiz
37. Law of Moses (lesson); online review quiz
38. Lord (lesson); online review quiz
39. Mosaic Covenant (lesson); online review quiz
40. Mysteries in the Scriptures (lesson); online review quiz
41. New Covenant (lesson); online review quiz
42. Noahic Covenant (lesson); online review quiz
43. Old Testament revelation of God (lesson); online review quiz
44. Palestinian Covenant (lesson); online review quiz
45. Priesthood in the New Testament (lesson); online review quiz
46. Propitiation (lesson); online review quiz
47. Purpose of the law (lesson); online review quiz
48. Redemption (lesson); online review quiz
49. Relation of Christ to the eight covenants (lesson); online review quiz
50. Resurrection (lesson); online review quiz
51. Sacrifice (lesson); online review quiz
52. Salvation (lesson); online review quiz
53. Sanctification (lesson); online review quiz
54. Satan (lesson); online review quiz
55. Second death (lesson); online review quiz
56. Separation (lesson); online review quiz
57. Sin (lesson); online review quiz
58. Son of man (lesson); online review quiz
59. Times of the Gentiles (lesson); online review quiz
60. Two Advents (lesson); online review quiz

Index of lessons and online quizzes from William Evans' The Great Doctrines of the Bible

Index of online quizzes on Biblical manhood and womanhood

Index of online quizzes on Christology

Index of online quizzes on Creationism

Index of online exercises on terms and definitions from world religions and cults

Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man at the same time

Justification by grace through faith

Names and titles of Jesus Christ

New Testament survey (01): Matthew

New Testament survey (02): Mark

New Testament survey (03): Luke

New Testament survey (04): John

New Testament survey (05): Acts

New Testament survey (06): Romans

New Testament survey (07): 1 Corinthians

New Testament survey (08): 2 Corinthians

New Testament survey (09): Galatians

New Testament survey (10): Ephesians

New Testament survey (11): Philippians

New Testament survey (12): Colossians

New Testament survey (13): 1 Thessalonians

New Testament survey (14): 2 Thessalonians

New Testament survey (15): 1 Timothy

New Testament survey (16): 2 Timothy

New Testament survey (17): Titus

New Testament survey (18): Philemon

New Testament survey (19): Hebrews

New Testament survey: (20) James

New Testament survey (21): 1 Peter

New Testament survey (22): 2 Peter

New Testament survey (23): 1 John

New Testament survey (24): 2 John

New Testament survey (25): 3 John

New Testament survey (26): Jude

New Testament survey (27): Revelation

Old Testament prophecies fulfilled by Christ

Old Testament survey (01): Genesis

Old Testament survey (02): Exodus

Old Testament survey (03): Leviticus

Old Testament survey (04): Numbers

Old Testament survey (05): Deuteronomy

Old Testament survey (06): Joshua

Old Testament survey (07): Judges

Old Testament survey (08): Ruth

Old Testament survey (09): 1 Samuel
Old Testament survey (10): 2 Samuel

Old Testament survey (11): 1 Kings

Old Testament survey (12): 2 Kings
Old Testament survey (13): 1 Chronicles

Old Testament survey (14): 2 Chronicles

Old Testament survey (15): Ezra

Old Testament survey (16): Nehemiah

Old Testament survey (17): Esther

Old Testament survey (18): Job

Old Testament survey (19): Psalms

Old Testament survey (20): Proverbs

Old Testament survey (21): Ecclesiastes

Old Testament survey (22): Song of Solomon

Old Testament survey (23): Isaiah

Old Testament survey (24) Jeremiah

Old Testament survey (25): Lamentations

Old Testament survey (26): Ezekiel

Old Testament survey (27): Daniel

Old Testament survey (28): Hosea

Old Testament survey (29): Joel

Old Testament survey (30): Amos

Old Testament survey (31): Obadiah

Old Testament survey (32): Jonah

Old Testament survey (33): Micah

Old Testament survey (34): Nahum

Old Testament survey (35): Habakkuk

Old Testament survey (36): Zephaniah

Old Testament survey (37): Haggai

Old Testament survey (38): Zechariah

Old Testament survey (39): Malachi

Philippine cults (01): Iglesia ni Cristo

Philippine cults (02): Ang Dating Daan

Sanctification: the grace that justifies is the grace that sanctifies

Story of the King James Version of the Bible

Study guides for Apologetics

Study guides in Christology (interim curriculum)

Study guides for Creationism (interim curriculum)

Study guides for Ken Boa’s Leadership articles (interim curriculum)

Study guides for understanding secular religions (interim curriculum)

Study guides for world religions and cults (interim curriculum)

The deity of Christ

The doctrine of salvation

The fall of man

The humanity of Christ

The New Testament books (summaries and links to resources)

The Old Testament books (classification and summaries)

The origin of man

The sinfulness of man

World religions: Buddhism

World religions: Hinduism

World religions: Islam

World religions: Roman Catholicism

Creation and the Big Bang: Different views by creationist ministries

Many people think that science and faith tell conflicting stories about how the universe began. But the scientific picture is of a definite moment of creation in a vast cosmic explosion (the ‘Big Bang’), which had to be carefully adjusted for human life to be possible. Far from conflicting, the scientific picture may point us towards a supernatural creator God. This video series from the UK-based FOCUS ministry features, among others, Dr Jennifer Wiseman, Senior Project Scientist on the Hubble Space Telescope, and Gerald Gabrielse, Leverett Professor of Physics at Harvard University.

Does the Big Bang Fit with the Bible? by Dr. Jason Lisle, from Answers in Genesis

The big bang has many scientific problems. These problems are symptomatic of the underlying incorrect worldview. The big bang erroneously assumes that the universe was not supernaturally created, but that it came about by natural processes billions of years ago. However, reality does not line up with this notion. Biblical creation explains the evidence in a more straightforward way without the ubiquitous speculations prevalent in secular models. But ultimately, the best reason to reject the big bang is that it goes against what the Creator of the universe himself has taught: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth”.

Six counterfeit Gospels, by Trevin Wax

Trevin Wax is an editor at LifeWay Christian Resources. He received a Masters of Divinity at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky and spent several years serving the First Baptist Church in Shelbyville, Tennessee as Associate Pastor. He has been blogging regularly at Kingdom People since October 2006.

Trevin enumerates the six counterfeit gospels as:

Therapeutic Gospel

Sin robs us of our sense of fullness. Christ’s death proves our worth as humans and gives us power to reach our potential. The church helps us find happiness.

Moralist Gospel

Our big problem is sins (plural) and not sin (nature). The purpose for Christ’s death is to give us a second chance and make us better people. Redemption comes through the exercise of willpower with God’s help.

Judgmentless Gospel

God’s forgiveness does not need to come through the sacrifice of His Son. Judgment is more about God’s goodness, not the need for human rebellion to be punished. Evangelism is not urgent.

Activist Gospel

The kingdom is advanced through our efforts to build a just society. The gospel’s power is demonstrated through cultural transformation, and the church is united around political causes and social projects.

Churchless Gospel

The focus of salvation is primarily on the individual, in a way that makes the community of faith peripheral to God’s purposes. The church is viewed as an option to personal spirituality, or even an obstacle to Christlikeness.

Quietist Gospel

Salvation is about spiritual things, not secular matters. Christianity is only about individual life change and is not concerned with society and politics.

Related articles by Trevin Wax:

• 3 Ways of Defining the Gospel
• The Gospel as a Three-Legged Stool
• Arrogant Inclusivism
• Urban Legends in the Pulpit: Please Don’t Repeat Them

You can download a 25-page PDF that includes all of the “Gospel Definitions” Trevin has collected.

Related articles on postmodernism, emergent church, contemplative prayer/spiritual formation Articles by David Cloud, Way of Life Literature Evangelicals Turning To Catholic “Spirituality” Beth Moore On The Contemplative Bandwagon Contemplative Mysticism Articles by Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Ministry Is Stranger Than It Used To Be: The Challenge of Postmodernism Truth-Telling Is Stranger Than It Used To Be, Part One, Part Two, Part Three Modernity's Assault on Truth Other articles from Lighthouse Trails Research Project

Why is it wrong to use the expression “Receive Christ” in evangelism?

John 1:12 states that “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” Notice that the word “even” is italicized. In the KJV, italicized words are not in the original but were included to make the translation into English more readable and grammatical. The word “even” in its italicized form occurs 56 times in the New Testament. It has two uses:

1. as an identification or definition; or
2. as an explanation or discussion.

For examples, “even” used to identify or define:

[1] Matthew 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

Who is the Master? Christ.

[2] John 5:45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.

Who is the one that accuses? Moses.

[3] John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

Who is the Comforter? The Spirit of truth.

For examples, “even” used to explain or discuss:

[1] 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

How are we changed? By the Spirit of the Lord.

[2] 1 Peter 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

What is the end of our faith? The salvation of our souls.

In John 1:12, the emphasis should not be on “receive” but on what comes after the word “even” which is “believe”. To whom did Christ give power to become the sons of God? To those who believe in his name.

When people use John 1:12 in evangelism, they then follow it up with Revelation 3:20. With these two verses, they wrongly interpret the word “receive” to mean “you must pray and ask Christ to come into your heart”. The interpretation is wrong for two reasons:

1. The stress should be on “believe” and not “receive” in John 1:12; and
2. Revelation 3:20 is not an evangelistic verse since it was addressed to the church in Laodicea.

Complete listing of verses where ”even” is used in the New Testament:

1. Matthew 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
   
2. Matthew 23:10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
   
3. Matthew 24:33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.
   
4. Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
5. Mark 12:44 For all [they] did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.
6. Mark 13:29 So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
7. Mark 14:30 And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.
8. John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
9. John 3:13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
10. John 5:45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
11. John 8:9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
12. John 8:41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
13. John 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
14. John 14:17 even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
15. John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
16. Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
17. Acts 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
18. Acts 5:37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
19. Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
20. Acts 10:41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
21. Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
22. Romans 4:17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
23. Romans 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
24. Romans 9:10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;
25. Romans 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
26. 1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
27. 1 Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
28. 2 Corinthians 1:19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.
29. 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
30. 2 Corinthians 13:9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
31. Galatians 4:14 And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
32. Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
33. Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
34. Ephesians 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
35. Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
36. Colossians 1:26 even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
37. 1 Thessalonians 1:10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
38. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
39. 2 Thessalonians 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
40. 1 Timothy6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
41. 2 Timothy 2:9 Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
42. Titus 1:12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
43. Hebrews 1:9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
44. Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
45. Hebrews 6:20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
46. James 4:1 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
47. 1 Peter 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
48. 1 Peter 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
49. 1 Peter 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
50. 1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
51. 1 Peter 4:10 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
52. 1 John 2:25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.
53. 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
54. 1 John 5:6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
55. 1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
56. Revelation 2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

Please read the following:

• Getting John 1:12 Right: Should You Invite Jesus Into Your Heart? by Jim Elliff, Christian Communicators Worldwide and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
• Scriptural Evaluation of Salvation Invitations, by AWANA Clubs International (non-lordship salvation view)
• Beyond the Sinner’s Prayer: The Power of the Gospel of a Promise-Keeping God (Acts 13:38-43), by Ptr. Russell Moore, Highview Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, on Vimeo
  
• Ten Reasons Not To Ask Jesus Into Your Heart, by Todd Friel
• Ask Jesus into your heart? by Hank Lindstrom (Calvary Community Church, Tampa, Florida)
• Seven Reasons NOT To Ask Jesus Into Your Heart, by Dennis M. Rokser, Duluth Bible Church, Minnesota
• Revelation 3:20 and the Offer of Salvation, by Daniel B. Wallace (professor of New Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary; his book “Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics” is currently used as a standard textbook in seminaries throughout the United States.)
• “What it means to accept Christ” by A.W. Tozer (That Incredible Christian)
  

The study of God (essential truths of the Christian faith)

The study of God; general and special revelation

[1] Theology: from the Greek words theos, meaning God, and logos, meaning study.

[2] Theology begins with the study of God. Genesis 1:1; Hebrews 1:1; John 1:1

[3] God reveals himself in two ways – general revelation or special revelation.

[4] In general revelation, God reveals himself:

to all men (Matt. 5:45; Acts 14:17)

everywhere (Psalm 19:2)

at all times (Acts 17:24-28)

through creation (Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 1:18-23)

and conscience (Romans 2:14-15).

[5] In special revelation, God reveals himself through supernatural methods, including scripture, to believers. The only true knowledge about God is from the Bible (John 1:18; 1John 4:12).

[6] Knowing God, by J.I. Packer

“We are cruel to ourselves if we try to live in this world without knowing about the God whose world it is and who runs it. The world becomes a strange, mad, painful place and life in it a disappointing and unpleasant business, for those who do not know about God. Disregard the study of God, and you sentence yourself to stumble and blunder through life blindfold, as it were, with no sense of direction and no understanding of what surrounds you. This way you can waste your life and lose your soul.”

Sources: (1) The Great Doctrines of the Bible by Rev. William Evans; (2) Bible Doctrines from Bible Broadcasting Network; (3) Theology from Galyn Wiemers’ Generation Word

Note: Surf to the index of essential truths of the Christian faith (doctrinal devotional)

Divine names are given to Christ, from “The Great Doctrines of the Bible” by Evans

Notes: (1) “The Great Doctrines of the Bible” by Rev. William Evans, Ph.D., D.D. is a well-respected reference material for Bible students, pastors, missionaries and laymen. You can read the entire book from Google (click the picture of the book cover), or download the complete zipped e-book. (2) Surf to the index of lessons and online quizzes from Evans. (3) The most important ideas and statements from this part of Evans’ book are listed in the “Basic truths” section below.

THE DEITY OF JESUS CHRIST.

1. DIVINE NAMES ARE GIVEN TO HIM.

a) He is Called God.

John 1:1--“The Word was God.” Heb. 1:8--“But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever.” John 1:18--“The only begotten Son (or better “only begotten God”).” Absolute deity is here ascribed to Christ. 20:28-“My Lord and my God.” Not an expression of amazement, but a confession of faith. This confession accepted by Christ, hence equivalent to the acceptance of deity, and an assertion of it on Christ’s part. Rom. 9:5--“God blessed forever.” Tit. 2:13--“The great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” 1 John,5:20--“His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God.” In all these passages Christ is called God.

It may be argued that while Christ is here called God, yet that does not argue for nor prove His deity, for human judges are also called “gods” in John 10:35--“If he called them gods unto whom the word of God came.” True, but it is then used in a secondary and relative sense, and not in the absolute sense as when used of the Son.

b) He is Called the Son of God.

The references containing this title are numerous. Among others see Matt. 16:16, 17; 8:29; 14:33; Mark 1:1; 14:61; Luke 1:35; 4:41. While it may be true that in the synoptic Gospels Jesus may not be said to have claimed this title for Himself, yet He unhesitatingly accepted it when used of Him and addressed to Him by others. Further, it seems clear from the charges made against Him that He did claim such an honor for Himself. Matt. 27:40, 43--“For he said, I am the Son of God.” Mark 14:61, 62 --“Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed” (Luke 22:70--“Art thou then the Son of God? And Jesus said, I am.” In John’s Gospel, however, Jesus plainly calls Himself “the Son of God” (5:25; 10:36 11:4). Indeed, John's Gospel begins with Christ as God: “The Word was God,” and ends with the same thought: “My Lord and my God” (20:28). (Chapter 21 is an epilogue.)

Dr. James Orr says, in speaking of the title Son of God as ascribed to Christ: “This title is one to which there can be no finite comparison or analogy. The oneness with God which it designates is not such reflex influence of the divine thought and character such as man and angels may attain, but identity of essence constituting him not God-like alone, but God. Others may be children of God in a moral sense; but by this right of elemental nature, none but He; He is herein, the only Son; so little separate, so close to the inner divine life which He expresses, that He is in the bosom of the Father. This language denotes two natures homogeneous, entirely one, and both so essential to the Godhead that neither can be omitted from any truth you speak of it.”

If when He called Himself “the Son of God” He did not mean more than that He was a son of God, why then did the high priest accuse Him of blasphemy when He claimed this title (Matt. 26: 61-63)? Does not Mark 12:6--“Having yet therefore one son, his well-beloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son,” indicate a special sonship? The sonship of Christ is human and historical, it is true; but it is more: it is transcendent, unique, solitary. That something unique and solitary lay in this title seems clear from John 5:18--“The Jews sought the more to kill Him....because he....said....also that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God.”

The use of the word “only begotten” also indicates the uniqueness of this sonship. For use of the word see Luke 7:12; 9:38; John 1:14, 18; 3:16, 18; 1 John 4:9--“The only son of his mother.” 9:38--“For he is mine only child.” This word is used of Christ by John in 1:14, 18; 3:16, 18; 1 John 4:9, and distinguishes between Christ as the only Son, and the “many....children of God” (John 1:12, 13). In one sense Christ has no brethren: He stands absolutely alone. This contrast is clearly emphasized in John 1:14, 18--“only begotten Son,” and 1:12 (R. V.)—“many....children.” He is the Son from eternity: they “become” sons in time. He is one; they are many. He is Son by nature; they are sons by adoption and grace. He is Son of the same essence with the Father; they are of different substance from the Father.

c) He is Called The Lord.

Acts 4:33; 16:31; Luke 2:11; Acts 9:17; Matt. 22:43-45. It is true that this term is used of men, e.g., Acts 16:30--“Sirs (Lords), what must I do to be saved?” John 12:21--“Sir (Lord), we would see Jesus.” It is not used, however, in this unique sense, as the connection will clearly show. In our Lord’s day, the title “Lord” as used of Christ was applicable only to the Deity, to God. “The Ptolemies and the Roman Emperors would allow the name to be applied to them only when they permitted themselves to be deified. The archaeological discoveries at Oxyrhyncus put this fact beyond a doubt. So when the New Testament writers speak of Jesus as Lord, there can be no question as to what they mean.” --Wood.

d) Other Divine Names are Ascribed to Him:

“The first and the last” (Rev. 1:17). This title used of Jehovah in Isa. 41:4; 44:6; 48:12. “The Alpha and Omega” (Rev. 22:13, 16); cf. 1:8 where it is used of God.>

Basic truths

[1] “Jesus Christ is called God.” John 1:1, 18; 20:28; Heb. 1:8; Rom. 9:5; Tit. 2:13; 1 John 5:20

[2] “Christ is called the Son of God.” Matt. 16:16, 17; 8:29; 14:33; Mark 1:1; 14:61; Luke 1:35; 4:41; Matt. 27:40, 43; Mark 14:61, 62 Luke 22:70; John 5:25; 10:36 11:4. “The use of the word ‘only begotten’ also indicates the uniqueness of this sonship.” Luke 7:12; 9:38; John 1:14, 18; 3:16, 18; 1 John 4:9

[3] “Christ is called the Lord.” Acts 4:33; 16:31; Luke 2:11; Acts 9:17; Matt. 22:43-45

[4] Other divine names are ascribed to Him:

“The first and the last” (Rev. 1:17; Isa. 41:4; 44:6; 48:12

“The Alpha and Omega” (Rev. 22:13, 16); cf. 1:8 where it is used of God

Further study (Be like the Bereans! Acts 17:11)

[1] Study guides and online quizzes in Christology (interim curriculum)

The articles on Christology from “Jesus: A Biblical Defense of His Deity” by Josh McDowell and Bart Larson are part of the interim curriculum. We have prepared these study guides which you can use in two ways: (1) Read the study guide first so you can have an overview of the article; and (2) After reading the article, try answering the study guide questions to test your comprehension. Online, interactive quizzes with automatic scoring are also available.

Index of study guides

1. Appendix
2. Jesus Christ Is God
3. Jesus Christ Possesses the Names and Titles of God
4. Jesus Christ Possesses the Attributes of God
5. Jesus Christ Possesses the Authority of God
6. God Became Man in Jesus Christ
7. We Have the Witness of the Early Church
8. What Are Some Common Objections to the Deity of Christ?
9. Is Jesus Christ Your Lord?
10. How the Authors Discovered New Life in Jesus Christ

[2] Materials by John F. Walvoord

• The Person and Work of Christ — Part I: The Incarnation of the Son of God
• The Person and Work of Christ — Part II: The Person of the Incarnate Christ
• The Incarnation of Christ — Part III: The Person of the Incarnate Christ
• The Person of Christ — Part IV: The Earthly Life of the Incarnate Christ
• The Person and Work of Christ — Part V: The Ministry of Christ in His Life on Earth
• The Humiliation of the Son of God
• The Person and Work of Christ — Part VII: The Impeccability of Christ
• The Person and Work of Christ — Part VIII: Christ in His Suffering and Death
• The Person and Work of Christ — Part IX: Redemption
• The Person and Work of Christ — Part X: Propitiation
• The Person and Work of Christ — Part XI: Character and Results of Propitiation
• The Person and Work of Christ — Part XII: Reconciliation
• The Person and Work of Christ — Part XIII: Reconciliation
• The Person and Work of Christ — Part XIV: Christ in His Resurrection
• The Person and Work of Christ — Part XV: Christ in His Resurrection
• The Person and Work of Christ — Part XVI: Christ in His Resurrection

[3] The Person of Christ, by Charles T. Buntin , M.S., M.A.R. (also available in Spanish)

[4] Christology: Jesus Christ, by Greg Herrick Th.M., Ph.D.

[5] Figuring out the “Firstborn” in Colossians 1:18, by Andrew Perrin


Sermons on John 1:14 (Be like the Bereans! Acts 17:11)

[1] The Critical Chapter, by Douglas James Wilson

[2] Baby, Creator, Savior, Lord, and King! By Phillip W. Mansfield

[3] Logos, by Timothy Grant

[4] John #05 Became Flesh, by James (Jim) L. Goforth, Jr, New Life Baptist Church

[5] #3 Showing God's Light, by Matthew Starin, Baptist World Mission

[6] Beginning at the Beginning 2 - Salvation on the Heels of Rebellion, by Richard DeRuiter

[7] Before the Beginning, by Charles Leman Eldred

[8] Christmas According to John, by Michael Stark, New Beginnings Baptist Church

[9] The Centrality, Supremacy, and Superiority of Jesus Christ, by Daniel Radke

[10] The Word of God - Jesus is God, by Tom Daugherty, Trinity Theological Seminary

[11] Positive Identification, by Charles Leman Eldred

[12] Once In an Eternity, by Pastor Jeremy Stephens, Southview Baptist Church

[13] The Deity/Humanity of Jesus, by Robin Fernandez

Sermons on Philippians 2:6 (Be like the Bereans! Acts 17:11)

[1] Incomparable Supremacy, by Pastor Jeremy Stephens, Southview Baptist Church

[2] A Stranger at the Door, by Joe Vinson, Southeast Baptist Church

[3] The Uniqueness of Jesus Christ, by Sam Jones

[4] Humiliation Before Exaltation, by Marvin L Jackson

[5] 122407 Christmas Eve Reason for Season 3 Cradle Cross Crown, by Donald L Hardaway

[6] Why God Became Man, by Randy D. Starkey, East Bend Baptist Church

[7] Sermon illustrations on the Kenosis

[8] Master Violinist Goes Unrecognized, by Bruce W. Logue


Note: This ministry does not necessarily endorse or share all the views and opinions expressed in the materials, resources or links mentioned in these posts. Please always refer to the Articles of Faith and Biblical distinctives of Baptists when you study these materials.