JESUS' WORD is
the Holy Scriptures by which He lived. It is primarily through the Bible that
He communicates with His people. In both the Old and New Testament, God has
recorded His will for mankind as a light shining in a dark place. ALL scripture
in the Bible is inspired.
Matthew 4:4; 2 Timothy3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Psalm 119:105
JESUS' LIFE was
pre-existent with God the Father. For our sake He was born of a virgin, lived
as a man, experienced human life and died on the cross in sacrifice for our
sins. He was resurrected the third day and ascended into heaven where He now
ministers in the heavenly sanctuary to the needs of His people.
John 1:1-3,14; Matthew1:18-19; Hebrews 4:14-16, 8:1-5
JESUS' DEATH on
the cross was vicarious (in place of another) on our behalf. He willingly laid
down His life as a sacrifice for the sin of all people. Accepting by faith His
perfectly obedient life and His substitutionary death, any person may be
accounted righteous in God's sight. This is the gospel!
Isaiah53:1-6; John 10:17-18; John 3:16
JESUS' SPIRIT,
as His representative on earth, is the agent of conversion. Jesus lives in His
people through His Spirit . He enables them to live victoriously, experiencing
the new birth which is the abundant life. As part of this conversion, His
Spirit gives believers different character traits or abilities known as
"Spiritual Gifts" that enable them to serve Him and build up His
kingdom on earth. One of these gifts, the Spirit of Prophecy, is an identifying
characteristic of God's last-day (or remnant) people on earth.
John 16:7-11,
3:3-8,
10:10; 1
Corinthians 12;
Revelation 12:17,
19:10
JESUS' OBEDIENCE to the will of His Father in every area of
living revealed a perfect, sinless life. This righteous life He offers is ours
by faith. His obedience is an example to His disciples so that they too will
love God supremely and serve their fellow man selflessly. Jesus calls His
followers to respect their bodies as "temples" where He lives, bought
with the high price of His blood. Thus, healthful living and Christian behavior
are to be a goal of all believers.
John 8:46; Romans3:21-26; John 2:3-6; 1 Peter2:21-25; 1 Corinthians 6:19,20
JESUS' DAY comes
each week on the seventh day (Saturday). He called Himself Lord of this day and
He faithfully observed each Sabbath. Because He initiated it during creation
week (before the entrance of sin), Jesus desired that all of His people would
keep this day as a memorial to His creative power. He also reminded us that His
Sabbath is a sign of His power to deliver us. It is, indeed, the Lord's Day.
This weekly Sabbath is a foreshadowing of the rest Jesus will one day give His
people in Heaven!
Mark2:27-28; Colossians 1:15-17; Genesis 2:1-3; Hebrews 4:1-11
JESUS' CHURCH is also called His body and is comprised of all
believers in Him everywhere in the world. Entrance into His church is through
the new birth experience (born of the water and of the Spirit). Jesus loves His
church and gave Himself for it. In the last days, He is preparing His people
for His return and He empowers His people to proclaim the message of His second
coming!
Ephesians1:23; 5:23,30; John 3:1-7; Matthew28:18-20; Revelation 12:17
JESUS' INVITATION is for YOU! He wants to be the
center of your life and will give you new birth if you so desire. He will
enable you to live life abundantly now and to have the assurance of eternal
life with Him in His soon-coming heavenly kingdom.
John 1:12; 10:10; 1 John 1:9; 5:12; Revelation 3:20