jesus… the only way to god!? apologetics bible study how do we know jesus is the only way to god?...

JESUS… THE ONLY WAY TO GOD!?JESUS… THE ONLY WAY TO GOD!?APOLOGETICS BIBLE STUDYAPOLOGETICS BIBLE STUDY

How do we know Jesus is the only way to How do we know Jesus is the only way to God?God?

Can we adequately “define and defend” Can we adequately “define and defend” the Person, Purpose and Work the Person, Purpose and Work

of the Lord Jesus Christ?of the Lord Jesus Christ?1


““Defending Your Faith with Accuracy and Defending Your Faith with Accuracy and Reason” Reason”

But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you

to give an account for the hope that is in you… with gentleness and reverence. 1 Peter 3:15

AA – Accurately, Adequately

BB – Biblically, Boldly

CC – Confidently

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How do we know that Jesus is the Only Way to God? How do we know that Jesus is the Only Way to God? How can we “systematically defend” that Biblical How can we “systematically defend” that Biblical

Doctrine?Doctrine?

The Alpha and the Omega, the Author of Eternal Salvation, the glorified and resurrected God-Man, in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ is the exclusive way, the ONLY WAY into the presence of the Almighty, Eternal, Thrice-Holy, and Triune LORD GOD (i.e. Eternal Life, Heaven, Salvation) because of the —

1.1. Accomplished Work (Passion) of Jesus on the Cross Accomplished Work (Passion) of Jesus on the Cross

2.2. Biblical Names & Titles of the Lord Jesus Christ Biblical Names & Titles of the Lord Jesus Christ

3.3. Biblical Evidence declared in Holy Scriptures Biblical Evidence declared in Holy Scriptures

4.4. Absolute Sovereignty of God in SalvationAbsolute Sovereignty of God in Salvation

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Questions…Questions… which require sincere which require sincere contemplation contemplation

and Scriptural confirmation (grounding): and Scriptural confirmation (grounding): What did the Lord Jesus Christ accomplish by His death on the cross? For whom (past, present and future) did the Lord Jesus Christ…

make sacrificial and substitutionary atonement,make sacrificial and substitutionary atonement,shed His innocent, perfect and pure blood, shed His innocent, perfect and pure blood, satisfy the justice and righteous wrath of God, satisfy the justice and righteous wrath of God, willingly suffer the humiliation, pain and shame, willingly suffer the humiliation, pain and shame, and then willingly give-up His own life on the cross? and then willingly give-up His own life on the cross?

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How do we know that Jesus is the Only Way to God?How do we know that Jesus is the Only Way to God?The Alpha and the Omega, the Author of Eternal Salvation, the

glorified and resurrected God-Man, in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ is the exclusive way,

the ONLY WAY into the presence of the Almighty, Eternal, Thrice-Holy, and Triune Lord God Almighty (i.e. Eternal Life, Heaven,

Salvation) because of the —

1. Accomplished Work of Christ on the Cross

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JESUS… THE ONLY WAY TO GOD?JESUS… THE ONLY WAY TO GOD?APOLOGETICS BIBLE STUDYAPOLOGETICS BIBLE STUDY

Atonement (Substitutionary Sacrifice) – complete atoning “mercy seat” sacrifice for the sin of the redeemed by the spotless Lamb of God.

Justification – is a right “legal standing” before God; an eternal pardon from the bondage, guilt, penalty and power of sin.

Reconciliation – restored the “right relationship” of the redeemed to God.

Redemption – purchased from the “slave market” and bondage of sin; bought with the precious and pure blood of the Lamb of God.

Righteousness (Imputed Righteousness) – absolute, complete, final and perfect Justification; clothed in the perfect righteousness of Christ.

Propitiation (Satisfaction) – a “propitiatory sacrifice” (proh pih tee ay’ shuh); final, perfect sacrifice (i.e. mercy seat on the Ark of the Covenant) required to fully satisfy the perfect justice and righteous wrath of God against sin.

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The “cross-work” (Passion) of Jesus Christ… The “cross-work” (Passion) of Jesus Christ…

What did Christ accomplish by His death on the Cross?What did Christ accomplish by His death on the Cross?

JESUS… THE ONLY WAY TO GOD?JESUS… THE ONLY WAY TO GOD?APOLOGETICS BIBLE STUDYAPOLOGETICS BIBLE STUDY

Atonement (Substitutionary Sacrifice) – Galatians 1:4; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Hebrews 10:10, 13:12.

Justification – Romans 3:24-30, 4:2-6, 25, 5:8-9, 5:18-19, 8:30.

Reconciliation – Romans 5:8-11; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19; Colossians 1:19-22.

Redemption – Luke 1:68, Romans 3:24, 8:24; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Galatians 3:13, 4:5; Ephesians 1:7, 14, 4:30; Colossians 1:14; Hebrews 9:12, 15; 1 Peter 1:18.

Righteousness (Imputed Righteousness) – Romans 1:17; 2 Corinthians 5:20-21; Philippians 3:8-11; 2 Peter 1:1.

Propitiation (Satisfaction) – Romans 3:25; Hebrews 2:17; 1 John 2:2; 4:10.

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The “cross-work” (Passion) of Jesus Christ… The “cross-work” (Passion) of Jesus Christ…

What did Christ accomplish by His death on the Cross?What did Christ accomplish by His death on the Cross?




the ONLY WAY into the presence of the Almighty, Eternal, Thrice-Holy, and Triune Lord God Almighty (i.e. Eternal Life, Heaven, Salvation)

because of the —

2.Biblical Names & Titles of the Lord Jesus Christ

The Deity of Christ (Christ the Lord; Express Image of the Invisible God; the Anointed One; Holy One; I AM; King Eternal, Immortal, Invisible the Only God; King of Kings; Lord of Lords, Lord God Almighty, Messiah (Anointed One). Jesus was the One and Only Mediator and Acceptable and Perfect Sacrifice!

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JESUS… THE ONLY WAY TO GOD!?JESUS… THE ONLY WAY TO GOD!?BIBLICAL NAMES & TITLES FOR JESUS CHRISTBIBLICAL NAMES & TITLES FOR JESUS CHRIST

Alpha and Omega… Revelation 1:8, 1:11, 21:6, 22:13 Author and Perfecter of our Faith… Hebrews 12:2 Author of Eternal Salvation… Hebrews 5:9 Door of the Sheep… John 10:7 Express Image of His Person… Hebrews 1:3 Finisher of Our Faith… Hebrews 12:2 Great Shepherd of the Sheep… Hebrews 13:20 Hope (Confident Assurance) of Glory… Colossians 1:27 I Am (Self-existent One, Yahweh)… Exodus 3:14; Revelation

1:18 Judge of all the Earth… Genesis 18:25 King of Righteousness… Hebrews 7:2 Mediator of the New Covenant… Hebrews 9:15, 12:24 Propitiation of Our Sins… I John 2:2, 4:10 Resurrection and the Life… John 11:25 Righteous Judge… II Timothy 4:8 Shepherd and Guardian of your Soul… I Peter 2:25 True God and Eternal Life… I John 5:20 The Way, the Truth and the Life… John 14:6

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3. Biblical Evidence Recorded in Holy Scriptures

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John 14:6-7 (Oneness with the Father)

Jesus said to him, “I am the way [John 10:9; Eph 2:18; Heb 10:20], and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. 7“If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.”

Matthew 7:13—14 (The Narrow and Wide Gates)

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14“For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Acts 4:12 (No Other Name Under Heaven… but Jesus)

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

1 Peter 3:1818For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God [Rom 5:2; Eph 3:12], having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit.

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4. Absolute Sovereignty of God in Salvation

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SalvationSalvation (belongs to) is from the Lord God…(belongs to) is from the Lord God…Psalm 3:8; Jonah 2:9

1.Purposed and Predestined…. by God the Father,

2.Purchased and Perfected… by God the Son, and

3.Produced and Preserved… by God the Holy Spirit.

If you “found Jesus” it’s only because the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit found (called, regenerated) you first!

The triune Lord God, by His grace and for His glory… Sought, Bought and Wrought in you the Gift of

Salvation!

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Biblical View of the Doctrine of Salvation:Biblical View of the Doctrine of Salvation:The Lord Jesus Christ did NOT suffer humiliation and pain, endure the righteous wrath of God against sin, satisfy the perfect justice of God, then give up His own life on the cross to “make possible” salvation for all mankind (w/o exception), BUT…

The Lord Jesus Christ did willingly suffer humiliation and pain, endure the righteous wrath of God against sin, satisfy the perfect justice of God, and then give up His own life on the cross to “make certain” salvation for all mankind (w/o distinction), BECAUSE the Father had given to Him (John 6:37-39, 10:27-29, 17:9-11) all who had been appointed to eternal life and chosen for salvation before the foundation of the world (Acts 13:48; Rom 8:28-30; Eph 1:3-14; 2 Thess 2:13-14).

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Even “repentance” is from the Lord! It is God who “grants repentance” leading to Knowledge of the Truth, Forgiveness of

Sin and Eternal Life!

Acts 11:18

When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, “Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life.”

2 Cor 7:9-10

…for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. 10For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.

2 Tim 2:25-26

…with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.

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Matthew 22:14 - For many are called [i.e. heard the message, the outward call], but few are chosen [elected, received the inward call].

Mark 13:26-27 - Then they will see THE SON OF MAN COMING IN CLOUDS with great power and glory. 27And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven.

John 15:16-17 - You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.

John 17:1-2 (High Priestly Prayer of Jesus)

He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You, 2even as You gave Him authority over all flesh, that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life.

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John 17:6-7, 9 and 24 (High Priestly Prayer of Jesus)6“I have manifested Your name to the men whom You [God the Father] gave Me [God the Son] out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7“Now they have come to know that everything You have given Me is from You… 9“I ask on their behalf; I do not ask on behalf of the world, but of those whom You have given Me; for they are Yours… 24“Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

Acts 13:48-49

When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. 49And the word of the Lord was being spread through the whole region.

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Romans 8:28-30 28And 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 [Rom 8:30; 9:24; 11:29; Gal 1:6, 15; 5:8; Eph 1:11; 3:11; 2 Thess 2:14; Heb 9:15; 1 Pet 2:9; 3:9].

29For those whom He foreknew [Rom 11:2; 1 Cor 8:3; 2 Tim 1:9; 1 Pet 1:2, 20], He also predestined [Rom 9:23; 1 Cor 2:7; Eph 1:5, 11] to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;

30and these whom He predestined, [Rom 9:23; 11:29; 1 Cor 2:7; Eph 1:5, 11] He also called [Rom 8:28; 9:24; 1 Cor 1:9; Gal 1:6, 15; 5:8; Eph 1:11; 3:11; 2 Thess 2:14; Heb 9:15; 1 Pet 2:9; 3:9]; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

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Ephesians 1:3-6

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4just as He chose us in Him “before the foundation” of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love. 5He predestined [Literally, having predestined]

us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention [good pleasure] of His will, 6to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved [the Lord Jesus

Christ].

2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation, through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 14It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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II Timothy 1:9 - …according to the power of God, 9who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began…,

1 Peter 1:1-2 - Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who reside as aliens…, who are chosen 2according to the foreknowledge (foreordained intimate love of God with the objects of His saving power) of God [Rom 11:2; 1 Cor 8:3; 2 Tim 1:9; 1 Pet 1:2, 20] the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure.

1 Peter 2:9-10 - But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.

Revelation 17:14 - These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.

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Scriptures for Contemplation

Job 22:21 – Now acquaint thyself with [Yield, Surrender to] Him (i.e. to know intimately ) and be at peace with Him. Please receive instruction from His mouth and establish His words in your heart. NKJV

Jeremiah 33:3 – Call to Me and I will answer you, and show you (reveal) great and mighty things (inaccessible, unattainable) things that you do not know.

2 Timothy 2:15 – Be diligent(1) to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

(1)diligent: The word denotes zealous persistence. To make every effort to do one’s best; To handle accurately, correctly, skillfully in teaching the word of truth!

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““Five Sola’s of the Reformation” Five Sola’s of the Reformation”

Solo Christos…Solo Christos… Christ Alone! Christ Alone!

Sola Scriptura… Sola Scriptura… Scripture Alone! Scripture Alone!

Sola Gratia… Grace Alone! (Salvation by) Sola Gratia… Grace Alone! (Salvation by)

Sola Fide… Faith Alone! (Justification by) Sola Fide… Faith Alone! (Justification by)

Soli Deo Gloria... To the Glory of God Alone! Soli Deo Gloria... To the Glory of God Alone!

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jesus… the only way to god!? apologetics bible study how do we know jesus is the only way to god?...

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