The clear message which is set forth
in the Declaration of the Gospel is that Jesus Christ is God.
He is in no wise less than the one true and living God. The
disciples of Christ did not at all understand this until after
he ascended back into the heavens from whence he came. This was
first declared by Peter on the day of Pentecost when he preached
to the multitudes of Jews from each of the twelve tribes which
were in Jerusalem for the feast, saying, Therefore let all the
house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that same
Jesus whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. There was
no doubt what he meant by this choice of words, and this very
message pricked the hearts of many who heard him. He declared
that Jesus of Nazareth was Lord, which means a supreme ruler,
and by implication, God. Thus Peter began his ministry
as a New Testament apostle, having been a witness of his resurrection
and ascension, and the revelation of the identity of Christ on
the Mount of Transfiguration. The implication of all those
things which he had been taught culminated in this very concise
and powerful declaration. In order to preach the true gospel,
one must be clear about this matter as well. Christ is not
merely the representative of God, nor is he some secondary
figure in a hierarchy, but he is the eternal God himself made
manifest in flesh and blood. He did not just seem to be flesh
and blood, but he is in fact true flesh and blood, born of
the Virgin Mary. Preaching which fails to unequivocally
declare these truths is ultimately that which will lead men astray.
This error prompted John to write, whosoever denieth the Son, the
same hath not the Father, but he that acknowledgeth the Son
hath the Father also. The Father and the Son are one.
It is impossible for a man to see the Father apart from seeing
Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God. Jesus saith, He that
hath seen me hath seen the Father, and his name shall be called
Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father,
the Prince of Peace. This kingdom is one whose glory
is totally reserved for this prince. This prince of whom we
speak is the king who sits in royal state in his everlasting
kingdom. He is the revelator of the kingdom of God. No man
can enter it except by his decree. He is not only the One who opens
and no man can shut, but He is the One who shuts and no man
can open. Even as He prayed, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord
of heaven and earth, because Thou hast hid these things from
the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. prince
who sits in royal state in a kingdom of his own making and power.
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. And you that were
sometime alienated in enemies in your mind by wicked works,
yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through
death to present you holy and unblameable and unreprovable
in his sight. This prince is the deliverer
of his people from the bondage of sin. He has not merely been
installed as a stately king by reason of inheritance, but he
has trod the winepress of the wrath of God and stained his
garments with his own blood and that of his enemies as he openly
triumphed over all perceived impediments to his own glory
and the redemption of his elect bride. And you being dead in
your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, had he quickened
together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses, blotting
out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was
contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his
cross. And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of
them openly, triumphing over them in it. This prince does
presently eat bread before the Lord, who, being the brightness
of his glory and the express image of his person, and upholding
all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself
purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty
on high. He has indeed finished the work which he came to do,
and does sit in royal state in his own kingdom, looking unto
Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy
that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame,
and is sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. This
prince is that one who lends glory to this kingdom. Even as
Ezekiel testified, I looked, and behold, the glory of the
Lord filled the house of the Lord, and I fell upon my face. We find ourselves in the same
position as Ezekiel, upon our faces in adoration and worship,
as we have been given the privilege to see him who is the prince
and ruler of Israel. For God, who commanded the light
to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts to give
the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face.
of Jesus Christ.