WAS JESUS REALLY NECESSARY?

In contemplating the necessity of the divinity of Christ, it's essential to address the logical basis for believing in Jesus. Let's delve into this exploration by examining the eternal nature of God and the necessity for an eternal remedy for sin, all supported by Biblical references.

Since God is eternal, it therefore follows that his actions, deeds, and statements have eternal ramifications. For example, Ecclesiastes 3:14 states, "I know that everything God does will endure forever." This affirms that God's actions and attributes are eternal.

We also understand that humanity sinned in Adam and we therefore need a way to reconcile back to God because the consequences of God's pronouncements on the reward for sin must also be eternal. Romans 6:23 emphasizes the eternal consequences of sin: "For the wages of sin is death." Thus, sin being eternal demands an eternal solution.

One of the earliest temporary solutions was the system of yearly sacrifices to cover the sin for a year until the next year when the process is repeated. The Old Testament sacrificial system, outlined in Leviticus 16:34, provided temporary atonement for sin, highlighting the need for a permanent remedy. Leviticus 16:34 states, "This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: Atonement is to be made once a year for all the sins of the Israelites."

Hebrews 10:1-4 reveals the insufficiency of animal sacrifices: "For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." This leads to the question: How can sin then be permanently eradicated?

The answer lies in Jesus Christ, described as God's eternal Lamb. Revelation 13:8 prophesies Him as "...the Lamb who was slain from the world's creation." Since Jesus as God's lamb is eternal, it therefore follows that his sacrifice would have eternal ramifications which is better than the yearly sacrifices of bulls and goats. Jesus's sacrifice was not temporal but eternal, offering redemption for all humanity.

Since the eternal lamb dwells in the spiritual realm and the humans that need salvation dwell in the physical realm, we need to then address the incarnation of Jesus the Lamb, Galatians 4:4 states, "But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son,".

How did God go about sending this Son? Well, God simply spoke him into existence by the instrumentality of prophecy. After all, this Lamb is also referred to as the Word of God. Highlighting the fulfilment of God's plan. John 1:14 further illustrates this by stating, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us."

John the Baptist's declaration in John 1:29 solidifies Jesus's role as the Lamb of God: "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" This emphasizes Jesus's sacrificial mission to provide eternal salvation.

In summary, Jesus Christ, as the eternal Lamb of God, fulfils God's plan for redemption. Through His sacrifice, we find eternal salvation, not just for a year but for all eternity. Without Jesus, there would be no eternal solution to sin, leaving humanity to bear its consequences alone.

As we reflect on the significance of Jesus as the Lamb of God, we're compelled to consider our salvation plan. Without Jesus, what hope do we have? It's through Him alone that we find forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life.