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Last week we looked at the challenges to Christ’s deity expressed by some and the importance of the claims made by Jesus, specifically those recorded in John and Mark’s Gospels. Both of which enable us to, at least in part, refute the “conspiracy theory” touted by some claiming that the later church fabricated Jesus deity as a means of gaining leverage over people within and outside the church. The remaining question being: Was Jesus God before the Gospels?

A key to answering that question is knowing that John was written about 60 years after Jesus’ life, death and resurrection – around 90 A.D., while the first gospel to be circulated, Mark, appeared some 30 years before that – about 60 A.D. (A remarkably short span of time for that age, especially when you consider the terribly disorganized, dispersed nature of the “church” at its inception and for many, many years afterwards.)

In fact, the very first Christian writings to be circulated are thought to be several of Paul’s epistles. One such is his letter to the Philippians, which includes the section referred to academically as the Carmen Christi – the Song of Christ; whose very beginning declares the pre-existence of Jesus in the “very nature of God.” Going on to prophesy that in the future, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord – God incarnate. (Philippians 2:5-11Echoing Is. 45:22,23)

Scholars believe this particular passage did not originate with Paul, but was a “hymn” used in churches prior to the recording of what had been up to this point oral history or creedal recitations; inserted into this letter because of its familiarity. Those same scholars dating its origination to the late 30’s A.D. – the very decade of Jesus’ crucifixion!

Another example of early oral history being used to convey Christian theology by Paul is found in 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; probably the first and most concise creedal summary of the gospel in existence today. “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins… that he was buried (and) raised on the third day according to the scriptures (the Old Testament) and that he appeared to …” numerous people over a significance period of time. (See also the Doxology of Romans 11:33-36 Considered by many as another oral recitation pre-dating the written word.)

The first “history” of Jesus was recited in the first Christian sermon delivered by Peter in Jerusalem at Pentecost (Acts 2), which was heard by God-fearing Jews as well as converts to Judaism from “every nation under heaven”; and likely shared by them upon their return to their native lands. (Acts 2:5- 41) Stephen, the first Christian Martyr, delivered an even more detailed history of Christian theology in his defense before the Sanhedrin. (Acts 7:1-60)

A pivotal claim, made throughout the Gospels and New Testament writings, refers to Daniel’s vision of “a son of man”, which was clearly understood by Jesus’ critics as a claim of God-hood and likewise accepted as such by his disciples as they coalesced into the “church”. As such it is worth repeating here in full.

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshipped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” Daniel 7:13,14

This fundamental belief – that Daniel’s son of man is the Son of Man – Jesus Christ, is nowhere more graphically stated then in John’s apocalyptic revelation of “end times.” John declaring it to be, “The revelation of Jesus Christ,…” given to, “…show his servants what soon must take place…” Revelation 1:1

John had been exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. In his vision there, he was directed to write down some specific judgements on seven particular churches, followed by visions more generally meant for the church universal.

The imagery used to describe Christ is immediately recognizable because of its similarity to Daniel’s vision, not copying it but lending credence to its authenticity in professing Jesus to be the Son of Man – the Son of God. Upon hearing a trumpeting voice, John “…turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone ‘like a son of man’, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a gold sash around his chest. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and out of his mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. (See Hebrews 4:12,13 for this sword’s significance.) His face was like the sunshine in its brilliance…” Revelation 1:12-16 (See also Revelation 14:14)

John’s response was typical of others who had been confronted by God, “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead.” Revelation 12:17 Jesus then confirming his authorship of this vision, saying “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, (See Is. 11:10 & Romans 15:12 for the Messianic claims attached to these titles) and the bright Moring Star.” Revelation 22:16 (Further identifying himself as the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End in Revelation 22:13) Warning as well as promising, “…I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.” Revelation 22:12

At that coming, mankind will either rejoice or cringe at sight of what John characterized as the rider on a white horse. “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. ‘He will rule them with an iron scepter.’ He treads the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has the name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” Revelation 19:11-16

All such evidence pointing to the fact that every layer of Christian teaching depicts Jesus as divine, from the earliest moments of faith to the establishment of the church. The four Gospels and supporting scripture of the New Testament all based on the earliest oral tradition and beliefs pre-dating the institutionalized church. The very first Christians – even before they were identified as such (The title “Christian” not used to identify Christ’s followers until the church had been taken to the Gentiles in Antioch. See Acts 11:26) – believing Jesus was more than a good man and rabbi, more than a prophet – even more than the Messiah. He was God Himself!

"Voice of Inspiration" from Andy Castro

Psalms 91:13