Christ's Divine Declarations

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. I Am the Way

2. I Am the Truth

3. I Am the Life

Introductory Remarks.

1. This lesson will discuss “Christ’s Divine Declarations.” The Lord made three of them. They are as follows: First, I am the Way to the Father. Second, I am the Truth. And finally, I am the Life. We shall also deal with the false notion that “all roads will lead to heaven.” We will also clarify that “all truth resides in Christ; revealed by the Holy Spirit and preached by the apostles.” Finally, we will establish that Christ came to provide the means of “eternal life” to all those who believe and obey Him.

2. First, we will consider the declaration “that Jesus is the way unto the Father.” John the Baptist said he was sent to “prepare the way of the Lord.” Isaiah prophesied that Jehovah would send a forerunner before the Messiah’s appearance to “make straight the way of the Lord.” Isaiah prophesied that He would reveal “the way of holiness and no unclean thing shall pass over it; it shall be for the wayfaring man, though fool should not stumble in it.” Jesus called this path the “straight and narrow way that leadeth unto life.”

3. Second, we will discuss the declaration “that Jesus is the truth” sent to make the Father known. He also declared that the believers would “know the truth, and that truth would make one free.” Freedom from sin is made possible to the disciples after they hear, believe, and obey the truth of the gospel, which will “make them free from their sins.” Recall that the apostle Paul wrote to the Romans, “But God be thanked that ye were the servants of sin; but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you, being then made free from sins, ye became the servants of righteousness.” This is the same truth that Jesus spoke about that would free one from sin. This is that same truth the Lord revealed unto the holy apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit.

4. Lastly, we will investigate the declaration, “I am the life.” Jesus clarifies that after one finds the way, they shall obtain eternal life if they obey the truth. Many today are supposing they are in the way, believe in Christ, and have been granted eternal life. However, their claims do not find sanction in the New Testament. As Jesus is the revealer of the way and the truth, He also has made the hope of eternal life manifest. The Lord states: “I am come that ye might have life and have it more abundantly.” Eternal life is found in the “Son of God,” and it is to them He “gave the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” With this brief introduction, let’s consider our first thought: “I am the way.”

BODY OF LESSON

I "I AM THE WAY"

A. Jehovah’s promise of the way. Isaiah the prophet spoke of this way in terms that reveal its true purpose. He says: “And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein,” Isaiah 35:8. Jehovah promised to provide the “Way of holiness” unto the world. Recall the Hebrew writer’s message about holiness: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord,” Hebrews 12:13-14. The “Way of holiness” began at the preaching of John the Baptist, in a "preparatory form" of the gospel.

B. John’s preparatory preaching of the way. John the Baptist was “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight and the rough places plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it,” Isaiah 40:3-5. John’s preparatory preaching of the kingdom of God would be the message about Jesus, the Messiah’s work of salvation. Interestingly, this message was preached in unity among all who God sent. Notice:

1. First, John the Baptist was sent to present that the “kingdom of God was at hand,” Matthew 3:1-3; Mark 1:14-15. That is, it was soon to be established.

2. Further, Jesus preached that the “kingdom of God was at hand” Matthew 4:17.

3. Next, the 12 preached the “kingdom of God was at hand,” Matthew 10:5-7.

4. Finally, the 70 preached the “kingdom of God was nigh,” Luke 10:9.