Jesus Christ Is: Savior (Lesson 3)

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Jesus Christ Is: Savior (Lesson 3) Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Sep 17, 2025 (message contributor)

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Scripture: John 1:1-3, John 5:18, John 10:20, John 20:28

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Summary: To establish that the Scriptures reveal Jesus Christ as Savior. Class is still out for some of our Scholars in this regard; some would have Him yet in the tomb, while others see Him no more than a mere man. This dissertation proves Jesus Christ is the Savior.

INTRODUCTION

3. Jesus Christ Is Savior

Introductory Remarks.

1. During our research and development on the lesson on being “partakers of the divine nature of Christ,” as described in 2 Peter 1:3-4, a great truth emerged. And that was that many religious scholars deny or reject the divinity of Jesus Christ as God, Lord, and Savior. If one is to be saved, they must acquire faith in Christ, confess that He is the Son of God, and be obedient to the faith, as the first-century believers, that they might be saved, Acts 6:7; Acts 8:12. In this dissertation,

2. We will examine the Old Testament’s promise and the New Testament’s revelation of Jesus Christ as the Savior of all humanity. It was to this end He was conceived, born into this world, suffered and died on Calvary’s tree, and “declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead,” Romans 1:1-7. [Text shortened for brevity.] John the Baptist said it best: “Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world,” John 1:29. Perhaps a closer translation would be: “To take upon Himself, the sins of the whole world.”

3. What the Law could not do, through the “offering of the blood of bulls and goats,” He did by the shedding and offering of His precious blood “for the remission of sins,” Matthew 26:26-28. Thereby, becoming the author of eternal salvation (the Savior) unto all them that obey Him,” Hebrews 5:6-9. With this brief introduction, let us get right into the dissertation!

BODY OF DISSERTATION

III JESUS CHRIST IS SAVIOR

A. Definition. We sought out the definition of savior from several sources. We found it listed in Lexicon form as: Soter, soteros, ho, and (sozo), meaning a deliverer, i.e., God or Christ: —Saviour. We will examine the Old Testament’s promise and the New Testament’s revelation of Jesus Christ as the Savior of all humanity.

1. The Savior. Peter wrote: “tou theou hemon kai soteros iesous christos,” 2 Peter 1:1. John the Baptist said it best: “Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world,” John 1:29. Perhaps a closer translation would be: “To take upon Himself, the sins of the whole world.”

2. The prophetic scriptures. We will now survey the Old Testament to locate some of the scriptures that reference Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world.

a. David’s prophecy of a suffering Savior. He wrote:

1) “But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people. All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, He trusted in the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him,” Psalms 22:6-8; Mark 15:30-32; Luke 23:35. He continued,

2) “When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach. I made sackcloth also my garment, and I became a proverb to them. They that sit in the gate speak against me; and I was the song of the drunkards. Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonor: mine adversaries are all before thee. Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none,” Psalms 69:10-20. TSFB.

b. Isaiah’s prophecy of a Savior. He inscribed:

1) “And it will be for a sign and a witness to the LORD of hosts in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to the LORD because of the oppressors, and He will send them a Savior and a Mighty One, and He will deliver them,” Isaiah 19:20; Isaiah 53:1-12; Isaiah 50:6.

2) “Tell and bring forth your case; Yes, let them take counsel together. Who has declared this from ancient times? Who has told it from that time? Have I not, the LORD? Moreover, there is no other God besides Me, A just God and a Savior; There is none besides Me,” Isaiah 45:21. Amen, Lord!

3) “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given, And the government shall be upon His shoulder. His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace, there will be no end. Upon the throne of David and over His Kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice, from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this,” Isaiah 9:6-7. What a powerful section of prophecy concerning the kingdom of God. Let us consider,

c. Jeremiah's prophecy of a Savior. The prophet wrote:

1) “O the Hope of Israel, his Savior in time of trouble, Why should you be like a stranger in the land? Just like a traveler who turns aside to tarry for a night?” Jeremiah 14:8.

2) “Thus, saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not (no more),” Jeremiah 31:15. Finally, we have,

d. Hosea’s prophecy: “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt,” Hosea 11:1. This is an interesting text concerning the child Jesus, whose parents fled to Egypt for His safety from King Herod.

e. Conclusion. Of course, there are more prophecies than time to discuss them if we could list them all in this dissertation. I will leave it to the readers to research these presented options first, and if they desire to do so, investigate others. The challenge we face is not being able to conduct good research into them, but after finding them, being able to accept the truth of them in sincere faith and trust in the Word of God. Too much of our religion is built upon what we think about these matters, rather than what the scriptures teach about them. You might recall how James describes this simple truth in James 1:21-27. Moving on, let us consider the fulfillment of these sacred texts, which I have provided in this dissertation. Observe,

3. New Testament fulfillment of the prophecies of the servants of God. We present here the prophecies of God’s servants from the Old Testament. We will review their mention in the New Testament. What an excellent work of God’s through the face of Jesus Christ our Lord, 2 Corinthians 4:1-7. Observe,

a. Luke's fulfillment of David’s prophecy of this Savior. He penned,

1) “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord,” Luke 2:11. The angels announced His birth to the shepherd who kept their sheep near the city of Bethlehem. The “wise men from the east” found and worshipped Him, Matthew 2:1-15.

2) Peter proclaimed to the people near Solomon's porch: “Neither is (there) salvation in any other name: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved,” Acts 4:12. Salvation is in the name of Jesus Christ. While Paul was in Antioch of Pisidia,

3) Preaching in the synagogue said: “And when He had removed (Saul), raised unto them David to be their king, to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, who shall fulfill all my will. Of this man’s seed, hath God, according to His promise, raised unto Israel a Savior, Jesus: When John had first preached before He came the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. When John had finished his course, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not He.’ However, behold, there comes One after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loosen,” Acts 13:23-25. John bare witness that this Savior, the Messiah, had come, and he would decrease, that He might increase, John 3:30.

b. Isaiah’s prophecy fulfilled,

1) Matthew wrote: “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins,” Matthew 1:21.

2) Luke penned: “Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people, And has raised a horn of salvation for us, in the house of His servant David…To give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins,” Luke 1:67-77. TSFB. See Acts 3:18-26.

Luke wrote of the angel’s promise to Mary,

3) “And the angel answered and said to her: The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God,” Luke 1:26-38. TSFB. The angel’s announcement to Joseph, “He will save His people from their sins, and His name shall be called Emmanuel,” Matthew 1:20-25. TSFB. Which is translated: “God with us.” See also John 1:14-18; John 1:29-34.

c. Jeremiah’s prophecy fulfilled, Paul wrote,

1) “To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior,” Titus 1:4; Jude 1:3. Peter penned,

2) “Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ,” 2 Peter 1:1.

d. Hosea’s prophecy fulfilled. Matthew wrote: “And (Joseph, Mary, and the child) was there (in Egypt), until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son,” Matthew 2:15.

e. Conclusion: Time would escape us if we tried to list all the prophecies and their fulfillments in this dissertation. I have sought to list those which speak of Christ’s coming as God, Lord, and Savior. Matthew alone mentions at least 300 prophecies concerning the Messiah and His work. With this groundwork complete, let us consider an important rule that will enable us to make “heads and tails” of the work of the authors and commentators concerning Christ being God, Lord, and Savior of the world. You are already familiar with this Rule [in this presentation, we will cite and discuss the entire rule.] Recall, it is called,

4. The Sharp’s Rule: “He (Sharp) laid down a ‘rule’ (p. 3) which has become famous and the occasion of sharp contention, but which is still a sound and scientific principle: When the copulative (kai or and) (connects two nouns of the same case [viz., nouns (either substantive or adjective, or participle) of personal description respecting office, dignity, affinity, or connection, and attributes, properties, or qualities, good or ill], if the article or any of its cases precedes the first of the said nouns or participles and (the article) is not repeated before the second noun or participle, the latter always relates to the same person that is expressed or described by the first noun or participle: i.e., it denotes a farther description of the first named person,” Page 62. [Some parentheses and hyphenations were added for identity and explanation only.] REF. See References. Let us illustrate this Rule again, as it applies to the text listed below — in EXERCISE 3. We are almost done.

ILLUSTRATION: Understanding definite articles and word case endings. Here is an example of how to apply this rule to understand the relationship of the definite article and master case endings of personal names, nouns, adjectives, and participles. For these exercises,

a. Here are the rules for the road once more:

1) The “T-” identifies the definite article, and “N-” its proper name or noun in the Parsing tab.

2) The proper name or noun determines the definite article’s case form that agrees in case, number, and gender.

3) Proper names and nouns will appear in the Nominative Case.

4) All other nouns, pronouns, adjectives, and participles linked to this proper name or noun will also appear in the Nominative Case, in the text of discussion.

b. Consider this text: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,” Philippians 3:20.

c. We will focus on this sentence to illustrate the use of the definite article and proper names or nouns. Observe the,

1) Sentence in English: “Eagerly wait for the Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ.” Now observe this,

2) Sentence in Greek: “Apekdechomai ho soter, kai kyrion Iesous Christos.”

3) Greek Parsing: “For our citizenship is in heaven from whence also we:”

NOTE: See TR and NT Greek Manuscript 1992, Image 143, page 148. [Middle of page].

4) Observe that definite articles and proper names are in the Accusative case form and case endings. As proper names and nouns, they should be in the Nominative Case. See BLB.org for Greek Parsing. This textual illustration does not adhere to the established rules outlined above. The definite article appears to have been masked (hidden) in this sentence. However, the proper names alone should have alerted the translator to the proper case form and endings. In this text, translators would only need to add the article “the” in front of “Lord” in this sentence. The “a” in Sotera would be dropped, making “soter” N-NSM, and the article before “Lord” becomes T-NSM and N-NSM, respectively. This third declension decline was probably not decided when the EGNT Interlinear was written (I suspect).

5) This author believes the sentence should read: “Eagerly waiting for the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Kai should have been translated as “and,” not “also,” which could have connected “the Savior and Lord Jesus Christ” with the same article and case form, or NSM. Jesus Christ, then becomes N-NSM and N-NSM, respectively.

a) In Philippians 4:5, Paul states: “Ó Kyrios is near.” This sentence makes any previous mention of “Lord” to be considered “definite” in the sentence where it appears.

b) As previously stated, if the proper name or noun is not considered the “subject” of the sentence, the translators were permitted to exclude the “definite article.” However, when Paul made “the Lord” the subject of the sentence, it would appear as: “The Lord,” T-NSM and N-NSM, respectively, as it does in Philippians 4:5. See EGNT, page 518, Stephens 1550 GNT, page 88, and BLB.org (Philippians 4:5). See also Titus 1:4, 2 Peter 1:11, and 2 Peter 3:18.

c) Review also 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13, “At the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints." Stephens 1550 GNT, pages 98-99. [Ó Kyrios; Iesous Christos, etc.] With and without the article.

Recall that,

6) Greek Grammar also permits that when the proper name [Lord] is the subject of the sentence, the definite article should be connected to ensure the reader knows it is The Lord [“Ó Kyrios”] being referenced in the sentence or phrase. We applied this rule to Philippians 3:20 because of Philippians 4:5 and 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13. We are almost finished.

Reference: Greek Manuscript 1992 of the New Testament, Image 143. [Lower right of page 148].

B. Jesus Christ is Savior. [Sot- (sozo save, soter, a saviour, the Saviour).] Jesus Christ is the Savior. The Old Testament’s promise and the New Testament’s revelation of Jesus Christ as the Savior of all humanity. It was to this end He was conceived, born into this world, suffered and died on Calvary’s tree, and “declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead,” Romans 1:1-7. TSFB.

1. John the Baptist said it best: “Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world,” John 1:29. Perhaps a closer translation would be: “To take upon Himself, the sin of the whole world.” What the Law could not do, through the “offering of the blood of bulls and goats,” He did by the shedding and offering of His precious blood “for the remission of sins,” Hebrews 10:1-4; Matthew 26:26-28. If Jesus was not the “perfect sacrifice for sin,” nor have been raised from the dead, then we are still “in our sins, and men and women most miserable,” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15:17-18.

2. The Lord was not only the “sacrifice for sin” but the heavenly High Priest that “offered the perfect sacrifice” when He “Purged (made atonement, i.e., to cleansed, washed off, putting away, Etc.) our sins, and (then) sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on High,” Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 9:22-26. Thereby becoming: “The Great High Priest forever…Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which he suffered, And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation (Savior) unto all them that obey Him,” Hebrews 5:6-9; Matthew 1:18-21.

3. Paul said it profoundly: “Therefore, by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh (people, nation) be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God with the law is manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets. Even the righteousness of God which is by (the) faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Being justified freely by His grace through the faith that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be (the) propitiation through the redemption in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. To declare, I say at this time His righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of Him which believeth in Jesus,” Romans 3:20-26. Paul establishes,

a. First, “By the deeds of the (any) law none could be justified in His sight,” Romans 3:20.

b. Further, “God has manifested His righteousness without the Law, as revealed in the Law and the Prophets,” Romans 3:21.

c. Next, “Even the righteousness which is by the faith of Jesus Christ: unto and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference (of men and nations) in the sight of God,” Romans 3:22. Why? Observe Paul’s answer,

d. Because, “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12.

e. Finally, “Being justified freely by His grace through the faith that is in Christ Jesus,” Romans 3:24; Romans 5:1-2. How? Here it is. It was Him (Christ Jesus),

1) “Whom God hath set forth to be (not a, but) the propitiation through the redemption in His blood,”

2) “To declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past,”

3) “Through the forbearance of God,” Romans 3:25.

4) “To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness:

5) “That He (God) might be: a) Just, and b) the Justifier of him, c) which believeth in Jesus,” Romans 3:26; Romans 5:1-2; John 3:16. What a powerful and wonderful truth Paul has outlined in this text.

NOTE: I have made some corrections in this text, as you may have already observed. Do not be alarmed; I have provided a full explanation of these corrections in my dissertation, “Divine Revelation and Inspiration,” available on SermonCentral.com by Ron Freeman, Evangelist.

Now, regarding why God declared Himself to be just and the Justifier of those who believe in Jesus, it became necessary for a new tabernacle and a Great High Priest, who could be a Priest forever. This, of course, would require another covenant as well, one that includes all, not just Israel. The beloved apostle explains all this in the Book of Hebrews. Observe,

4. The Hebrew writer penned: “For if the blood of bulls and goats, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:”

a. “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

b. “And for this cause (reason) He is the mediator of the new testament, that through death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament.”

c. “That they who are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.”

d. “For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.”

e. “For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth,” Hebrews 9:13-17. By combining Romans Chapter 3, verses 23-26, and Hebrews 9:13-17. We have an answer to God’s long-suffering.

f. Conclusion: The reason for God’s forbearance and looking past the sins under the first testament. Here it is, Christ was coming to be the perfect sacrifice for sin, the Lamb of God, without spot or blemish. To bring forth redemption through His blood for the transgressions that were under the first testament, that they who are called (all nations and people) might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Truly, salvation has been brought down. Observe,

1) As the law and priesthood changed, there was, of necessity, a change of the covenant, which would include all who would have faith in and be obedient to the commandments of God.

2) Christ was the sacrifice and offering for the new covenant, and He has become the mediator between God and men, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

3) For where remission of sin is, there is no more offering for sin. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him.

4) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. The beloved apostle,

5. Peter’s affirmation: “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him,” Acts 10:34-35.

a. The apostle has learned: “Not to call any man common or unclean,” Acts 10:14-15.

b. God accepts all who fear (reverence) Him and work righteousness.

c. It is essential to note that the exact words “devout men, and a devout man” appear in Acts 2:5 and Acts 10:2. The first on Pentecost, which refers to the Jews, and the other that refers to Cornelius, an uncircumcised Gentile. God truly does find “favor” in all people, and He is not a “respecter of persons,” Galatians 2:6; Romans 2:11. Could this be said of the congregation where you worship and have found a welcome for and by such believers?

d. James, the Lord’s brother, establishes that such thinking and behavior is a “sin before God,” James 2:1-10. Okay, let us get back to the lesson before us by consulting some more,

C. Prominent authors and scholars. Much of the discussion of this topic rests on one's understanding of the use of the definite article and how it applies when two or more nouns, pronouns, or adjectives describe the same noun, pronoun, or adjective in a sentence. Most grammarians believe that the Grandville Sharps Rule about the definite article settles this argument. Let us review Sharp’s Rules quickly again.

1. A. T. Robertson’s discussion on Granville Sharp’s Monograph of the Definite Article. Here is a complete discussion of this Rule. Robertson noted, in his book, “The Minister and His Greek New Testament.” “Some commentators suggest that 2 Peter 1:1 does not ascribe this power and position to Christ. These are those who reject the divinity of Christ. Before proceeding, we need to present some defense of Christ’s divinity.” He continued:

a. “The objections to the (real) Deity of Jesus Christ have taken various forms (philosophical, historical, theological, exegetical, and grammatical) … (The) grammarians have had their say, pro and con, on this great subject. As early as 1798, Granville Sharp wrote a monograph on the subject entitled, ‘Remarks on the Uses of the Definitive Article in the Greek Text of the New Testament,’ containing many New Proofs of the Divinity of Christ, from Passages which are wrongly translated in the Common English Version,” Page 61–62. Further noting,

b. “He (Sharp) laid down a ‘rule’ (p. 3) which has become famous and the occasion of sharp contention, but which is still a sound and scientific principle: When the copulative (kai or and) (connects two nouns of the same case [viz., nouns (either substantive or adjective, or participle)] of personal description respecting office, dignity, affinity, or connection, and attributes, properties, or qualities, good or ill], if the article or any of its cases precedes the first of the said nouns or participles and (the article) is not repeated before the second noun or participle, the latter always relates to the same person that is expressed or described by the first noun or participle: i.e., it denotes a farther description of the first named person,” Page 62. [Some parentheses and hyphenations were added for identity and explanation only.] REF. See References. He also added,

c. “Now it is not easy to lay down a universal principle of syntax, particularly in a language so rich and varied in significance as is the Greek. (But) Although Sharp’s principle was attacked, he held to it and affirms (p. 115) that, despite examining several thousand examples of the type, “the apostle and high priest of our confession Jesus” (Heb. 3:1), he had never found an exception. He does not, however, claim (p. 6) that the principle applies to proper names or the plural number. Proper names are definite without the article,” Page 62.

NOTE: I understand that this quotation is rather lengthy, but it is necessary to capture Robertson’s entire point in this discussion. I will attempt to summarize it in our conclusion. He concluded,

d. “Ellicott (Aids to Faith, p. 462) says: “The rule (Sharp’s) is sound in principle, but in the case of proper names or quasi proper names, cannot be safely pressed. However, Sharp did not apply it to proper names. Middleton followed Sharp in an able discussion, ‘The Doctrine of the Greek Article applied to the criticism and illustration of the N. T. (1808),’” Pages 62–63.

NOTE: You can obtain this book from Amazon.com. It should be in your library for quick reference and use. I recommend it to all gospel preachers, ministers, evangelists, and teachers. Observe,

e. Conclusion: These are not all the defenses of A. T. Robertson, but they should suffice for anyone who would seek the truth in this matter. You can read and even download A. T. Robertson’s book

from Archive.org.

2. Freeman’s Summary. Sharp’s Rule can be summarized in a few key points. Consider this summary of Sharp’s Rule concerning the “definite article.” Observe,

a. If the nouns or participles in a text begin as the subject of the sentence, the “definite article” will modify the subject (by assuming the noun or proper name case ending), making it definite in the sentence, i.e., “Ó Kyrios, Soter, and Iesous Christos.” This article and noun case endings are in the Nominative Case and should agree in case, number, and gender. [See our illustrations below.]

b. Sharp’s Rule did not include “proper names.” These are “definite” with or without the article. There are rules, however, on when they should be translated. Some translators or scribes have repeatedly violated these rules in some early translations of the New Testament. Proper names and nouns that are preceded by a “definite article:” like 1) “o, or the” with case endings “os” or “s” will be Nominative; 2) “tou or the” with case endings “ou” or “u” will be Genitive; and 3) “ton or the” with case endings “on” or “n” will be Accusative; each respectively in case, number, and gender. [This is important for you to recognize as you continue to review this dissertation or any texts that you might want to analyze through your own Greek Parsing exercise.] Observe,

c. If two nouns are connected by “kai or and” in a sentence, both nouns are equal (correlated, linked, or connected), as they pertain to the same subject of the sentence or phrase.

d. Nouns considered proper names are definite with or without the article. If by chance that person or noun is the subject of the sentence, the definite article should precede it, and will take the same Case form as the proper name or noun, in case, number, and gender.

1) There are variations for 3rd Declension nouns in the N-Case that have a stem that ends in a consonant or an iota i-, or upsilon u-. All third-declension nouns use the same endings, but for some nouns, the ending is disguised. Unlike nouns of the first and second declensions, the nominative singular of nouns of the third declension varies. Here is an illustration.

NOTE: [Nouns that end in -er, i.e., Pater, and (soter), will decline like mater, not as aner, whose stem differs slightly. (Soter is my noun inserted in this quote.) See Module 13, Declining Third Declension Nouns, Pages 149-153. We thank Philip for his superb work!

NOTE: All Greek words are transliterated rather than translated in this dissertation. Please excuse any improperly accented words. See BLB.org for our work.

[In other words, “er,” “os,” or “s” assumes the Nominative Case.] See Luke 2:11; John 4:42; Ephesians 5:23, and 1 Timothy 4:10. [I.e., a savior, the Savior.] This should also apply to Titus 2:13. Philip S. Peek illustrates and explains third-declension nouns in his book below.

Reference: Philip S. Peek, Ancient Greek 1, a 21st Century Approach, Copyright Philip S. Peek. See link https://books.openbookpublishers.com/10.11647/obp.0264.14.pdf/.

NOTE: Declensions. In our exercises, the ending of the root word (stem) in the Greek determines its case, number, and gender. The second-declension singular, masculine ending in the nominative case is “os” and “s” in the Master Case Ending. The definite article “o” preceding the noun “soter” assumed the nominative case. [Recall, the proper name or noun determines the definite article’s case.] Moreover, other nouns, adjectives, or participles will assume the same case, number, and gender within the sentence. Therefore, the proper names or nouns determine the definite article’s case when they are the subject of the sentence! Some definitions,

1) Prefix – a group of letters having a special meaning that appears at the beginning of a word, i.e., re, un, dis, etc. {Return, understand, or disapprove}.

2) Root – The roots are fixed letters that give the real meaning of the word. The prefix and suffix attach to the root word, i.e., bio, geo, sub, nom, voc, etc. [Biology, geology, nominative, Etc.]

3) Stem – a group of letters at the end of a Greek word, i.e., os, ou, er, etc. [Theos, soter, Etc.]

4) Suffix – a group of letters with special meaning appearing at the end of a word. In Greek, it signals that a “participle” is part of that word, i.e., -ed, -ing, etc. [Calling, called, Etc.]

References: For further explanation, and activities for learning word parts, including roots, Prefixes, and Suffixes, can be found in the following texts from Flemming, Loraine’s:

Reading for Results, 12th ed. Boston: Wadsworth, 2014. (See pages 77-83, 108-114.)

Reading Keys, 3rd ed. Boston: Wadsworth, 2011. (See pages 63–74.) REF. See References.

McWhorter, Kathleen T. Reading Across the Disciplines: College Reading and Beyond, 5th ed.

San Francisco: Pearson Education, 2009. We thank these authors for their contribution. Recall,

2) When proper names or nouns are the subject of the sentence or phrase. If no other definite articles precede the second name or noun, both nouns refer to the same subject or person in the sentence or phrase and will be in the same case, number, and gender.

3) Any string of other names or nouns in the sentence or phrase will have the same case, number, and gender as the subject. [Such is the case in our exercise above and the last one that will follow.] Acts 1:13-14 and Acts 13:1 are examples of this rule of proper names in the Nominative Case; and Acts 6:5 is an example of this rule in the Accusative Case (note that this rule was violated in this text). No doubt this is an example of what A.T. Robertson was referring to in his discussion of Grandville Sharp’s Rules in the use of the definite articles. You may want to consult these reference scriptures to see firsthand what is meant by case, number, and gender.

3. Final Summary: In the original Greek, when the words “God” and “Savior” are joined by kai, and the definite article ho is only used once, preceding “God” (or the first noun) according to the Granville Sharp Rule, both God and Savior refer to the same person: Jesus Christ. Notice,

a. The grammatical construction of the Greek sentence: definite article + singular noun + copulative conjunction + singular noun refers to the same person. [In English, we have one definite article and several conjunctions, i.e., and, also, moreover.] The word “copulative” refers to the action of “linking verbs,” i.e., connecting, linking, or joining, both as “further description of the first noun or named person in the sentence or phrase.” In other words,

b. The two nouns, joined by and, are both in apposition (connected or correlated) to the named person or individual. Therefore, Jesus Christ is both God and Savior, according to the Granville Sharp Rule, because of the copulative conjunction “kai” or “and.” Observe also,

c. The text reads: “Looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus,” (Titus 2:13). NASB 1977. [Perhaps the best rendition of the verse]. Now,

d. Before I move past this point, I think it is wise to present again one of my favorite Commentators' discussions on the divinity of Christ.

4. Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible. In Volume 6, he wrote about the divinity of Christ while discussing several key passages of Scripture that fuel this debate among many scholars. Observe,

a. First, 1 Peter 5:10: “The apostle begins with a most weighty prayer, which he addresses to God as the God of all grace, the author and finisher of every heavenly gift and quality, acknowledging, on their behalf, that God had already called them to be partakers of that eternal glory, which, being his own, he had promised and settled upon them, through the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ,” Page 1490. Matthew Henry now defines Christ's divinity. Observe,

b. Next, 2 Peter 1:1: “For, (1.) This Jesus Christ is God, yea, our God, as it is in the original. He is truly God, an infinite Being, who has wrought out this righteousness, and therefore it must be of infinite value. (2.) He is the Saviour of those that believe, and as such, he yielded this meritorious obedience; therefore, it is of such great benefit and advantage to them because, as surety and Saviour, he wrought out this righteousness in their stead,” Page 1494. [Corrections made in active voice and some punctuation.] REF. See References.

c. Finally, Titus 2:13, “The great God and our Saviour (or even our Saviour) Jesus Christ; for they are not two subjects, but one only, as appears by the single article… and so is kai rendered 1 Cor. xv. 24, When he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father…Christ then is the great God, not figuratively, as magistrates and others are sometimes called gods, or as appearing and acting in the name of God, but properly and, the true God (1 John v. 20), the mighty God (Isa. ix. 6), who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, Phil. ii. 6. In his second coming he will reward his servants, and bring them to glory with him,” Page 1247. Jesus is the “great God and Savior,” as reported by Peter and Paul, the apostles of Jesus Christ and God. Observe,

d. Conclusion: Matthew Henry wrote: “The design of God in calling or converting men is to bring them to glory and virtue, that is, peace and grace, as some understand it; but many prefer the marginal rendering, by glory and virtue; and so, we have effectual calling set forth as the work of the glory and virtue, or the glorious power, of God, which (Paul) described (in) Eph. i. 19. It is the glory of God's power to convert sinners; this is the power and glory of God which are seen and experienced…by his (calling us) out of darkness into His marvelous light, 1 Pet. ii. 9,” Page 1494. The quote was shortened for brevity. One of my beloved brothers in the faith also weighed in on this discussion. Observe,

5. B. W. Johnson. He wrote: “For our conversation is in heaven—our citizenship. See Revision. We are citizens of heaven itself, our country, from which we are now absent, and which we are seeking. Hence, we ought to mind heavenly things. There our Lord dwells, and from thence he will come. Who shall change our vile body? Our lowly body shall change to fit it for heaven. It will take the form of his glorified body, such as was seen at the Transfiguration. Compare 1 Cor. 15:43-52; 2 Cor. 5:1-4; 1 John 3:2. According to the working. This change shall be in harmony with that mighty power (Christ) who shall subdue all things,” Pages 550-551.

NOTE: For a further discussion on this “change,” download our lesson: “Except You Are Born Anew” on SermonCentral.com by Ron Freeman, Evangelist.

6. William D. Mounce. Penned: “When one 'o' governs two nouns, the two nouns are being viewed as a single unit. These are often theologically nuanced and significant,” Page 90. [Quotation marks are mine.] Mr. Mounce was speaking of the Sharp’s Rule on the “definite article” use when it is modifying two nouns in a phrase or sentence, as is the case in Titus 2:13. Observe,

a. The scripture: “epiphaneia ho doxa ho megalou Theou kai soteros hemon Iesou Christou.” Quotation shortened for brevity.

b. The translation: “Waiting… appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

c. Conclusion: Two nouns are being made definite by the “definite article 'o' in Titus 2:13. This is one of the scriptures that many of our scholars and authors have difficulty in acknowledging the divinity of Christ, as being both Lord and Savior. Mr. Mounce was illustrating this point in his book: “Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar,” which is an excellent aid in learning Basic Greek Grammar. See References below. We will review this scripture in our Greek Parsing Exercise later.

d. I am pleased to say we can refer to a 21st-century scholar and author in this matter. Mr. Mounce’s book provides us with current documentation on the understanding of New Testament Greek Grammar. Although he was not addressing our subject at hand, he does illustrate Sharp’s Rules in the functions of the definite articles when it is connecting two separate personal names, nouns, or, in this case, divine attributes, which are equally connected by the Greek coordinating conjunction “kai” or “and.” We will refer to Sharp’s Rules again later.

7. John Wycliffe commented on Titus 2:13. He wrote:

a. “Paul expresses the rest of the thought by the great event of the world to come: the coming of Christ. Hope…appearing is one concept, as in the ASV: the blessed hope and appearing. God…Saviour is correctly translated: “Our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ” (ASV margin). Again, two ideas form one concept, much as do the compound divine names of the OT. 14. Who gave himself for us.”

1) “The atonement has both the particular reference to the elect and the universal reference to all (see note on I Tim 2:6). Ransom or deliver by payment of a price (used in Lk 24:21; I Pet 1:18; and here). Purchase is stressed in the atonement (cf. Gal 3:13; Rev 5:9).”

2) “Deliverance from guilt and condemnation is not foremost here, but rather deliverance from (an) ungodly walk.”

3) “Thus, the peculiar mark of God's people appears— their zeal for good works. Peculiar is used in the LXX of Ex 19:5. This and the word translated “peculiar” in I Pet 2:9 both imply a possession or purchase. Good works are the fruit of the Spirit, the seal of God’s ownership,” Pages 887–888. We added Peter’s assurance of the great value of faith in Christ in 2 Peter 1:1. He wrote:

b. “The apostle here assigns great value to faith, and why not? It is the “coin of the realm” in God's kingdom. The writer finds the basis for faith and its attainment in the righteousness of God and our Savior, Jesus Christ. This, of course, is the foundation of the entire ethical universe. It is not a theoretical and juridical righteousness only, but a warm, loving, providential righteousness embracing God's entire redemptive plan. It is only “in the righteousness of God” that faith is possible. Moreover, again, it is through this faith, increasingly exercised, that God's righteousness is revealed (Rom 1:17),” Page 990.

c. Conclusion: John Wycliffe concluded that "God and Savior" was the correct translation of Titus 2:13 and 2 Peter 1:1. This phrase referred to the Lord Jesus Christ. Grammarians may still argue the point, but he believed that the context of the scriptures could only refer to Christ.

Reference: The New Testament and Wycliffe Bible Commentary, produced for Moody Monthly, The Iversen-Norman Associates, New York, Fourth Edition 1973, published by The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, IL., Copyright, 1962. We also consulted many other reputable,

D. Dictionaries, Lexicons, and Commentaries. Jesus Christ is also the Savior.

1. W. E. Vine’s Greek Grammar and Dictionary, Lists, “soter (G4990), “a savior, deliverer, preserver,” page 538. Please note how Savior is listed in Vine’s work. See References below.

2. William D. Mounce, Lists, “soter, eros, o, savior; deliverer,” Page 501. See References below.

3. BLB.org, Strongs G4990: Lists, “soter, soteros, o (sozo), savior, deliverer; preserver.” See References below.

4. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, Lists, “soter, soteros, o (sozo), savior, deliverer, preserver,” Page 612. Notice Savior is listed first as “soter,” N-NSM, then “soteros,” N-GSM, and “o,” T-NSM. These entries are in the Lexicon Format. See References below.

5. Lindell & Scott, Lists, “soter, eros, o, vocat, soter, (sozo) a savior, deliverer, preserver; also c. gen. objecti, soter Ellados a savior of Greece; also c. gen. objecti, soter vocou a preserver from disease,” Page 688. Notice Savior is listed first as “soter,” N-NSM, then “eros,” N-GSM, and finally, “o,” the definite article T-NSM. See References below.

NOTE: At this juncture, I would like to make a strong recommendation for all who may be reading, hearing, or studying this dissertation. What if your Library does not have a good Interlinear and Study Bible with references, concordance, and Hebrew and Greek references to Strong’s G-numbers? In that case, you might want to begin an Internet search for these study tools. We are now ready to begin the real work in this dissertation. I hope you are still with me! Consider this short and final exercise.

E. Textual examination and exegesis. There could not be a more appropriate text than 2 Peter 1:1 to conclude our last point in this dissertation. The apostle Peter begins this chapter by announcing who he was: “A servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of the God and Savior Jesus Christ,” 2 Peter 1:1. In this exercise,

1. We will focus on the text above to illustrate the use of the definite article, proper names, and nouns. We will review the sentence in English and then in Greek. You are more than qualified to

perform Greek Parsing than many who have studied the bible for years. Our final passage of scripture will be one that some scholars still struggle with today. We will review the sentence in English and then in Greek. Consider this sentence,

a. First in English: “Through the righteousness of God and Savior Jesus Christ,” 2 Peter 1:1. EGNT, TR, Page 602.

b. Next, in Greek: “en dikaiosyne tou theoú hemón kaí soteros Iesoú Christoú.”

c. Finally, in Greek Parsing: “Through the righteousness (of):”

The | God | and | Savior | our | Jesus | Christ

d. Observe that definite articles, proper names, and pronouns are in the GSM-case ending. Recall,

NOTE: Proper names, nouns, etc., should be in the NSM-case ending. Observe also that “Lord, Jesus Christ, and Savior” are in the Genitive Case. However, they should be in the Nominative case, i.e., “o,” and case endings, “s,” “os,” and “er,” in Greek. The word “of” is absent in the Greek; this preposition would not change a proper name from the N-case to the G-case. Translators add it when needed to show description, relationship, or possession to any given text.

1) If you are again confused, if you have not yet done so, please open the BLB.org App and enter the text (2 Peter 1) into the search window. Once it opens, locate verse 1, click on Tools, and the verse will open in the Interlinear View.

2) You will be able to view the text in Greek under 'Textus Receptus' at the top of this screen. Move to the right of the page, and you will see the Parsing [?] tab. The last line in this exercise above: c. Greek Parsing, in the panel, should correspond to the button under the Parsing tab for 2 Peter 1:1 Interlinear View.

3) Locate and review the Parsing code for each English word in this panel for similarity.

e. According to Sharp’s Rule, the same person mentioned in this text shares the same deity or divine qualities as “God and Savior.” When both proper names are separated by the conjunction “kai,” or “and,” as it appears in 2 Peter 1:1.

1) Notice both English and Greek translations of the words in their panels.

2) You might want to review all the listings for each word in their panels.

3) Do not click on them at this time; review them to practice using this Application.

4) Move to the far right of the screen and locate the Parsing [?] tab.

5) You can view each word in the panel above on the Parsing tab.

f. They should be in the same form, T-NSM, N-NSM, etc. Please note that there may be some differences. [What you are witnessing again is how the Greek Words have been listed in their case, number, and gender.] In this text, they are not in the Nominative case or case endings.

2. Examination of the text. Observe that definite articles, proper names, and pronouns are all in the GSM-case ending. Observe the sentence,

a. “The God, and our Savior Jesus Christ:” The,

1) Definite article for God: “o,” |ho or “the,” was located in 1 Peter 5:10. This will occur often in the Greek Text. Both article and noun were coded as: T-NSM and N-NSM, respectively. Observe that the definite article and noun in 2 Peter 1:1 appear in the G-case, rather than the N-case.

2) Nouns: “Theos, Soteros, Iesous Christos” | theos, soteros, iesous christos.

NOTE: Here are some other scriptures where Jesus Christ, the Savior, has been translated.

a) “The Lord our and Savior Jesus Christ | o kyrios hemón kaí soteros Iesoú Christoú,” 2 Peter 1:1. Stephens 1550, Page 156. This Greek New Testament has “the Lord,” not “God,” in the text. See also,

b) “The kingdom of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ | o kyrios hemón kaí soteros Iisoú Christoú,” 2 Peter 1:11. Stephens 1550, Page 157. Refer also to,

c) “The Lord our Jesus Christ | o kyrios hemón Iesoús Christos,” 2 Peter 1:14. Steven’s 1550, Page 157. Note as well,

d) “The Father…and Lord Jesus Christ our Savior | Theou Patros…kaí kyriou Iesoú Christoú hemón Soter(os),” Titus 1:4. Stephens 1550, Page 118.

Reference: Stephanus Textus Receptus 1550 edition of the Greek New Testament, by Robert Estienne (Robert Stephens). Also, note,

3) The copulative conjunction: “kai” or “and.” Finally the,

4) Preposition/pronoun: “of,” and the pronoun “hemón” or “our.”

3. Exegesis of the text. You have had sufficient instruction on how to review the construction of the text for any missing and displaced articles, and any proper name or noun that does not appear in their proper case, as well as other nouns not having the proper case endings.

a. Text again: “tou theoú hemón kaí soteros Iesoú Christoú,” 2 Peter 1:1.

1) The definite article is “o” and takes the Nominative Case.

2) The proper name “Theos,” or “God,” assumes the Nominative Case.

3) The proper name “Savior” or “soter” properly declined takes the Nominative Case.

4) The proper name “Jesus Christ” or “Iesous Christos” will take the Nominative Case.

5) The pronoun “our” is P-1GP - means Personal / Possessive Pronoun - 1st Person Genitive Plural. First-person possessive pronouns identify something that belongs to you or us; they are mine when (i.e., singular) and ours (i.e., plural). See BLB.org.

b. Analysis: The sentence should read: “The God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

1) Proper names and nouns in Greek take the Nominative Case with the definite article “o.”

NOTE: The BLB.org and TR have the definite article as “tou” in the Genitive Case.

2) The name “Savior” appears as “soteros” in the G-Case.

3) Therefore, the definite article “tou” and “soteros” is possibly due to the “preposition “of.”

NOTE: [See TR and NT Greek Manuscript 1992, Image 206]. See references.

NOTE: The primary use of the G-Case is to show identity, dependence, and possession. The preposition “of” is used by the translator to show such possession. However, proper names, such as God, Savior, and Jesus Christ, should take the Nominative Case. [A word of caution: the definite article associated with a proper name/noun in the same case does not always appear in the same context or chapter of a given passage of scripture.] Hence, this explanation is required.

Please carefully review this explanation of this principle in the Greek New Testament.

4. Textual correction according to Sharp’s Rules, and definite articles and case endings.

a. First in English: “Through the righteousness of the God and Savior Jesus Christ,” 2 Peter 1:1. EGNT, TR, Page 602.

b. Next, in Greek: “en ha dikaiosyne tou theoú hemón kaí soteros Iesoú Christoú.”

c. Finally, in Greek Parsing: “Through the righteousness (of) our:”

The | God | and | Savior | Jesus | Christ

d. Recall, we found in 1 Peter 5:10, the definite article: “ho” or T-NSM, and “Theos” or N-NSM, which refers to “the God” in the Nominative Case.

1) Therefore, in 2 Peter 1:1, it would be correct and proper to designate the proper names and nouns in this text to the Nominative Case as well. This author believes the noun and definite article of 2 Peter 1:1 should be so designated. T-NSM and N-NSM, respectively.

2) Savior is translated in the Nominative Case as “soter,” designated as Strong’s G4990, N-NSM, in 2 Peter 1:11 and 2 Peter 1:1, respectively.

a) The BLB.org has translated “soteros” (Savior, N-GSM) rather than “soter” (Savior, N-NSM), as G4990, in these two references.

b) The noun Savior is improperly translated in the G-case, rather than the N-Case, as a result of the preposition “of” being added, and the pronoun “our” being wrongfully placed or added. Consider this,

NOTE: The translator’s notes infer that a definite article should precede the noun “righteousness.” The N-DSF’s definite article connects back to 1 Peter 5:9, “ha” or “the” T-DSF, modifying “faith” N-DSF. DSF – means Dative, singular, feminine.

3) And in 2 Peter 1:1, modifying “righteousness” N-DSF, or ev “en ha dikaiosyne,” T-DSF, and N-DSF, respectively, “the God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

4) The article may have been displaced during the translation process, as it is in many other passages of Scripture in the New Testament.

e. All proper names and nouns should agree in case, number, and gender. Therefore, the article “tou” is not the definite article that should appear in this text. However, “o” should be used referring to God, Savior, and Jesus Christ. The definite article will assume the proper name’s Case and case endings; here, it is in the N-Case.

f. When “kai” or “and” separates two nouns, and no definite article precedes the second noun, they refer to the same person or subject. All proper names and nouns will agree in case, number, and gender. If both names or nouns have an article, the reference is to two separate persons or things.

1) Proper Names sometimes have the article and sometimes are anarthrous (used without the article); to names of Persons, the person without the article is named, but with the article is marked as either well known or previously mentioned; in the paragraph, sentence or phrase, thus it might appear as Iesous (Jesus) and then o Iesous (the Jesus), or Paulos and o Paulos, etc.

2) The article is used to emphasize or designate who is being named, making the name definite in the sentence or phrase, and therefore its subject. See BLB.org, Definite Articles, Strong’s G3588, Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, para. II.g.a. “Proper Names.”

3) Please read all these explanations, also mentioned in Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, as well as BLB.org’s definitions. These are excellent resources for understanding the Art of Greek Parsing.

Please consider,

5. Christ as the Head (of the church) and Savior (of the body), Ephesians 5:23. This is another text used to deny Christ as the Savior. This scripture has only one definite article, “o,” before two proper names, separated by “kai,” namely, Christ and Savior. Please consider this explanation,

a. The text reads, “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the Savior of the body,” Ephesians 5:23. BLB.org.

b. The EGNT and BLB.org have “hoti” translated as “for,” whereas in the context of the scripture, it should be translated as “because.” See Ephesians 5:16. Text should read: “Because the husband is head of the wife, as (the) Christ is head of the assembly, and he is Savior of the body,” See the

Stephen TR 1550, GNT, Page 81. [See EGNT where “also” is added to the sentence on Page 509.]

NOTE: There is no “kai” for “also” in the manuscript. The only “kai” or “and” precedes “He is Savior of the body” (as noted above).

Reference: Stephanus Textus Receptus 1550 edition of the Greek New Testament, by Robert Estienne (Robert Stephens).

c. The definite article ‘o’ that precedes “Christos” is followed by “kai” connecting “soter” to the subject in the sentence. The transcriber may have even accented that [“He is”] in the Greek without a second article before the proper name “soter,” as noted in the Manuscript. [As viewed by this author].

d. Both the EGNT and the BLB.org have translated this text as: “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as (the) Christ is the head of the church: and He is (the) Savior of the body,” Ephesians 5:23. This rendition does not follow Sharp’s Rule,

1) The definite article o, T-NSM, precedes the name, Christ, making it definite in the sentence.

2) The conjunction “kai” is between the other proper name, Savior.

3) There is no other (or second) article present in the Greek sentence.

4) Therefore, the definite article o, T-NSM, makes both Christ N-NSM and Savior N-NSM co-equal in the sentence. Christ is both “the head of the church, and Savior of the body.”

5) The proper names “Christos” and “soter” are made definite in the sentence. Thereby taking the N-Case, or T-NSM and N-NSM, respectively.

NOTE: See Notes [m, n, and o] at the bottom of page 509, EGNT (Ephesians 5:23). Some authorities suggest that “o, kai, and estin” are doubtful as being part of the text. [The “o” which precedes Husband, the word “and,” after assembly, and “is” before Savior]. These changes do not alter the sentence’s meaning. If the accent is [“He’s”], this punctuation reinforces the text without them.

NOTE: [See TR page 509, and NT Greek Manuscript 1992, Image 140, page 145]. See references.

6) Paul intended to remind the husband that he is the head and the protector of the wife, as (the) Christ is “head of the church and Savior of the body.” He is both “Head of the church and Savior of the body,” Ephesians 1:22-23; Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:11; John 4:42.

e. Peter and Paul are referring to Christ as “His” and “our” in their Letters to the saints. Christ is “the God and our Savior,” whose divine power has given unto us “all things pertaining to life and godliness.” Indeed, this aligns with Matthew 28:18, Ephesians 1:22-23, and Colossians 1:16-18. It is this author’s position that Christ is both God and Savior, as well as Lord and Savior, as revealed through the Letters of both Paul and Peter. However, this position is not affirmed by all religious scholars and authors. Some have denied Jesus as being both God and Savior. Consider,

6. Conclusion: What a remarkable passage of scripture to end this dissertation that surely will give us faith, hope, and love for God’s divine purpose in bringing all nations into one body through the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ. See 1 Corinthians 2:1-5; Romans 1:14-17.

a. This is the hope and assurance of every faithful, obedient believer in Christ if we continue in Him until the end. Christ, in you the hope of glory!

b. As always, we have no ill intentions or harsh criticism against any translator or transcriber in this work. I am still confident that, for the most part, their work should be commended in their translation of this sacred Book from Greek into English.

c. I am not a scholar or authority on Greek. I come humbly, only with over 60 years of study, teaching, and preaching “the word of God” to all who would desire to serve the God of heaven and earth, who is my Lord and my Savior. I have, however, learned the Art of Greek Parsing.

d. We sought only to confirm and defend the Deity and Divinity of Jesus Christ in this work of

faith, as seen in Philippians 1:7 and 1:17. Thank you for your patience. I would love to hear from you regarding this work in the defense and confirmation of the truth of the Lord of glory. As I begin to conclude, let me express again what a sincere pleasure it was to present this dissertation. Recall, we desired to present….

CONCLUSION

A. Outline.

3. Jesus Christ Is Savior

B. Summarize Main Points.

1. We examined the Old Testament’s promise and the New Testament’s revelation of Jesus Christ being the Savior of all humanity. It was to this end He was conceived, born into this world, and died on Calvary’s tree for the sins of the world. John the Baptist said it best: “Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world,” John 1:29. What the Law could not do, through the “offering of the blood of bulls and goats,” He did by the shedding and offering of His blood “for the remission of sins,” Hebrews 10:1-4; Matthew 26:26-28. If Jesus was not the “perfect sacrifice for sin,” and rose from the dead, then we are still “in our sins,” 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 1 Corinthians 15:17-18. The Lord was not only the “sacrifice for sin” but the High Priest that “offered the perfect sacrifice” when He “purged our sins, and sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high,” Hebrews 1:1-3; Hebrews 9:22-26. Thereby becoming: “High Priest forever… Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which he suffered, And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation (Savior) unto all them that obey Him,” Hebrews 5:6-9; Matthew 1:21.

C. Invitation. Present God’s pattern of conversion. Jesus said: “Come unto me, all ye that labor,” Matthew 11:28-30. [Explain the POC, i.e., hearing and believing the gospel; repentance of all past sins, Luke 24:44-47; confessing faith in Christ, as the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33; and then, by obeying the gospel, Romans 10:16-18; Romans 6:17-18; that is to: “repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38; Acts 5:31-32; Ephesians 1:13-14].

D. Exhortation. “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved,” Jeremiah 8:20.

E. Motivation. Do as Peter directed: “Save thyself,” Acts 2:40; Acts 2:36-39; Acts 2:41.

Consultations and Commendations

I submit this verse unto you that I may: “Render therefore to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due),” Romans 13:7. I acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors in this dissertation.

Reference Section

1. Acts of the Apostles, New Testament Commentary, by Simon J. Kistemaker, Baker Book House, P.O. Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI, 1990.

4. Calmet’s Dictionary of the Holy Bible, Vol II., Fourth Edition, Published by Charles Taylor and sold by B. J. Holdsworth, 18, St. Paul’s Churchyard, London, 1827.

6. Dickinson College Commentaries, Department of Classical Studies, Dickinson College, P.O. Box 1773, Carlisle, PA 17013, created in 2018.

7. “Divine Revelation and Inspiration,” a dissertation by Evangelist Ron Freeman, Worldwide Ministry Church of Christ.org, TM; Registration Number TX-9-402-610, Copyright, June 22, 2024.

8. Easton’s Bible Dictionary, A Dictionary of Bible Terms, by M.G. Easton, MA., D.D., Albany, OR, Version 2.0 Copyright 1996, 1997, from Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition published by Thomas Nelson, 1897.

9. J. B. Lightfoot D.D., Saint Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians, Nabu Press, 1874.

11. Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible in One Volume, by Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49506, Copyright Marshall, Morgan & Scott, Ltd, 1960; Copyright 1961 by Zondervan Publishing House.

12. “The Art of Greek Parsing” by Ron Freeman, Evangelist, Worldwide Ministry Church of Christ.org, TM; on SermonCentral.com, February 2025.

15. Smith’s Comprehensive Dictionary of the Bible, Edited by Rev. Samuel W. Barnum, Published by D. Appleton and Company, 72 Fifth Avenue, London: 22 Bedford Street (Covent Garden), Library of Congress, Aug 10, 1901, Copyright 1895.

16. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.

19. The New Greek/English Interlinear, NRSV, New Testament, United Bible Societies,’ Fifth Revised Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, IL 60188, Copyright, 2020.

20. The Minister and His Greek New Testament, by A. T. ROBERTSON, M.A., D.D., LL.D., LITT.D., Professor Of New Testament Interpretation, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky, New York, George H. Doran Company, Copyright, 1923.

21. “Unfolding Word Greek Grammar,” 13485 Veterans Way, Suite 460, Orlando, FL 32827, Copyright 2024. [With Creative Commons Corporation, P.O. Box 741107, Los Angeles, CA 90074-1107.] The link is https://creativecommons.org/mission/contact/.

23. Philip S. Peek, Ancient Greek 1, a 21st Century Approach, Copyright Philip S. Peek. See link https://books.openbookpublishers.com/10.11647/obp.0264.14.pdf/.

24. Flemming, Loraine’s: Reading for Results, 12th ed. Boston: Wadsworth, 2014. (See pages 77-83, 108-114.); Reading Keys, 3rd ed. Boston: Wadsworth, 2011. (See pages 63–74.)

25. McWhorter, Kathleen T. Reading Across the Disciplines: College Reading and Beyond, 5th ed. San Francisco: Pearson Education, 2009.

27. The New Testament and Wycliffe Bible Commentary, produced for Moody Monthly, The Iversen-Norman Associates, New York, Fourth Edition 1973, published by The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, IL., Copyright, 1962.

28. Stephanus Textus Receptus 1550 edition of the Greek New Testament, by Robert Estienne (Robert Stephens). Stephanus' Textus Receptus of 1550: The Greek New Testament (Ancient Greek Edition), August 22, 2024.

29. Synonyms of The New Testament, by Richard Chenevix Trench, D.D., Archbishop, Twelfth Edition, Corrected and Improved, London, Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner, & CO. Ltd., 1894.

30. Greek Manuscript 1992. New Testament. Manuscripts in St. Catherine's Monastery, Mount Sinai, 1400 to 1499 AD, dated April 21, 1950. ["Library of Congress Collection of Manuscripts in St. Catherine's Monastery, Mt. Sinai." Mount Sinai: Microfilm 5010: Greek (1,078); and Mount Sinai (1,691), Library of Congress (LOC).]

31. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.

32. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.

33. “My Dissertation,” by Franklin, Roland E., Rev. Dr., Esquire, (REF)-FIBI@Wwm.org, Los Angeles, CA 90044, 2024.

34. “Christ’s Deity and Divine Nature,” by Ron Freeman, Evangelist, Worldwide Ministry Church of Christ.org, TM; on Archive.Org, September 2025.

35. Christian Answers Network Web site (Gilbert, AZ: Christian Answers Network, 1996), URL: ChristianAnswers.Net/q-acb/acb-t008.html. Regarding Attributes of God.

37. The BlueLetterBible.org (BLB’s) Interlinear, Textus Receptus; and the Morphological GNT, © 2022, by the Blue Letter Bible. This tool enables you to access the Greek New Testament in both manuscript forms. http://www.blb.org/ The BLB also provides tutorials to help you navigate it.

A word of thanks to BLB.org.

Thank you for providing this valuable study tool, BLB.org. It has been an excellent tool for me to learn and use the Interlinear, bringing my sermons to life for the audience. Thank you very much for this great Application to help study the scriptures.

Contact Information

Ron Freeman, Evangelist

wwmcoc@earthlink.net

https://wwmchurchofchrist.org/

Website: https://en.gravatar.com/refreeman

Jesus Christ Is: Savior (Lesson 3) Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Sep 17, 2025 (message contributor)

Summary: To establish that the Scriptures reveal Jesus Christ as Savior. Class is still out for some of our Scholars in this regard; some would have Him yet in the tomb, while others see Him no more than a mere man. This dissertation proves Jesus Christ is the Savior.