What do YOU believe about The Lord Jesus Christ?
Introduction
Last month we started a newsletter section about what Quakers believe. Our first discussion centered around “God”. This month we move on to discuss “The Lord Jesus Christ”. Each month we will continue to be given the Quaker statement, scripture references, and a brief summary of what it is saying.
Belief Statement - About The Lord Jesus Christ
“It is with reverence and thanksgiving that we profess our unwavering allegiance to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In Him was life and the light of men. He is the eternal Word who was with God and was God, revealing Himself in infinite wisdom and love both as Man’s Creator and Redeemer. Conceived of the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary, the Word was made flesh, and dwelt amongst men. He came in the fullness of time, being foreordained before the foundation of the world that He might fulfill the eternal counsel of the righteousness and love of God for the redemption of man. In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. He became obedient unto the death of the cross, and is a propitiation for our sins, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace. He was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures, ascended into heaven, and hath sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, now to appear in the presence of God for us. This same Jesus, which is taken up into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. And now, while thus watching and waiting, we rejoice to believe that He is our King and Savior. He is the one Mediator of the new and everlasting covenant who makes peace and reconciliation between God the offended and man the offending; the great High Priest whose priesthood is unchangeable. He is able to save them to the uttermost that come unto God through Him.” - Faith and Practice 2018
References: 1John 1:18; 2John 1:4; 3John 1:9; 4James 1:17; 5John 1:1; 6Col. 1:13-16; 7Matt. 1:20; 8Matt. 1:23-25, Luke 1:35; 9John 1:14; 10Gal. 4:4; 11I Peter 1:20; 12Isa. 11:1-5, Isa. 52:13- 15; 13Isa. 53; 14Col. 2:9; 15Phil. 2:7; 16Titus 3:4; 17Acts 10:38; 18Isa. 53:4, Luke 12:50, Luke 19:41, 22:44; 19John 4:6; 20Luke 22:43, 44; 21Heb. 4:15; 22I Peter 2:21; 23Matt 3:15; 24Eph. 4:13; 25Phil. 2:8; 26I John 2:2; 27Eph. 1:7; 28Barclay’sApology, Propos. 5 and 6 par. 15, p. 141; 29I Cor. 15:4;30I Cor. 15:23; 31Acts 1:3; 32Heb. 1:3, 9:24; 33Acts 1:11, and see 5:7; 34Rev. 22:20; 35I Tim. 2:5, Heb. 9:15; 36George Fox’s Epistle to the Governor of Barbadoes; 37Heb. 4:14, 7:24; 38Heb. 7:25; 39Matt. 28:18; 40Acts 17:31; 41John 5:22,23; 42John 5:28, 29 R.V.; 43Declaration of 1693, in Sewell’s Hist., vol. II, 379; 44Eph. 1:22; 45Rev. 7:14; 46Rev. 1:6
Summary of Belief Statement
We believe that Jesus was God incarnate (fully God/fully human). He was from the beginning and ever will be. He was born of the Holy Spirit through the virgin Mary. He dwelt among us experiencing the joy and agony of humanity, yet remained sinless. He lived as an example, taught by His words, and performed miracles proving He was the prophesied Messiah. He was crucified, buried, rose the third day, and ascended to the right hand of the Father, and will one day return. He is our high priest and mediator and able to save completely those who trust in His truth. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the light of men.
Eric is our associate pastor, working with outreach and youth ministry as well as adult discipleship and growth. Eric retired from a 28-year career in public education as a high school band director in 2019 and is now living his lifelong dream as a pastor. Eric and his wife, Diana, continue to live in Henry County where they have been lifetime residents. They "raised" three children and are now making their best attempt at "raising" themselves.