With few exceptions, Jesus of Nazareth is held in high regard. Yet, many have never really done as He exhorted: "You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me." (John 5:39). The Son of God means a lot of things to many people. What does Christ Jesus mean to you?
He is our only authority (Matthew 28:18). God has given His Son all authority in Heaven and on earth. We must respect this authority by abiding within it in all things that we do (Colossians 3:17). If one does not abide in the doctrine of Christ, he has neither the Father or the Son (2 John 9).
Furthermore, Christ is our only source of salvation (Acts 4:10-12). In the New Testament, we find that gospel preachers preached Christ (Acts 8:5, 35). There are several reasons for this: Christ is the only way to the Father (John 14:6), the only one who speaks words of eternal life (John 6:61-69), the only one who can give the abundant life (John 10:10), and the only way one can be forgiven of sins (Ephesians 1:7). Without Christ, man would be hopelessly lost (Ephesians 2:12). We should be thankful to God for sending His only begotten Son to die for us (John 3:16; Romans 5:6-8).
Christ is our only way to heaven (John 14:3). What a wonderful promise -"that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:3). Christians have the promise of an inheritance, and this promise was made possible by the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:3,4). There is no other way! If you hope to go to heaven when you die, you must follow Christ!
Finally, when I think of Christ, I think of Him being my judge. God has given Christ the authority to execute judgment on all (John 5:27). The words that Christ has spoken will be the standard that judges my deeds. Moreover, I will be judged no matter what situation I may find myself in, i.e., whether good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10). Yes each one will stand face to face with Jesus Christ and give an account (Romans 14:12)
What does Christ mean to you? Will He be your Savior (1 John 4:14) or avenger (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)?
~In Gospel Power, Anderson, Alabama, 7/20/97.