Faith without religion.
Faith and Redemption in Hebrews 12
Reflecting on the dual nature of Jesus Christ, we often find ourselves grappling with the complexity of His identity as both fully God and fully man. As Christians, we hold the belief that Jesus was God incarnate, a truth echoed in Matthew 1:23, where He is called Emmanuel, meaning “God with us.” His divine nature is evident through His miraculous acts and teachings, yet it is His humanity that often challenges our understanding. Jesus experienced life as a man, facing temptations, pain, and trials, just as we do. This duality is a recurring theme in God’s plan for redemption, seen in the Old Testament through prophets and in the New Testament through Jesus Himself.
In John 3, we see John the Baptist acknowledging Jesus’ divine origin and superiority, stating, “He that cometh from above is above all.” This recognition of Jesus’ heavenly authority underscores the importance of His testimony, which, despite its profound truth, was not widely accepted. Those who do receive His testimony affirm that God is true, embracing a faith that is both examined and certified.
Jesus’ life exemplified a perfect submission to God’s will, achieved through prayer and supplication, even amidst strong temptations. His journey teaches us the importance of relying on spiritual strength to overcome our fleshly desires. As we reflect on His sacrifice, we are reminded that salvation is found solely through faith in the Son, who revealed the invisible God and offered Himself for our redemption. This faith is not passive but an active trust in the truth and love that Jesus embodied.
