This seems like a simply question, doesn’t it? My guess many “Christians” might answer that question with a resounding YES!
However, before we rashly answer the question we might consider what the phrase “The Son of Man” means.
Matthew 16:13-17 NIV says:
“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.”
There are 83 references to “The Son of Man” in NIV translation. Not all are references to Christ, but the ones with “Son” capitalized are. Here are some for your consideration:
- Matthew 20:28 “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
- Matthew 24:27 “For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”
- Matthew 25:31 “”When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory.”
- Luke 21:36 “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
- Luke 22:69 “But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”
- John 1:51 “He then added, “I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
- John 5:27 “And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.”
- Acts 7:57 “”Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.””
We can see clearly from these verses, the Son of Man is title displaying authority and Diety. As we ponder on these verses, we might be inclined to add other fitting titles such as: Son of God, Messiah, King of kings, Lord of lords, Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, and Almighty God.
Now think for a moment of all God has done. He spoke the world into existence. He created all we see from nothing that was seen. He created all the plants, the animals, the earth, the sky, the stars, the planets, and the sustaining power of the balance of our solar system. He created people with a free will. He gave us creativity, communication, and intellect. He holds the waves of the sea in His hand. He is without time because a day is as a year to Him. He healed people through touch, sight, and simply speaking it. He raised people from the dead. He spoke dry scattered bones back into place and breathed life into them. He caused the sun to stand still. The earth quakes at His presence. All of creation cries out in praise to Him. Nothing is impossible for Him.
God, in the form of Jesus, reigns over everything. You and I are included in everything, whether we choose to acknowledge Him or not.
If we do choose to believe Jesus is the Son of God, then we are agreeing to be under His authority. We willingly yield to His agenda for our life and sacrifice our own. In order to place our self under His authority we must be willing to accept our position when compared to God.
Let’s think about what position that might be.
He is God. We are His creation. He is Author of life. We are alive because He made us. We can nothing apart from Him. He holds our very breath in His hand. God is holy, without sin, without deceit, and without hypocrisy. In Him is every good gift. We are not holy, we are stained. We are not pure, we are tainted with sin. We are not honorable, we are manipulative, selfish and hypocritical. He is merciful. We are critical and judgmental. The list could go on. Just remember what Romans 3:23 says “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” This sin we speak of has to be dealt with. Romans 6:23 says “the wages of sin is death.”
We must see this about our self to fully appreciate how great God is. He loved us enough to do something we could not do for our self. He made a way to cleanse us from every wrong. He took our sin upon Himself, and died in our place to pay for our sin. The last part of Romans 6:23 says “but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The sin is dealt with. It is finished. We who believe in Jesus’ atoning work on the cross, are forgiven our sin-dept. We are dressed in His robe of righteousness, as if we had never sinned to begin with.
If we have fully grasped the meaning of God’s authority and our position under His authority, our life should show some signs that we are different beings. Jesus said you must be born again to enter the kingdom of God. Through faith we believe and are saved by His grace. Our obedience to God’s Word is one outward expression of the inward transformation. But don’t think you can short cut the process by avoiding looking at our sinful self and try to do more good things than bad, for that is evil in God’s sight. The good works done are done from a heart so radically changed by the grace of God it is done in reverence and love for HIM and nothing from our self.
Now, having looked at the authority of God compared to our sinful state, are you able to answer the question? Do you believe in the Son of Man?
Lord, Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God. Thank you for coming to earth, dying for my sins, and raising to life again to free me from sin and death. Thank you for loving me that much! Help me to live in a way that’s pleasing to you. In your name I pray. Amen.
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