A lot of people claim to teach the “real” teachings of Jesus Christ. If you spend any time online or on television, it is likely you have come across someone saying that some clear biblical doctrine isn’t what you think it is. Some examples would include abortion, homosexuality, and transgenderism. You don’t have to dig far to find people arguing that these are not only permissible but affirmed by Jesus. In fact, there is currently a politician running for the Senate making these exact points.
For many Christians, it can be difficult to figure out how to address these claims. Either they declare, “It’s just your interpretation versus mine,” or they over-analogize a passage beyond its context. In the first instance, they present a subjective view of the scriptures that makes any interpretation possible, and therefore, no view can be correct. In the second, they place their own assertions into the text. If you aren’t prepared, these kinds of arguments, though fallacious, could catch a Christian off guard. They might even cause you to second-guess your own beliefs.
However, there is one simple question that completely dismantles any argument they might make. Who do they believe Jesus is? In the vast majority of cases, if someone makes these kinds of arguments, then they do not believe Jesus is God Almighty. If that is the case, then nothing they say has any weight whatsoever. John told us the truth about these people. He says in 1 John 2:22-23, “Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either; he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also.” We have no reason to listen to liars. And if someone denies the Son, then they are certainly not Christians.
Denying Jesus’ divine nature demonstrates either a fundamental lack of understanding of the Bible or opposition against God. It is clearly taught in the scriptures. John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Paul says in Colossians 2:9, “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily…” And, when Thomas realized he was standing before the resurrected Jesus, he declared, “My Lord and my God!” There is no doubt that Jesus is more than just a man. He is God!
The world is filled with wolves in sheep’s clothing seeking to lead us from the Lord’s church. As Paul said in Colossians 2:8, we must “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” If they don’t believe Jesus is divine, then they have nothing to teach you about the Bible.
