Bible Reading: Acts 1:5-12 KJV
- Acts 1:10 KJV
The Bible teaches us that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who came to Earth to save humanity from their sins. Jesus is central to the Christian faith and is worshipped by millions of believers worldwide as God. However, the secular world has often presented a different version of Jesus, one that is more human and less divine. This devotional will delve into the differences between the Bible's Jesus and the secular world's Jesus.
In the Bible, Jesus is described as the Word of God made flesh, who came to Earth to fulfill God's plan of salvation for humanity (John 1:1, 14). He is portrayed as the Son of God, who was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, and ultimately died on the cross for the sins of the world (Matthew 1:18-25, John 3:16). The Bible also teaches that Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, where he now sits at the right hand of God (Matthew 28, Acts 1:9-11).
In the Bible, Jesus is described as the Word of God made flesh, who came to Earth to fulfill God's plan of salvation for humanity (John 1:1, 14). He is portrayed as the Son of God, who was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, and ultimately died on the cross for the sins of the world (Matthew 1:18-25, John 3:16). The Bible also teaches that Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, where he now sits at the right hand of God (Matthew 28, Acts 1:9-11).
In contrast, the secular world's portrayal of Jesus often focuses on his humanity, emphasizing his teachings of love, compassion, and social justice. This version of Jesus is often depicted as a moral teacher and social reformer, who sought to uplift the poor and marginalize and promote equality and justice. While these aspects of Jesus' character and teachings are certainly present in the Bible, they are often presented in a way that downplays or denies his divinity and the ultimate purpose of his life and mission.
Moreover, the secular world's Jesus is often depicted in a way that is more compatible with modern, secular values and beliefs. For example, Jesus may be portrayed as a feminist, a supporter of gay rights, or an advocate for environmentalism, even though these are contrary to what is taught in the Bible. This tendency to reinterpret Jesus' teachings and message in light of contemporary concerns can lead to a distorted understanding of His true nature and purpose. Put another way, the secular world's Jesus ("Hippie Jesus") is weak, feminine and accepting of all sin, and nothing like the true Jesus of the Bible.
In conclusion, Jesus in the Bible's and the secular world's Jesus differ significantly in terms of their character, purpose, and message. While the secular world's portrayal of Jesus may be appealing to some, it is essential to recognize the limitations of this perspective and to return to the Bible for a more accurate understanding of Jesus' life, teachings, and mission. By studying the Bible, Christians can gain a deeper appreciation for the profound significance of Jesus' death and resurrection and the transformative power of his message of salvation.
