1. The “Man”
• Jesus’ life on earth is unparalleled — divine perfection, deity in human form
(John 14:8-11; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 1:3)
• Christ’s deeds and lifestyle corroborate His teachings [the “tree & fruit” test in Matthew 7:15-20]
• the resurrection of Christ is supported by historical evidence
2. The “Message”
• authoritative with universal appeal and application [see the 9 “I am” statements in John’s Gospel]
• gives truth about:
a. God’s nature – spirit, personal, knowable
(John 4:22-24, John 17:3)
b. man’s nature – internal corruption necessitates supernatural transformation
(Ecclesiastes 7:20; Jeremiah 17:9-10; Mark 7:20-23; John 3:1-7)
c. life on earth – words & principles that change individuals and cultures for the better
(John 6:63, John 8:31-32)
3. The “Method” of Salvation
• unique in that it originates in divine action not human effort
(Exodus 20:22-26; Isaiah 64:6-8; John 3:16-21; Romans 5:8-9, Romans 10:1-4; Ephesians 2:1-10; I John 4:9-10)
• God’s justice demands an atoning sacrifice to cover human guilt
(Leviticus 17:11; Hebrews 9:22; Matthew 26:26-28; I Timothy 2:3-6; I Peter 1:17-19,3:18)
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
