Page 8 - Biblical Theology Textbook - masters

earth in a fleshly body --- that Jesus Christ was a visible expression of who God is since He was God in
the flesh. When we see Jesus, we see God. God now has revealed himself in a physical way so that
mankind can see and know Him.

We know from the Old Testament that God promised to come in flesh in the person of the Messiah.

Isaiah 7:14 says “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and
bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us). (ESV)

Isaiah 9:6 says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his
shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God (God with us), Everlasting
Father, Prince of Peace.” (ESV)

According to the Bible, Jesus Christ is the physical revelation to man of who God is.

John 14:9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me,
Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? (ESV)

Hebrews 1: 1-3 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the
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prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all
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things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact
imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.

Since God has revealed Himself to mankind, we can conclude that God created the universe and all life
for one major reason: to reveal to His creation who He is. He wanted His creation to know and
understand His limitless love and compassion. He wanted to give us a glimpse of His divine character.

As God has revealed His plan, one word stands out as key in His revelation: REDEMPTION. God knew
Adam would sin against Him and choose to rebel. It came as no surprise to Him. So, though it would
take thousands of years, the process of redemption started in Genesis 3:15.

15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and
her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”

This is the first revelation of God telling us that a redeemer would come in the future to resolve our sin
issue.

1.4 Let’s Practice…

1. What is God’s method in revealing His plan of redemption to mankind?

2 - 5. List the four ways God has revealed Himself and His plans to us:

6. How has God revealed who He is through History?

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