The Apostles' Creed - Lesson 4: And in Jesus Christ, his only son, our lord

The Apostles' Creed

Lesson 4: And in Jesus Christ, his only son, our lord

I believe in God, the Father, Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ, his only son, our lord;

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

Born of the virgin Mary,

Suffered under Pontius Pilate,

Was crucified, dead and buried.

He descended into hell,

And on the third day he rose again;

He ascended into heaven,

Where he is now seated at the right hand of God, the Father, Almighty,

Whence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

The holy, catholic church,

The communion of saints,

The forgiveness of sins,

The resurrection of the body,

And the life everlasting.

Amen.

John 11:27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, God’s Son, he who comes into the world.”

CHRIST

THE ANOINTED; an appellation given to the Savior of the World, and synonymous with the Hebrew Messiah. It was a custom of antiquity to consecrate persons to the sacerdotal and regal offices by anointing them with oil.

"christ." Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language. 2014. http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/christ (23 November 2014).

LORD

1. A master; a person possessing supreme power and authority; a ruler; a governor.

"lord." Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language. 2014. http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/lord (25 November 2014).

The Main Points for This Lesson:

The purpose of this series of lessons is, using the Apostles' Creed, to teach the essential teachings of the Christian faith and what it means to believe them. To state it simply, the goal is to teach what we believe and what it means to believe it.

The Apostles' Creed has three main sections. The second section concerns Jesus Christ, God's only son. In this lesson we will learn about the first part of this second section: “...And in Jesus Christ, his only son, our lord.”

Jesus. This is the name told to Mary and Joseph by the angel. The name Jesus means “The Lord saves.” The angel spoke to Joseph, “You shall call his name Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). God has declared that there is no other name given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12), and has exalted the name of Jesus above every name (Philippians 2:9).

Christ. While it is often used thus, this is not a name. It is who Jesus is. Christ and messiah (in the Old Testament Hebrew language) both mean “anointed one.” In the Old Testament, men were anointed with oil when they were given a position of authority, such as king, or priest, or sometimes prophet. Saul and David were anointed with oil to be king (1 Samuel 10:1; 1 Samuel 16:1). Aaron was anointed with oil to be high priest. In one sense, all of these were christs or messiahs, that is, they were anointed ones (see 1 Samuel 26:9). In another sense, they were only a picture of THE Christ, who would be anointed by God with the Spirit of God. The prophets before Jesus spoke of the coming Christ (the coming anointed one) who would bring God's salvation to his people. Jesus is the Christ. He is the one anointed by God to be the savior and ruler of the world (Psalm 2; Acts 7:35).

His only son. At his baptism, God the Father spoke from heaven about Jesus, saying, “This is my son in whom I am well-pleased.” Again on the mountain (Matthew 17:1-9), the Father spoke to the disciples this same word, adding to it, “Listen to him.” Jesus was obedient to his Father. His perfect and willing obedience opened the way for those who repent and do the will of his Father in heaven to be adopted into God's family, to become sons of God, and brothers of Christ Jesus. The one who believes that Jesus is God’s only son will listen to the son of God who teaches us to turn from disobedience and turn to willing obedience to his Father in heaven.

Our lord. Jesus is God's Christ (God's anointed one). He is also God's only son. Jesus is OUR lord. If we believe that Jesus is God's Christ, and that he is God's only son, then we will obey him willingly and humbly as our lord. It is good to confess with our mouth that Jesus is the Lord and our lord. Such a confession with our mouth must also (and always) include a true obedience from the heart, or we will hear the great and mighty lord ask us (Luke 6:46), “Why do your call me Lord, Lord, but do not do what I say?”

What does it mean to believe this? If we believe that Jesus is God’s Christ, God’s anointed one, then we will look to him alone for salvation, deliverance and rule, for it is not himself, or man, but God who has made Jesus both lord and Christ. If we believe that Jesus is God’s only son, then we will close our mouths and open our ears and hearts to hear and obey what God’s only son has to say, for the Father has commanded us to “listen to him.” Furthermore, how could we expect to please God the Father if we mistreat, malign, or even just ignore his only son, his well-beloved son (Matthew 21:33-42; Mark 12:1-11). Those who love the Father will love his son also. If we believe that Jesus is our lord, we will do what he says. We will walk according to the laws and ways of his kingdom, not in word or in tongue only, but it deed and in truth.

Suggestions:

Open each lesson with prayer for the teacher and the students and this class time.

Remind the children that we are using the Apostles' Creed to teach the essential teachings of the Christian faith, that is, what we believe and what it means to believe it. Read through the Apostles' Creed with the children.

For the purpose of these lessons, we have broken the creed into twelve parts. Let the children know that today we will talk about the second part: ...And in Jesus Christ, his only son, our lord.

Briefly talk with them about the name Jesus. This is the name of God's son. It means God saves. You could ask them why they think God would choose that name for his son.

Explain to them what Christ means. It is not a name. It refers to someone who has been anointed by someone else to do or be something. David was anointed with oil by Samuel the prophet to be the king of Israel. Read Luke 4:16-21 with the children. Ask them, based on the story, why they think Jesus is called Christ. With what was he anointed? What was he anointed to do?

Talk with the children about Jesus being God's son. He has always been God's son and always will be. You could ask the children some questions: Was and is Jesus an obedient son? Is God pleased with his son, Jesus Christ? How does God want us to treat his son? Read the parable Jesus told in Mark 12:1-12. After the story, ask again, How does God expect us to treat his son? How did the men in the parable treat the son? What did the father do?

Ask the children what the word “lord” means. Explain to them simply that it means master or the person in charge, the person who has authority over those who call him lord. Ask the children questions, such as: Why do you think Jesus is called lord? Whose lord is he? If he is our lord, what should we do? Explain that all God's children must call Jesus their lord. If we call him lord, what does Jesus expect from us? Read Luke 6:46.

Close the lesson with prayer related to the subject and the students. Pray the Lord's Prayer together.

Stories:

Luke 4:16-21 [16] He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. He entered, as was his custom, into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. [17] The book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He opened the book, and found the place where it was written, [18] “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed, [19] and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” [20] He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him. [21] He began to tell them, “Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Mark 12:1-12 [1] He began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a pit for the wine press, built a tower, rented it out to a farmer, and went into another country. [2] When it was time, he sent a servant to the farmer to get from the farmer his share of the fruit of the vineyard. [3] They took him, beat him, and sent him away empty. [4] Again, he sent another servant to them; and they threw stones at him, wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully treated. [5] Again he sent another; and they killed him; and many others, beating some, and killing some. [6] Therefore still having one, his beloved son, he sent him last to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ [7] But those farmers said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ [8] They took him, killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. [9] What therefore will the lord of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the farmers, and will give the vineyard to others. [10] Haven’t you even read this Scripture: ‘The stone which the builders rejected, the same was made the head of the corner. [11] This was from the Lord, it is marvelous in our eyes’?” [12] They tried to seize him, but they feared the multitude; for they perceived that he spoke the parable against them. They left him, and went away.

[see also Matthew 21:33-46; Luke 20:9-19]

Luke 6:46 Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things which I say?

More Stories and Examples:

Numbers 27:12-23 [12] Yahweh said to Moses, “Go up into this mountain of Abarim, and see the land which I have given to the children of Israel. [13] When you have seen it, you also shall be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother was gathered; [14] because in the strife of the congregation, you rebelled against my word in the wilderness of Zin, to honor me as holy at the waters before their eyes.” (These are the waters of Meribah of Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.) [15] Moses spoke to Yahweh, saying, [16] “Let Yahweh, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation, [17] who may go out before them, and who may come in before them, and who may lead them out, and who may bring them in, that the congregation of Yahweh may not be as sheep which have no shepherd.” [18] Yahweh said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him. [19] Set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and commission him in their sight. [20] You shall give authority to him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may obey. [21] He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall inquire for him by the judgment of the Urim before Yahweh. At his word they shall go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.” [22] Moses did as Yahweh commanded him. He took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation. [23] He laid his hands on him and commissioned him, as Yahweh spoke by Moses.

It must be understood that the Old Testament Hebrew name “Joshua” is equivalent to the New Testament Greek name “Jesus.” It is not uncommon that prophecies in the Old Testament have two fulfillments, one around the time of the prophecy, and a second and greater fulfillment at the fullness of time. In this case of Moses’ prayer, we find two fulfillments as well. Moses asked God to appoint a man to shepherd God’s people. God said that Joshua/Jesus (Hebrew/Greek) would be that man.

Psalms 2:1-12 [1] Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing? [2] The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against Yahweh, and against his Anointed, saying, [3] “Let’s break their bonds apart, and cast their cords from us.” [4] He who sits in the heavens will laugh. The Lord will have them in derision. [5] Then he will speak to them in his anger, and terrify them in his wrath: [6] “Yet I have set my King on my holy hill of Zion.” [7] I will tell of the decree. Yahweh said to me, “You are my son. Today I have become your father. [8] Ask of me, and I will give the nations for your inheritance, the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession. [9] You shall break them with a rod of iron. You shall dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” [10] Now therefore be wise, you kings. Be instructed, you judges of the earth. [11] Serve Yahweh with fear, and rejoice with trembling. [12] Give sincere homage to the Son, [or Kiss the Son,] lest he be angry, and you perish on the way, for his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.

This Psalm gives us some idea of what it means to confess that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God. It means that we must humbly submit to and serve the Son. It means that we must take refuge in him alone.

Luke 7:18-23 [18] The disciples of John told him about all these things. [19] John, calling to himself two of his disciples, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for another?” [20] When the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptizer has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?’” [21] In that hour he cured many of diseases and plagues and evil spirits; and to many who were blind he gave sight. [22] Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John the things which you have seen and heard: that the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. [23] Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me.”

Matthew 17:1-9 [1] After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves. [2] He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light. [3] Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with him. [4] Peter answered, and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” [5] While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.” [6] When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces, and were very afraid. [7] Jesus came and touched them and said, “Get up, and don’t be afraid.” [8] Lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus alone. [9] As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Don’t tell anyone what you saw, until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.”

Luke 5:17-26 [17] On one of those days, he was teaching; and there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every village of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was with him to heal them. [18] Behold, men brought a paralyzed man on a cot, and they sought to bring him in to lay before Jesus. [19] Not finding a way to bring him in because of the multitude, they went up to the housetop, and let him down through the tiles with his cot into the midst before Jesus. [20] Seeing their faith, he said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” [21] The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this that speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” [22] But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, answered them, “Why are you reasoning so in your hearts? [23] Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you;’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk?’ [24] But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (he said to the paralyzed man), “I tell you, arise, and take up your cot, and go to your house.” [25] Immediately he rose up before them, and took up that which he was laying on, and departed to his house, glorifying God. [26] Amazement took hold on all, and they glorified God. They were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen strange things today.”

1 Samuel 9:1-10:27

This is the story of the anointing of Saul as king over God's people, Israel. God instructed Samuel to anoint Saul to be the ruler (1 Samuel 9:15-16). Samuel then anointed Saul, pouring the oil on his head, (1 Samuel 10:1), declaring him to be God's choice as prince over his people.

1 Samuel 16:1-13

This is the story of the prophet Samuel being sent by God to anoint David as king of Israel.

Other Verses:

JESUS

Matthew 1:21 She shall give birth to a son. You shall call his name Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.”

Luke 1:30-33 [30] The angel said to her, “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. [31] Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and give birth to a son, and will call his name ‘Jesus.’ [32] He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David, [33] and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom.”

Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

CHRIST

1 Samuel 26:9 David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against Yahweh’s anointed, and be guiltless?

1 Samuel 26:9 [CPDV] And David said to Abishai: “You shall not kill him. For who may extend his hand against the Christ of the Lord, and yet be innocent?”

Matthew 16:13-20 [13] Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” [14] They said, “Some say John the Baptizer, some, Elijah, and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” [15] He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” [16] Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” [17] Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. [18] I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. [19] I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven.” [20] Then he commanded the disciples that they should tell no one that he was Jesus the Christ.

Luke 4:16-21 [16] He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. He entered, as was his custom, into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. [17] The book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. He opened the book, and found the place where it was written, [18] “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed, [19] and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” [20] He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him. [21] He began to tell them, “Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Isaiah 61:1-9 [1] The Spirit of the Lord Yahweh is on me; because Yahweh has anointed me to preach good news to the humble. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to those who are bound; [2] to proclaim the year of Yahweh’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; [3] to appoint to those who mourn in Zion, to give to them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Yahweh, that he may be glorified. [4] They shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations. [5] Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and foreigners shall work your fields and your vineyards. [6] But you shall be named the priests of Yahweh; men will call you the ministers of our God: you will eat the wealth of the nations, and you will boast in their glory. [7] Instead of your shame you shall have double; and instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be to them. [8] “For I, Yahweh, love justice, I hate robbery with iniquity; and I will give them their recompense in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them. [9] Their seed shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which Yahweh has blessed.”

These words of Isaiah tell of the blessings that the coming Christ (the coming anointed one, the coming Messiah) would bring. The prophet wrote not of an anointed one, but of THE anointed one, who would bring to God's people joy and gladness, glory and honor. In the synagogue in Nazareth, Jesus read these words of Isaiah, and then declared that he was and is the fulfillment of the prophecy. He is THE Christ.

Isaiah 42:1-7 [1] “Behold, my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen, in whom my soul delights— I have put my Spirit on him. He will bring justice to the nations. [2] He will not shout, nor raise his voice, nor cause it to be heard in the street. [3] He won’t break a bruised reed. He won’t quench a dimly burning wick. He will faithfully bring justice. [4] He will not fail nor be discouraged, until he has set justice in the earth, and the islands will wait for his law.” [5] Thus says God Yahweh, he who created the heavens and stretched them out, he who spread out the earth and that which comes out of it, he who gives breath to its people and spirit to those who walk in it. [6] “I, Yahweh, have called you in righteousness, and will hold your hand, and will keep you, and make you a covenant for the people, as a light for the nations; [7] to open the blind eyes, to bring the prisoners out of the dungeon, and those who sit in darkness out of the prison.

Here is another description of the Christ, of the Anointed One. The anointing oil was really a picture of the true anointing: “I have put my Spirit on him.” He will bring justice to the nations, and God will make him a covenant for the people. Isaiah 11 also tells of this Anointed One, of the one upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rests.

Acts 2:36-38 [36] “Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” [37] Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” [38] Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 4:7-12 [7] When they had stood them in the middle of them, they inquired, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?” [8] Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, [9] if we are examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, [10] be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, in him does this man stand here before you whole. [11] He is ‘the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.’ [12] There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!”

1 John 5:1-13 [1] Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God. Whoever loves the Father also loves the child who is born of him.

2 John 1:8-11 [8] Watch yourselves, that we don’t lose the things which we have accomplished, but that we receive a full reward. [9] Whoever transgresses and doesn’t remain in the teaching of Christ, doesn’t have God. He who remains in the teaching, the same has both the Father and the Son. [10] If anyone comes to you, and doesn’t bring this teaching, don’t receive him into your house, and don’t welcome him, [11] for he who welcomes him participates in his evil works.

HIS ONLY SON

Matthew 3:11-17 [11] I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit. [12] His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire.” [13] Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. [14] But John would have hindered him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?” [15] But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. [16] Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming on him. [17] Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Luke 3:15-22,23,38 [15] As the people were in expectation, and all men reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he was the Christ, [16] John answered them all, “I indeed baptize you with water, but he comes who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to loosen. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire, [17] whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor, and will gather the wheat into his barn; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” [18] Then with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people, [19] but Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done, [20] added this also to them all, that he shut up John in prison. [21] Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also had been baptized, and was praying. The sky was opened, [22] and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form as a dove on him; and a voice came out of the sky, saying “You are my beloved Son. In you I am well pleased.” [23] Jesus himself, when he began to teach, was about thirty years old, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli, … [38] the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

John 1:14 The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Romans 1:1-7 [1] Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Good News of God, [2] which he promised before through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, [3] concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, [4] who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, [5] through whom we received grace and apostleship, for obedience of faith among all the nations, for his name’s sake; [6] among whom you are also called to belong to Jesus Christ; [7] to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 John 5:4-13 [4] For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world: your faith. [5] Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? [6] This is he who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. [7] For there are three who testify: [8] the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and the three agree as one. [9] If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is God’s testimony which he has testified concerning his Son. [10] He who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. He who doesn’t believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning his Son. [11] The testimony is this, that God gave to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. [12] He who has the Son has the life. He who doesn’t have God’s Son doesn’t have the life. [13] These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5:20 We know that the Son of God has come, and has given us an understanding, that we know him who is true, and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Ephesians 1:5 having predestined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his desire,

Jesus Christ, God's only son, was always God's son, in his nature, his being, his will. In this way (at least), he is God's only son. God's people were not always his children. Once we were enemies of God. We were children of the devil (John 8:44) and children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3). Through repentance and new birth in Jesus Christ, God adopts us into his family.

OUR LORD

Luke 6:46-49 [46] “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things which I say? [47] Everyone who comes to me, and hears my words, and does them, I will show you who he is like. [48] He is like a man building a house, who dug and went deep, and laid a foundation on the rock. When a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it was founded on the rock. [49] But he who hears, and doesn’t do, is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”

Acts 10:34-43 [34] Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism; [35] but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him. [36] The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all— [37] you yourselves know what happened, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; [38] even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. [39] We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree. [40] God raised him up the third day, and gave him to be revealed, [41] not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. [42] He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead. [43] All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.”

Ephesians 6:5-8 [5] Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ; [6] not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; [7] with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men; [8] knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive the same again from the Lord, whether he is bound or free.

Philippians 2:5-11 [5] Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, [6] who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, [7] but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. [8] And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross. [9] Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name; [10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, [11] and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Colossians 3:22-25 [22] Servants, obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God. [23] And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, [24] knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. [25] But he who does wrong will receive again for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality.

2 Timothy 2:19 However God’s firm foundation stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness.”

Revelation 17:14 These will war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and those who are with him are called, chosen, and faithful.”

[see also Revelation 1:5; 11:15; 19:16; 1 Timothy 6:15]