“Worship Him”                                           

Hebrews 1:6

            The fact that our Lord Jesus Christ is the proper Object of worship demonstrates that he is God. If Jesus Christ was a mere man, or even the highest creature of God, if he is anything less than God himself, it would be idolatrous and damning for men and women to worship him. But both the angels of God and all men are commanded in the Scriptures to do so (John 5:23; Psa. 2:12).

            THE LORD JESUS HIMSELF INSTRUCTS US TO EXERCISE FAITH AND HOPE IN HIM (John 10:27-30; 14:1). When the Jews heard our Lord’s words, they very rightly concluded, “Thou. being a man, makest thyself God.” They were enraged by his claim, and tried to kill him on the spot for making it. Had it been a false claim, their rage would have been justified! Our Lord commands and encourages us to trust him confidently and be at peace because he is God, worthy of our trust.

            BAPTISM, THE BELIEVER’S CONFESSION OF FAITH, IS TO BE PERFORMED IN THE NAME OF CHRIST, WHICH IS THE SAME THING AS PERFORMING IT IN THE NAME OF THE HOLY TRINITY. Our Savior told us to baptize all who believe the gospel in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19). Yet, when the Apostle Peter commanded his hearers to obey Christ, he said, “Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 2:38), making the name of Christ synonymous with that of the triune God.

            OUR SAVIOR COMMANDS EVERY BELIEVER TO EAT THE BREAD AND DRINK THE WINE OF THE MEMORIAL SUPPER IN REMEMBRANCE OF HIM (1 Cor. 11:24-26). In the worship of God we are given this visible symbol as the only ordinance of worship to be regularly practiced by God’s church. It is a blessed and solemn part of public worship by which our hearts draw near to God in holy communion. It is done in remembrance of Christ. Was he not God, it would be a piece of idolatrous superstition.

            AND OUR LORD JESUS TEACHES US TO PRAY IN HIS NAME. He assures us that if we call upon God in his name we will have the petitions that we desire of him (John 14:14). His name has power with God because he is God. Was he not God, his name would have no more power with God than the name of the devil. The fact that he is the proper object of faith, obedience, worship, and prayer shows that Jesus Christ is himself God.

Don Fortner