Misunderstanding about the reality of the station of Christ
has caused great difficulties among Christians for over nineteen centuries. It
has even caused grave separation among His followers. Christ’s station has been
described as everything from that of a human reformer and teacher to that of
the physical Son of God, even as that of God Himself.
The very symbol used by the early Christians called attention
to Christ’s exalted station. When the sign of the fish was secretly used to
identify Christian believers to each other (approximately AD 180), it was
chosen, we are told, “because the Greek word for it [fish], I-CH-TH-U-S, formed
the initials of the phrase Iesous Christus theou uios soter—‘Jesus Christ, Son
of God, Saviour’.” (1)
Christians now find it exceedingly difficult to believe in
or to accept any new Messenger of God, because of their misunderstanding of the
station of Christ. Although Jesus
Himself clearly promised that One would come after him, and referred to His own
return in over 250 separate New Testament passages, Christians still insist:
“Other Messengers or Prophets are of much less importance
than Christ. They are mere teachers, but Jesus is the Son of God. No other
station can rank as high as that.”
This attitude is reminiscent of what the people said at the
time of Christ. They took this very same position in relation to Moses. When
they were told about a new Messenger of God called Jesus of Nazareth, they
answered:
“He is but a poor, unlearned teacher. Moses was the
Interlocutor, the Mouthpiece of God. He actually talked with God and heard His
voice in the Holy Mountain. No other station can rank as high as this.”
Once again we find the outward symbol blinding the people to
the inward truth.
Christ wished to show the close relationship which existed
between the Messenger or Prophet and God.
Therefore, He used the clear symbol of the son; the only son, who is
granted special privileges in speaking for the father. In this light His
explanations were readily understandable.
