CHRIST’S FIRST COMING (1 Timothy 1:15)

The Bible and even history records the existence of a Person called Jesus of Nazareth. He was not just a man, but he was the God man—by that I mean, God tabernacled in a human body. Phillipians 2:5-11

The Bible says in John 1:14 that the Word (Christ)—was made flesh and dwelt among us. Those who deny Christ’s first coming are ignorant of the Bible and of secular history. Christ came because it was necessary for Him to come into this world of sin and sorrow. What necessitated the coming of Jesus to this earth? I am going to give you three things to consider.

I.                   IT WAS NECESSARY TO FULFILL PROPHECY.

Many passages prophesy Christ, the coming Messiah. Two of the most outstanding ones, which point to the cross of Christ.

A-Isaiah 53:1-7

B-Psalms 22:1.

C-The prophet Micah told us exactly where Jesus would be born.

·         Micah 5:2

·       Prophecy must and will be fulfilled. When we read Micah 5:2 THREE THINGS ARE EVIDENT.

·         First, an insignificant city. Bethlehem was small but it was important in the eyes of God, because Jesus would be born there.

·          Secondly, an important coming. Out of Bethlehem would come the ruler that would rule Israel.

·         Thirdly, there is an infinite person. The goings of Jesus have been from old of everlasting.

II.                IT WAS NECESSARY TO FIND REDEMPTION.

If Jesus had not come the first time, we could not be ready to meet Him when He comes the second time. Hebrews 9:15 “And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.”  The price had to be paid for our redemption. To "redeem" is to deliver by the paying of a price. Our redemption is free, full and forever. Man is sold into the slave market of sin from birth and stands in need of redemption.

III.             IT WAS NECESSARY TO FOIL SATAN

One thing is sure, because Jesus came the first time, and gave his life a ransom for many. Genesis 3:15 says that the seed of the woman (Christ) would "bruise" Satan’s head. Christ has powerfully, permanently, and personally taken care of the defeat of Satan. Only Jesus could defeat Satan!

Conclusion---Illustration---There was the story of this man that ran his car off the bridge. The man escaped from the car and was swimming and screaming desperately for his life. A man came by and dove in to rescue the dying man. The dying man regained his health, and the next week went to the local pub for a couple beers too many. He was pulled over by a police officer. He was charged with DWI. When his court date came up, he was standing before the judge. It was the same man that had rescued him from the river that day when he was drowning. The judge passed a pretty stiff sentence on the man that was standing trial. The man said to the judge, What happened to your compassionate personality? The judge replied, That day I rescued you from the river, I was your Saviour. Today, I am your judge.

·         Christ came the first time as our Saviour. He was the only possible way for man to be reconciled back to God.

·         When He comes the next time, He is coming as our Judge. He will execute His wrath upon all who have not accepted Him as Saviour and Lord. Will you receive Him as your personal Saviour today? Or will you turn Him away and experience His wrath? Please make the right choice today, and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. God bless you.

Verses 12-17

·         The apostle knew that he would justly have perished, if the Lord had been extreme to mark what was amiss; and also if his grace and mercy had not been abundant to him when dead in sin, working faith and love to Christ in his heart.

·         This is a faithful saying; these are true and faithful words, which may be depended on, That the Son of God came into the world, willingly and purposely to save sinners. No man, with Paul's example before him, can question the love and power of Christ to save him, if he really desires to trust in him as the Son of God, who once died on the cross, and now reigns upon the throne of glory, to save all that come to God through him.

·         Let us then admire and praise the grace of God our Saviour; and ascribe to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, three Persons in the unity of the Godhead, the glory of all done in, by, and for us.