IS JESUS JUST A SYMBOL OF WHO WE ARE?

One respondent wrote:

·       “Belief in the literal Jesus is an attempt to get self-worth from somewhere outside us, in which case it’s not self-worth.”

I responded:

I certainly agree that our “belief in the literal Jesus” is associated with our “attempt to get self-worth outside us.” We were never intended for autonomy but to find our worth AND completeness through a relationship with our Redeemer and Lover (Ephesians 3:16-19).

However, you believe that Jesus is merely “symbolic of…part of us.” Instead, the Bible teaches that He is far more than a symbol:

·       For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. (Colossians 1:16-20)

We also derive our self-worth through a relationship with Him:

·       God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:28-30)

It is only in Him that we have been made complete. Consequently, according to Jesus, He is everything to us:

·       “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.” (John 15:5-6)

Jesus is a Person. He’s not just an idea or a symbol. He is our salvation.