GRACE

Sermon #8 Hebrews Notes

Title: "But We See Jesus!"

Text: Hebrews 2:9

Subject: Looking to Christ – Faith

Date: Tuesday Evening – December 28, 1999

Tape # V-57a - V-61a - V-62a

Introduction:

Hebrews 2:6-8 is a quotation from Psalm 8:3-8. Reading these passages along with Genesis 1:26-28, we see man in his original state in the garden, before the fall.

But here, in Hebrews 2, the Holy Spirit applies these things to God’s elect, as we are in Christ and represented by him as our covenant Surety.

In Christ, God has made man, though now a little lower than the angels, to have dominion over all the works of his hands. In Christ, all who are in him representatively, have been crowned with glory and honor. And soon, "the God of peace shall bruise Satan (himself) under your feet" (Rom. 16:20). This is what we are told in Hebrews 2:6-8.

Hebrews 2:6-8 "But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?

Verse 7 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:

Verse 8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him."

We do not yet see all things put under our feet. We are not yet, personally crowned with glory and honor. But the basis of our faith is not what we see by natural ability, or what we have personally experienced. The basis of our faith is the Word of God. And the Word of God tells us plainly that these are the things Christ has accomplished for us and shall accomplish in us by his grace. That is the message of our text – Hebrews 2:9.

Hebrews 2:9 "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man."

We see him by faith. We see that he is Jesus, our Savior. We see that he has all things made subject unto him. He has dominion over all things. Though, he was made a little lower than the angels, in his state of humiliation for the suffering of death as our sin-atoning Substitute, he is now crowned with glory and honor.

Indeed, it is because he humbled himself and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross, and suffered death in the room and stead of his people, that he is now crowned with glory and honour as our Mediator (Phil. 2:8-11).

This is clearly stated in the last line of verse 9. Our Lord Jesus Chris was made a man, and made a liitle lower than the angels as a man for this purpose – "that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man."

The Son of God was made a little lower than the angels by becoming man, by assuming a body of human flesh, frail and mortal, that he might die for his church and people, that he might "taste death." That is to say, -- The Son of God assumed our nature, he became a man, so that he could die for us and bring us to glory. He became what we are, so that he by the grace of God, through the shedding of his blood to the full satisfaction of divine justice, might make us what he is – holy, unblameable, and unreproveable before the throne of God himself!

Do not be confused by the last part of our text. – "That he by the grace of God should taste death for every man." Many unbelieving rebels, who deny the gospel message of Christ’s effectual atonement, jump on this text like a duck n a June Bug, and say, "There, that proves that Jesus died for everybody." Nothing could be further from the truth.

As I have told you many times, there is not a single text in the Bible which even hints at the possibility that Christ may have died as a Substitute for all men, without exception. All for whom Christ died shall be with him in glory. He did not die for those who perish under the wrath of God in hell. To say that he did is to declare that there is no redemption in his blood, that he failed in his attempt to redeem, and that his death is really irrelevant.

The phrase, "That he by the grace of God should taste death for every man," should be translated, "That he by the grace of God should taste death for everyone." There is no word for the word "man." In the Greek text. Verse 9 is simply declaring this glorious gospel truth, which rejoices the hearts of believing sinners. – The Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, became a man, so that he might die for and effectually redeem and save every one of God’s elect. The "every one" for whom he tasted death are clearly identified in verses 10-18.

Verse 10 – Every One of the Sons of God

Verse 11 – Every One of His Brethren, Sanctified by His Blood

Verse 12 – Every One in His Church, to whom He Declares God’s Praise, whom He calls Brother

Verse 13 – Everyone of the Children the Father Gave Him to Redeem

Verses 14-15 – Everyone He Delivers from the Bondage of Death

Verse 16 – Every One of Abraham’s Seed

Verse 17 – Every One for Whom He is an All-prevailing, Effectual, Saving High Priest

Verse 18 – Every One He Delivers Out Of Temptation

Illustration: "There’s plenty of food for everyone."

The Holy Spirit’s purpose in Hebrews 2 is to set forth the superlative excellence and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the context, he has been describing the supreme purpose of God – that in all things Christ might have the preeminence. To that end, God visited man in grace and exalted man to the place of highest dominion over all his creation in the person and work of Christ. As we have just seen, that is the message of verses 6-8. At present, however, we do not see this purpose of God accomplished. "We see not yet all things put under him." We do not yet see all things put under the feet of God’s elect. "But we see Jesus!" That is my subject tonight. "But we see Jesus!"

Proposition: Seeing the Lord Jesus Christ by faith, exalted upon the throne of sovereign dominion over all things, we are confident of our own exaltation and glory in him.

Divisions: There are four points to my message tonight. I want to answer these four questions fro the Word of God.

What is it to see Jesus?

Who sees the Lord Jesus Christ?

Who is the Jesus we see?

Where do we see the Lord Jesus Christ?

What is it to see Jesus?

Some may think that question is redundant. You may think, Pastor, everyone knows what it is to see Jesus." In a sense, that is right. Everyone who sees knows what it is to see. But ask a blind man, who has never seen what it is to see. He cannot tell you, because he does not know. I do not doubt, for a moment, that some of you here are yet blind. It is my prayer that, this night, God the Holy Spirit may give you eyes of faith and cause you to see the Lord Jesus Christ.

What is it to see Jesus? Seeing him with the natural eye, if you could, physically see him, would be of no benefit to your soul. Many who saw him walking on this earth benefited nothing from seeing him.

Seeing him with natural understanding alone is of no benefit to a man’s soul. God does not by-pass the mind to get to the heart. But if all the knowledge you have of Christ is an intellectual, carnal, factual, theological knowledge, you do not know him. You have not yet seen him.

Illustration: The Gnostic Heresy

Seeing Christ by miraculous visions is equally deluding. Multitudes delude themselves into thinking they are saved because of visions they have had, or visions others have had concerning them.

What is it to see Jesus? I know this…

No one ever can or will see Christ until he is revealed to you and in you by the power and grace of God the Holy Spirit. – You can’t see him until you are born of God and given eyes with which to see him. "Except a man be born again, he cannot see." You cannot see "until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts." Faith in Christ is the result of a divine revelation (2 Cor. 4:1-7; Gal. 1:15-16).

2 Corinthians 4:1-7

Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

Galatians 1:15-16 "But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, (16) To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:"

After his Damascus Road experience, God sent one Ananias to Saul of Tarsus, to explain to him what God had done for him and in him. And in this, Paul tells us, he was the pattern for all them who would afterward believe the gospel. In other words, Paul tells us that if God saves a sinner, this is how he does it (Acts 22:14-15 – Paul’s Defense at Jerusalem)

Acts 22:14-15 "And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. (15) For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard."

I know this, too, God reveals his Son to and in his people through the preaching of the gospel (Eph. 1:11-14; 1 Pet. 1:23-25).

Ephesians 1:11-14 "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: (12) That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. (13) In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (14) Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory."

What is it to see Jesus? To see Christ is to know who he is and what he has done. To see him, is to trust him, to believe on him, to have "the eyes of your understanding enlightened" by God the Holy Spirit, so that you see who he is, what he did, and why he did it. If ever you see him, you will trust him. And if ever you trust him, you will see him.

Salvation begins, in the experience of it, with see Christ (Isa. 45:20-22).

Isaiah 45:20-22 "Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. (21) Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. (22) Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else."

Illustration: The Brazen Serpent

John 3:14-15 "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: (15) That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life."

The Israelites were not saved by examining the serpent, testing its brass, feeling it, or even being in its presence. They were saved by looking on the serpent. So it is with us. Sinners are saved by looking to Christ.

Not Looking to our Feelings

Not Looking to our Experiences

Not Looking to our Parents

Not Looking to the Church

Not Looking to our Works

Not Looking to our Decisions

Not Even Looking to our Look

We are saved by looking to Christ. Hear me, now. Are you listening? If you look to Christ alone for your everlasting salvation, you are saved, born of God, and accepted in the Beloved!

There is life for a look at the Crucified One,

There is life at this moment for thee,

Then look, sinner – look unto Him and be saved,

And know thyself spotless as He!

Salvation continues and is maintained by looking to and seeing Christ Jesus, our Savior (Heb. 12:1-2)

Hebrews 12:1-2 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

We must ever look to Christ. Set your affection on things above. Set your affection on him! "Looking unto Jesus," we press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in him. "Looking unto Jesus…"

We grow in grace and in knowledge in him.

We are motivated, governed, and ruled.

We persevere in the faith, overcome our trials, endure our temptations, and endure unto the end.

We find comfort, peace, and assurance in a world void of comfort, peace, and anything sure.

Salvation ends, is consummated, by seeing Christ (1 John 3:1-3).

1 John 3:1-3

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3.And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."

Heaven is seeing Christ as he is, in all the glory of his person, in all the majesty of his exaltation, in the completion of his finished work, seeing him and looking on him, without interruption, without distraction, without cessation!

Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."

1 Corinthians 13:12 "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

Revelation 22:4-5 "And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. (5) And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever."

"We see Jesus" in the dawn of grace.

"We see Jesus" throughout the days of our pilgrimage in this world.

"We see Jesus" at the end of our days, throughout eternity, in heaven’s glory.

Oh, may God graciously enable you to see the Lord Jesus Christ now, and forever. To see him is to live forever!

Who sees the Lord Jesus Christ?

Our text says, "We see Jesus." I ask -- Of whom does the text speak? Who sees Jesus? Who is this Jesus? Where is he seen?

Who is the "we" spoken of here? Who sees the Lord Jesus Christ? I know this – No can see him by natural means, or by ability. The natural man has no eyes with which to see him, no ears with which to hear him speak, and no heart with which to seek him.

NOT AFTER THE FLESH!

A person can know much about Christ and not see him. You may know the historical facts of his life and the doctrine he taught, and even rejoice in what he taught and the example of his life, and yet have never seen him. Many there are who know Christ after the flesh, by human means and with human ability. However, the Scripture tell us that believers do not know Christ after the flesh, but after the Spirit (2 Cor. 5:16).

The fact is, no one can see, know, and trust the Son of God until he is born again by the power and grace of God the Holy Spirit.

John 3:3 "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

1 Corinthians 2:12 "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God."

1 Corinthians 2:14 "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."

If any sinner sees the Lord Jesus Christ, it is because Christ has been revealed to him and in him by the grace of God (Gal. 15-16; Matt. 16:16-17).

Matthew 16:16-17 "And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (17) And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven."

I am talking about spiritual sight. Spiritual sight is the gift of God the Holy Spirit (Matt. 11:25-27).

Matthew 11:25-27 "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. (26) Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. (27) All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him."

Anything you can see, know, or do by nature, by your own wisdom, will, and power, is not spiritual and is of absolutely no spiritual benefit to your soul.

Judas knew as much about Jesus as Peter; but he did not know him.

Judas saw his face, but never saw the glory of God in his face.

Judas touched the Savior, but was never touched by the Savior. Judas kissed the Son, but was never kissed by the Son.

Judas saw Christ’s body, knew his origin and the history of his life and ministry, and knew the Master’s doctrine.

Judas saw everything about Christ, but never saw Christ.

Christ was always before the betrayer, but never in him. Christ’s power was observed by him, but never experienced by him. Do you understand what I am saying? Christ was never revealed to and in Judas. And without that revelation, Judas could not and did not see him. Salvation comes by divine revelation. All who are saved are saved like Saul of Tarsus, by seeing that Just One in whom God almighty is made to be "a just God and a Savior."

If you and I see Christ, it is because he has been revealed to us and in us by the power and grace of God the Holy Spirit (Matt. 13:13-17; Eph. 1:17-19).

God sends blindness and darkness upon many, as he did the Jews of old; but some see, because he causes them to see. This is what our Lord teaches us in Matthew 13.

Matthew 13:13-17 "Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. (14) And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: (15) For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. (16) But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. (17) For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them."

Ephesians 1:17-19 "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: (18) The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (19) And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,"

Children of God, hear this and rejoice – "Blessed are your eyes, for they see!" The fact that we now see him, the fact that we now trust him, the fact that we now come to him is proof positive that he has been revealed to us and in us.

If you see him, it is because he chose you (John 15:16).

If you see him, it is because he redeemed you.

If you see him, it is because he has called you by his Spirit and revealed himself in you.

I am not interested in when you came to see him. I am not talking about how clearly you see him. It is not at all important how you came to see him. But this is important, indeed, this is vital – Do you see him? Do you trust Christ alone as your Lord and Savior? If you do, you are born of God. If you do not, you are yet under the wrath of God. The curse of the law is upon you. The glittering sword of divine justice is drawn against you. The wrath of God is upon your. You are yet without God, without Christ, without hope!

Who is this Jesus? -- (Tape V-61a)

Our text says, "We see Jesus." How blessed! The very name of Jesus, to the eye and ear of faith is full of blessedness. It is the name most precious and sweet to all who know him.

"How sweet the name of Jesus sounds

In the believer’s ear!

It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,

And drives away his fears!"

The person seen by the eye of faith is Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God.

Old John Kershaw put it this way…

"He is the promised Messiah—

the Ancient of Days –

the Bright and Morning Star –

the Branch which should come out of Jesse’s rod –

the Sun of Righteousness that should arise with healing in his wings –

the Seed of the woman that should bruise the serpent’s head –

the Immortal Word that was made flesh and dwelt among us –

the child born, the Son given, whose name is called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, upon whose shoulders the government of all things in heaven and earth is placed—

the King of kings and Lord of lords –

O this is glorious person seen—the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom all fulness dwells, who is Head over all things to his body the church. Adored be his name! He is ‘over all, God blessed forever!’"

This One whom we see, this One who must be seen, is called "Jesus."

This is very unusual. Seldom did the inspired writers of the New Testament use the name "Jesus" when speaking of the Lord of glory. "Jesus" is the name of our Savior’s humiliation as a man. Yet, here, our Lord is called "Jesus;" and the name is used in such a way as to speak of him in the highest, most honorable way possible, as the exalted Lord of heaven and earth, with sovereign power and everlasting glory rightfully belonging to him. Why did the Holy Spirit use this name here to describe him? We find the answer in the place of the name’s origin (Matt. 1:21).

Matthew 1:21 "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins."

This Jesus, whom we see by faith, whom we trust as our God and Savior, is the effectual, all-sufficient, and only Savior of sinners (Acts 4:12).

Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

This is not an "want-to-be" savior. Oh, no! He is not one who offers salvation. He is the Savior! No one but Jesus Christ can give pardon to the guilty, life to the dead, rest to the weary, peace to the troubled, joy to the broken-hearted, liberty to the captive, and comfort to the disconsolate. If you would be saved, you must see that Jesus who is "the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world." There is no Savior, no refuge, no shelter, no hiding place for sinners, but Jesus, who is the Christ.

Illustration: "To whom shall we go?"

We see that Jesus who came to save his people from their sins, now seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high, exalted with all the glory of eternal deity. What can this mean? It means that…

The work he came here to do is now completely done (Heb. 10:10-14).

Hebrews 10:10-14 "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (11) And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: (12) But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; (13) From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. (14) For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified."

This man is himself God!

All for whom this man entered into heaven must follow him there!

There is a man in glory! In that man I see the pledge of the Father’s eternal purpose. Son, very soon, there will be a race of chosen men and women just like him in glory. Then, all things shall be put under the feet of men. Yes, we shall sit with Christ on his throne, as he sits with his Father on his throne, and we shall reign with him over all things (Rev. 3:21; 22:5). Every man for whom he tasted death shall reign wth him in eternal life!

Revelation 3:21 "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne."

Revelation 22:5 "And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever."

All who "see Jesus," all who are born of God, all who believe God, all who are saved, all who are heirs of eternal life, all who are the children of God see this Jesus as their only, all-sufficient Savior (1 Cor. 1:30-31).

1 Corinthians 1:30-31 "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (31) That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord."

"We see Jesus" as the Christ, the Savior who was chosen, ordained, appointed, and anointed of God (Psalm 89:19-36).

Psalms 89:19-36

"Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people.

I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:

With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him.

The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.

And I will beat down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him.

But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.

I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers.

He shall cry unto me, Thou art my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.

Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.

My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him.

His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven.

If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments;

If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments;

Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.

Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.

My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.

Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.

His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me."

He is an almighty Savior.

He is a chosen Savior

He is an exalted Savior.

He is a covenant Savior.

He is a sure Savior.

"We see Jesus," the Christ, in the glory of his exalted dominion as Lord of all (John 17:1-2; Rom. 14:9; Phil. 2:8-11).

John 17:1-2 "These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: (2) As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him."

Romans 14:9 "For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living."

Philippians 2:8-11 "And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (9) Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: (10) That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; (11) And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

You do not see Jesus at all, if you do not see him in his true character. If the Jesus you see is not the Lord of all things, the Lord of all people, the Lord of all heaven, earth, and hell, the Lord of all history and all the events of history, then the Jesus you see is a phony, a fake, an imaginary idol god man has conjured up and sold to you. Jesus, our Savior, is the Lord God omnipotent, the blessed and only Potentate, by whom kings reign and princes decree justice. He is, as the Book says, "The Prince of the kings of the earth" (Rev. 1:5; Dan. 4:34-37).

Revelation 1:5 "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,"

Daniel 4:34-37 "And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: (35) And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? (36) At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honour and brightness returned unto me; and my counsellors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. (37) Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase."

Jesus is Lord of creation (John 1).

Jesus is Lord of providence (Rom. 14:9).

Jesus is Lord of salvation (John 5:21).

And Jesus is Lord in the hearts of all his people (Lk. 14:25-35).

To see Jesus is to see him as my Lord. It is to bow to his sovereign dominion, surrender to his rule, and trust his righteousness, blood, and saving power, grace, and goodness.

Where do we see Jesus? -- (Tape V-62a)

Faith in Christ is often described, defined, and represented as looking to Christ and seeing Christ. If we would be saved we must be found "looking unto Jesus" (Isa. 45:20-22).

Just as those Israelites who were bitten of fiery serpents found life by looking to the brazen serpent, so we can be saved only by looking to Christ (John 3:16-16; 12:32).

John 3:14-16 "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: (15) That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

John 12:32 "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."

Without question, in our text, the Apostle is talking about seeing Jesus by faith upon the throne of glory and grace in heaven. But all who see Jesus by faith see him in a multitude of places. The longer we see him, the more we see him. And the more we see him, the more the places in which we see him.

"We see Jesus" in the eternal Godhead (1 John 5:7).

1 John 5:7 "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."

He said, "Before Abraham was, I am." This man, Jesus, is God the Son, the second Person of the Holy Trinity.

"We see Jesus" standing as our Surety in the covenant of grace (Prov. 8:30-31).

Proverbs 8:30-31 "Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; (31) Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men."

He was brought up as our Representative before the world was made and pledged himself as our Surety to redeem us and save us.

"We see Jesus" in the dawn of time, creating all things by the omnipotent power of his sovereign will (John 1:1-3).

This Man is the God who created man. He is the One without whom nothing was made.

John 1:1-3 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) The same was in the beginning with God. (3) All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made."

"We see Jesus" in all the types, shadows, promises, prophecies, and doctrines of all the Scriptures (Lk. 24:44-47; John 1:45; 5:39; Acts 10:43).

Jesus Christ is the One of whom the Book of God speaks. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End of Holy Scripture.

John 1:45 "Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

Acts 10:43 "To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins."

"We see Jesus" in the fulness of time coming into the world to save His people (Gal. 4:4-5).

As a Man, he is God come to save. His name is Immanuel – God with us! (Gal. 1:4-5; 1 Tim. 1:15).

"We see Jesus" obeying the law of God as a Man, as our Representative (Rom. 5:19).

By this Man’s obedience to the law of God, he established perfect righteousness for God’s elect. He magnified the law and made it honorable, that he might bring in everlasting righteousness for us.

"We see Jesus" dying upon the cursed tree as our Substitute (2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13; 1 Pet. 2:25).

What a glorious sight this is! The Son of God bearing our sins in his own body on the tree, died under the penalty of sin. And by his death, he put away all the sins of all his people forever!

"We see Jesus" rising up from the tomb, triumphant over death, hell, and the grave.

He broke asunder the iron bars of death. He took the keys of hell, and locked its doors shut forever for his people. He led captivity captive. He rose to life, liberty, and power for us (Col. 2:14-15).

"We see Jesus" ascending up on high, exalted as Lord over all, to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance and remission of sins to his people (Acts 1:9; 2:36; 5:31).

Yes, we see Jesus, ruling the universe, in absolute sovereignty, for the salvation of sinners chosen and redeemed by him.

Acts 1:9 "And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight."

Acts 2:36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."

Acts 5:31 "Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins."

"We see Jesus" making intercession for sinners at the right hand of God, as our Advocate and High Priest (Heb. 7:24-25).

Hebrews 7:24-25 "But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. (25) Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."

Arise, my soul, arise! Shake off thy guilty fears;

A bleeding Sacrifice In my behalf appears.

Before the throne my Surety stands,

My name is written in His hands.

Five bleeding wounds He bears, Received on Calvary:

They pour effectual prayers, They strongly plead for me.

"Forgive him, O forgive" they cry,

"Nor let that ransomed sinner die!"

"We see Jesus" in the house of his friends (Matt. 18:20).

Through The Preaching Of The Gospel (2 Cor. 4:3-7).

In The Ordinance Of Baptism (Rom. 6:3-7).

In The Celebration Of The Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11:24-26).

By The Revelation Of The Spirit (John 14:16).

And "we see Jesus" coming again (Rev. 1:7).

Revelation 1:7 "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen."

"Behold, He cometh!" Yes, Jesus is coming again in the power of his resurrection glory.

He is coming to save.

He is coming to judge.

He is coming to make all things new.

He is coming now!

Application: You have heard my message. You have heard my testimony. You have heard all that I have experienced. You have heard all that I know - "We see Jesus!" Now, I pray that you all may see him. May God be pleased to make him known to you. Oh, may God give us grace ever to be found looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith."

Titus 2:11-14 "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (12) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."

Amen.

Don Fortner