The name Lord is from the Greek word Kurios. It is used in different ways with reference to Christ. It was a hounourable title and a confessional name (Rom. 10:9). In the early Church one had to confess Jesus as Lord before he was baptized. The name reveals his divine nature. The title Lord denotes a position of authority. His Lordship is demonstrated in his resurrection, exaltation, and his position at the right hand of God where he reigns over all creation. In Matthew 28:18-20, he declared that all authority is given to him, and in Philippians 2:9-11, Paul testifies that God has exalted, given him a name that is above every other name, and that at his name every tongue will confess that Christ is Lord.
The name Lord is more frequently used as a polite title, just as the English title sir or milord. In this case its equivalent in Hebrews is Rabbi-teacher or master (Mt. 18:26; 15:27; Lk. 7:6; 13:19; 9:57; 10:1, 39, 41). Other times the title is to accord honour to Christ or a respectful address to acknowledge his dignity (Lk. 5:8; Mt. 7:21 Mk. 2:28; 11:3;
12:37). In other instances, the name is used to recognize the authority of Jesus, especially over spiritual matters (Mt. 21:3, 21, 42).
In many passages the name Lord points to the title Adonai, which the Jew used of God instead of the divine name, Yahweh. In the following passages Jesus is called “Lord” to show he was divine, to express ownership, authority , and to show that he was the real Son of God (John 20:28); Acts 2:36; 1Cor. 12:3).
Self-Assessment Exercise 5
Outline how the name Lord apply to Christ 3.6 Christ as an Atoning Sacrifice
Our discussion of Christ will be incomplete with the treatment of the atonement. In the gospels we find Jesus’ statements and teachings about
his death and its purpose. Concerning other matters, Jesus spoke in parable or talked about them as he was responding to issues raised by his opponents. In the case of his death, he spoke directly and initiated the discussion himself. However, we see this more in the later part of his ministry not so much in the early part.
Jesus had a very clear sense of his mission. He knew he was sent by the father and knew what he was sent to do. In John 6:38 he declares “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me”. In another passage he pointed to what he came to do.
“For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world, might be saved through him” (John 3:17). This work of saving humanity or redemption was accomplished on the cross and is known as atonement. The New Testament lay much emphasis on the fact that Christ is sent. This is to show that Christ death was a voluntarily act, not imposed on him.
It is also very clear that Jesus knew that the Old Testament prophesy of Isaiah 53 was referring to him and will be fulfilled in his life and death.
In his discourses, he frequently, made mention of his death and suffering. He said, he will suffer many things, be rejected by his people, persecuted by the religious authorities, be taken from them, lay down his life for his friends, and be crucified (Mark 8:31; Mt. 9:15; 11:12). His references to his suffering and death make it clear that Christ knew this was the primary purpose of his coming.
Jesus saw his death as a ransom. He said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many”
(Mt. 20:28). Christ did not state to whom the ransom was to be paid or who was holding his people captive. In another passage, Christ saw in death as a substitute. He said “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lays down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). The high priest Caiaphas made prophetic utterance that it would be better for one man to die for the whole race (John 11:49; 18:14).
Jesus also looked at his death as a sacrifice in the manner of Old Testament sacrifices. A large part of the book of Hebrews is devoted to an explanation of Christ’s priestly role (Heb. 4:14-5:10; 7:1-10:18).
Here the author explains that Christ was a high priest after the order of Melchizedek (5:1ff.), an order superior to the Levitical priesthood (7:1-28). The author then goes on to compare the old and new covenants, showing that the new covenant was greatly superior to the old in that it’s ceremonies had a permanent effect (8:1ff.). In the sacrifice of his own precious body, Christ “offered for all time one sacrifice for sins.” (Heb.
10:12). The author concludes that Christ continues to mediate for his people at the right hand of God, and that all believers may approach
God’s throne in confidence, knowing that their sins are covered by the blood of Christ.
As our High Priest, Christ sacrificed himself to atone for the sins of his people. He was “the lamb of God” and “our Passover”, who came as the fulfilment of the atonement sacrifices commanded in O.T. (Is. 53:6; Jn.
1:29; 1 Cor. 5:7, cf. Mk. 10:45; Rom. 3:24-25; Col. 2:17; 2 Cor. 5:21;
Gal. 3:13; 1 Jn. 1:7). From the book of Hebrews we learn that the O.T.
sacrifices in themselves had no effect. They served the people as a reminder of their sins, and in this way they pointed them to their need for Christ (Heb. 10:1-4).
The teaching that Christ died on behalf of his people is known as the doctrine of vicarious atonement. It is one of the most central beliefs of the Christian faith. Christ came as our vicar, our substitute, to die the death that we deserved to die (Is. 53:6; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal 3:13; Heb. 9:28;
1 Pet. 2:24). He paid the penalty for our sin, and removed God’s curse from us (Rom. 4:25; 1 Pet. 3:18; 1 Jn. 2:2).
Self-Assessment Exercise 6
Compared the Old Testament sacrifices with that of Christ.
4.0 CONCLUSION
Unit two gives special attention to Christ. We just saw that in the New Testament God works through him. It is important that you study him independently. You will observe that in the New Testament the nature and work of Christ is revealed in his titles and names. An understanding of these names gives you a deeper understanding of what he came to do.
These titles and names connect Christ with the Old Testament and the whole progressive redemptive plan of God in the history of man. They also show you that Christ has authority and the empowerment to do what he came to do. Christ divine and human natures come up clear in these names and titles.
5.0 SUMMARY
In this unit we looked at what can be called titles or names of Christ.
Each one has some particular facts about Christ. The Most prominent ones that can be seen in each name include Old Testament background or connection, how that applies to Christ and his work under that title.
We shall follow this pattern to summarize this unit.
OLD TESTAMENT HOW IT APPLIES TO CHRIST
Messiah:
Kings & priest were anointed with oil
Christ was anointed at his baptism with the Holy Spirit.
Work of Christ under the office of spiritual leader of Israel to deliver them from demonic forces.
Son of David:
Promised made to King David.
Born from the lineage of David.
Head of the Church
Servant of God:
The righteous Israel, a special instrument of God, and who suffers for the work of God
Christ was righteous, had special function to play and as a suffering servant.
His ministry and death on the cross.
Son of Man:
Used in Ezekiel and Daniel as one belonging to the prophet’s live.
Son of a woman and
had human
experience, was also called prophet
Came about humanity and addressed human problems.
Lord:
Name used for Yahweh
He was God and had same authority like God.
Forgave Sins
6.0 Tutor-Marked Assignment
1. What is the New Testament teaching about Christ as the Messiah?
2. The servant of God is one of the titles of Christ in the New Testament. Beginning with Old Testament usage, show how the title also applies to Christ
3. Discuss the benefits of Christ’ sacrifice for Christians.
7.0 References/Further Readings
Guthriel, Donald. (1981). New Testament Theology. Leicester: Inter Varsity Press.
Ladd, George Eldon. (1974). A Theology of the New Testament. Grand Rapid: William Eerdmans Publishing Company.
Youngblood, Ronald. (1995). Nelson New Illustrated Bible Dictionary.
Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
UNIT 3: MAN AND THE WORLD IN NEW TESTAMENT