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JESUS CHRIST: GOD-MAN - Vital Christianity

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291<br />

This makes perfect sense since we have at least two analogies to illustrate this fact. In the<br />

first place, there are laws in our universe which transcend other laws. The law of thermodynamics,<br />

for example, makes it possible for something heavier than air to fly (i.e. the airplane).<br />

Obviously this law of thermo-dynamics has not jettisoned the law of gravity, it has merely<br />

transcended it.<br />

In the second place, in the area of human behavior we see that people, even with their<br />

limited, finite powers and abilities, can change events and bring about new events which would<br />

not have taken place by natural forces alone. If this is true of human beings, if they can actually<br />

make changes in the physical world, by what kind of logic can we dogmatically state that the<br />

Creator of this universe cannot do so?<br />

Miracles are logical if theism—the belief in one God, the triune God—is true. If we<br />

acknowledge Genesis 1:1, that God created the heavens and the earth, then it logically follows<br />

that He can supernaturally intervene in nature and in our personal lives according to His<br />

sovereign wisdom.<br />

Influence<br />

Wherever the true message of Jesus has gone, new life, new hope, new purpose for living<br />

have been the result. This gospel has not only converted individuals; it has also changed society.<br />

On every mission-field the message of Jesus has established "standards of hygiene and purity;<br />

promoted industry; elevated womanhood; restrained anti-social customs; abolished cannibalism,<br />

human sacrifice and cruelty; organized famine relief; checked tribal wars; and changed the social<br />

structure of society. Paul's Gospel accomplished the same in the first century for those who<br />

comprised the early church.<br />

Because Jesus is the greatest personality that ever lived, therefore His personal impact is<br />

the greatest of any man that ever lived.<br />

Lecky, the great historian of the last century, after a careful study of great leaders came to<br />

this conclusion:<br />

"It was reserved for <strong>Christianity</strong> to present the world an ideal Character which<br />

through all the changes of nineteen centuries has inspired the hearts of men with<br />

an impassioned love; has shown itself capable of acting on all ages, temperaments,<br />

and conditions; has been not only the highest pattern of virtue but also the<br />

strongest incentive toward its practice; and thus has exercised so deep an influence<br />

that it may be truly said that the simple record of those short years has done more<br />

to regenerate and soften mankind than all the disquisitions of the philosophers and<br />

all the exhortations of the moralists."8<br />

Philip Schaff, historian and author of The History of the Christian Church, said,

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