Introduction: Romans 7:25 declares Jesus Christ as the only suitable savior in man's battle with sin. Why is this, and is He the only savior for this universal crisis?
Title: The Absoluteness of Jesus
Text: Colossians 1:15-23, Hebrews 2:17-18, 9:11-28
I. Jesus Alone is the God-Man - Col. 1:15-19
A. Jesus is Fully Man - Col. 1:15
Jesus is the Perfect "Second Adam," fulfilling the commandment to bear the image of God
B. Jesus is Fully God - Col. 1:16, 19
Jesus represents God's promise to be with His people, Immanuel (Isa. 7:14 & 9:6)
C. Jesus' unique role enables Him to serve as High Priest in service to God for the needs of humanity - Hebrews 2:17-18
II. Jesus Alone is the Priestly-Sacrifice - Col. 1:20
A. Jesus is the Perfect High Priest - Hebrews 7:26
B. Jesus is the Perfect Sacrifice - Hebrews 7:27
C. Jesus' uniqueness enables Him to make atonement in the Heavenly realm, not the earthly realm - Hebrews 9:11-12, 23-24
D. Jesus' unique ministry fulfills the requirement of death found in the Mosaic Law, and ushers in a New, Heavenly Covenant of Life - Hebrews 9:15, 26
III. Proof of Jesus' Work - Col. 1:21-23
A. Man's conscious is cleared; Guilt is Removed - Hebrews 9:14
B. Man is reconciled and brought into immediate intimate relationship with God - Col. 1:22
C. Man is promised eternal life with God - Hebrews 9:28
D. Participation in these effects are both immediate and "not-yet."
At conversion (the acceptance of Jesus' work through faith) a Believer will experience the freedom from guilt and intimacy with God. However, the redemption of the body remains a work of His Second Coming - Romans 8:9-11, 17; Hebrews 9:28
E. However, while the scope of Jesus' ministry is sufficient for all mankind, it is only those who accept His work in Faith and expectation who will enjoy His accomplishments - Col. 1:23, Hebrews 9:28
