Immanuel . . . God With Us

Few people would say Christianity is an inferior religion. Of all world religions, it alone presents a God who reaches down to provide a way of salvation. Other religions demand sacrifices from their followers. Christians, however, believe Jesus came as God in the flesh to be the sacrifice. The Baby in the manger is unique and worthy of worship because He is Immanuel . . . God with us. (Mt. 1:23b)

So people err when they try to identify Christianity as one of several valid religions. Scripture claims it is exclusive: Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? (I Jn. 2:22a NKJV) Christianity cannot accept the possibility that other religions have vital truth to offer because the other religions have nothing that pays the pentalty for sin. If the beliefs of Christianity are compromised, the teaching is no longer Christian.

Jesus did more than live a good life. He is God. He existed as God before the creation of our world. He came to earth as God in the flesh so He could pay the penalty for our sin. This is the message of Christmas. Immanuel . . . God with us.

Originally published December 9, 1988.