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Why did Jesus call Himself the Son of Man?

Why did Jesus call Himself the Son of Man?

In the Gospels, Jesus used the term “Son of Man” in reference to Himself 82 times. Why do you think Jesus used this term so frequently, and what do you think it means? Was Jesus trying to tell us something important?

Surely, Jesus wants us to know that He became a real human being who knows our struggles, empathizes with our difficulties, and understands our concerns. But is that all there is to His use of this term?

Could the title “Son of Man” be a statement about the Great Controversy? Could Jesus be using it over and over again because He wanted to say something about God’s purpose in creating humankind, about what human beings were to do in God’s order?

I am going to share with you a series of statements by E.G. White (EGW), who, in my estimation, was the most influential founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. And I believed that the most significant contribution she made to the body of Christian thought is the Great Controversy perspective—a wider view of the sin problem, one that extends beyond just human beings, one that also includes the heavenly realm from which a third of the angels fell. Christ’s mission to Earth included more than just saving human beings; it was also to eliminate sin from the universe and secure the unfallen beings in their loyalty so that sin would never arise again.

There are Bible texts that support this perspective. For instance, Jesus, speaking of His pending crucifixion, said:

But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself. (John 12:32 NIV84, emphasis mine)

The highlighted word “men” is not used in the Greek; it was inserted by the translators. That means Jesus was not saying that He would draw merely all humans to Himself, but that He would draw to Himself all intelligent beings still receptive to truth, whether those beings are on the earth or in heaven. The apostle Paul confirms this perspective:

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him [Jesus], and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross (Colossians 1:19, 20 NIV84, emphasis mine).

We find the evidence for this greater universal war throughout Scripture:

  • The serpent in Eden (Genesis 3:1)
  • The angelic counsel in the first chapter of Job (vv. 6–12)
  • Satan the accuser described in Zechariah chapter 3 (vv. 1–10)
  • The temptations of Christ in the wilderness (Luke 4:1–13)
  • The demoniacs that confronted Jesus (Mark 5:6–13)
  • The war between Michael and the devil in heaven, when a third of the angels were cast out (Revelation 12:7)

EGW puts this larger view together in an incredible way, helping us see this greater universal landscape of the war, a conflict that centers on the character and trustworthiness of God.

So, back to my question—is Jesus’ use of the term Son of Man a Great Controversy statement?

Let’s consider a few EGW quotes. As you read them, think about whether her insights are reasonable. Are they consistent with Scripture? Do they give potential meaning as to why Christ used the term Son of Man so frequently?

After the earth was created, and the beasts upon it, the Father and Son carried out their purpose, which was designed before the fall of Satan, to make man in their own image. They had wrought together in the creation of the earth and every living thing upon it. And now God said to His Son, “Let us make man in our image.” As Adam came forth from the hand of his Creator he was of noble height and of beautiful symmetry (The Story of Redemption, p. 20).

In His foreknowledge and eternal wisdom, God had a purpose for the species human before Satan rebelled in heaven. What was that purpose? Let’s consider EGW’s view—do you agree or have a different conclusion?

When Adam came from the Creator’s hand, he bore, in his physical, mental, and spiritual nature, a likeness to his Maker. “God created man in His own image” (Genesis 1:27), and it was His purpose that the longer man lived the more fully he should reveal this image—the more fully reflect the glory of the Creator. All his faculties were capable of development; their capacity and vigor were continually to increase. Vast was the scope offered for their exercise, glorious the field opened to their research. The mysteries of the visible universe—the “wondrous works of Him which is perfect in knowledge” (Job 37:16)—invited man’s study. Face-to-face, heart-to-heart communion with his Maker was his high privilege. Had he remained loyal to God, all this would have been his forever. Throughout eternal ages he would have continued to gain new treasures of knowledge, to discover fresh springs of happiness, and to obtain clearer and yet clearer conceptions of the wisdom, the power, and the love of God. More and more fully would he have fulfilled the object of his creation, more and more fully have reflected the Creator’s glory (Education, p. 15).

Did God have a purpose in creating human beings? What would have happened if Adam and Eve had stayed loyal to God and governed the planet in harmony with God’s methods? How would they have treated each other in a sinless world? How would they have treated their children? How would they have treated the animals and managed the planet? Would this have revealed anything about how God governs His universe? Could God have a purpose in this? Could it have said something in the Great Controversy that would have refuted allegations of Satan?

Do you think Satan would have wanted this purpose for humanity’s creation to come to fruition? No! Thus, the evil one targeted our first parents. EGW suggests the following—do you agree?

As soon as the Lord through Jesus Christ created our world and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Satan announced his purpose to conform to his own nature the father and mother of all humanity, and to unite them with his own ranks of rebellion. He was determined to efface the image of God from the human posterity, and to trace his own image upon the soul in the place of the divine image (The Review and Herald, April 14, 1896).

God’s purpose for humanity was for us to be the repositories of His living law of love. God’s law cannot be fully understood on stone, for love requires life. Human beings were, therefore, created in the image of God to live out God’s law of love in governance of themselves and in how they treated others and governed the planet.

But Satan interfered with God’s plan. Satan is the father of lies and through his misrepresentation of God, he infected humanity with fear and selfishness. His goal is to erase fidelity, love, truth, integrity, honesty, loyalty, and all other virtues from the living temple, in which God placed His image and, instead, have human beings carry around his evil law of survival of the fittest, of me-first, of power, control, coercion, force, abuse, murder, and death.

That is why Jesus came as the second Adam! He sought to overthrow the infection of fear, selfishness, and sin that Satan had introduced into the heart and mind of Adam and Eve and to restore God’s image in us. EGW suggests the following as part of Christ’s mission—do you agree?

In assuming human nature, that he might reach to the very depths of human woe and misery and lift man up, Christ has shown what estimate he places upon the human race. In this work everything was at stake. Satan claimed to be the lawful owner of the fallen race; and with what persistent effort did he seek to overthrow Christ through his subtilty! It was only by the most desperate conflict with the powers of Satan that Christ could accomplish his purpose of restoring the almost obliterated image of God in man, and place his own signature upon his forehead. It was a desperate battle; for Satan had so long worked in league with human intelligences as to almost completely intercept every ray of light shining from the throne of God upon the human mind. The cross of Calvary alone could destroy the works of the devil. In that wondrous sacrifice all eyes were called to “behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” The love of Christ kindles in the heart of all who continue to behold him (General Conference Daily Bulletin, March 2, 1897, par. 17).

Thus, is it possible that Jesus used the term Son of Man because He is not just redeeming individual humans He loves, but also because He is redeeming the mission and purpose that God created humanity to fulfill?

And by doing this, Christ not only reveals the truth of God’s character of love, His design laws of life, but He also reveals that Adam’s sin was not because of a manufacturer’s defect! By His selfless victory while in the form of weakened humanity, Jesus proved that the sin of Adam was not because of some flaw in his design, or creation, or a lack of some resource.

Yes, Jesus is the Son of Man, the second Adam, who is our Creator, Savior, and Sustainer—the one who is worthy “to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise” forever and ever amen! (Revelation 5:12 NIV84).

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Testimony 42

I am just writing to say that I have been so blessed by the teachings of Come And Reason Minitries recently. I watched last week’s bible study lesson on Youtube and am thankful that the error in the printed lesson guide you use was pointed out and this week’s study was of equal benefit, if not more so. My understanding of God’s nature has been very confused of late and I am so grateful for clarity in this matter. I have never really fully understood previously how a good God can cause bad things to happen and now I realise that He doesn’t, it’s a natural consequence of sin. May the almighty Father and His Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, continue to bless your ministry.

Laura P., United Kingdom

 

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When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

Testimony 12

I have been really blessed reading your response to the various questions on your site.

K.C., OH, USA

 

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I am absolutly on fire with the message at Come and Reason! I can’t get enough! I’ve read your book, blog, and articles. I’ve listened to your Bible study podcasts, your radio show, and your series – all excellent! It wasn’t until the past couple of years that I have I like I’m becoming “healthy,” with more to share with others than just beasts and commandments! I used to be a Bible worker and preached when the pastors were gone until I had had enough. I didnt realize at the time what the problem was, but i know now… the message wasn’t properly focused. Now my flame is rekindled. All of your little examples are so perfect in explaining something “complicated” and making it easily understood! Now I’m trying to shape it into a life changing evangelistic series! Thank you!

M.T., USA

 

Testimony 14

We really appreciate your views on the judgment and they make good sense considering our free choice.

Anonymous

 

Testimony 24

I wanted to thank you very much for presenting your understanding of God. I’ve always been troubled by this question: Why did Jesus have to die? Since my conversion I understood that The Father & Jesus are one, I did not have issues with that. But was there not any other way to save us than for Jesus to die? I guess I actually had a question about God – if He is so wise, how come He did not find another way? I did not see the real ‘beauty’  in the cross. Only when you explained the picture in the medical context, Jesus providing medicine for my selfishness, have I started to finally ‘see the light’. Thank you so much. Your seminar, “Healing the Mind,” are absolutely marvelous & have shared them with my family and many other people, including colleagues at work. Thanks, thanks, thanks. May God bless you abundantly in your ministry.

M. W., Australia

 

Testimony 1

Thank you! I love listening to the Come And Reason Ministries Bible study classes and am using some of your notes to get the lessons together that I will be teaching. You always have such good quotes and Bible texts and pull things together to make good sense.

T. C., IN, USA

 

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We listen to your bible studies lessons in our class in Montana. You actually were the main reason I decided to get a laptop, so I can go to your site and listen, read, learn, and print the class notes. I am so grateful to learn the correct view of God and his character. Now, to just have others have an interest in knowing, so I can share it with them. Good thoughts your way.

R. N., MT, USA

 

Testimony 43

Two years ago I stumbled upon your book, “Could It Be This Simple,” and then found “The God-Shaped Brain” videos on YouTube, your bible study class, and the ‘Come And Reason’ mobile app. I shared your book with a friend and after nine months of showing love, patience, and kindness this person has been changed by the love of God, too. The same love that healed me, I now express to other women in tangible ways, such as to a Baptist woman with high anxiety and childhood trauma. She was extremely happy and relieved when I shared about the so-called “judgment of God” and burning in hell. She had no desire to serve a God that was so harsh. I have repeated the phrase dozens of times to her. “What we believe has power over us, but we have power over what we believe…”

This message that you are sharing has changed my life. I will continue to serve other women and bring this message of God’s healing love to their lives by sharing your books, YouTube videos, and The Remedy Bible app. Keep up the good work. Don’t be discouraged. God is doing a mighty work in and through this ministry!

Jill L., Midwest, USA

 

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Thank you for all of your work to correct misconceptions about God’s character. So many people that my husband and I have talked to seem to be against the natural law construct and view it as “errant” and “dangerous.” Having learned more about it through your blogs and lessons, I don’t really understand why they view it that way, except that it means they have to relearn theology they have known for their entire lives. But I’m so excited to relearn this. For the past few years I have been questioning how I could trust a God who punishes arbitrarily and is full of wrath for those who don’t obey His commands. That view made me afraid to “mess up” or “not be good enough,” even within my relationship with God. I really appreciated the point you bring out about God not wanting us to serve Him because we are afraid, but because we love Him.

Melissa H., IN, USA

 

Testimony 46

Over the past couple of years God has been expanding my view of Himself and His character. Along my approximately 40-year journey, I have often had questions, but was hesitant to voice these and step outside the traditionally accepted thinking, for fear of admitting that I may in fact be eternally lost. In the recesses of my thinking has been the thought – if one blindly accepts (which is widely regarded as “real faith”) and does not question, is this really ‘truth?’ I often find it challenging to grapple with very theological ‘speak,’ but Dr. Jennings has a real gift of explaining spiritual concepts with clear practical examples. The weekly discussions are growing my Christian experience and slowly changing my view of how to live as a child of God in today’s complex world. Finally the whole Old Testament sanctuary teaching moved in my mind from fantasy to reality!

Beverly S., South Africa

 

Testimony 2

I continue to enjoy your lessons every week. The more that I research your conclusions, the more I am convinced that the Holy Spirit has lead you to distill out the essence of human redemption. Thank you for your courageous stand for the truth.

S. G., TX, USA

 

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Ok, so last night I listened to “The Law of Liberty” and “How to Achieve Victory: Freedom, Truth and Spirtual Warfare.” These are both MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITES so far! The logic is just soooooo beautiful. I had to re-listen to them a couple of times. I just want to EXPLODE! (<< we assume with joy and happiness)

N. B., Canada

 

Testimony 34

I was introduced to Come and Reason Ministries by accident, via a passing comment made in a bible study class we were visiting. I checked this website out and my life was changed. The understanding of the truth of God’s character, and how we apply it, is so right. The tricky part is consistently applying which “lens” to look through. As I began to understand, I started sharing the basics of this understanding with a discussion group I was leading and, suddenly, a lot of things started to make sense that never used to. At the same time, I enjoyed an amazing opportunity. I was able to conduct a full bible study at WORK! What an amazing experience! It is such a joy to share the truth about God and to share how it all fits in the war between God and Satan. So many people benefit when we have a correct understanding about how God works and who He really is! Thank you for this transformational understanding. Keep up the good work! God Bless you!

Tony P., CA, USA

 

Testimony 35

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Clara S., Westfield, MA, USA