DaVinci Decoded
(1)
Introduction:
The Da Vinci Code has spent 101 wks on New York Times bestseller list. In the guise of a thriller – the
book has raised serious questions about the legitimacy of Christianity. The
book claims that Jesus was a great prophet and an inspirational man – but
not divine; not the Son of God. Jesus married Mary Magdalene and had several
children by him. Because of this, the Catholic Church began to oppress women
and keep them out of key leadership positions. Is this really that important? Why
spend time refuting a book/movie? We do because TDVC is a direct assault on Christianity.
I. TDVC claims:
A.
Jesus
was a man and it was not until the Council of 325 that the deity of Christ was
made an official doctrine.
II. The truth of Jesus’ deity.
A.
Constantine
did not initiate the Council of Nicea. Alexander did.
B.
There
was no Vatican in 325.
C.
The
idea that Jesus’ deity was invented is something that can be easily disproved.
1.
Consider
writings from those who lived just after 1st century.
2.
John 1:1-3,
14.
3.
2 Pet.
1:16 – Peter’s writing.
4.
John
8:58 – Jesus’ own claim
5.
Consider
how Jesus accepted worship. Mt. 9:18; John 9:35-38
a.
Only
God is worthy of worship – Lk. 4:5-8.
6.
Apostles
writing on Jesus’ divinity: Romans 1:3-5; Col. 1:13-20; 2:9; 1 Cor. 8:6; 2 Pet.
1:1
III. Jesus did not keep His deity
a secret.
A.
Everyone
understood Jesus to be teaching/claiming that He was deity.
1.
John
8:51-59 – Jesus publicly claims to be the Son of God, and have an
intimate, close relationship with the Father.
2.
John
10:24-36 – I and the Father are
one…
B.
The
resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the paramount proof that He is indeed
Deity. Rom. 1:4; 1 Cor. 15:3-8, 17, 50-58 – the proof of the
resurrection.
C.
In
summary, Jesus’ deity is the clear teaching of the Word of God.
1.
John 8:24
– belief in His deity is necessary for salvation.
Conclusion:
A.
What
will we do with the truth? Phil. 2:9-11
1.
Will
you recognize Jesus as Lord? Will you confess Him now for salvation?
2.
Don’t
wait till after this life is over – you will confess Him as Lord then,
only to your eternal damnation.
B.
Phil.
2:5-8 - Jesus died for you. Have you taken advantage of this free gift?
C.
I N V I
T A T I O N