4. He is God. (1.) The Scriptures represent Christ as pre-existing, in a
glorious character, before he appeared in this world. John 1:1, 2. 3:13.
6:38. 17:5. Heb. 1:10. (2.) They represent that, in passing from that
state to this, he suffered a humiliating change. 2 Cor. 8:9. Phil. 2:6,
7. (3.) The Scriptures directly assert that he possessed a superhuman
nature. Heb. 1:4, 6. Col. 2:9. (4.) This superhuman nature is
_divine_--the names of God are ascribed to him--the attributes of God
are ascribed to him--he is represented as performing the works of God.
Com. Luke 1:16, 17, with Isa. 40:3, and Isa. 6:1-3, with John 12:41.
Rom. 9:5. John 20:28. 1 John 5:20. 1 Ti. 3:16. John 1:2. Rev. 22:13.
Isa. 44:6. Acts 1:24. John 2:24. Jer. 17:10. 1 Kings 8:39. Matt. 9:2.
18:20. 28:20. John 10:15. Isa. 44:24. Gen. 1:1. Heb. 1:10. Jer. 10:12.
Col. 1:16. John 1:3. Phil. 3:21. John 5:21. Rev. 1:5, 6. He performed
miracles _in his own name_. He was worshiped by inspired men who knew
his character; and the Scriptures encourage such worship. Acts 7:59. 2
Ti. 4:18. 2 Cor. 12:8. Acts 1:21. 1 Thess. 3:12. 2 Thess. 2:16. Phil.
2:10. Heb. 1:6. Rev. 5:8-14.
Contemplate the character of Christ in its moral and practical
relations; (1.) As illustrating or exhibiting the character of God; (2.)
As confirming and sustaining his moral government, while it admits the
exercise of mercy; (3.) As the medium through which all our duties are
to be performed; (4.) As the foundation of our hopes.