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Can you identify the following people?

Who are the following people? (answers are below)

1. I am the first American to orbit the earth.

2. I invented the light bulb and phonograph.

3. I was the first president of the United States.

4. I was the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic ocean making the first nonstop solo flight from New York to Paris.

(Answers: John Glenn, Thomas Edison, George Washington, Charles Lindberg)

How were you able to identify the above people? Each was identified by something unique they did. For example, there is only one person who was the first American who orbited the earth. So if someone makes that claim, that person is claiming to be John Glenn. He doesn't need to say the specific words "I am John Glenn." Just by saying what he has done he has identified himself.

John Glenn can also be identified, and often is identified as, as the former astronaut and Senetor from Ohio. Or as the oldest man to travel in space. There are many different ways he can be clearly, uniquely and individually identified without using his name.

Who Did Jesus Say He Is?

Jesus said He was God many times. However, since most people today have no understanding of first century Jewish culture, we may not understand what Jesus was saying--although the reactions of the Jewish leaders at the time show they clearly understood Jesus was claiming to be God.

Here's an example:

"Seeing their faith, He [Jesus] said, 'Friend, your sins are forgiven you.' The scribes and Pharisees began to reason, saying 'Who is this man who speaks blasphamies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?'" - (Luke 5:20-21 NASB)

The Pharisees immediately recognized who Jesus is claiming to be. He was claiming to be God. Since only God can forgive sins, when Jesus forgives someone's sins He is saying he is God.

Some people say, "That's not right. I can forgive someone, and I'm not God." And that's true, anyone can extend forgiveness.

In fact, if someone does something wrong against you, you are called by the Bible to forgive them. That's the point. We can forgive wrongs done against us. However, we can not forgive wrongs done against someone else. You can only forgive those who have done something wrong to you.

To sin is to do wrong against God. To sin means to disobey God. So only God can forgive sins. No human person can forgive sins. Thus, when Jesus forgave sins (which he did numerous times) he was claiming to be God. Just as in the human examples at the top of the page, he is identifying himself by something unique that only he can do.

Another Example - Jesus Claims to Be God