What is the Jesus myth?

Gentle Reader,

Here is truth so plain that most walk right past, but I think better of you. Unlike like Jack Nicholson I believe you can handle the truth!

In the Authorized Version (KJV) of the Bible, II Corinthians 5:14 states, "For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead."

In this very familiar portion of Scripture, the above statement is compatible and in order for God’s people in this dispensation of Grace (This is where we are today) . Expanding for a moment on this immediate context (verses 8 through 14), it is difficult to break the wonderful continuity of thought: "For the love of Christ constraineth us: because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead…." This means, of course, that in the dispensation of Grace, we understand that when Christ died, we were identified with Him, i.e., we are also dead in Christ. "…And that He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him which died for them, and rose again." So now all of us, we who have died in Christ are also alive in Christ, and that ought to be the attitude of the believer. We are not living for ourselves now, but unto Him. Here, no doubt, is the reason that this is the commission for today in the light of this wonderful truth of Grace as seen demonstrated here.

"Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh." At one time there was a distinction of men. In fact, even God’s religious system which He gave to Israel made the Jew the distinctive people, distinct and apart from the Gentile, but not any longer. We don’t know men after the flesh any longer. There is now no such thing as Jews and Gentiles, bond or free, male or female. Having died in Christ, we are all raised to the highest possible position. "Yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we Him no more." In other words, even? Jesus Himself is no longer to be recognized as The Jesus of the Gospels, which is the only Jesus that tens of thousands of people know -- only The Jesus who walked here on earth and, in the opinion of many people, established an example that we are supposed to follow. That is all the religion that many people have today. But, "We don’t know Him that way any longer," the Apostle Paul says. Not just The Jesus in the flesh. We are to know Someone else.

"Therefore if any man be in Christ (that is, this new Christ, this risen Christ, this exalted Christ), he is a new creature (or new creation), old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." That is, we are through with legalism, i.e., the Law (rules, regulations)? . We are now under Grace, and Grace is sovereign. All things therefore are new.

"And all things are of God, Who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation." Our message is not that God hates people (Just the opposite)! Some dear folks today that have not understood? nor really, really (two reallys serious stuff) heard the Gospel, as they are afraid that they have been propagandized with the idea that God has a quarrel with/against them. Just not true! What a wonderful message to be proclaimed: that God has made provision so that nothing stands between Him and mankind. He does not hate them! He loves them, He is at peace with them, and provision has been made for His receiving them {wait until next time and you find out what He has done for each of us]!

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye (let yourself be) reconciled to God. For He hath made Him to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (Shortly it will be apparent why the entirety [vss. 8-21] of this context as it relates to vs. 16 has been quoted.) "Though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know Him no more."

The following statement was made some time ago: "The only religion many people have is Christmas." Perhaps the significance of that statement is not understood. However, a little consideration will reveal its bearing on this study, for, in reality, to most of the world The Jesus Christ of Christmas is only a baby in a manger! There are literally tens of thousands of people who know no Jesus except a little baby who was born many years ago; and they hear about Him and sing about Him once a year. That’s all the religion they have! Succinctly, the birth of this baby Jesus whom two-thirds of Christendom celebrates is a myth. Obviously, this statement will not be shared by many "of the cloth" or those who occupy a pew in a church. In the remainder of this blog, it will be shown that this statement is true and that the Jesus of Christendom is a myth.

Fifty years ago, a professor from the University of California, seeing a church ad ("The Jesus Myth") in the local newspaper, expressed his amazement that anyone today could doubt the actuality of the historical Jesus. He, of course, misunderstood the ad, and perhaps some of those who read the following will also misunderstand. For those of you who read this blog, please don’t question the actuality of The Lord Jesus, as it will be ( I hope) a very strong apologetic not only for His historic reality, but for His present existence as a real Person.

At this point, consider the following declaration. As you will eventually see, it is in actuality the conclusion of this entire message put as an opening statement: According to Hebrews 10:5, our Lord Jesus Christ, in addressing The Father, said, "A body hast Thou prepared Me." (You will note that the word "prepared" is in the margin. Another rendering might be "fitted Me," which is quite interesting and significant.) The Lord Jesus said, "A body Thou fitted Me" (or "prepared Me"). It is quite evident by the frantic activities of the Christmas season that many people believe there was a baby named Jesus born bodily.

The religious world, however, does not agree on the circumstances of His birth, on WHO was being born, i.e., that He was born of a virgin. But that He was born, a baby named Jesus, is quite generally admitted. Many people go a little further and admit the bodily death of this One who was born, but here again there are differences of opinion as to WHO was dying, and HOW He died, and WHY He died, and what was accomplished when He died. The Word of God is not indecisive in this matter, for it states in I Peter 2:24, "Who His own self bore our sins in His own body on the tree." If the Word of God has credence, let us see WHY He died, WHO He was as He died, and WHAT He accomplished by His death.

In fact, here on the death of The Lord Jesus Christ is where the Roman Catholic Church puts its great emphasis. That is the reason the Roman Catholic faith is a very somber and joyless religion, because there is no assurance connected with it. They have no joy in His death and its implications. No life out of death. No hope. No promise. You can’t be sure, under that system, that you are positively going to heaven. In fact, you are positively sure that you are not going directly to heaven. Consequently, it is not a religion filled with joyfulness. And before you take me to task , remember Gentle reader, I was raised up as a Catholic.

Now in many Latin American countries, the body of our Lord is paraded through the streets with the whole religious emphasis, as you are no doubt aware, on the second point previously mentioned, that Christ died. And they are correct. He did die and, even in a false system, faith in the right object saves. Trusting in the finished work of Calvary, a person is saved, no matter what his religion.

There are some who go a bit further in this matter and recognize that, not only was The Lord Jesus born bodily and crucified bodily, but The Lord Jesus Christ was raised bodily from the grave. Now you can begin to understand why there is a vastly fewer number who believe in the bodily resurrection than those who believe in His birth and His death, because it immediately reveals the uniqueness of The One who was able to rise from the dead. And of course to some an uneasiness thinking about such things.

Once His resurrection has been acknowledged, He has assumed the power of omnipotence (all powerful). Omnipotence -- only God Himself rises up from the dead. Concomitantly, acknowledgment of the bodily resurrection of The Lord Jesus Christ indicates that His victory over death guarantees there is no spiritual death (physical yes) for any believer who is "in Him" at His appearance (Col. 3:4), nor should the believer taste death after His appearance.

Another text to the believer’s identification in His resurrection is found in I Corinthians 15 (as well as other texts). At this point, however, the vast masses of humanity are divided. There have always been a relatively few who will accept the last two statements (relating to His crucifixion and resurrection).

Jesus Christ was not only born bodily and died bodily and raised bodily, but He ascended bodily. Consequently, in I Timothy 2:5 the Scriptures reveal that, "There is one God and one Mediator between God and man, The Man Christ Jesus." Jesus Christ now lives at the right hand of The Father and is there, bodily present. He saves [rescues] (not like the Bank of America saves)  those who believe in Him.

By His wonderful work of advocacy, which is the work of a legal representative, He keeps us saved even while we are sinning [failing to measure up] . He works as our "intercessor," for "He ever liveth to make intercession for us," and guarantees us strength and power in things that we do not realize are sins. And that is Truth, dear Gentle reader, my friends! The theology books are strangely lacking in information concerning the fact that Jesus Christ is now bodily doing a work in the presence of The Father.

Finally, God’s plan of salvation makes it absolutely imperative and The Bible states positively and declares "that this same Jesus will return to the earth bodily." First, He will translate and give glorified bodies to His people, and then He will reign in righteousness as King of Israel and Lord of all the earth.

Most will wonder, What is so remarkable or unusual about this statement in the former paragraph? Nothing, to those who have a keen understanding of The Scriptures. However, it would be unthinkable and virtually impossible to have made this same statement to at least half of the churches in this city. The vast masses of professing Christian people do not believe in the bodily ascension and present bodily work and actual bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ. Many who will read this artical take these things for granted, but if others have been raised under some of the religious systems found in our world, or in one of the numerous cults that are ever present, then they would have been taught to reject the work(s) done by The Lord Jesus as stated above (except, perhaps, that Jesus was born bodily and, since nearly everyone believes that everybody dies, that Jesus also died).

At this point, you Gentle reader may begin to realize what is meant by the "Jesus Myth." Briefly stated, it is this: THE JESUS OF CHRISTMAS, THE JESUS OF THE CULTS, THE JESUS OF THIS WORLD'S GREAT RELIGIONS (including Protestantism and Catholicism) IS NOT THE JESUS CHRIST OF THE BIBLE AT ALL. He is a myth! Hopefully, a few striking illustrations will be convincing. At the same time, these illustrations may show an individual his his or her need of accepting Jesus Christ as Saviour.

The object of this blog is to expose all to the "teaching of Christendom." Let us tear off the false robes of "Christendom" (including the "Protestant religion") and expose it for what it is. In addition, the RELIGIONS of this world need to be unmasked. For, in reality, Satan’s realm is found here. In a former blog entry ("The Satan Myth"), I pointed out that Satan’s captives were to be found in religions. Satan’s masterpiece is "religion." Not the pub, the clubs, nor any other vice -- it is in religion. Succinctly, this is where Satan’s subjects are to be found and, therefore, religion in all of its subtleties needs to be exposed for what it is.

Salvation is to know and accept by faith the perfect and finished work of The Lord Jesus Christ on Calvary as is found in the Bible. Those who would promote an "otherwise" salvation are promulgating the "Jesus Myth." These statements are not made in a tone of bitterness or anger. Nor are they made with the idea of belittling another person’s religious group. They are made because they are matters of such vital importance that they must be said with conviction! To "water down" these statements of conviction would impinge upon spiritual matters which bear upon a person’s eternal state (i.e., issues of life and death, heaven and hell). Therefore, it is imperative that attention to truth and error in these matters must be addressed. In the following paragraphs, consider the following.

Protestantism. Is the Jesus of Protestantism a myth? Following are a few quotations from leaders found in several of the Protestant organizations. One of the leaders in the Presbyterian denomination (who, incidentally, was formerly the President of the National Council of Churches) states, "The Virgin Birth is absolutely unimportant." This statement was made by a man who was a Presbyterian minister. He later became an outstanding Baptist leader in the world. (At one time he was the spokesman for the Federal Council of Churches.)

In his book, The Modern Use of the Bible (page 269), he says, "Jesus is an extraordinarily good man. In fact, his goodness was about the only thing with which to make his impression on the world." On another page he says, "Jesus was the son of Joseph and Mary." Outstanding Protestant leaders will preach this on Christmas day to thousands of people who hold to these beliefs. And, by sacred Biblical definition, their Jesus is a myth. They may think that Jesus’ goodness is the only thing that He had to make an impression on the world, but, thank God, The Word of God declares WHO He is and WHAT He has done! And the "Jesus" that they are presenting -- the "Jesus of

Protestantism" -- is a myth. Thank God!

A former missionary and an outstanding leading Methodist of today echoes nearly the same words as those individuals in the former paragraph and those of a well-known Japanese Christian worker who has gone up and down our country. Here are some statements attributed to them: "Jesus came to show men how to live." Another said, "Jesus came to show men how to die." Both comments are, of course, false. Thank God! Their Jesus is a Myth! Perhaps if they had said, "Jesus did not come to show men how to die, but to die for men," they would have been closer to the truth.

In addition ,there is the matter of "ritualism" as practiced by these same organizations is obscuring the historical Lord Jesus Christ of The Bible.

Also, there is the use of names, or the improper use of names in referring to our Lord -- the irreverence in speaking to Him, addressing Him as "Jesus," which we do so often, thoughtlessly. It is as rude to call Him "Jesus" as it would be to walk up to the Queen of England and call her Elizabeth, or to our President and call him by his first name. In government circles you say, "Mr. President." Locally, the mayor is addressed as "Honorable Mayor."

Yet "Jesus" is the title which The Word of God plainly declares is the name of His humiliation and humanity. He is The LORD JESUS CHRIST -- The Christ of The Bible.

In Protestantism there seems to be the idea that "Jesus" is ready to show favor to a certain favored class -- that God will demonstrate His love and grace to people who are good and who behave themselves. (that was what I was taught and that was my impression until I was 25 years old.) Their "Jesus" is one who will be kind and gracious to people who behave themselves and quit their sinning. Thank God that this "Jesus" is a Myth, and our Lord Jesus Christ stands graciously ready to receive the basest and lowest of sinners. In fact, that is the only kind of people He saves -- those who can recognize that they need to be found - lost sinners.

Even more pronounced is the "Jesus Myth" as seen in to many Roman Catholics, The Lord Jesus Christ is a piece of bread! Yes, that is correct. On page eleven of a Roman Catholic publication, an article titled "The Mass" (it was published to be presented to a non-Catholic audience and has the "blessing" of the Roman Catholic Church in it), states, "His words, ‘This is My body,’ cause the substance of bread to become His body. His words, ‘This is my blood,’ cause the wine to become His blood. The act by which the change is made is called consecration. The word ‘mass’ is the same sacrifice as Calvary."

That "Jesus" is not The Lord Jesus Christ of The Bible. He is not a piece of bread. It may be said that many really don’t believe that. In reality, they do! So it is that when Roman Catholics affirm something which is an untruth, it nullifies the reality of the truth that they claim to believe. It should be obvious to the any one that it is imperative there be intelligence in faith rather than superstition.

To many Roman Catholics, The Lord Jesus Christ is only "a baby." An explanation is in order. Two letters were recently written to a one of my friends who has trusted in The Lord Jesus Christ as her Saviour -- one from a Roman Catholic priest, one from a Catholic nun. A statement from the priest reads, "On Christmas day, Jesus is coming for the resurrection and for the ruin of many. I wonder whether He is coming for your resurrection or for your ruin. It’s up to you now." This is followed by, "I want to wish you a Merry Christmas, although in my heart I feel that you can’t have one because the baby Jesus will not be welcoming you back into the fold."

Adding to the priest’s comments, the nun writes, "I pray, Catherine, that the infant Lord Jesus at this Christmas season will extend His tiny hands welcoming you back into His fold." Do the Catholics believe this? If these statements are not true, what do they mean? And how might this Catholic "doctrine/teaching" influence Protestantism?

Another friend who attends a Church in a suburban city in Los Angeles recently came to me with his Christmas church bulletin. In this bulletin was found the pastor’s greeting to his people: "What gift are you going to give the Christ Child this year?" In the following paragraph it states, "Just as the wise men came from the east with their precious gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, so we too will fall down before the cradle and adore Him." What is this person saying?

Is it not apparent that the influence of this belief is indeed present on our Christmas cards? It is not my intention to get you to be too "Christmas card conscious." In looking through the seasonal cards received by us this year, out of a stack of 50, I found only one having a picture of a little baby Jesus. Perhaps because Santa and Frosty get more play and front page news from those who think that this is the best time of year to $ell something. And? just maybe? God is giving you a little spiritual discernment. Thanks be to God that "He grew up" – He is not a baby! The Jesus of "Protestantism" and of "Catholicism" is in most cases a myth. And thank God that this Jesus is a myth!

This influence has even interjected itself into our hymns (please do not become too conscious of hymnology, either). Consider, for example, the fourth verse of "O, Little Town of Bethlehem": "Oh, Holy Child of Bethlehem, descend on us we pray. Cast out our sin and enter in. Be born in us today." What should the response of the Believer be to these lyrics? (Again, there should not be an over-reaction to these words.)

On the other hand, what chance does the poor, confused sinner [ Note: a sinner is one who has missed the mark-the perfection that is the absolute perfection that is the wholeness that we call God ]have when such phrases as these are heard? My plea is for intelligence in the Christian faith. Even God’s people add to the confusion. The Jesus of Christendom is a Myth! One of the obligations and missions of the believer is to let people know that He is not a baby! He is the living, Lord Jesus Christ in glory (more to come next time about this) .

What of the Jesus as found in the Book of Mormon? He is a myth! The Jesus of Jehovah’s Witnesses is not The Lord Jesus Christ of The Bible! Reader, the Jesus of Christendom is a myth!

What of the man on the streets? To some, Jesus is a little baby and, "The only religion that some people have is at Christmas" (just a little baby whom they hear of and sing about once a year). To others, He is a "good man." Some say that He is a man who set an example as to how we are to live. Ladies and gentlemen, their Jesus is a myth, and not the real Jesus Christ of the Bible.

Others say that He is a man who came to show people "how they ought to die." That’s a myth! That is not The Lord Jesus Christ of The Bible! What is He to the media? A glance at an intelligent(?) newspaper announcement reveals utter confusion when it concerns Jesus Christ. Never in (our) newspapers can there be found a reference to the living Jesus Christ. There are articles about world leaders – page after page. Why? Because the Jesus of Christendom is a myth. References to His atoning sacrifice in the media cannot be found. Reason: To them He is just a mythical person. He doesn’t exist – He isn’t a reality. May God help us to see the emptiness and the error of "religion."

Gentle reader, these comments are made not in the spirit unkindness but? in sincerity before God. Perhaps someone, Gentle reader, reading this artical might see the error of "religion" as to the Person and work of our blessed Lord, and recognize the futility and emptiness of "religion" as seen in Christendom. And, with this information, perhaps he or she will accept what the Scriptures declare about The Lord Jesus Christ – Who He is and What He did and Where He is now and What He is doing and What He is going to do.

John 20:31 clearly reveals that the purpose of The Word of God is to direct sinners as to how to be saved. He further tells us there plainly that it is by "believing" – not by doing, not by understanding, but by trusting in the living Lord Jesus Christ. A father instructed his 6 year son and taught him what "being saved" was all about. When the boys mother got home, that father proudly said "Tell your mother how you can be saved" And the little chap said "Monnie you have to behave" "Oh no son," the father said correcting him "it's not behave it's believe!" "It's not behave mother, it's believe!" And it dawned on the mother that all this time she was trying to convince God that she was trying to behave. In John 10:10, He said, "I am come that they may have life." I John 5:11,12 states, "He that hath The Son hath life, and he that hath not The Son hath not life."

Eternal life does not depend on your attitude toward men (this is the message of the world’s religions and those who want you to have a certain philosophy. What of salvation’s being dependent on one’s attitude toward his/her fellow man? The Word of God indicates otherwise. The Word clearly declares that eternal salvation depends on a person’s relationship to The Lord Jesus Christ. Not to a Bethlehem Babe – not even the Christ on a crucifix – but The RISEN, ASCENDED, GLORIFIED, COMING LORD.

Gentle reader, if you read these few thoughts, do you know Him? Is that The Jesus Christ that you know? Have you trusted that One? Are you longing and waiting for Him, or do you worship or recognize only a Jesus myth? It is my t prayer that God, The Holy Spirit, might grant you the spiritual discernment concerning the subtleties of the world’s religions as they relate to the Jesus who is a myth. That Jesus does not exist!

I would encourage you that you, by faith, (Forsaking All I Take Him) would lift your heart and eyes, and see that One Who is exalted and glorified, and Who is worthy of all trust, praise, and adoration, instead of calling attention to the little baby Jesus. As the words of that great hymn declare, "ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME. LET ANGELS PROSTRATE FALL. Bring forth the royal diadem and crown HIM LORD OF ALL."

That is why I tell over and over,  Gentle Reader, You are accepted, you are valued and you are loved- by God and by me!