Gilbert Greg - Who Is Jesus?

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Jesus asked his disciples, Who do you say I am? Its a question each of us must answer. In a wonderfully readable and succinct manner, Greg Gilbert mines the pages of Scripture to consider the truth of Christs claims about himself. This is essential reading for the Christian and the seeker.

Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family

Gregs greatest asset is his ability to make profound things simple. As his book What Is the Gospel? helps us distinguish the true gospel from the false, so Who Is Jesus? helps us distinguish Christ as he presents himself from how we have remade him.

J. D. Greear, Lead Pastor, The Summit Church, Durham,
North Carolina; author, Jesus, Continued... Why the Spirit Inside You Is Better than Jesus Beside You

There is no more important question in the cosmos than, who is Jesus? Greg Gilbert, with brilliant mind and pastoral heart, unpacks that question step by step with both insight and accessibility. Whether youre a skeptic looking into these things for the first time or a long-time believer, this book will drive you right to where we all need to go: to the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Russell D. Moore, President, The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission; author, Tempted and Tried

Clearly Christian, but more than polite and respectful to the skeptic, this book helps you consider Jesus carefully. Gilbert throws fresh light upon familiar scenes, joining facts with their significance. It is artful, yet plain and full of beautiful biblical theology. Here is an invitation to you the reader to come to know Jesus yourself.

Mark Dever, Pastor, Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington, DC; President, 9Marks

This book does two things at once. It credibly places Jesus in the context of his own times, and shows why he cannot responsibly be left there. It is for those who have never thought about Jesus as well as those who think they know him all too well.

Timothy George, Founding Dean, Beeson Divinity School;
general editor, Reformation Commentary on Scripture

The two most important questions for anyone to answer concerning Jesus the Christ are: Who exactly is he? And how do I relate properly to him? Gilbert addresses these questions effectively in this important book. From the moment at Caesarea Philippi when Jesus asked his disciples about the opinions concerning his identity until now, no other question has had such eternal consequences. This perceptive volume is written with the touch of the Spirit of God in revealing Jesus the Christ.

Paige Patterson, President, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

This little book will be a great tool for introducing people, including the athletes I coach, to the most amazing person who ever lived.

Coach Ron Brown, University of Nebraska Cornhuskers

I am always looking for a short and clear book on the life of Jesus that I can put into the hands of someone wanting to truly know who he is and what he did. I now have it in Who Is Jesus? Greg Gilbert is right: The story of Jesus is not the story of a good man. It is the story of a Claimant to the Throne. Consider the evidence presented in this work and see where it takes you.

Daniel L. Akin, President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Who Is

Jesus?

Greg Gilbert

Who Is Jesus?

Copyright 2015 by Gregory D. Gilbert

Published by Crossway
1300 Crescent Street
Wheaton, Illinois 60187

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher, except as provided for by USA copyright law.

Cover design: Matthew Wahl

First printing 2015

Printed in the United States of America

Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. 2011 Text Edition. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

All emphases in Scripture quotations have been added by the author.

Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1-4335-4350-0
ePub ISBN: 978-1-4335-4353-1
PDF ISBN: 978-1-4335-4351-7
Mobipocket ISBN: 978-1-4335-4352-4

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Gilbert, Greg, 1977

Who is Jesus? / Greg Gilbert.

1 online resource. (9Marks books)

Includes bibliographical references.

Description based on print version record and CIP data provided by publisher; resource not viewed.

ISBN 978-1-4335-4351-7 (pdf) ISBN 978-1-4335-4352-4 (mobi) ISBN 978-1-4335-4353-1 (epub) ISBN 978-1-4335-4350-0 (tp)

1. Jesus ChristPerson and offices. I. Title.

BT203

232dc23 2014036216

Crossway is a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

To Justin, Jack, and Juliet

Have you ever mistaken a person for someone else? I remember being at a party with my best friend in high school. We had just arrived when we saw our friend Nicole standing in the corner having a good time. We had spent time with Nicole and her pregnant friend the day before, so we decided to walk over and greet them. My best friend said hey to Nicole, rubbed her friends belly with a kind smile, and thoughtfully asked, Hows the baby? The only problem was that this was a different friend. And she wasnt in the least bit pregnant. Man, was I glad I didnt speak up first.

It can be embarrassing and humorous to make mistakes about other peoples identities. You risk looking dumb and offending others, so its best to be sure before you speak up.

The book you hold in your hands is about recognizing someone elses identity, but the stakes are much higher. When we talk about Jesus, were in a totally different category than recognizing old friends or acquaintances. When were mistaken about Jesuss identity, its more than embarrassingits tragic.

This is why Greg Gilbert states from the outset that the title of this book, Who Is Jesus?, is the most important question well ever ask. That may sound ridiculous to seekers, skeptics, and maybe even some Christians, but if you keep reading, you will see why its such a vital question. Sure, were not going to run into the Prince of Peace on the street or at a party, so its not about putting a name with a face. Its about responding to him with the honor and trust that he deserves.

For example, Greg writes, Once you begin to understand that Jesus is in fact God, and that he is in a unique and exclusive relationship with God the Father, you also begin to understand that if you want to know the God who created you, then you need to know Jesus. Theres just no other way.

If Jesus was just another guy, then knowing him makes no difference. But if Jesus is the Son of God and the only Savior of the world, then knowing him makes all the difference.

Too often weve mistaken Jesus for just another man. Or just another good teacher. Or just another prophet. But none of those descriptions is enough. So in this important little book, Greg helps us to think rightly about who Jesus actually is.