The Divinity of Christ as the First and the Last
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III presents the proof of the divinity of Jesus Christ through the title “the First and the Last”, which belongs to God alone. Christ used this same title for Himself, proving His unity of essence with the Father. The lecture moves through Scriptural evidence, then through attributes such as the Holy One, the Good One, and Christ’s acceptance of worship. It also emphasizes the unique Sonship of Christ, distinct from all human sonship, and finally explains the title Son of Man from both its redemptive and divine aspects.
Summary Points
- Christ is the First and the Last
- The title “First and Last” is exclusively divine in the Old Testament.
- In Revelation Christ declares Himself the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last.
- This identity shared between God and Christ confirms that they are one in essence.
- Christ is Holy and Good
- Scripture states that only God is holy and good, and all humans have sinned.
- Yet Christ is called the Holy One and the Righteous One, confirming His divinity.
- Christ Accepted Worship
- Christ accepted worship connected to faith and miracles, not human respect.
- He also required prayer to be offered in His Name, promising: “I will do it.”
- The Unique Sonship of Christ
- Humans are sons of God by faith, love, or adoption, yet still called servants.
- Christ alone is the Son from the essence and nature of the Father, eternal before all ages.
- The Father’s testimony at the Baptism and Transfiguration confirms this.
- The Jews understood this sonship as equality with God.
- The Title “Son of Man”
- Christ used the title because He bore human sin and died on behalf of mankind.
- He also used it in divine contexts:
- Being in heaven and on earth simultaneously.
- Forgiving sins.
- Executing judgment and coming in glory.
- Sending angels and owning the Kingdom.
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