Jesus Christ is come in the flesh

With these words, "Jesus Christ is come in the flesh," the apostle John, (see 1 John 4:1-3), provides us with the proof test for determining who is truly from God and who is, instead, a false teacher or false prophet. The proclamation at verse two, from the KJV translation of the King's Book, makes this very clear: "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God." If we take the time to look at this verse in other English translations, we will find that most, if not all of them, will quote the confession as: "Jesus Christ has come in the flesh." The KJV text says: "is come." Most other translations say: "has come." We have a conflict of grammar (see post of January 30, 2010), that can be confusing; and if not properly understood, it can be very dangerous to our spiritual well being. Grammar is related to a time line. In the English language, we generally think in terms of: past, present and future. A number of the contemporary English translations, of the King's Book, will state (in their introductions), that they are grammatically correct. Thus, to say that "Jesus Christ has come in the flesh," is grammatically correct, and places the event of His coming in the proper historical context. But, is this theologically correct? I have personally encountered a false teaching regarding Jesus Christ and His coming, that would not be negated by the confession: "has come in the flesh." The essentials of that false teaching are: 1. The Christ spirit merged with the man Jesus, and empowered him, during his ministry. 2. At the cross, the Christ spirit departed from Jesus, and only the man Jesus died on the cross. Thus, to say that Jesus has come would allow for this false teaching. On the other hand, to say that: "Jesus Christ is come in the flesh," would negate the false teaching and the confession could not be made by a false teacher. To confess that "Jesus Christ is come in the flesh," although not grammatically correct, correctly states the truth that Jesus Christ, continues to be fully God and fully man; and thus, at the cross, He was able to make the sacrifice that would pay the price for all of our sins. If he was only a man, then we are still dead in our sins. But, thanks be to God, for: "Jesus Christ is come in the flesh." Until next time, my beloved brethren, I continue to be:

Your servant and fellow pilgrim,
Elder Theophilus