(Angels 3) The Enigmatic Son of Man: A Bridge Between Heaven and Earth

It's noteworthy that the Apostles rarely referred to Jesus as the Son of Man. Instead, it was Jesus Himself who frequently used this title to describe His identity (Matthew 8:20, Luke 19:10). This distinction is crucial, as the title Son of Man carries a specific significance.

In John 1:51, Jesus declares that angels will ascend and descend upon the Son of Man, emphasizing His unique role as the bridge between Heaven and earth. This title, Son of Man, is distinct from Son of God, although both refer to Jesus. The Son of Man represents Jesus' humanity and His role as the representative of humanity, whereas the Son of God signifies His divinity.

This dichotomy is reminiscent of Jacob's words in Genesis 49:1-2, where he addresses his sons as the sons of Jacob, the supplanter, yet refers to himself as Israel, the one who wrestled with God and humanity. Similarly, Jesus, as the Son of Man and Son of God, embodies both human and divine aspects, united in one body yet distinct in their roles.

This nuanced understanding highlights the complexity of Jesus' nature and His mediatorial role between God and humanity. As the Son of Man, He identifies with humanity; as the Son of God, He represents divinity. This paradox is at the heart of Christian theology, revealing Jesus Christ as the ultimate reconciler of heavenly and earthly realms. 

For emphasis, I repeat. The titles "Son of Man" and "Son of God" are both used in reference to Jesus, but they convey different aspects of his identity and mission:

Son of Man: This title primarily highlights Jesus' role as a representative of humanity and his messianic role as prophesied in the Old Testament, particularly in the vision of Daniel 7:13-14. It emphasizes his earthly ministry, his suffering, and his role as the judge during the Second Coming.

Son of God: This title reflects Jesus' divine nature and his relationship with God the Father. It signifies his pre-existence, his unique status as the second person of the Trinity, and his authority over creation. While it also implies obedience to God, it is more directly associated with his deity.

Both titles have elements that refer to Jesus' deity and humanity, but they emphasize different facets of who Jesus is and what he came to do. The "Son of Man" is often seen as a title that underscores Jesus' connection to humanity and his fulfillment of the messianic prophecies, while "Son of God" underscores his divine origin and authority. 

In this context, angels ascend and descend upon the Son of Man, who represents humanity, in service to the Son of God, who embodies divinity. While the Son of God is the one who sends and receives angelic messengers, the Son of Man serves as the Head of the Church, uniting both human and spiritual aspects.

Jesus' own words in John 3:13 support this perspective, as He tells Nicodemus that no one has ascended into Heaven except the One who descended from Heaven - the Son of Man who is in Heaven. Note the paradoxical statement: "the Son of Man who is in Heaven." This mystery is reminiscent of a ladder, with Jesus' feet on earth and His head in the open Heaven.

This unique position allows Jesus to be accessible to both heavenly and earthly realms. Those in Heaven can see, touch, and feel Him, while those on earth can access Him in the same way. Even in the spiritual realm, where evil spirits reside, Jesus is present, His presence permeating all dimensions.

This understanding highlights Jesus' omnipresence, transcending spatial limitations. As the Son of Man and Son of God, He bridges the gap between humanity and divinity, making Himself accessible to all creation. This profound mystery is at the heart of Christian theology, revealing Jesus Christ as the ultimate connector of heavenly and earthly realms.

 

This leads us to the crucial distinction between blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, considered the unforgivable sin, and blasphemy against the Son of Man, which can be forgiven, (Matthew 12:32). While both forms of blasphemy are serious offenses, they differ in their targets and implications.

Blasphemy against the Son of Man is comparable to insulting a fellow believer or any human being, hurting their dignity and worth. However, blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a grave offense, as it directly insults God Himself, including the Son of God in His divine capacity, distinct from the Son of Man.

In this context, the Son of God represents God's divine nature, while the Son of Man embodies His human aspect. Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a deliberate rejection of God's power, wisdom, and love, manifest in the Person of the Holy Spirit. This sin is unforgivable because it represents a conscious refusal to acknowledge God's sovereignty and grace.

In contrast, blasphemy against the Son of Man, though serious, can be forgiven because it is a offense against Jesus' human nature, which He shared with humanity. This forgiveness is possible through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, who reconciles humanity to God. The distinction between these two forms of blasphemy highlights the complexity of Jesus' nature and the gravity of rejecting God's divine grace.

Don't be deceived, it's challenging to distinguish between blaspheming the Son of Man and the Son of God, so the safest approach is to avoid blasphemous language altogether. By doing so, you'll avoid the risk of unintentionally offending God and show reverence for the complex nature of Jesus Christ, who is both fully human and fully divine.

Considered from a different perspective, blasphemy against the Son of Man can be forgiven because Jesus, as our intercessor, can plead for humanity's forgiveness and extend forgiveness Himself (1 Timothy 2:5, Luke 23:34). In contrast, the Holy Spirit, while interceding for believers (Romans 8:26-27), is not authorized to forgive sins. This distinction raises a critical question: if you offend the One who intercedes for you, who will plead your case? How can you expect forgiveness when the Intercessor Himself becomes the Judge?

In the Godhead, only the Son of Man (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit are designated intercessors. God the Father, as the highest authority, does not intercede for anyone. This means that when you blaspheme the Godhead, your situation becomes dire. However, if you blaspheme the Son of Man, the Holy Spirit can still intercede for you if you repent and seek forgiveness. But blaspheming the Son of God (the Holy Spirit) leaves no room for intercession, making forgiveness impossible. This nuance highlights the gravity of blaspheming the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of reverence and humility in our relationship with the Trinity. 

Some individuals suggest that Jesus Christ was the Son of Man during His earthly life, but now He is no longer the Son of Man, having become God. This perspective has merit, as Jesus was referred to as both the Son of God and the Son of Man to help us understand Him within our human context.

However, the term "Son of Man" has its roots in the Book of Daniel, where a fourth man, resembling the Son of Man, appeared with the three Hebrew young men in the fiery furnace. This term may have originated in the Garden of Eden, where God sacrificed the first creature to clothe Adam and Eve, foreshadowing the "Lamb sacrificed from the foundation of the world" (Revelation 13:8).

Additionally, God's command to Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, his son, may also be connected to this concept. This theme is explored in depth in Jaison Ndlovu's book, "Mystery of Baptism and Communion Service". The declaration to Solomon, David's son, in 2 Samuel 7:13-14, reinforces this idea, where God promises to be a father to Solomon, and Solomon will be a son to Him.

Crucially, after His resurrection, Jesus Christ retained an incorruptible human body, which He ascended to heaven with. He remains the only heavenly citizen with a human body, albeit transformed. When He returns, He will come as He left, and we will be transformed to be like Him in an instant.

And so, Jesus Christ is simultaneously the Son of Man and the Son of God, with all the accompanying heavenly titles. His nature encompasses both humanity and divinity, a paradox that underscores His unique role as our Savior and Intercessor.

If the Son of Man could simultaneously exist on Earth and in Heaven, as Jesus affirmed in John 3:13, it's logical to assume that He continues to be both in Heaven and on Earth even now. This paradox is a testament to His omnipotence, much like the ladder in Jacob's dream, which bridged the earthly and heavenly realms (Genesis 28:12). The ladder's top reached the Heaven, signifying the dwelling place of the Most High God, distinct from the lower heavens (Genesis 1:1, Psalm 136:5).

In this context, Jesus Christ transcends spatial limitations, being present on Earth through the heavens and ultimately in Heaven, beyond the third heaven that Paul visited (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). This understanding resonates with Jesus' declaration that He would be with us always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).

Just as the ladder in Jacob's dream connected the earthly and heavenly realms, Jesus Christ serves as our connection to the divine, reconciling humanity to God. His omnipotence enables Him to span the vast expanse between Heaven and Earth, making Him the sole Mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).

And so, Jesus Christ's presence permeates all realms, from Earth to Heaven, embodying the unity and transcendence that defines the Godhead.