What is a biblical response to someone who says, “My Jesus . . .”?

Answer

Some individuals refer to the Lord using a possessive pronoun: “My Jesus,” they say. This phrasing might simply express confidence that they belong to Him and He belongs to them. In such instances, there is nothing incorrect about saying, “My Jesus,” if the speaker is genuinely saved. As God’s children, we can rightfully declare that He is our Shepherd, our Lord, our Redeemer, and so on. (Psalm 23:1;Psalm 110:1;Psalm 19:14).

The apostle Paul refers to “my God” who will meet the needs of believers «But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. », (Philippians 4:19). Some of the great hymns of the faith also express the wonderful relationship that we have with Christ using terms of possession: “Blessed Assurance,” for instance, starts with these words: “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!” The hymn “My Jesus, I Love Thee” conveys a similar sentiment: “My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine.”

However, often when someone says, “My Jesus,” they then proceed to attribute words to Jesus or assign to Him an assumed attitude to bolster an unbiblical concept. Examples are plentiful: “My Jesus doesn’t condemn people for who they love” (used to advocate for homosexuality) or “My Jesus would never send someone to hell” (used to advocate for universalism).

Constructing a biblical response to any assertion that commences with “my Jesus” would necessitate confirming whether the statement aligns with the Bible. If, for instance, “your” Jesus would never consign someone to hell, then what should we do with vers

Does it seem right to have different versions of Jesus, like Matthew 25:41, where Jesus sends some individuals to “eternal fire”? There is only one genuine, biblical Jesus. There is no alternate Jesus from the one depicted in the Bible, just as there is no different gospel (Galatians 1:6-7). Referring to “my” Jesus versus “your” Jesus in this manner is not in line with the Bible.

It is simple to assert things on behalf of someone who is absent; however, merely stating something does not make it true. For instance, a child might inform the babysitter that his parents always allow him to stay up late and eat cookies, but the child’s assertion may not be accurate. It is preferable to let the parents speak for themselves in that situation. Similarly, an individual might fabricate details about what Jesus would do to make a point or justify an action or lifestyle. It is better to let Jesus speak for Himself (in the Bible).

When someone says, “My Jesus does/doesn’t (fill in the blank),” they are essentially referring to “Jesus as I comprehend Him” or “Jesus as I believe He should be.” However, one’s perception of Jesus may be flawed, and the true Jesus is not obligated to match our notion of what is ideal. This is why the validity of any statement starting with “my Jesus” should be confirmed using the Bible. It is the Scriptures that bear witness to who Christ is « Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. », (John 5:39). Even if a specific topic or issue is not explicitly addressed in the Bible, we can utilize the character of Christ revealed in the Bible and the complete counsel of Scripture to tackle any concern. If an individual’s assertion about what Jesus would do contradicts Scripture, a biblical approach would be to lovingly discuss the truth with that individual «but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: », (Ephesians 4:15). If the person clings to their unbiblical claim about what Jesus would do, say, or think, it is best to pray for God to work in that individual’s heart to see the truth.

Not everyone who claims Jesus truly belongs to Him. Jesus Himself said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven” « Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. », (Matthew 7:21). Regrettably, there are false believers who profess Jesus but have no genuine connection with Him. The individual who truly knows God, as revealed in Christ, will be with Him for eternity (Matthew 7:21;John 6:40). That individual can confidently and joyfully declare, “Jesus is mine.” And that person should only make assertions about “my Jesus” that align with the authentic Jesus of the Bible.