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Friday 19 January 2018

Who is the Son of Man? Do you believe in Him?

Who is the Son of Man? Enoch described the Son of Man in the Parables section of the Book of Enoch: Similar in appearance to the description of God the Ancient of Days with white hair and shining but the Son of Man is by that very title described as human. Another few appearances of this person in history are described in scriptures too. Four such appearances are described in a very similar fashion. First of two described by Daniel is in Daniel 7 and then another is in Daniel 10. Daniel 7 (verses 13-14) matches closely Enoch's vision of the Som of Man and the Ancient of Days (sometimes translated Head of Days). The Daniel 10 appearance better matches descriptions in New Testament scriptures clearly linking this person to Jesus Christ. First there is the Apostle Paul (then named Saul) on the Damascus road. It is similar in that this person was seen most fully by only one recipent while others nearby were stunned or in terror by the little they did see. Then there is the vision of Him given to John in Revelation (1:13ff) who describes it deliberately following almost exactly the format of description by Daniel 10. Here is Enoch's description of the Son of Man that Daniel 7 matches closely:
Book of Enoch 43 "There I beheld the Ancient of days, whose head was like white wool, and with him another, whose countenance resembled that of man. His countenance was full of grace, like that of one of the holy angels. Then I inquired of one of the angels, who went with me, and who showed me every secret thing, concerning this Son of man; who he was; whence he was; and why he accompanied the Ancient of days. He answered and said to me, This is the Son of man, to whom righteousness belongs; with whom righteousness has dwelt; and who will reveal all the treasures of that which is concealed: for the Lord of spirits has chosen him; and his portion has surpassed all before the Lord of spirits in everlasting uprightness."
Here is Daniel's deacription in Daniel 7
Daniel 7v9-10 “As I looked thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened." v13-14: “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man,coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed."
Here in Daniel 10
Daniel 10v5-7 "I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like topaz, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude. I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; those who were with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves."
Then here in Revelation chapter 1
Revelation 1v12-16 "I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance."
And here is Paul's vision that converted him to Christ
(Acts 9:3-9) 3As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

5“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

7The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

So as Jesus once asked: Do you believe in the Son of Man?