8402 claims

The assertion of rights and recognition due. God as Creator and Redeemer makes claims on his world and on his people. The claims of Jesus Christ about himself as God and Messiah call for a response. In human relationships, too, claims are made by individuals about themselves and, as a result, on others.

The basis for God’s claims

God’s ownership of the world Ps 24:1-2 See also Dt 10:14; Job 41:11; Ps 47:9; Ps 89:11; Eze 18:4

God owns his people as Creator Dt 32:6; Isa 43:6-7,15

God owns his people as Redeemer 1Co 6:19-20 See also Ex 20:2-3 pp Dt 5:6-7; Lev 25:55; Isa 43:1; Ro 14:8

The priority of God’s claims

God’s claim to first place Mt 6:33 pp Lk 12:31

God’s claim on the firstborn See also Ex 13:2; Ex 34:19; Lev 27:26; Nu 3:13; Ne 10:36

God’s claim to the firstfruits Dt 26:1-2; Ne 10:35; Pr 3:9

God’s claim to the tithe Lev 27:30; Mal 3:8-10

Acknowledging God’s claims on human life

Wholehearted devotion to God Dt 6:4-5 See also Mt 22:37 pp Mk 12:30

Obedience to God’s law Lev 18:4-5 See also Lev 19:37; Lev 22:31; Eze 20:19

The call to holiness Lev 11:45 See also Lev 19:2; Lev 20:7,26; 1Pe 1:15-16

Honouring God’s name Lev 19:12; Lev 22:32-33

Observing the Sabbath Lev 19:3,30; Lev 26:2; Eze 20:20

Not worshipping idols Lev 19:4; Lev 26:1; Jdg 6:10; Isa 42:8

The claims of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ’s claim to fulfil the OT Mt 5:17 See also Lk 4:17-21; Lk 24:27; Jn 5:39

Jesus’claim to be the Messiah Lk 23:2 See also Mt 23:10; Mk 9:41; Lk 22:67; Jn 4:25-26

Jesus Christ’s claim to be king of the Jews Mt 27:11 pp Mk 15:2 pp Lk 23:3; Jn 19:12,21

Jesus Christ’s claim to divinity Jn 10:33; Jn 19:7 See also Mt 26:63-64 pp Mk 14:61-62 pp Lk 22:70; Mt 27:43; Mk 2:7 pp Lk 5:21 Forgiveness of sin was recognised as the prerogative of God alone. Jesus Christ’s claim to forgive sin is thus a claim to be God; Jn 10:30; Jn 14:9

Jesus Christ’s claim to universal lordship Mt 28:18 See also Mt 25:31-32; Lk 22:69; Jn 17:2

The “I am” claims of Jesus Christ Jn 8:58 See also Jn 6:35 the bread of life; Jn 8:12 the light of the world; Jn 10:7 the gate for the sheep; Jn 10:11 the good shepherd; Jn 11:25 the resurrection and the life; Jn 14:6 the way and the truth and the life; Jn 15:1 the true vine

The need to acknowledge Jesus Christ’s claims Jn 8:24-30 See also Jn 14:11

Human claims

Those making claims about themselves Ps 73:9 the proud boasting of the wicked; Jer 23:34 false prophets claim to speak God’s word; Mt 24:5 pp Mk 13:6 pp Lk 21:8 false Christs; Ac 5:36 Theudas; Ac 8:9 Simon the sorcerer claimed to be someone great; Ro 1:22 idolaters claim to be wise; Jude 16 false teachers in the church; Rev 2:2 false apostles

Claims must be verified by actions Jas 2:14 See also Pr 20:6; Tit 1:16; 1Jn 1:6; 1Jn 2:6,9

Making claims on others 2Sa 15:3 grievances brought for judgment; 2Sa 19:43 Israel’s claim on David as their king; Ne 2:20 Nehemiah’s enemies have no claim on Jerusalem.

Claims made about others Ps 35:20 false accusations made against the righteous; Mt 5:11 pp Lk 6:22 Believers will be slandered by their enemies; Lk 11:18-20 pp Mt 12:26-28 The Jews claim that Jesus Christ’s powers are demonic; Ro 3:8 slanderous claims made against Paul

See also