Is One like a Son of Man present? 1. Terminology and Background The phrase “One like a Son of Man” appears most famously in the book of Daniel. In Daniel’s vision, “I continued to watch in the night visions, and I saw One like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence” (Daniel 7:13). This designation highlights a figure who possesses both human and divine attributes, approaching God’s throne and receiving glory and authority. The term appears throughout Scripture, carrying connotations of humanity, messianic identity, and divine sovereignty. The combination of these meanings invites a closer study of who this “Son of Man” is, whether He is indeed present now, and the significance of His role. 2. Old Testament Foundations Daniel 7:13–14 presents a key foundation: “He was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all peoples, nations, and men of every language worshiped Him.” This description transcends an ordinary human figure because worship is ascribed to Him. In Hebrew thought, worship belongs solely to God. Other foreshadowing of a messianic and divine figure appears in Isaiah’s prophecies of an everlasting King (Isaiah 9:6–7) and in Micah’s announcement that a ruler would come from Bethlehem “whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity” (Micah 5:2). Together, these verses depict a messianic hope of an exalted but tangible representative of humanity and God’s eternal plan. 3. New Testament Revelation In the Gospels, the title “Son of Man” surfaces repeatedly in connection with Jesus. In Mark 14:61–62, when the high priest asked if He was the Messiah, Jesus responded, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven.” This direct allusion to Daniel’s vision shows that Jesus identified Himself as that prophesied figure. The same title occurs in passages such as Luke 21:27: “At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Additionally, the book of Revelation emphasizes this imagery: “In the midst of the lampstands was One like a son of man, dressed in a long robe…” (Revelation 1:13). The repetition signals the consistent understanding that Jesus is the fulfillment of Daniel’s Son of Man vision. 4. Significance of “Like a Son of Man” Identifying Jesus with the “Son of Man” underscores both His humanity and deity. The Gospels often emphasize His human experiences—hunger, tiredness, sorrow—yet also reveal His divine nature: He forgives sins (Mark 2:10), calms storms (Mark 4:39), and is worshiped by His followers (Matthew 14:33). The bond between the divine and human aspects in Jesus is central to His role as Messiah and Savior. By taking on human form, He represents all people before God, offering a perfect life in place of human sin. At the same time, being the “One like a Son of Man” also indicates His authority to judge, reign, and receive worship (John 5:26–27). 5. Present Work and Reign Scripture affirms that Jesus, the Son of Man, remains active and present. After His resurrection, He ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9–11), yet promised, “And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Although physically in heaven, His presence continues through the Holy Spirit (John 14:16–17). The earliest believers recognized this ongoing work. Stephen, just before his death, testified: “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:56). This vision reveals that Jesus is not detached or absent but actively reigning, interceding, and sustaining His people (Romans 8:34). 6. Historical and Manuscript Support Numerous early manuscripts—including parts of Daniel found among the Dead Sea Scrolls—attest to the consistency of Daniel’s prophetic writings. These ancient scrolls align closely with the text used today, demonstrating careful transmission over centuries. The New Testament accounts referencing the “Son of Man” also benefit from a wealth of manuscript evidence. Thousands of early Greek manuscripts, along with translations and citations from early church writers, provide robust testimony to the reliability of the Gospels and epistles. Beyond textual witnesses, first-century historians such as Josephus and Tacitus mention Jesus, corroborating key aspects of His life and execution. Archaeological finds in Israel, including early places of worship and inscriptions, lend further context to the historical events described in Scripture. 7. Creation and Cosmic Dominion This “Son of Man” is also central to understanding creation itself. John 1:3 states, “Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.” The synergy between the Old Testament genealogies (Genesis 5, 11; 1 Chronicles 1) and the genealogy of Jesus (Luke 3:23–38) underscores a timeline that traces humanity’s origins back to the first man, Adam. Supporters of a young earth perspective point to geological formations—such as folded rock layers, fossils with very short windows of preservation, and phenomena consistent with a global Flood (Genesis 6–9)—to argue that these discoveries align with Scripture’s historical account. From this vantage, the “Son of Man” reigns supreme over all creation, signifying that the Creator and Redeemer are one and the same. 8. Implications for Believers and Non-Believers If Jesus is indeed the One like a Son of Man, then His presence carries profound implications. For those who embrace Him, there is the promise of redemption and eternal life (John 3:16). His authority as both divine King and sympathetic High Priest (Hebrews 4:15) assures believers of His power to save and His willingness to understand human frailty. For those uncertain or skeptical, Scripture presents a call to examine both the historical evidence and the textual consistency. The claim that Jesus rose bodily from the grave—central to affirming His identity—rests on multiple early accounts, post-resurrection appearances, and the transformative effect on the first disciples, who were willing to face hardship and martyrdom. 9. Conclusion From Daniel’s visions to first-century Gospel records and beyond, the answer to the question “Is One like a Son of Man present?” is a resounding affirmation. The same One described in Daniel holds universal authority, appears in the Gospels as Jesus, and remains active today. He is not distant. Rather, He is central to Scripture’s testimony of creation, salvation, and future restoration. Those who seek Him can find comfort in His ongoing presence, and all are invited to consider the historical and textual foundations that attest to His reality and reign. As Revelation 1:17 says, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last,” revealing that this “Son of Man” stands forever, inviting each person to draw near and acknowledge His lordship. |
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