Christology :- The WORK OF CHRIST part 5

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Christology :- The WORK OF CHRIST part 5

Biblical Doctrine: The Work of Christ The doctrine of the work of Christ is traditionally organized by the offices he fulfilled and the stages of his work.

The Offices of Christ

Christ perfectly fulfilled the OT offices of prophet, priest, and king.

These offices or roles in the OT reveal aspects of God’s word, presence, and power.

The anointing and em powering of the Holy Spirit and favor of God was essential if these offices were to truly represent God.

OT prophets, priests, and kings foreshadowed the Messiah who would one day ultimately and definitively be manifest as God’s Son and Word, bringing access to God’s presence and in augurating the kingdom of God.

The Offices of Christ

A. He first served on earth as a Prophet Deuteronomy 18:15; John 1:21,25,45; Acts 3:22

Deuteronomy 18:15 KJV 1900

The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;

John 1:21 KJV 1900

And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

John 1:25 KJV 1900

And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?

John 1:45 KJV 1900

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

Acts 3:22 KJV 1900

For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

B. He today serves in Heaven as our High Priest Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 8:1; Psalms 110:4

Hebrews 4:15 KJV 1900

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 8:1 KJV 1900

Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;

Psalm 110:4 KJV 1900

The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.

C. He someday will come back to the earth and be King Hebrews 1:8, Rev 11:15; Rev 20:6 This Kingdom will then continue on into eternity and will have no end.

Hebrews 1:8 KJV 1900

But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.

Revelation 11:15 KJV 1900

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Revelation 20:6 KJV 1900

Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

“Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:7)

Isaiah 9:7 KJV 1900

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, To order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice From henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Psalm 110:4 KJV 1900

The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.

The Prophetic Work of Christ

A true prophet of God proclaims God’s word to people.

God promised Moses that he would raise up a messianic prophet who would authoritatively speak for him: “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers.

And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.

And who ever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him” (Deut. 18:18–19).

Deuteronomy 18:18–19 KJV 1900

I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.

Those in Jesus’ day expected the Messiah to fulfill the prophetic role the OT foretold.

As the author of Hebrews tells us, Jesus’ prophetic ministry brought all that pre vious prophets of God had proclaimed to a definitive culmination: “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world” (Heb. 1:1–2).

Hebrews 1:1–2 KJV 1900

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

Jesus equated his own words with the authoritative words of the Hebrew Scriptures, show ing that he knew his words were the very words of God.

He recognized the unchanging authority of the Mosaic law (Matt. 5:18) and gave his teaching the same weight: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Matt. 24:35).

Matthew 5:18 KJV 1900

For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Matthew 24:35 KJV 1900

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Because Jesus’ words are the very words of God, they are divinely authoritative, eternal, and unchangeable.

Jesus’ prophetic authority is vastly superior to that of any other prophet because he speaks God’s words as God.

The divine authority of his words is based on his identity as God incarnate.

He proclaimed God’s truth as the One who is the Truth (John 14:6).

John 14:6 KJV 1900

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

His word is the ultimate Word.

implications of the prophetic office of christ

Since Jesus Christ is the true and perfect prophet, he is the ultimate source of truth about God, ourselves, the meaning of life, the future, right and wrong, salvation, and heaven and hell.

The voice of Jesus in the Word of God should be eagerly sought and obeyed without reservation or delay.

Even though Jesus perfectly fulfills the office of prophet, God’s plan is for the church to represent him with its own ongoing prophetic voice, proclaiming truth into the world.

Paul certainly saw his own ministry as speaking for God: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.

We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20).

2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV 1900

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

The Priestly Work of Christ While a prophet speaks God’s words to the people, a priest represents the people before God and represents God before the people.

He is a man who stands in the pres ence of God as a mediator (Heb. 5:1).

Hebrews 5:1 KJV 1900

For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:

The priestly work of Christ involves both atonement and intercession.

the atonement of christ

The atonement is central to God’s work in the history of salvation (1 Cor. 15:4).

1 Corinthians 15:4 KJV 1900

And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Atonement is the making of en emies into friends by averting the punishment that their sin would otherwise incur. Sinners in rebellion against God need a representative to offer sacrifice on their be half if they are to be reconciled to God.

Jesus’ righteous life and atoning death on behalf of sinners is the only way for fallen man to be restored into right relationship with a holy God.

Even with the extensive requirements for the priest hood in the OT, there was nevertheless a realization that these human priests were unable to make lasting atone ment (Ps. 110:1, 4; cf. Heb. 10:1–4).

Psalm 110:1 KJV 1900

The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Psalm 110:4 KJV 1900

The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 10:1–4 KJV 1900

Jesus alone was able to make an offering sufficient for the eternal forgiveness of sins.

Because Jesus was without sin, he was uniquely able to offer sacrifice without needing atonement for himself. In offering himself as the perfect, spotless Lamb of God, he could actually pay for sins in a way that OT sacrifices could not.

Jesus’ atoning offering was thus eternal, complete, and once for all.

No other sacrifice will ever be needed to pay the price for human sin.

the necessity of the atonement

Jesus died because of human sin, but also in accordance with God’s plan.

The reality of human sin is vividly seen in the envy of the Jewish leaders (Matt. 27:18), Judas’s greed (Matt. 26:14–16), and Pilate’s cowardice (Matt. 27:26).

Matthew 27:18 KJV 1900

For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

Matthew 26:14–16 KJV 1900

Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

Matthew 27:26 KJV 1900

Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

However, Jesus gave his life of his own initiative and cou rageous love: “I am the good shepherd.

The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. . . . For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.

No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.

I have authority to lay it down, and I have au thority to take it up again.

This charge I have received from my Father” (John 10:11, 17–18; cf. Gal. 2:20).

John 10:11 KJV 1900

I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

John 10:17–18 KJV 1900

Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

Galatians 2:20 KJV 1900

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

The Father’s divine initiative also led to Jesus’ atoning work: “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Rom. 8:32; cf. Isa. 53:6, 10; John 3:16).

Romans 8:32 KJV 1900

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

Isaiah 53:6 KJV 1900

All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned every one to his own way; And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:10 KJV 1900

Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, He shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

John 3:16 KJV 1900

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

As in all events of human history, God’s sovereign determina tion works in a way compatible with human decisions The Work of Christ and actions.

Even human sin is woven into God’s divine purposes, as is seen in verses that say Jesus was “delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God” (Acts 2:23), and that “Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel” were gathered together to do “whatever [God’s] hand and [God’s] plan had predestined to take place” (Acts 4:27–28).

Acts 2:23 KJV 1900

Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:

Acts 4:27–28 KJV 1900

For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

Christ came to save sinners in order to accomplish God’s will.

Christ died in accordance with God’s sovereign, free, gracious choice—not because he was in any way compelled to offer salvation to mankind because of something inherent in us.

God did not save fallen angels (2 Pet. 2:4), and he would have been entirely justified in condemning all of fallen humanity to hell; only by reason of his amazing mercy and grace can anyone be saved.

2 Peter 2:4 KJV 1900

For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

Atonement in the Bible is explained with numerous metaphors and images.

The chart below shows the varied images the Bible uses to describe the achievement that is at the heart of the gospel.

Throughout church history, various aspects of the atonement have garnered particular attention.

For in stance, at different times theologians have stressed the ransom imagery, the selfless example of Christ, and the victory of Christ over evil.

These aspects of the atonement, rightly understood, contain true and important insights, but the crux of the atonement is Christ taking the place of sinners and enduring the wrath of God as their substi tute sacrifice.

This is evident in passages like 2 Corinthians 5:21 (“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God”) and Isaiah 53:4–5 (“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.

2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV 1900

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Isaiah 53:4–5 KJV 1900

Surely he hath borne our griefs, And carried our sorrows: Yet we did esteem him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: The chastisement of our peace was upon him; And with his stripes we are healed.

But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed”; cf. Rom. 3:25; Heb. 2:17; 1 John 2:2; 4:10).

Romans 3:25 KJV 1900

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

Hebrews 2:17 KJV 1900

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

1 John 2:2 KJV 1900

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 4:10 KJV 1900

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

The fundamental problem of human sin has been solved in Christ’s dying for sinners who deserved eternal judgment.

Any attempt to diminish the importance of the penal substitution of Christ for us (i.e., the truth that Christ died to pay the penalty for our sins) will diminish God’s holiness and wrath, as well as the heinous depth of human sin.

Christ’s physical suffering on the cross was outweighed by the emotional, psychological, and spiritual anguish of bearing the sin of mankind and having the wrath of the Father poured out on him.

The abandonment and bear ing of God’s wrath that Jesus experienced on the cross is beyond our comprehension.

On account of this merciful, substitutionary sacrifice he will be worshiped for all eter nity by those who are his (Rev. 5:11–12).

Revelation 5:11–12 KJV 1900

And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

While Jesus’ death for sinners was the basis of his atoning work, his life of perfect righteousness in their place was also necessary to win their forgiveness.

He not only died for rebels, he also lived for them (Rom. 5:19; Phil. 3:9).

Romans 5:19 KJV 1900

For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

Philippians 3:9 KJV 1900

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

the intercession of christ

Jesus’ priestly work on the cross atoned for sin once for all.

Grounded in that atoning work, his priestly work of intercession continues now and forevermore on behalf of his people: “Who is to condemn?

Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us” (Rom. 8:34); Christ “is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (Heb. 7:25).

Romans 8:34 KJV 1900

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Hebrews 7:25 KJV 1900

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Jesus is alive and always at work representing and bringing requests for believers before the throne of God, intervening in heaven for them.

He is the Godman who mediates and represents fallen people based on his fully sufficient work on the cross, and his intervention never fails.

Jesus, the sinner’s divine law yer, never loses a case: “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.

But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1).

1 John 2:1 KJV 1900

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

As the people who constitute the church are intended to have a prophetic voice as Christ’s ambassadors, God also intends to use the church in a priestly role to usher people into his presence. Because of Christ’s work, all of God’s people are viewed as priests with priestly access into his presence and with the privilege of representing people be fore God (1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 5:9–10).

1 Peter 2:9 KJV 1900

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Revelation 5:9–10 KJV 1900

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

Prayer, preaching, gospel proclamation, and taking initiative in personal, spiritual ministry are all ways in which God’s people can encourage others to seek and know God and can thereby fulfill their call to represent Christ as a kingdom of priests.

The Kingly Work of Christ

Christ is not only the ultimate prophet and priest, he is also the divine king.

Unlike the kings of Israel who were intended to foreshadow the Messiah, Jesus’ reign as mes sianic King is in no way limited.

He rules over all creation and for all time (Luke 1:31–33; Col. 1:17).

Luke 1:31–33 KJV 1900

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Colossians 1:17 KJV 1900

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

This rule most directly touches believers at present, but one day all peoples will bow to his royal authority (Phil. 2:9–10).

Philippians 2:9–10 KJV 1900

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

In addition to his comprehensive rule, Christ the King also defends, protects, and shepherds his people and will one day judge all the world’s inhabitants—past, present, and future.

Biblical Descriptions of the Atonement Type of Language Biblical Words Human Need

The Result Language of OT sacrifices Blood, lamb, sacrifice

We are guilty We are forgiven Language of personal relationships Reconciliation

We are alienated from God We are brought back into intimate fellowship with God Language of righteous anger at wrongdoing

Propitiation We are under God’s holy wrath God’s wrath is satisfied/quenched Language of the marketplace

Redemption, ransom We are enslaved We are set free Language of the law court Justification

We are condemned We are pardoned and counted as righteous Language of the battlefield Victory, deliverance, rescue We are facing dreadful enemies

We are delivered and are triumphant in Christ God’s people represent their King when they work to see kingdom realities spread in the world.

When they seek social justice—fighting to relieve the plight of the poor, disenfranchised, or unborn—they are working to spread the values of their King.

When they work hard and live as good citizens, they are salt and light in a dark world, ulti mately serving the interest of their King.

One day, when Christ makes all things new, those who are in him will reign with their King: “The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him” (2 Tim. 2:11–12a; cf. Rev. 5:9–10).

2 Timothy 2:11–12a KJV 1900

It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:

Revelation 5:9–10 KJV 1900

Jesus Christ Is The Creator

“All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”

(John 1:3). “Him” is Jesus (see verse John 1: 14).

John 1:3 KJV 1900

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

John 1:14 KJV 1900

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

“But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.” (1 Corinthians 8:6).

1 Corinthians 8:6 KJV 1900

But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

“And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:” ( Ephesians 3:9).

Ephesians 3:9 KJV 1900

And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” (Colossians 1:16).

Colossians 1:16 KJV 1900

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; (Hebrews 1:1-2).

Hebrews 1:1–2 KJV 1900

The Stages of Christ’s Work

There is perhaps no more comprehensive yet concise statement on the work of Christ than Philippians 2:5–11: Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

Philippians 2:5–11 KJV 1900

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

These verses teach the profound humility and eventual exaltation of Christ in the history of salvation.

The key sequence set out here has been described as the 10 stages of Christ’s work, divided into a humiliation phase and an exaltation phase.

The stages are:

(1) preincarnate glory;

(2) incarnation;

(3) earthly life;

(4) crucifixion;

(5) resurrection;

(6) ascension;

(7) sitting at God’s right hand;

(8) second coming;

(9) future reign (some think this will be a millennial reign; see Introduction to Revelation);

(10) eternal glory.

The 10 stages and two phases can be visualized as shown in the diagram, p. 2525.

I)Preincarnate Glory

To truly understand the humility of Christ in becoming a man, one must ponder what he gave up in order to make this possible.

While we know very little about the experience of God before this world’s creation, we do know that he has always existed as one being, the three persons within his being perfectly relating in mutual love and glorification as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (John 1:1; 17:5, 24).

John 1:1 KJV 1900

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 17:5 KJV 1900

And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

John 17:24 KJV 1900

Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

Along with this intra Trinitarian glorification, angelic beings (creatures themselves) unceasingly worship the infinite worth of the triune God.

Jesus consented to surrender this perfect heavenly state so he could represent humanity in his incarnation.

When he took the role of a servant and assumed a human nature in addition to his divine nature (Phil. 2:5–11), his divinity was veiled in his humanity.

Philippians 2:5–11 KJV 1900

He willingly surrendered the continuous heavenly display and acknowledgment of his glorious divine nature.

This amazing humility is taught in 2 Corinthians 8:9: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he become poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”

2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV 1900

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

Only when the glories of heaven are finally revealed will what Jesus temporarily gave up in coming to earth as a man be most fully understood.

What amazing, loving condescension!

The Humiliation of Christ

II) Incarnation

His Incarnation

Incarnation means “to clothe with flesh.”

This is declared plainly in the Scriptures: “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,” (Galatians 4:4).

Galatians 4:4 KJV 1900

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:8)

Philippians 2:8 KJV 1900

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (I Timothy 2:5)

1 Timothy 2:5 KJV 1900

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” (I Timothy 3:16)

1 Timothy 3:16 KJV 1900

And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

This was brought about by the birth of Jesus Christ through a virgin named Mary.

This was prophesied and fulfilled.

“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

Isaiah 7:14 KJV 1900

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, And shall call his name Immanuel.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6).

Isaiah 9:6 KJV 1900

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: And the government shall be upon his shoulder: And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

“And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.” (Luke 1:31)

Luke 1:31 KJV 1900

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

This birth was announced to Joseph by an angel of the Lord (Matthew 1:18-25) and to Mary by the angel Gabriel (Luke 1:26-35) before she ever became with child.

Matthew 1:18–25 KJV 1900

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Luke 1:26–35 KJV 1900

And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

She was a virgin and abstained from sexual relations with Joseph, her espoused husband, until after Christ was born (Matthew 1:25).

Matthew 1:25 KJV 1900

And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

Note: After Jesus was born, Mary had at least 6 children who were fathered by Joseph (Matthew 13:55-56 ; Mark 6:3).

Matthew 13:55–56 KJV 1900

Is not this the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?

Mark 6:3 KJV 1900

Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

She was not a “perpetual virgin” as some religions teach. Read “The Doctrine of Mary” for more on this topic. Jesus’ birth was a miracle with no human father involved! God became flesh: 7 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1,14)

John 1:1 KJV 1900

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:14 KJV 1900

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

“Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:” (Romans 1:3,4)

Romans 1:3 KJV 1900

Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

Romans 1:4 KJV 1900

And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

“For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:” (Romans 8:3)

Romans 8:3 KJV 1900

For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:” (Philippians 2:7)

Philippians 2:7 KJV 1900

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

“Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.” (I John 4:2-3)

1 John 4:2–3 KJV 1900

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh.

This is a deceiver and an antichrist.” (2 John 1:7) A person cannot be right with God and deny the deity or humanity of Christ: “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” (John 8:24)

2 John 7 KJV 1900

For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

John 8:24 KJV 1900

I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

To be saved, a person must acknowledge that Jesus is Lord. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

Romans 10:13 KJV 1900

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

“And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:31)

Acts 16:31 KJV 1900

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

In the incarnation (lit., “in flesh”) Christ took on a full, complete human nature, including a physical body, so that he could truly represent humanity (Phil. 2:6; Heb. 2:17).

Philippians 2:6 KJV 1900

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

Hebrews 2:17 KJV 1900

God the Son chose to come to earth in the most humble way, defying all expectation. His contemporaries saw him as the son of a poor couple, born in a small, obscure vil lage, and with nothing in his appearance to attract them to himself (cf. Isa. 53:2).

Isaiah 53:2 KJV 1900

For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, And as a root out of a dry ground: He hath no form nor comeliness; And when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

In the incarnation, God shows in striking manner that he does not value what the world so often values.

Reasons for the Incarnation 1. Jesus became "flesh" to reveal God to men. Matthew 11:27 John 1:18 John 14:9 Romans 5:8 John 3:16

NOTE: By the incarnation, the incomprehensible God is translated into terms of human understanding!

Matthew 11:27 KJV 1900

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

John 1:18 KJV 1900

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

John 14:9 KJV 1900

Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

Romans 5:8 KJV 1900

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

John 3:16 KJV 1900

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

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2. Jesus became "flesh" to reveal God's ideal man as an example to believers:

IPeter 2:21

1 Peter 2:21 KJV 1900

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

NOTE: Jesus is NEVER an example to the "unsaved", since God is not seeking to "reform" the unsaved's behavior, but rather to "redeem" their souls from sin!

3. Jesus became "flesh" to provide a sacrifice for sin:

Hebrews 10:1-10 "The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming-not the realities themselves.

For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship.

If it could, would they not have stopped being offered?

For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins.

But those sacrifices are AN ANNUAL REMINDER OF SINS, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said: 'Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, BUT A BODY YOU PREPARED FOR ME; with burnt offerings and sin offerings You were not pleased.

Then I said, 'Here I am-it iswritten about me in the scroll- I have come to do your will, 0 God.

'First He said, 'Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not desire, nor were You pleased with them' (although the law required them to be made).

Then He said, 'Here I am, I have come to do your will. ' He sets aside the first to establish the second.

And by that will, we have been made holy through THE SACRIFICE OF THE BODY of Jesus Christ once for all."

Hebrews 10:1–10 KJV 1900

For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

4. Jesus became "flesh" that He might destroy the works of the Devil:

John 12:27-31 "Now My heart is troubled, and what shall I say?

'Father, save me from this hour'?

No, IT WAS FOR THIS VERY REASON I CAME FOR THIS HOUR. Father, glorify your name!'

Then a voice came from heaven, 'I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.

' The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to Him. Jesus said, 'This voice was for your benefit, not mine.

Now is the time for judgment on this world; NOW THE PRINCE OF THIS_ WORLD WILL BE DRIVEN OUT."

John 12:27–31 KJV 1900

Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

John 16: 10 -11 "...because I am going to the Father, where you can see Me no longer; and in regard to judgment, BECAUSE THE_RULER;_OF:_ THIS WORLD NOW STANDS CONDEMNED."

John 16:10–11 KJV 1900

Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

Colossians 2:13-15 "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ.

He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; He took it awtry, nailing it to the cross.

And HAVING DISARMED THE POWERS AND AUTHORITIES.He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. "

Colossians 2:13–15 KJV 1900

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Hebrews 2:14 "Since the children have flesh and blood, He too SHARED IN THEIR HUMANITY SO THAT by His death HE MIGHT DESTROY HIM who holds the power of death-that is, THE DEVIL..."

Hebrews 2:14 KJV 1900

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

John 12:27–31 KJV 1900

John 16 KJV 1900

These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father? They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith. Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me? Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee: by this we believe that thou camest forth from God. Jesus answered them, Do ye now believe? Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Colossians 2:13–15 KJV 1900

John 3:8 "He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared WAS TO DESTROY THE DEVIL'S WORK."

John 3:8 KJV 1900

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

5. Jesus became "flesh" that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God:

Hebrews 2:16-17 "For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. For this reason HE HAD TO BE MADE LIKE HIS BROTHERS IN EVERY WAY, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people. "

Hebrews 2:16–17 KJV 1900

For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

Hebrews 8:1 "The point of what we are saying is this: WEDO HAVE SUCH A HIGH PRIEST. who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man. "

Hebrews 8:1 KJV 1900

Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;

Hebrews 9:11-12 "When Christ came AS HIGH PRIEST of the good things that are already here, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all BY HIS OWN BLOOD, having obtained eternal redemption. "

Hebrews 9:11–12 KJV 1900

But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

6. Jesus became "flesh" that He might fulfill the Davidic Covenant:

2Samuel 7:16 "Your (i.e. David's) house and your kingdom will endure forever before Me; your throne will be established forever. "

2 Samuel 7:16 KJV 1900

And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.

Luke 1:31-33 "You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God WILL GIVE HIM THE THRONE OF HIS FATHER DAVID, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end "

Luke 1:31–33 KJV 1900

Acts 2:29-33 "Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that HE WOULD PLACE ONE OF HIS DESCENDANTS ON THE THRONE. Seeing what was ahead, HE SPOKE OF THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST. that He was not abandoned to the grave, nor did His body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to 1/fe, and we are all witnesses of the fact. EXALTED TO THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. "

Acts 2:29–33 KJV 1900

Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

Romans 15:8 "I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth, TO CONFIRM THE PROMISES MADE TO THE PATRIARCHS... "

Romans 15:8 KJV 1900

Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

7. Jesus became "flesh" so that in His glorified "human body" He will sit on the throne of His father David:

Luke 1:32 "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will giveHim THE THRONE OF HIS FATHER DAVID..."

Luke 1:32 KJV 1900

He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

Revelation 19:11-16 "I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True.

Revelation 19:11–16 KJV 1900

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

With justice He judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and ON HIS HEAD ARE MANY CROWNS.

He has a name written on Him that no one knows but He Himself He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and HIS NAME IS THE WORD OF GOD.

The armies of heaven were following Him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations.

'He will rule them with an iron scepter. 'He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.

On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. "

8. Jesus became "flesh" to become Head over all things to "the church", which is a new creation, the "new humanity":

Ephesians 1:22-23 "And God placed all things under His feet and APPOINTED HIM HEAD OVER EVERYTHING FOR THE CHURCH. which is HIS BODY, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way."

Ephesians 1:22–23 KJV 1900

And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Final Words on Jesus' Incarnation

1. In the "incarnation", the Son of God took upon Himself not only a human "body", but also a human "soul" and "spirit".

2. Though He was entirely "God" (as if He was not man), He became entirely "Man" that He is rightly called:

!Corinthians 15:45 "...the last ADAM..."

Philippians 3:21 "...the BODY of His glory..."

Philippians 3:21 KJV 1900

Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

3. Jesus who is the eternal Son, the "Jehovah-God", was also the "son" ofMaiy, the "boy" of Nazareth, the "teacher" and "healer" of Judea, the "guest" of Bethany, and the "Lamb" of Calvaiy!

4. Jesus Christ is NOW the Savior of men and the High Priest of believers. He SOON will be coming as Bridegroom and Lord and will be reigning as the King of Glory!

5. This same Jesus is both "Lord" (deity) and "man" (humanity):

III) Earthly life

Christ’s earthly life was one of continual humiliation.

He subtly and selectively revealed his divine glory, even keeping it a secret at times (Matt. 9:30; Mark 1:44; 5:43).

Matthew 9:30 KJV 1900

And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.

Mark 1:44 KJV 1900

And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Mark 5:43 KJV 1900

And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

He radically altered the prevalent conception of the Messiah, combining the suffering servant of Isaiah 53 with the glorious Conquering King of Daniel 7.

Isaiah 53 KJV 1900

Who hath believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, And as a root out of a dry ground: He hath no form nor comeliness; And when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men; A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: And we hid as it were our faces from him; He was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, And carried our sorrows: Yet we did esteem him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: The chastisement of our peace was upon him; And with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned every one to his own way; And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, Yet he opened not his mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, So he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: And who shall declare his generation? For he was cut off out of the land of the living: For the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, And with the rich in his death; Because he had done no violence, Neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, He shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; For he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, And he shall divide the spoil with the strong; Because he hath poured out his soul unto death: And he was numbered with the transgressors; And he bare the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

Daniel 7 KJV 1900

In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters. Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another. The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man’s heart was given to it. And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh. After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it. After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth. But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.

Throughout his life Jesus was poor and at times homeless: “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head” (Matt. 8:20).

Matthew 8:20 KJV 1900

And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

His life was one of great and consistent service for the good of others.

The last grand gesture of his life before going to the cross was washing his disciples’ feet (John 13:1–17).

John 13:1–17 KJV 1900

Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him; Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Although multitudes followed him during his public ministry, he also faced frequent persecution and rejection, at times even in his hometown (Luke 4:28–29).

Luke 4:28–29 KJV 1900

And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong.

The creatures’ re jection of their Creator epitomizes human rebellion.

John 1:10–11 describes this tragedy: “He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.

John 1:10–11 KJV 1900

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.”

Jesus’ earthly life ended with some of his closest friends betraying him (Judas), denying him (Peter), and desert ing him (all the disciples, Matt. 26:56).

Matthew 26:56 KJV 1900

But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

His life was filled with rejection, loneliness, poverty, persecution, hunger, temptation, suffering, and finally death.

He lived a Sinless Life.

This is also called Christ’s Active Obedience.

The first Adam disobeyed. But Jesus, the New Adam, fully obeyed his Father. Israel broke God’s law, but Jesus came to fulfill the law (Matt 5:17).

Matthew 5:17 KJV 1900

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

He is like a New Israel.

This is a crucial point, because we too have followed in Israel’s disobedient footsteps.

Jesus is the one who, to use a striking phrase from Matthew 3:15, came to “fulfill all righteousness.”

Matthew 3:15 KJV 1900

And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

Through faith, his righteous record is imputed to us.

Christ’s active obedience should console us.

He has felt the pull of temptation and the allure of sin.

He doesn’t reprimand us when we’re tempted, like the coach who barks at his team, “you just need to toughen up!” He tenderly, gently comforts us and invites us to find help in him.

He welcomes us gladly when we admit our total dependence on him. Hebrews 4:15-16, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 4:15–16 KJV 1900

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Remember, Old Testament Israel was called God’s “Son” in Exod 4:22.

Exodus 4:22 KJV 1900

And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:

They were given life by God and were to represent him in the world the way a son carries on his father’s reputation.

But after God led them through the waters of the Red Sea, they disobeyed him in the wilderness.

Their hearts were hardened and their deeds were rebellious.

The New Testament presents Jesus as the New and better Israel.

He is the Son of God in the fullest sense. In Matthew 3, Jesus goes through the waters of baptism; the voice from heaven says “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased,” and immediately Jesus like Israel is tempted in the wilderness.

Matthew 3 KJV 1900

In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

But he perfectly obeys.

IV)Crucifixion

Christ’s humiliation reached its greatest depth when he gave his life on a criminal’s cross for sinful humanity.

The cross stands at the center of human history as God’s supreme act of love (1 John 4:10, 17) and the only source of redemption for lost and fallen humanity (Rom. 14:9).

1 John 4:10 KJV 1900

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

1 John 4:17 KJV 1900

Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

Romans 14:9 KJV 1900

For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

First,

1. Christ is our Atoning Sacrifice. ATONEMENT

This is the predominant way the Bible describes the death of Christ, so we’ll spend the most time on this point.

Atonement is a word that refers to the restoration of right relationship between man and God; it also carries the connotation of the sacrifice that is made or price that is paid for such right relationship to be possible.

Let’s begin with The Necessity of Atonement.

Here we need only to recall our class a few weeks ago on the problem of sin.

We stand guilty before God as those who are represented by Adam.

We have confirmed our guilty sentence by our own filthy deeds.

As John 3:36 says, the wrath of God remains on all who are outside of Christ.

John 3:36 KJV 1900

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

Eph 2:3 says we are by nature objects of wrath.

Ephesians 2:3 KJV 1900

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

This is because God is good.

His law is right, his holiness is unimaginably pure, and his justice is totally right.

Therefore, he won’t allow evil and wickedness to go unpunished.

He won’t sweep our sin under the rug.

So, God ordained the sacrifices and offerings of the Old Testament to convey graphically the utter necessity of atonement.

Animals were slaughtered daily as prescribed by Leviticus. Why?

As Heb 9:22 explains, “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”

Hebrews 9:22 KJV 1900

And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

The wages for sin is death, according to Rom 6:23.

Romans 6:23 KJV 1900

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

This lesson would be engrained in the minds of every Israelite, because the floor of the temple would be covered with blood.

God didn’t need to save anyone. But in his mercy he provided regular sacrifices that all pointed forward to the final sacrifice that would atone for sin decisively.

That leads us to The Nature of the Atonement.

Christ’s atoning death was “Price of Redemption.”

That is, he suffered the penalty that our sins had incurred – the wages of death.

Isaiah 53:5, “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities.”

Isaiah 53:5 KJV 1900

But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: The chastisement of our peace was upon him; And with his stripes we are healed.

1 Pet 2:24, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.”

1 Peter 2:24 KJV 1900

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

His death was also substitutionary.

He took the death we rightfully deserved, in our place.

The idea of substitution was built into Israel’s history from the beginning.

Just think of the Exodus, where a lamb was slain, as it were, instead of – in the place of – the oldest son in the family.

It’s no wonder John the Baptist called Jesus the “Lamb of God” (John 1:29) and that Jesus died during Passover.

John 1:29 KJV 1900

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Isaiah 53:12, he was numbered with the transgressors. 2 Cor 5:21 “For our sake he [God] made him [Christ] to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Isaiah 53:12 KJV 1900

Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, And he shall divide the spoil with the strong; Because he hath poured out his soul unto death: And he was numbered with the transgressors; And he bare the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.

2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV 1900

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

John Stott has memorably written, “The essence of sin is man substituting himself for God, while the essence of salvation is God substituting himself for man.”

When we reflect on Christ’s substitution for us, how could our hearts not well up in praise?

As the hymn so powerfully puts it,

“Bearing shame and scoffing rude, In my place condemned He stood;

Sealed my pardon with His blood. Hallelujah! What a Savior!”

Next, what is the Result of the Atonement,

or what did this , substitutionary death accomplish for God’s people?

For one, it accomplished the propitiation of God’s wrath, meaning that God’s wrath against sin has been resolved and removed by Christ’s sacrifice.

The prophetic books of the Old Testament depict God’s good wrath against all wickedness as him pouring out the cup of his holy wrath.

For all who trust in Christ, he drank that cup on the cross.

He experienced God’s rightly terrible opposition against sin – the opposition that we deserved to know eternally.

This is what Paul refers to in Galatians 3:13 when he says that “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us – for it is written, cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.”

Galatians 3:13 KJV 1900

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

The obedient one absorbed the curse that was due to disobedient sinners like us.

Maybe the clearest passage on propitiation is Rom 3:23-25: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Rom 3:24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.”

Romans 3:23–25 KJV 1900

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

Romans 3:24 KJV 1900

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

As we saw earlier, the shedding of blood is necessary for atonement. Jesus Christ is that blood sacrifice that was acceptable to God.

And we should remember, that while propitiation is necessary because God is holy, it is possible because God is supremely loving and gracious.

1 John 4:10, “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”

1 John 4:10 KJV 1900

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

So, that’s propitiation.

Christ’s death also accomplished expiation, which means his death fully covers the guilt of our sin.

We are no longer guilty before God, but declared innocent. John 1:29, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”

John 1:29 KJV 1900

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

The law brings condemnation because it exposes how we’ve fallen short of God’s standard, but Col 2:14 says God forgave all our trespasses “by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands.

Colossians 2:14 KJV 1900

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.”

Not only this, but Christ’s death also brought about our purification, or what theologians sometimes call positional sanctification, meaning we have been cleansed and set apart as acceptable to God.

No longer are we stained by sin; we have been washed (1 Cor 6:11). 1 John 1:7 says “the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

1 Corinthians 6:11 KJV 1900

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

1 John 1:7 KJV 1900

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

The author of Heb 9:14 says the blood of Christ purifies our conscience so that we can now serve the living God.

Hebrews 9:14 KJV 1900

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

As you can see, Christ’s work on the cross changes everything for us.

So it’s worthwhile to pause here and praise God that Christ’s work was totally effective.

As the verse we opened up with says, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners,” and that’s exactly what he did.

He died for those who would repent and believe.

We can see that in the very nature of atonement itself.

Substitution, biblically, means substituting In your Place .

That was the case with the Passover Lamb and with the Old Testament sacrifices.

Even these sacrifices, which previewed Christ’s atonement, actually accomplished the purification of the worshiper, even though that type of purification was only temporary.

How much more, then, does Christ’s sacrifice actually achieve propitiation, expiation, and permanent purification for God’s people!

He died, Eph 5:25 says, for the church, his Bride. He is our substitute. He took our Place and Paid our Price for our sin.

Ephesians 5:25 KJV 1900

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

This atonement is applied to us by the Holy Spirit when we are converted, when we turn from our sin and trust in Christ.

So, all three persons of the Trinity act harmoniously in the great work of redemption.

Christ’s death was as a substitute for all those who have trusted Christ as Savior, which are all those to whom the Spirit gives the gift of new life.

Believer, are you ever tempted to doubt or forget Christ’s love for you?

Look to his substitutionary atonement.

When he went to the cross, he had you in mind.

In John 17, his high priestly prayer, he prayed “for those who will be believe in me” – that’s you.

John 17 KJV 1900

These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

He sweat drops of blood in the Garden of Gethsemane because he knew he was about to take the punishment for your sins – forever.

The holes in his hands will forever be monuments of his love for you and for me.

2. Christ is our Legal Substitute

This is the glorious truth of justification.

Here scripture uses the language of the law court to convey our salvation.

We are guilty before God’s judgment seat.

But Christ takes our sentence.

As a result, we are we declared innocent – but not only that!

That would be nice, but only for about 2 seconds, until we sin again! Also, Christ’s perfect righteous record is credited or “imputed” to us.

He takes our rap sheet, and God the judge treats us according to Christ’s upright and perfectly innocent standing.

Isa 53:11 highlights how the suffering servant would “make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.”

Isaiah 53:11 KJV 1900

He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; For he shall bear their iniquities.

By providing Christ for our justification, God vindicates his justice while at the same time showing marvelous mercy to sinners.

Paul explains that when Old Testament believers sinned, God was simply withholding his punishment – until the death of Christ.

When Jesus died on the cross, he took the legal guilt for all the sins of all believers: past, present, and future.

Rom 3:24-26, we are “justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.

Romans 3:24–26 KJV 1900

Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.

It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”

So, contrary to what many people think and even teach, we can never earn enough merit before God to stand before his judgment seat – even if that merit could be earned through good deeds and the sacraments.

Rather, God in his justice declares us righteous because Christ’s death pays the sentence of our guilt and his righteousness is accounted to us.

So mercy and justice meet at the cross.

Praise Christ, the one who brings our justification.

3. Christ is also our Redeemer.

Here scripture uses the imagery of the slave market.

We are slaves to sin, unable to free ourselves from our voluntary bondage.

Christ purchases our forever freedom. Mark 10:45, “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:45 KJV 1900

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Some over the years have suggested that Jesus paid this ransom to Satan, but there’s no scriptural basis for that.

Rather, this redemption is the payment God himself demands because of his justice.

Our sin has locked us into captivity to his judgment. Christ’s blood – that is, the ending of his life – is what releases us from this captivity.

Our judgment fell on him. As 1 Pet 1:18-19 says, “you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.”

1 Peter 1:18–19 KJV 1900

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Practically, this means that we belong to Christ. We’re no longer slaves to sin!

We have a new master and his yoke is easy and his burden is light.

You were bought with a price, Paul says.

Therefore glorify God in your body (1 Cor 6:20).

1 Corinthians 6:20 KJV 1900

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Satan can lie all he wants, but he has no power over us and sin has no claim on us. Col 1:13-14, we have been delivered from from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of God’s beloved Son, in whom we have redemption.

Colossians 1:13–14 KJV 1900

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

But not only are we set free from sin and death, we now enjoy a new relationship with God:

4. Christ is our Reconciler

This is where the work of Christ becomes especially sweet.

The Bible doesn’t only describe our salvation in terms of justice, redemption, and sacrifice, but also in terms of relationship.

We were God’s enemies.

Now, in Christ, we are his adopted sons.

Our alienation from God began when Adam and Eve were exiled from the Garden.

Our hostility with him was no Cold War – it was all-out battle.

We raged against him and his ways.

This is why Luke 15 is maybe my favorite chapter in the Bible – because we can all identify with that prodigal son who takes and takes from his father and yet spurns relationship with him.

Luke 15 KJV 1900

Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

Again, Christ’s substitution is at the heart of our reconciliation. Rom 5:1, “Therefore since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom 5:10, “While we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son.”

Romans 5:1 KJV 1900

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Romans 5:10 KJV 1900

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Scripture uses the beautiful imagery of the family to describe our reconciliation.

Gal 4:4-6, “when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”

Galatians 4:4–6 KJV 1900

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” God hears our prayers.

He cares for us tenderly as a father. As adopted children, the inheritance of the kingdom that belongs to Christ is now our inheritance too.

One implication of this reconciliation to God as our father is that we are all united as brothers and sisters in his household.

Jew and Gentile, black and white, young and old, powerful and weak –

Eph 2:14, “[Christ] himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.”

Ephesians 2:14 KJV 1900

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Finally, 5. Christ is our Conqueror

By his death and resurrection, Jesus conquers Satan, sin and death on our behalf.

That’s why when he talks about his upcoming death in John 12:31, Jesus says “now will the ruler of this world be cast out.”

John 12:31 KJV 1900

Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

Col 2:15, “God disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him” – that is, in Christ and in his victorious death.

Colossians 2:15 KJV 1900

And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

1 Cor 15:56-57: “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 15:56–57 KJV 1900

The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

No one can stand against him, and in him we are more than conquerors.

This reminds us that the substitutionary death of Christ not only reconciles us to God, it brings us into a glorious state of triumph and hope.

Not because of what we’ve done, but because of what he’s done. But this is a good place for us to close for today, because the victory of Christ is closely tied not only to his death but to his resurrection.

In fact, everything that we’ve said today about his death would be meaningless and vain if it weren’t for this glorious truth – Jesus rose from the dead.

That is why the atonement, justification, redemption, reconciliation, and victory he provides are rock solid and guaranteed.

Because he was no mere man. He conquered death and rose so that all who are united to him by faith can share his new life.

That’s what we’ll think about next week.

But for now, let’s pray and praise God for the death of his Son.

The Exaltation of Christ

V) Resurrection

While Jesus’ life of humiliation represented the life of human beings living in a fallen world, his victorious exaltation represents a pattern that will someday be reproduced (and is partially reproduced already) in those who believe in him.

The exaltation of Christ be gan when he left his grave clothes in an empty tomb.

Sin, Satan, and death were decisively defeated when Jesus rose from the dead.

Jesus foretold his resurrection (e.g., Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:34) and then actually did rise from the dead (as is shown by convincing historical evidence, such as the empty tomb, numerous eyewitness accounts, the radical change in the disciples’ lives, etc.).

Mark 8:31 KJV 1900

And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Mark 9:31 KJV 1900

For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.

Mark 10:34 KJV 1900

And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

The Work of Christ In addition to defeating sin and death, the resurrection was the Father’s validation of the Son’s ministry (Rom. 1:3) and demonstrates the complete effectiveness of Christ’s atoning work (Rom. 4:25).

Romans 1:3 KJV 1900

Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

Romans 4:25 KJV 1900

Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

First Corinthians 15 provides the most comprehensive treatment of the benefits of the resurrection.

1 Corinthians 15 KJV 1900

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed. Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

By explaining what would be lost if Jesus had not risen from the dead, Paul provides abundant reason for hope in the truth of the resurrection because “in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (v. 20).

Because Christ rose from the dead, the sins of those who rely on him are forgiven (v. 17),

the apostolic preaching is true (v. 15),

faith in Christ is true and he can be fully trusted (v. 14),

those who follow Christ are to be emulated and their preaching is of great value (v. 19),

and those who die in Christ will be raised (v. 18).

Because of the resurrection, the Christian has great hope that generates confidence in all circumstances.

The resurrection is not merely a doctrine to be affirmed intellectually; it is the resounding affirmation that Jesus reigns over all, and the power that raised him from the dead is the Christian’s power for living the Christian life on earth and the assurance of eternal life in heaven.

VI) Ascension

The ascension is Christ’s return to heaven from earth (Luke 24:50–51; John 14:2, 12; 16:5, 10, 28; Acts 1:6–11; Eph. 4:8–10; 1 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 4:14; 7:26; 9:24).

Luke 24:50–51 KJV 1900

And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.

John 14:2 KJV 1900

In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

John 14:12 KJV 1900

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

John 16:5 KJV 1900

But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou?

John 16:10 KJV 1900

Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

John 16:28 KJV 1900

I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

Acts 1:6–11 KJV 1900

When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Ephesians 4:8–10 KJV 1900

Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

1 Timothy 3:16 KJV 1900

Hebrews 4:14 KJV 1900

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

Hebrews 7:26 KJV 1900

For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

Hebrews 9:24 KJV 1900

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

The incarnation does not cease with Christ’s ascension.

Jesus lives, now and forever, as true man and true God to mediate between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5).

1 Timothy 2:5 KJV 1900

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

He will come again as he left, fully God and fully man (Acts 1:11).

Acts 1:11 KJV 1900

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Jesus’ ascension is a crucial event in his ministry be cause it explicitly shows his continual humanity and The Humiliation of Christ Incarnation “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

John 1:14 KJV 1900

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Earthly Life “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

Mark 10:45 KJV 1900

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Crucifixion “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:8).

Philippians 2:8 KJV 1900

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

The Exaltation of Christ Resurrection “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life.

Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?’” (John 11:25–26).

John 11:25–26 KJV 1900

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

Ascension “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven?

This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).

Acts 1:11 KJV 1900

Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.

Heavenly Session “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us” (Rom. 8:34).

Romans 8:34 KJV 1900

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Second Coming “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God.

And the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thess. 4:16).

1 Thessalonians 4:16 KJV 1900

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Eternal Glory “And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!’” (Rev. 5:13).

Revelation 5:13 KJV 1900

And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

Incarnation Preincarnate Glory Earthly Life Crucifixion Resurrection Ascension Sitting at God’s Right Hand Second Coming Future Reign Eternal Glory Exaltation Humiliation The Humiliation and Exaltation of ChristThe Work of ChrisT the permanence of his resurrection.

The importance of the ascension is seen in the fact that it is taught in all of the essential creeds of the church, beginning with the Apostles’ Creed.

The ascension guarantees that Jesus will always rep resent humanity before the throne of God as the mediator, intercessor, and advocate for needy humans.

Because of the ascension, we can be sure that Jesus’ unique resurrec tion leads the way for the everlasting resurrection of the redeemed.

A human face and nailscarred hands will greet believers one day in heaven.

Jesus also ascended to prepare a place for his people (John 14:2–3) and to enable the Holy Spirit to come (John 16:7), which he said was more advantageous for the church than if he had stayed on earth (John 14:12, 17).

John 14:2–3 KJV 1900

In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

John 16:7 KJV 1900

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

John 14:12 KJV 1900

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

John 14:17 KJV 1900

Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

VII) Sitting at God’s right hand

The current state of Christ’s work is called his “heavenly session,” meaning that he is seated at the right hand of the Father, actively interceding and reigning over his kingdom, awaiting his second coming (Acts 2:3–36; Rom. 8:34; Eph. 1:20–22; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3, 13; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; 1 Pet. 3:22; Rev. 3:21; 22:1).

Acts 2:3–36 KJV 1900

And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Romans 8:34 KJV 1900

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Ephesians 1:20–22 KJV 1900

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

Colossians 3:1 KJV 1900

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Hebrews 1:3 KJV 1900

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

Hebrews 1:13 KJV 1900

But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?

Hebrews 8:1 KJV 1900

Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;

Hebrews 10:12 KJV 1900

But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

Hebrews 12:2 KJV 1900

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

1 Peter 3:22 KJV 1900

Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

Revelation 3:21 KJV 1900

To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

Revelation 22:1 KJV 1900

And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

The OT foretold this phase of the Messiah’s work: “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool’ ” (Ps. 110:1).

Psalm 110:1 KJV 1900

The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

Jesus told of the heavenly session which would precede his return when he referred to the messianic imagery of Daniel 7: “from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven” (Matt. 26:64).

Daniel 7 KJV 1900

Matthew 26:64 KJV 1900

Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

The right hand of God is the symbolic place of power, honor, distinction, and prestige.

Jesus “sits” to por tray the sufficiency of his saving work on earth; he continues a vital, active ministry as he reigns over all creation.

Jesus’ current ministry is a great source of comfort, authority, and encouragement for the believer because it ensures that his ministry as Prophet, Priest, and King continues and will one day be acknowledged by all creation.

From his current exalted position Jesus pours out his Spirit on his people: “Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing” (Acts 2:33).

Acts 2:33 KJV 1900

Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

His precious intercession on behalf of his people takes place at the right hand of the Father so that the believer need never fear condemnation: “Who is to condemn?

Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us” (Rom. 8:34).

Romans 8:34 KJV 1900

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

VIII) Second coming and future reign

Biblical interpreters are divided as to whether Jesus’ coming will occur in one stage or two (see the article on Last Things, pp. 2533–2534).

But all agree that someday Christ will return in great glory and there will be a definitive, comprehensive acknowledgment that he is Lord over all.

He will then judge the living and the dead.

All people and forces that oppose him will be vanquished, includ ing death itself (Matt. 25:31; 1 Cor. 15:24–28), “so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:10–11).

Matthew 25:31 KJV 1900

When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

1 Corinthians 15:24–28 KJV 1900

Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

Philippians 2:10–11 KJV 1900

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

IX) Eternal glory

Prior to the incarnation Jesus was glorious.

But by displaying his holy character through his incarnate life, death, and resurrection, he received even greater glory.

Jesus’ preincarnate glory was taken to a new level when he entered into his eternal glory not only as God but now as God Man.

Jesus displayed his divine character through the human actions of his incarnate life, death, and resurrection. His majesty, mercy, love, holiness, wisdom, and power have been manifested sinlessly in a true man, and for this Jesus will be praised for all eternity.

Therefore, the worship of heaven focuses on the work of Christ as the worthy Lamb who was slain: And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth. . . . Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” (Rev. 5:9–10, 12)

Revelation 5:9–10 KJV 1900

Revelation 5:12 KJV 1900

Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Christ’s eternal glory, which he shares with the Father and the Holy Spirit, is the supreme goal of all that he did. In redeeming a people for himself, he displayed his many perfections in such a way that he will now receive the glory he deserves.

That glory will be displayed and acknowledged around his throne, in the songs of heaven forever!

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Christology :- The WORK OF CHRIST part 5

Christology :- The WORK OF CHRIST part 5

The Offices of Christ

Christ perfectly fulfilled the OT offices of prophet, priest, and king.

These offices or roles in the OT reveal aspects of God’s word, presence, and power.

The anointing and em powering of the Holy Spirit and favor of God was essential if these offices were to truly represent God.

OT prophets, priests, and kings foreshadowed the Messiah who would one day ultimately and definitively be manifest as God’s Son and Word, bringing access to God’s presence and in augurating the kingdom of God.

The Offices of Christ

A. He first served on earth as a Prophet Deuteronomy 18:15; John 1:21,25,45; Acts 3:22

B. He today serves in Heaven as our High Priest Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 8:1; Psalms 110:4

C. He someday will come back to the earth and be King Hebrews 1:8, Rev 11:15; Rev 20:6 This Kingdom will then continue on into eternity and will have no end.

“Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:7)

The Prophetic Work of Christ

A true prophet of God proclaims God’s word to people.

God promised Moses that he would raise up a messianic prophet who would authoritatively speak for him: “I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers.

And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.

And who ever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him” (Deut. 18:18–19).

Those in Jesus’ day expected the Messiah to fulfill the prophetic role the OT foretold.

Jesus equated his own words with the authoritative words of the Hebrew Scriptures, show ing that he knew his words were the very words of God.

He recognized the unchanging authority of the Mosaic law (Matt. 5:18) and gave his teaching the same weight: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Matt. 24:35).

Because Jesus’ words are the very words of God, they are divinely authoritative, eternal, and unchangeable.

Jesus’ prophetic authority is vastly superior to that of any other prophet because he speaks God’s words as God.

The divine authority of his words is based on his identity as God incarnate.

He proclaimed God’s truth as the One who is the Truth (John 14:6).

His word is the ultimate Word.

implications of the prophetic office of christ

Since Jesus Christ is the true and perfect prophet, he is the ultimate source of truth about God, ourselves, the meaning of life, the future, right and wrong, salvation, and heaven and hell.

The voice of Jesus in the Word of God should be eagerly sought and obeyed without reservation or delay.

Even though Jesus perfectly fulfills the office of prophet, God’s plan is for the church to represent him with its own ongoing prophetic voice, proclaiming truth into the world.

Paul certainly saw his own ministry as speaking for God: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us.

We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20).

The Priestly Work of Christ While a prophet speaks God’s words to the people, a priest represents the people before God and represents God before the people.

He is a man who stands in the pres ence of God as a mediator (Heb. 5:1).

The priestly work of Christ involves both atonement and intercession.

the atonement of christ

The atonement is central to God’s work in the history of salvation (1 Cor. 15:4).

Atonement is the making of en emies into friends by averting the punishment that their sin would otherwise incur. Sinners in rebellion against God need a representative to offer sacrifice on their be half if they are to be reconciled to God.

Jesus’ righteous life and atoning death on behalf of sinners is the only way for fallen man to be restored into right relationship with a holy God.

Even with the extensive requirements for the priest hood in the OT, there was nevertheless a realization that these human priests were unable to make lasting atone ment (Ps. 110:1, 4; cf. Heb. 10:1–4).

Jesus alone was able to make an offering sufficient for the eternal forgiveness of sins.

Because Jesus was without sin, he was uniquely able to offer sacrifice without needing atonement for himself. In offering himself as the perfect, spotless Lamb of God, he could actually pay for sins in a way that OT sacrifices could not.

Jesus’ atoning offering was thus eternal, complete, and once for all.

No other sacrifice will ever be needed to pay the price for human sin.

the necessity of the atonement

Jesus died because of human sin, but also in accordance with God’s plan.

The reality of human sin is vividly seen in the envy of the Jewish leaders (Matt. 27:18), Judas’s greed (Matt. 26:14–16), and Pilate’s cowardice (Matt. 27:26).

However, Jesus gave his life of his own initiative and cou rageous love: “I am the good shepherd.

The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. . . . For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again.

No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.

I have authority to lay it down, and I have au thority to take it up again.

This charge I have received from my Father” (John 10:11, 17–18; cf. Gal. 2:20).

The Father’s divine initiative also led to Jesus’ atoning work: “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Rom. 8:32; cf. Isa. 53:6, 10; John 3:16).

As in all events of human history, God’s sovereign determina tion works in a way compatible with human decisions The Work of Christ and actions.

Christ came to save sinners in order to accomplish God’s will.

Christ died in accordance with God’s sovereign, free, gracious choice—not because he was in any way compelled to offer salvation to mankind because of something inherent in us.

God did not save fallen angels (2 Pet. 2:4), and he would have been entirely justified in condemning all of fallen humanity to hell; only by reason of his amazing mercy and grace can anyone be saved.

Atonement in the Bible is explained with numerous metaphors and images.

The chart below shows the varied images the Bible uses to describe the achievement that is at the heart of the gospel.

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Throughout church history, various aspects of the atonement have garnered particular attention.

For in stance, at different times theologians have stressed the ransom imagery, the selfless example of Christ, and the victory of Christ over evil.

These aspects of the atonement, rightly understood, contain true and important insights, but the crux of the atonement is Christ taking the place of sinners and enduring the wrath of God as their substi tute sacrifice.

But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed”; cf. Rom. 3:25; Heb. 2:17; 1 John 2:2; 4:10).

The fundamental problem of human sin has been solved in Christ’s dying for sinners who deserved eternal judgment.

Any attempt to diminish the importance of the penal substitution of Christ for us (i.e., the truth that Christ died to pay the penalty for our sins) will diminish God’s holiness and wrath, as well as the heinous depth of human sin.

Christ’s physical suffering on the cross was outweighed by the emotional, psychological, and spiritual anguish of bearing the sin of mankind and having the wrath of the Father poured out on him.

The abandonment and bear ing of God’s wrath that Jesus experienced on the cross is beyond our comprehension.

On account of this merciful, substitutionary sacrifice he will be worshiped for all eter nity by those who are his (Rev. 5:11–12).

While Jesus’ death for sinners was the basis of his atoning work, his life of perfect righteousness in their place was also necessary to win their forgiveness.

He not only died for rebels, he also lived for them (Rom. 5:19; Phil. 3:9).

the intercession of christ

Jesus’ priestly work on the cross atoned for sin once for all.

Grounded in that atoning work, his priestly work of intercession continues now and forevermore on behalf of his people: “Who is to condemn?

Jesus is alive and always at work representing and bringing requests for believers before the throne of God, intervening in heaven for them.

He is the Godman who mediates and represents fallen people based on his fully sufficient work on the cross, and his intervention never fails.

Jesus, the sinner’s divine law yer, never loses a case: “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.

But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1).

Prayer, preaching, gospel proclamation, and taking initiative in personal, spiritual ministry are all ways in which God’s people can encourage others to seek and know God and can thereby fulfill their call to represent Christ as a kingdom of priests.

The Kingly Work of Christ