Essentials of Christianity

A PROPER UNDERSTANDING OF JESUS

Luke referred to a previous volume that included “all that Jesus began both to do and teach” (Ac. 1:1). The gospel of Luke set out to accurately explain the life of Jesus from the events surrounding His birth to the events surrounding His resurrection (Lk. 1:1-4).

Who is Jesus? According to Luke 4, Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit (4:1, 14, 18), superior to Satan (4:1-13), a teacher (4:15, 31), an exorcist (4:31-37, 41), and a healer (4:38-40).

Although there is much debate about who Jesus was, we need to be concerned with what He was about (Lk. 4:18-19). Jesus was a Man on a mission (Mk. 10:45; Jn. 3:16-17; 1 Cor. 2:2; Phil. 2:5-8).

A PROPER UNDERSTANDING OF JESUS’ RESURRECTION

Luke went on to mention Jesus “also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs” (Ac. 1:3a). If Jesus had not risen from the dead, nothing from this point on would make any sense (2:32; 3:15; 4:10; 5:30; 10:40; 13:34; 17:31).

Jesus’ resurrection appearances were convincing and undeniable to all who saw Him (Lk. 24:23-33; Jn. 20:24-29; 1 Cor. 15:6). Hope beyond this life is possible because of Jesus’ resurrection (1 Cor. 15:19-23).

A great and final resurrection is still to come (Jn. 5:28-29). Our physical bodies will be transformed into glorified bodies suited for eternity (Phil. 3:20-21; 1 Jn. 3:1-3). Then, and only then, will all wrongs be made right (2 Pet. 3; Rev. 21).

A PROPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE KINGDOM

Finally, Luke said, “being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God” (Ac. 1:3b). The kingdom was frequently spoken of in Luke (4:43; 8:1; 11:20; 17:20-21) and Acts (19:8; 20:25).

The kingdom arrived in Jesus and all who obey Him are added into it (Ac. 2:41, 47; Col. 1:13). While the kingdom is often synonymous with the gospel message (cp. Ac. 8:12; 28:23, 31), the full expression of God’s kingdom is still to come (Ac. 14:21; Mt. 25:34, 46).

The kingdom is now but not yet (Mt. 13:36-43). One day a future realm will be established in which we enter by death or by living until the coming of Jesus (2 Tim. 4:18; 2 Pet. 1:11). May we watch, wait, and work till He comes (Lk. 18:8; 19:11-27).