The CV of Jesus Christ

Here's another Hebrews rabbit hole I have been following, and following, and following, to the point where the book of Hebrews has become the main game for me lately - so rich, so full of deep contemplation and personal application.

My original study of spirit, heart and soul (SHS) has paused, maybe finished. With a background in science, mathematics and computer programming, all exploratory pursuits must end up with a definite, justifiable conclusion. It's just the way I am.

However, my SHS study hasn't produced such a conclusion.
Each time I thought I was closing in on one, I would discover other portions of Scripture that didn't agree with it.
So I have parked it to one side and have been lured into making some of the Hebrews rabbit holes my main current studies.

The first of these is from the opening verses of Hebrews:

... he (God) has spoken to us by his Son, (a)
whom he appointed heir of all things, (b)
and through whom also he made the universe. (c)
The Son is the radiance of God's glory (d)
and the exact representation of his being, (e)
sustaining all things by his powerful word. (f)
After he had provided purification for sins, (g)
he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. (h)
[Hebrews 1 : 2b - 3  NIV]

Clearly, this Hebrews text is giving us a summary of the CV of Jesus Christ, Son of God, Son of Man.
(A CV is the usual abbreviation for Curriculum Vitae, Latin for "course of life", and is a written overview of someone's life's work.)

How's that for a CV !!
Let's use a few examples from other parts of Scripture to demonstrate the truths listed here.

(a) Jesus Christ is God's spokesperson
Jesus made it clear on many occasions that he came to do his Father's will and to say what he had been instructed to say.

For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken.
[John 12 : 49  NIV]
And those words were spiritual and life-giving.
What gives life is God's Spirit; human power is of no use at all. The words I have spoken to you bring God's life-giving Spirit.
[John 6 : 63  GNB]

(b) Jesus Christ has been appointed heir of all things
Everything in the universe is centred around and geared towards Christ - the perfected creation is his inheritance.

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,
[Colossians 1 : 15  NLT]
The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever."
Revelation 11 : 15  NIV]
With all wisdom and understanding, he (God) made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
[Ephesians 1 : 8 - 10  NIV]

(c) Jesus Christ made the universe
Genesis tells us that God created the universe and its original contents by speaking it into existence; he used his Word.

John informs us in his Gospel and The Revelation that Jesus is the Word of God and that everything was made through him.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
[John 1 : 1 - 3   NIV]
He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.
[Revelation 19 ; 13  NIV]

This fact is mentioned in Paul's letters also.

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
[Colossians 1 : 16  NIV]

Although limited by the time and space he had created, and the earth-suit he lived in, we continued to get a glimpse of Jesus' creative powers when he was on earth.
For example ...
His first recorded miracle changed water into wine, creating carbon atoms and molecules where only hydrogen and oxygen atoms and molecules had previously existed. (John 2)

When feeding crowds of thousands using only a boy's lunch, he either multiplied that lunch may times over or created the necessary food from scratch. Either way - a creative act. (Matthew 14 and 15)

His miracles of healing often required the instant creation of healthy cells and body parts. (Luke 6 for example)  

(d) Jesus Christ is the radiance of God's glory
He accurately and brightly emits the majestic beauty and splendour of God.
Jesus prayed that he would do this while on earth.

Now, Father, glorify me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world existed.
[John 17 : 3  WEB]

He said he would also do this when he returns.

For the Son of Man is about to come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will reward each one according to his deeds.
[Matthew 16 : 27  GNB]

(e) Jesus Christ is the exact representation of his (God's) being

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him.
[Colossians 1 : 15, 19  NIV]
... the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
[2 Corinthians 4 : 4  NIV]

Jesus often declared or inferred his oneness with God the Father.

I and the Father are one.
[John 10 : 30  NIV]
Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?
Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.
How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?
Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?
The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority.
Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.
Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.
[John 14 : 9 - 11  NIV]
My prayer is ... that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. ...
I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one - I in them and you in me - so that they may be brought to complete unity.
[John 17 : 20 - 23  NIV]

(f) Jesus Christ is sustaining all things
Not only did Christ create the universe, but is its continuing, controlling, cohesive force.

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
[Colossians 1 : 17  NIV]
... there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.
[1 Corinthians 8 : 6b  NIV]

(g) Jesus Christ provided purification for sins
He not only forgives sins, but destroys the devil's work.

He has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.
[Hebrews 9 : 26  NIV]
But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.
And ... will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
[Romans 8 : 10 - 11  NIV]
He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
[1 John 2 : 2  NIV]

(h) Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven

 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
 [Mark 16 : 19  NKJV]
 It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
[Romans 8 : 34  NKJV]
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
[Colossians 3 : 1  NKJV]
... let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
[Hebrews 12 : 1b - 2  NKJV]

Some Biblical authors discuss many of these features together in one sentence since Christ is the beginning and end of everything to do with his creation.
For example, Paul writing to the church at Rome ...

For from Him [all things originate] and through Him [all things live and exist] and to Him are all things [directed].
To Him be glory and honor forever! Amen.
[Romans 11 : 36  AMP]

Blessings, Barry

Preparation of the Body of Christ

I'm still here - healthy and living in a fairly self-isolated way in Victoria, the premier COVID-19 state of Australia.

As some have noted, I haven't written anything for several weeks - either here or on social media.
Instead I have taken on a huge, but fascinating, study of  "spirit, soul and heart" from a Biblical perspective.
What are they, what is their role, how are they different, how do they interact with each other, etc. etc.????

I didn't plan to do any writing here until I had finished this study, but, as usual for me, I have fallen down several rabbit holes along the study trail, and thought I would mention one of them to you.

I have visited some of these rabbit holes before, but it's amazing how the Holy Spirit is always teaching you new things and challenging you in fresh ways, even in familiar surroundings.

The rabbit hole I want to share with you is one of the mysteries revealed to Paul that he shared with his young churches.

... the mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
(Colossians 1 : 27  NIV)

... Do you not realise that Christ Jesus is in you ... ?
(2 Corinthians 13 : 5  NIV)

But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.
And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
(Romans 8 : 10 - 11  NIV)

... whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.
(1 Corinthians 6 : 17  NIV)

... Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, ...
(Galatians 2 : 20  KJV)*

I have dwelt on these and similar verses for hours (it was a deep rabbit hole) and have been challenged by some searching questions:

• What would Christ be doing through me if I really believed Him to be in me?
• If I am living empowered by the faith of Christ, not my own faith, what results should I expect to see?
• What sort of person should I be becoming with God's Spirit living in me?
• As a member of the Body of Christ, having been chosen to serve with Christ in His coming Kingdom, how is my preparation for this role going?

Would you like to explore these questions in your upcoming times of reading, praying and meditation and share some of your thoughts with me?

Blessings, Barry

* I have used the KJV here because it correctly translates whose faith we live by. I discussed this in more detail about three years ago here.

Reconciliation of All

I am sometimes asked if I am a universalist. I don't like this word because it has so many different meanings.
Saying "yes" might mean I am agreeing to a meaning that is in the mind of the questioner, with which I might not agree.
So I try not to give a straight "yes" or "no" answer without sounding evasive.
Instead I say something like:

I believe God is the Saviour of the world (1 Timothy 4 : 10)
    through Jesus,
who died for the sins of the world (1 John 2 : 2)
    meaning that
God is no longer holding our sins against us (2 Corinthians 5 : 19)

Jesus will return when it is time to restore everything (Acts 3 : 21)
    by
drawing everyone to himself (John 12 : 32),
destroying his enemies (1 Corinthians 15 : 25),
including death (1 Corinthians 15 : 26),
so that only life will remain (1 Corinthians 15 : 22).

Everyone will eventually honour King Jesus (Philippians 2 : 9 - 11)
who will then hand his kingdom over to God (1 Corinthians 15 :  24).

God having brought unity to everything in heaven and earth (Ephesians 1 : 9 - 10),
thus having established a new heaven and new earth (2 Peter 3 : 13),
becomes everything to everyone (1 Corinthians 15 : 28).

So, am I a universalist?
Only if being a universalist means I believe the Bible teaches the universal reconciliation of all through Jesus. (Colossians 1 : 19 - 20)
And in our current coronavirus-induced climate of uncertainty and fear, that's a comforting position to hold.

Blessings, Barry

The Christian Gospel

The word "gospel" means good news so the Christian gospel is the good news concerning the Christ - the Jewish Messiah, God's Son and the Saviour of the world.

So what is this good news?
A straight quote from Paul's letter to the Corinthians will provide a concise answer to this question.

Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures
He was entombed
He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures
[1 Cor 15 : 3 - 5  NIV]

This is really Good News (Gospel) from God to mankind because of its awesome consequences, both personal and corporate.

Personally, God no longer holds our sins against us

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them.
[2 Corinthians 5 : 19  NIV]

because

(Jesus) is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
[1 John 2 : 2  NIV]

Corporately, God will remove death and sin from his creation and create a new heaven and earth.

The Son of God appeared for this very reason, to destroy what the Devil had done.
[1 John 3 : 8b  GNB]
Our dreaded enemy, death, which we inherited from Adam is to be removed from creation.
For he (Jesus) must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
[1 Cor 15 : 25 - 26  NIV]

God will have supreme control.

But when all things have been placed under Christ's rule, then he himself, the Son, will place himself under God, who placed all things under him; and God will rule completely over all.
[1 Cor 15: 28  GNB]

Heaven and Earth will be in complete harmony

God did what he had purposed, and made known to us the secret plan he had already decided to complete by means of Christ. This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head.
[Eph 1: 9 - 10  GNB]

and squeaky-clean

But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
[2 Peter 3 : 13  NIV]

It's amazing how many people, even those belonging to the Christian religion, do not believe this awesome outcome, even though they sing songs that proclaim it most Sundays.

For example, at a funeral I attended last week we sang a well-known hymn whose words included the death of death, the destruction of hell and God's "kingdom stands, and grows for ever, till all your creatures own your sway".
Most of the nearly 300 people present heartily proclaimed these words describing God's promised future for his creation.

Let's truly believe and endorse what the Scriptures teach about our God and his exciting plan for all mankind through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ.

Blessings, Barry

A Christmas Reflection

It is so easy to forget (neglect) the reason we celebrate Christmas when we become over-consumed with parties, shopping for gifts, arranging travel and accommodation, family dinners, etc.

So we, especially those of us who are disciples of Jesus, need to ensure some time is given to focus ourselves and our families on the One whose birthday we acknowledge at this time of the year.

And although it is easy to start with the baby and the manger, let's not stop there. Let's discuss who the baby was and why he came.

Jesus' visit and ministry were planned by God even before the beginning of time.

God saved us and chose us to be his holy people. We did nothing to deserve this, but God planned it because he is so kind. Even before time began God planned for Christ Jesus to show kindness to us.
[2 Timothy 1 : 9  CEV]

His arrival was announced by the Old Testament prophets centuries before he appeared.

So the Lord himself will give you this sign: A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and she will name him Immanuel [God Is With Us].
[Isaiah 7 : 14  GW]
The LORD said, "Sing for joy, people of Jerusalem! I am coming to live among you!"
[Zechariah 2 : 10  GNB]

His divinity was recognised.

The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father's only Son.
[John 1 : 14  GNB]
For the full content of divine nature lives in Christ, in his humanity,
[Colossians 2 : 9  GNB]

Jesus' purpose in coming to earth was acknowledged.

The next day John (the Baptist) saw Jesus coming to him, and said, "There is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
[John 1 : 29  GNB]
This is a true saying, to be completely accepted and believed: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
[1 Timothy 1 : 15  GNB]

And Jesus himself said:

I came, not to judge the world, but to save it.
[John 12 : 47b  GNB]

Indeed Jesus, God in an earth-suit, is in the only One who can provide the salvation God has chosen to give us.

Salvation is to be found through him alone; in all the world there is no one else whom God has given who can save us."
[Acts 4 : 12  GNB]

Clearly, if the Creator of the universe would so confine himself to a human body in order to provide for our salvation and ultimately eternal life in his company, the least we can do is make sure he and his salvation work are acknowledged on the day we celebrate his earth birthday.

I wish you and your loved ones a holy and blessed Christmas as you celebrate and give thanks for our wonderful Saviour.
Barry