BIBLE DOCTRINE II
LECTURE 37
CHRISTOLOGY – HIS PRESENT WORK
What is Jesus Christ doing right now? Where is He? The Lord Jesus Christ is still the focal point of God the Father’s great plan for humanity…and He is coming back for His people very soon…
The ‘Present Work of Jesus Christ’ began with His ascension, and will conclude with His Second Coming.
I. Post-Resurrection Appearances
Acts 1:1-3 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
- After His passion (week) He was going to make sure that they knew without a doubt that He was indeed alive; through many
infallible proofs (If they doubted, like Thomas did, it could all dwindle away in failure)
- He apparently was seen of them for a full forty days….daily I assume.
- He spent much time speaking of the kingdom of God (He had just finished speaking a lot on this before being crucified)(This was of major importance for them to understand).
A. To Prove that He was alive
It was imperative that His leaders firmly believed He was alive and thus fulfilled Scripture as the Messiah. If they thought that their Master was dead, they would soon despair and go into despondency.
Mk 16:9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
Mt 28:10 Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
1 Co 15:3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:6 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.7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
B. To Get them Focused on their Job
Once He got them to firmly believe in His resurrection, He had to get them focused on the one main thing He wants them to be doing as a church.
Mt 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
There are 4 other major passages in Scripture that deal with this same event just prior to His ascension: Mk 16:15, Lk 24:46-48, Jn 20:21, and Acts 1.
C. To Individual Empower His Disciples with the Holy Ghost
He needed to let them know that they had to have God’s power to do this most noble task: First they needed the Holy Ghost personally, and then they would need Him corporately - this would happen about 7 days after He finally left them (Pentecost)
Jn 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
- He had finished commanding them (as above) and then breathed on them.
- Those present were the disciples (most likely the church body).
- This was at least a week or more before Pentecost.
- This was individual receiving of the Holy Ghost
Acts 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?7 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. 8 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.
This “Pentecostal Power” will be discussed shortly.
II. His Ascension
Acts 1:9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel;
His ascension was visible, personal, and bodily. This also gives us information on how He will be returning to earth at His Second Coming.
Mt 28:11 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.
So many keep looking up at the ‘imagined’ splendor of Jesus Christ, but never really do anything for the Lord. They ‘praise’ the Lord, say Jesus a lot in their prayer, have experiences, etc, but never really do what the Lord has called them to do!
Mk 16:20 And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
A. There were actually two ascensions of Christ.
John 20:17 indicates that Christ ascended to His Father right after His resurrection. “Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.”
He said to Mary “Touch me not,” but later the same day allowed (encouraged) His disciples to touch Him —
John 20:19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.
Having accomplished the great sacrifice of Himself for sin, Christ wenttoHeaveninordertopresentHisbloodbeforethemercyseat, according to the pattern of Leviticus 16 – see:Hebrews 9:16-18. He then returned to earth to accomplish His post-resurrection ministry. (R.Sargeant, ‘Landmarks of Baptist Doctrine’)
B. The giving of the Comforter.
[His ascension]opened the way for the sending of the Holy Spirit. The return of the Son to the Father facilitated the sending of the Comforter. [For from this point onward, all that would put their trust in Jesus for salvation would be permanently indwelt with the Holy Ghost; and, the church, and all subsequent churches birthing out of that Jerusalem church, would be empowered corporately with the Holy Ghost. (R.Sargeant, ‘Landmarks of Baptist Doctrine’)
Jn 7:39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified).
Jn 16:7 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.
Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave
them utterance.
The Holy Ghost would serve to be Christ’s Administer of the churches; He also came to “reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment”.
C. Seated on the right hand of God.
Mk 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
Heb 10:12-13 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
This doesn’t mean that He is not allowed to stand up ever…
Acts 7:55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
The statement “sat on the right hand of God” is not one of technicality dealing with His exact location geographically, but, rather, with His ‘position’ of authority in God’s kingdom. Jesus is subordinate to His Father but was given full authority over the entire kingdom (and universe, for that matter).
Jesus would assume His rightful position as King in His kingdom…
Luke 23:42-43 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
While on earth, He was not set up as King ruling over all peoples and nations… but that day will someday (soon) occur:
Rev 19:11 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. 12 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. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 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. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND Lord OF LordS.
III. His Heavenly duties.
A. Intercessor, Advocate, Mediator
Heb 7:25 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.
Satan is before God accusing the brethren every time they sin (potentially). But, Jesus Christ acts on our behalf as an advocate with the Father.
Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
1 John 2:1 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:
1 Tim 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
B. Answers our prayers.
Jesus Christ hears and answers our prayers (in accordance with the will of His Father).
1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
C. Preparing a place for us.
John 14:2-3 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.
It very well may be that this is speaking of the New Jerusalem and all the mansions that Jesus Himself is building for each of the faithful, righteous members of His churches (i.e. the Bride). Is He still working on this after some 1970 years?!...
D. Overseeing all His churches.
Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
This does not mean that He is the head of the Catholic Church or the Mormon Church or the ScientologyChurch! He is only the head of churches that are ‘His’… (i.e. non-apostated, Baptist churches).
Jesus Christ adds to each church as it pleases Him.
Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
1 Cor 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
E. Jesus Christ is purifying His Bride.
Eph 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
He is leading the Pastors and Teachers of His churches (via the Holy Ghost) to preach and teach truths from His Word which are pertinent to what each church is needing to hear in order to be more pure, chaste, unblemished.
Thus, Jesus Christ is not sitting comfortably on the right hand of the Father and just staring off into space until the Millenium begins! No; He is very, very active…especially with His churches!
1