~ + BIBLICAL significance of JESUS - Part TWO (2) !! ~

*** READ PART 1 BEFORE Part 2 !! ***

The Biblical significance of Jesus' death is seen repeatedly. When instituting communion Jesus said "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matthew 26:28). Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1: 29,36). He will give His flesh for the life of the world (John 6:51). He will give His life as a seed must die in order to produce many seeds (John 12: 23-26). Paul uses the language of substitutionary sacrifice on different occasions to speak of the death of Jesus (Romans 4:25; 5:6,8; 8:3,32; Galatians 1: 3-5; Ephesians 1: 7; 1 Thessalonians 5:10; Titus 2:14). The letter to the Hebrews emphasises the finality and the eternal significance of Jesus' once for all sacrifice of himself for the sins of many people (Hebrews 7: 26,27; 9;10). Peter tells us that Jesus "bore our sins in His body on the tree" (1 Peter 2:24), that He "died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous to bring you to God" (1 Peter 3:18). In the book of Revelation Jesus is the Saviour, ruler and judge of the world. One of the reasons that He is to be given glory and power for ever and ever is that He "has freed us from our sins by His blood" (Revelation 1:5). He is characterised as the Lamb who was slain and with His blood purchased men for God and who is worthy of all the praise of all creation (Revelation 5).


On the first day of the week following the death of Jesus His grave was found to be empty (Matthew 28: 1-10; Mark 16: 1-8; John 20: 1-9), a fact reported by the guards (Matthew 28:11-15). Several appearances of Jesus to the disciples convinced them that He was alive. He had a tangible body which was recognisable yet different (Luke 24: 13-49; John 20: 10-21:25). The disciples preached courageously that Jesus whom the Jews had crucified had been raised from the dead by God and that the disciples were witnesses of this (Acts 2: 14-39). The classic statement of the centrality of Jesus' resurrection for Christian belief and life is found in 1 Corinthians 15. Peter summarises this significance: "He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Peter 1:3).


The account of Jesus' ascension is given in Acts 1: 1-12. Jesus indicated that this would happen (John 6:62; 20:17). It is spoken of in Ephesians 4: 10; 1 Timothy 3:16; 1 Peter 3:22; Hebrews. Following His ascension Jesus now occupies the position of supreme power and authority in the whole universe (Ephesians 1: 20-23), He intercedes with God on behalf of believers (Romans 8:34) and should be the focus of the hearts of believers (Colossians 3:1).


Matthew 24,25; Mark 13 and Luke 21 are different accounts of some of Jesus' teaching about His return in power and glory. This return will take place following certain signs but its timing is absolutely unknown. It will be a time of salvation and judgement for which we are warned to be prepared. Jesus told His disciples that He was going to prepare a place for them and would return to take them to be with Him (John 14:3). The angels at His ascension said that He would return in the same way that He had gone into heaven (Acts 1:11). The early church preached it as part of God's great plan (Acts 3:21). Paul taught it as a major cause for encouragement in the Christian life (1 Thessalonians 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-5:11; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10; 2: 1-12) and it occurs in his writings with direct practical application on several occasions (1 Corinthians 15:23, Philippians 3:20; Colossians 3:4; 2 Timothy 4:8; Titus 2:13). His second appearing will not be to bear sin but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him (Hebrews 9:28). The book of Revelation concludes the Bible on a note of anticipated blessing and warning. "Behold, I am coming soon!" (Revelation 22:7,12,20).


Finis. (It is finished.)

COMMUNICATION !

"Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures" (Luke 24:45).

"THE mind is the organ of intelligence, purpose, understanding, opinion, choice and reason. IT is able to receive and understand news, facts and information.

IN today's world there are books, newspapers, TV, radio and schools of learning - all vying for our attention. THERE are people and programs and publications ready to fill our minds with their ideas and thoughts. AS Christians we have been given new minds to understand the Scriptures. We must, therefore, always guard against becoming dull, sluggish or lulled into insensitivity about truths and issues that are vital to our new life in Christ. WE must always be alert!

LIFE is short. IT drifts by like a mist. WE do not know what will take place tomorrow. WE need to walk carefully, giving ourselves fully to the work of the Lord. BECAUSE our adversary, Satan, is always on the alert and ready to put us out of commission, we must always be clothed with the protective armor of God.

WE do not know when Jesus will return. He has told us to be alert so that we are ready to meet Him. CONSTANT communion/communication with our Lord WILL keep us close to Him. Intercession makes us aware of others. Petition supplies our needs. LET US be alert and clear-minded so that we will know how to pray, and OUR prayers will be both powerful and effective.

OUR new life in Christ came to us at great cost. SHALL we not guard it with alert and watchful minds?" (SVEA HENRY)