“Why Bring Christ Back To Earth?”

Jarrod Jacobs 

                   In this third article, we conclude by studying Ephesians 1:20-23. Paul lists six reasons why Jesus does not need to come back to the earth.

                   1. Jesus is sitting now at the right hand of God (v. 20). This denotes authority, degree of position, or level of rank. It speaks of the superiority of Christ over all things (Matt. 28:18).

                   2. Jesus is ruling “in the heavenly places” (v. 20). Paul is simply saying that Christ’s throne is not a material one, but a spiritual throne for a spiritual being (Jn. 4:24).

                   3. Jesus is “far above all principality, power, might and dominion” (v. 21). This verse declares Christ’s complete authority over everything spiritual and physical. Any name or title that may ever be used is in subjection to Jesus (Phil. 2:9-10). His authority transcends all titles and authority for all time (Acts 4:12).

                   4. Jesus has “all things under His feet” (v. 22). In other words, all things are in TOTAL subjection to Christ.

                   5. Jesus is the head of the church (v. 22). Since He is the head, Christ is in control. He is the law. We cannot do or say anything without His authority (Col. 3:17).

                   6. Jesus is in control of the church today (v. 23). Just as one’s body cannot function without its head, The body of Christ (the church, Col. 1:24) cannot function without its head (Christ).

                   Let us learn that Christ has all power and is reigning now. To bring Christ to earth to rule is to dethrone our King!

“Why Bring Christ Back To Earth?”

Jarrod Jacobs 

                   Yesterday we asked this question to learn why Jesus would need to come to the earth. Let us continue and see that there is no reason for Jesus to set foot on earth again.

                   Colossians 3:17 says that the things we do must be done “in the name of the Lord.” The word “name” means “position, rank, and title.” Christ has “a name which is above every name” (Phil. 2:9-10). He wears a name no one else can wear. He has a position no one else can obtain. Seeing these things are true, to bring Christ to the earth would be a demotion in position, rank, and title.

                   Please read I Peter 1:19-21 and John 17:5. These passages show us that His glory is complete. Just as His name is above every name, so is His glory. To bring Jesus to this earth again would diminish the glory He now has.

                   In John 17:4, we read “I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” There is nothing left for Jesus to do on earth! Jesus plainly said at the end of His life, “It is finished” (Jn. 19:30). Christ knew He had done all His Father had commanded; now it is up to us to realize it!

                   There is no need for Christ to return to the earth. He has done all He is going to do. He has all glory, dominion, and power. Why bring Jesus to earth and demote Him?

“Why Bring Christ Back To Earth?”

Jarrod Jacobs 

                   Many teach that Christ is going to come back to earth to reign for 1000 years. Is this true? If so, why bring Christ back to earth to rule?

                   Jesus’ mission is completed. Ephesians 1:7-10 makes this very clear. Jesus declared before He died that He had finished His work (Jn. 19:30). We now have the Plan of Salvation in its fullness and simplicity, and it is “in Christ”. Why do we need Christ to come back to the earth? There would be nothing for Him to do!

                   Jesus is not going to reveal any “new” doctrine to man. His revelation is complete. Jude 3 tells the brethren to, “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”  The meaning of that passage is “once and for all delivered unto the saints.” It is not going to be delivered again. Christ completed His revelation.

                   His authority is complete (Matt. 28:18-20). We know He has all authority, because it was exercised on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38). About 3000 were baptized “in the name of Jesus Christ” (i.e., by His authority) on that day! How can He return and claim more authority when He has all of it right now?

                   The kingdom of Christ is with us today. Those who are Christians are “translated” (transferred/transplanted) into this kingdom (Col. 1:13; Heb. 12:28). According to Paul, Christians are in the kingdom and will be judged by His laws. Therefore, why bring Christ back to earth?

Two Lions

Jarrod Jacobs 

            There are two lions that figure prominently in the Bible. In the Bible, we see that these two lions are continually fighting against one another. Specifically, they are fighting over us.

Are you aware of these lions? The Bible tells us that:

• One lion brings fear to us, while the other brings comfort (Phil. 2:1).

• One lion fights against us (is our adversary, I Pet. 5:8), while the other fights for us (is our advocate, I Jn. 2:1).

• One lion hates us, and one lion loves us.

• One lion wants us to die in our sins, while the other died for the remission of our sins (Matt. 26:28).

• One lion roars at us (I Pet. 5:8), while the other acts like a lamb toward us (Jn. 1:29).

• One lion wants to devour us (I Pet. 5:8), but the other wants to preserve us.

• One lion lies to us (Jn. 8:44), but the other speaks the truth to us (Jn. 14:6).

• One lion tempts us with evil (I Jn. 2:15-16), but the other does not tempt us with evil (Jas. 1:13).

• One lion is our enemy (I Pet. 5:8). The other lion is our friend (I Jn. 2:1).

            It should be obvious that the two lions are Christ and Satan. When we contrast Christ and Satan in this way, may it open our eyes to see the One who truly deserves our praise, obedience, and love. Jesus, the lion of the tribe of Judah, stands ready to receive us when we render obedience to Him through faith, repentance, and baptism (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38). He wants us to live faithfully for Him (Rev. 2:10). Will you do that? What is stopping you from submitting your will to Christ’s?

Two Roads

Jarrod Jacobs

                   On one occasion, Jesus encouraged folks to, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few” (Matt. 7:13-14). Each day on earth, we must make the choice to walk one of the two roads described by Christ. Which one will we choose to walk?

                   Perhaps seeing the destinations of each road will help us decide. Jesus said one road leads to destruction, while the other road leads to life. Does this help us choose the road? Don’t we want to walk the road that leads to life instead of destruction? I do!

                   Yet, how do we get on these roads? Friend, we’re already walking on them! The question is whether we’re walking the “narrow” or the “wide” way! Walking the narrow road demands our faith and obedience to God on a daily basis. Walking the wide road requires nothing of us! Unlike the “narrow” road, we can be walking on the “wide” road and not even know it! This is the danger of this road.

                   Thanks be to God that those on the “wide” road can switch and get on the “narrow” by following the Lord’s plan of salvation (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38) and living faithfully (I Cor. 15:58; Rev. 2:10). Will you do this? Which road will you walk in this life? Choose wisely, your eternity rests on this decision!