“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?

                   “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” These words were spoken on the day of Pentecost following the Lord’s death, burial, and resurrection. On this day, when the Jews were rightly accused of killing Christ (Acts 2:23), they then asked what they could do (Acts 2:36). Acts 2:38 is the answer to this question, and by extension, the answer to our question when we ask what we must do to be saved from our sins! Have you repented of your sins? Have you been baptized? If not, why not? Repentance and baptism is necessary to remit (forgive) your sins and put you in a right relationship with God. Why are you waiting?

- Jarrod Jacobs

“Are You Feeling Pressure?”

Jarrod Jacobs 

            At times, when I talk with people about the Bible, some folks will say, “Don’t pressure me.” Let me begin by saying it is certainly not anyone’s intention to coerce a person into obeying the Lord. It does no spiritual good to “pressure” people into doing something that they do not wish to do. God does not force people to obey Him. He wants willing servants, not forced labor (Ex. 35:29; Isa. 1:18-19; II Cor. 8:12; I Tim. 6:17-18; I Pet. 5:2)!

            Yet, pressure can be a good thing. Physically, pressure is a warning sent by the nerves to the brain that some part of the body is in stress or trauma. One feeling pressure physically will take measures to prevent further harm if this is possible. Spiritually, we feel pressure at times. If someone wishes to speak to you about the Bible, and you feel “pressure,” perhaps it is because you’re in the wrong! Instead of fighting against this, why not take steps to get yourself out of spiritual jeopardy (i.e., repent), and prevent further spiritual damage by returning to the Lord while you can (II Cor. 6:2; Heb. 3:7-8).

            There is something to be said for pressure being applied in the right way. The apostle Paul did this with Philemon when he told him to accept Onesimus back (Phile. 8-22). Pressure was applied in the right way when Peter and the apostles told the Jews to “repent and be baptized … for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38, 40).

            How will we respond to God’s pressure?