The Work of Christ

 

The Work of Christ

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1. Christ’s Role in Creation

• Key Verse: Colossians 1:16-17

  "For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."

• Explanation: Jesus was active in creation, forming all things by His power and purpose. His sustaining power holds the universe together, showing that He is both Creator and Sustainer of life.

2. The Incarnation: God Becoming Man

• Key Verse: John 1:14

  "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."

• Explanation: Jesus, the eternal Word, took on human flesh to live among humanity, revealing God’s character through His presence, grace, and truth. This act of incarnation is foundational to His mission of redemption.

3. Christ’s Work of Redemption

• Key Verse: 1 Peter 1:18-19

  "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."

• Explanation: Redemption, the act of freeing us from sin’s bondage, required the perfect sacrifice of Jesus. His blood paid the price for humanity’s sin, fulfilling the Old Testament’s requirement for atonement and purchasing our freedom.

4. Christ’s Sacrificial Death on the Cross

• Key Verse: Romans 5:8

  "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

• Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:21

  "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."

• Explanation: Jesus’ death was both substitutionary and sacrificial. He bore the punishment that humanity deserved, making a way for sinners to be reconciled to God. His death on the cross satisfies God’s justice and demonstrates God’s love.

5. Christ’s Resurrection and Victory Over Death

• Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:20-22

  "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."

• Explanation: Jesus’ resurrection is proof of His victory over death and the promise of eternal life for believers. As the "firstfruits," His resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of all who are in Him.

6. Christ as Our Mediator and Intercessor

• Key Verse: 1 Timothy 2:5

  "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."

• Key Verse: Hebrews 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."

• Explanation: As the Mediator, Jesus bridges the gap between God and humanity. His intercession for believers ensures that we have continual access to God’s grace and forgiveness.

7. Christ’s Role in Our Reconciliation with God

• Key Verse: Colossians 1:20-22

  "And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight."

• Explanation: Through His death, Jesus restored peace between God and humanity, transforming our relationship from enmity to friendship. This reconciliation makes us holy and blameless before God.

8. Christ’s Role in Sanctification

• Key Verse: Hebrews 10:10

  "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

• Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 1:30

  "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption."

• Explanation: Sanctification is the process by which believers are made holy, set apart for God. Through Christ’s work, we are continually transformed into His likeness, growing in holiness and purity.

9. Christ’s Ongoing Presence through the Holy Spirit

• Key Verse: John 14:16-17

  "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."

• Explanation: Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, who would live within believers, empowering them and guiding them in all truth. The Spirit is an ongoing presence of Christ in the lives of His followers.

10. Christ’s Future Role as Judge and King

• Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:10

  "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."

• Key Verse: Revelation 19:11-16

  "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... And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."

• Explanation: Jesus will return as the ultimate Judge and King, executing God’s judgment and establishing His eternal kingdom. He will reward the righteous and judge the wicked, fulfilling His role as both Savior and Sovereign King.

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Reflection Questions

1. How does understanding Jesus’ work of redemption and reconciliation impact your view of your relationship with God?
2. In what ways does Jesus’ resurrection give you hope and confidence in your own future resurrection?
3. How can the knowledge that Jesus is your Mediator and Intercessor shape your prayer life and sense of security in Christ?
4. How does the promise of Jesus’ return and role as Judge and King influence the way you live today?

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This Bible study highlights Christ’s multifaceted work in creation, redemption, reconciliation, sanctification, and His continuing ministry. It underscores the significance of His past, present, and future actions on behalf of believers and humanity at large.