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What Must I Do To Be Saved?

  

"Christ Reigns Today"

Jarrod Jacobs

Our Lord Jesus Christ rules over us today. This is a fact that is lost on much of the world. After His resurrection and ascension, Christ sat down at the right hand of God to rule and reign over us. Daniel saw this day, and declared, "I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed" (Dan. 7:13-14). The fulfillment of Daniel's vision is seen in Acts 1:9-11 when Christ "came to" God and sat down at His right hand. Paul said that Christ is reigning now, and "must reign til he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death" (I Cor. 15:25-26). Has death been destroyed? No, sir! Therefore, Christ is reigning today.

In the book of Ephesians, Paul discusses Christ's resurrection and ascension and says, "Which he (God) wrought in Christ, when he (God) raised him (Christ) from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all" (Eph. 1:20-23). Does this sound like Christ is not reigning now? Of course, He is! Christ reigns over us today. We may not want to think about it, some may even deny it, but when all is said and done, Christ reigns today! God told His Son, "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom" (Heb. 1:8). Based on the truth that Christ reigns over us today, what does this mean to us?

1) It means man has no authority over himself. Jesus pronounced that He had all authority. "Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth" (Matt. 28:18). If Christ has all authority, then how much does that leave for you? For me? Once we understand this, then we will be on our way to being submissive to our King!

2) It means that man has no legislative power. Some take upon themselves the job of lawmaker. You see this in those who hear Christ's words and declare, "I know the Bible says that but...." Sometimes people will hear the word of God read plainly and state, "That is your opinion." If you or I are guilty of this, then we are trying to be the lawmaker! Friends, that job has already been taken! Christ is the lawmaker today. His law is found in the New Testament, and will not change. It is high time we accepted it and obeyed rather than fighting against it!

3) It means that we will be punished if we do not do as the King says. Paul wrote the Thessalonians and told them that on the last day, Christ would come, "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power" (II Thess. 1:8-9). Would you want to be found in rebellion against the King? Of course, not! Then, one must become a citizen of His Kingdom through faith in Him (Jn. 8:24), repenting of sins (Lk. 13:3), confessing your faith in Christ (Matt. 10:32), and being baptized for the remission of sins (Mk. 16:16). What is keeping you from doing what is right? Don't defy your King, Jesus Christ!

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