Jesus the Christ Chapter 42
Aaaaaaaand we’re done. I can’t believe I’m actually finished, it kind of seemed like an insurmountable task.
Speaking of which, all I really have to say about this chapter is that this really hit me hard:
” ‘Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet’. Then shall the Lord Jesus ‘deliver up the kingdom, and present it unto the Father spotless, saying- I have overcome and have trodden the wine-press alone, even the wine-press of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God. Then shall he be crowned with the crown of his glory, to sit on the throne of his power to reign for ever and ever.”
Compare that to Satan’s goal, which was to stand before God, presenting Him the spotless kingdom; spotless because no one was allowed to make a mistake, and everyone is still babies as far as eternal progression goes. How hollow, how undeserving of eternal power and glory.
I hadn’t really thought about it before, and so it struck me that Jesus’ work is not done, and won’t be for a long while. The work of the atonement was the fulcrum on which everything else turns, but He’s been busy for a long time and will continue to be for quite some time. That must be why the Father only introduces Him and commands He be listened to (see the previous-ish post)- because in turning the work of the Atonement over to Christ, He also turned over …. how do I say it? managerial responsibility to reign? This is something I really need to think about.
Anyway, I’m grateful for the chance to read this book, and grateful for everyone putting up with me posting about it all the time- it was the posting that made me keep up the reading, so thanks. And thanks to those who commented and read along, your insights were indispensable. I really have learned a ton, and I’m excited to read more. 🙂
Congratulations & way to go Maryanne! This is like the Iron Man of doctrinal reading, isn’t it? 😉 Love you.