The Work of Christ
I believe that the pre-incarnate Christ was actively involved in the creation of the world, and by the power of His will and word He continually sustains His creation (Col. 1:16-17; Heb. 1:2-3). I believe Christ entered into His own creation (Jn. 1:14), came to earth and lead a sinless, perfect life in obedience to the Father and in step with the Spirit, culminating in His physical death upon the cross (Acts 2:23), His blood pouring forth as He became the perfect sacrifice for our sins (Heb. 10:10). On the third day, Jesus was physically resurrected (Mt. 28), showed Himself too many (1 Cor. 15:1-8), and ascended into heaven forty days later (Acts 1:9). Jesus now sits enthroned at the right hand of God the Father, exalted above creation (Col. 3:1; Rev. 14:14). His work continues as He intercedes for Believers (Heb. 7:25) and He will one day soon return physically (Acts 1:9-11) to gather those who belong to Him and to judge all of humanity (1 Thess. 4:13-18, Rom. 2:16).
I believe Christ’s death upon the Cross was substitutionary in nature as He suffered and paid the penalty of death in my place (2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:13), fulfilling God’s righteous demands (Rom. 3:24-25), turning away God’s wrath by the shedding of His blood (1 Jn. 2:2). Jesus’ sacrificial death was a ransom to redeem His own people from slavery to sin (Tit. 2:14; Matt. 20:28; 1 Pet. 1:18), and to restore and reconcile those who believe the message of the Cross (1 Tim. 4:10) to their purposed relationship with God (Rom. 5:8-11; 2 Cor. 5:18, 19).
I believe Jesus’ work on earth is divided into His work as prophet, priest and king. As prophet, Jesus was the full revelation of God to humanity (Jn. 1:14;18), foretelling the future (Mat.. 24:3-35) and speaking authoritatively for God the Father (Heb. 1:2). As high priest, Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sins (Heb 9:11-15; Heb. 10:10) and continues to intercede for those who belong to Him (Heb. 7:25). As king, Jesus rules in the hearts of His people (Acts 17:7; Col. 1:13) and rules over His creation (Col. 1:17). Also as king, Jesus will reign into eternity (Rev. 20:6), and He will exercise dominion forever (Rev. 11:15).
