God’s Purposes in Christ Jesus

Mt 2:2

When we think of Christmas, it is important that we focus in on God’s purpose in sending Christ Jesus into this world, otherwise we will miss the true meaning of this event that we are supposed to be celebrating.  With that in mind, I want to share a bit of information for us to consider. What was God doing when He sent Christ, the second person of the Godhead, into this world?

Well, initially, many of us would immediately answer that Jesus Christ is the One God sent to “takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). And, of course, He did that.  We can never take away from that.  It is because of Him and the sacrifice that He made on Calvary that you and I are saved today.  He gave His life to satisfy the righteous requirement of God’s law, which says, “the soul that sins shall surely die.” He was the substitute for you and me on the cross of Calvary; paying the price required by the law of God for our sins.  He was the sacrificial lamb; the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.  God demonstrated His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.   God was at work in Christ Jesus reconciling the world unto Himself.

His priestly role is displayed in that sacrificial offering.  He is our Great High Priest.  That was a great part of God’s purpose for sending Jesus into this world.  And that still matters.  We must never forget that.  When I think of Christmas, I not only think of a baby born, I think of the Savior born to live and die; to sacrifice His life for my sins and, not for mine alone but for the sins of the entire world.  Thinking of that calls us to accept the sacrifice given, the blood shed and the price paid for our sins.

His role as Savior of mankind is made clear in the New Testament.   And we can’t even talk about the birth of our Savior without reflecting on what He did to become our Savior.  

However, there is another often overlooked but very important role that Christ fulfills that still matters; one that is repeatedly emphasized in the Gospels—that of Christ being a ruling King.  He is our Savior but He is also our King.  And, He is not just our King but will become the King of the Kingdoms of this world.

When the angel Gabriel came to visit Mary with the message from God. He told her that she would conceive a child.  Of that child he said, “He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David” (Luke 1:32).

You see, the Jews had long been anticipating the Messiah.   This Messiah would be a descendant of David.  He would reestablish the Davidic throne and usher in the prophesied period of restored greatness in a new kingdom.   This is what God did in Christ Jesus. The wise men asked (Matthew 2:2), “Where is He that is born King of the Jews?  We have seen His star in the east and are come to worship Him.” 

Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace…” 

Isaiah 11:1-2 1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. 2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. 

Daniel 7:13-14 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. 

Yes, the Jews were anticipating the Messiah/King to come.  In the birth of Christ, the Messiah/King came.  Now we have a Savior and a King.  God’s gift demands a response from everyone in this world.  What is your response to what God was doing in Christ Jesus?

And lest we forget, this King is coming again in the fullness of time to judge satan and his demonic spirits that are roaming this earth seeking to undermine and destroy the work of God and enslave as many people as he can.  Our response to Christ today, will determine the outcome of this cosmic conflict for us, as to whether we will live eternally in heaven with Christ or be cast in the lake of fire and brimstone to suffer eternally with satan and his demons.

Our response to Christ today, will determine the outcome of this cosmic conflict for us, as to whether we will live eternally in heaven with Christ or be cast in the lake of fire and brimstone to suffer eternally with satan and his demons.

"Behold I am coming soon! My reward is with Me, and I will give to everyone according to what he/she has done....Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they many have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city...." (Rev. 22:12 & 14a).

Bishop Alfred Jackson
Pastor, Tabernacle of Praise Church International

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