Reality of Who Jesus Christ Is (Part 3)

Jesus Christ the Last Adam - The Reality of Who Jesus Christ Is (Part 3)

When the day of Pentecost had fully come (this event had been approaching ever since the fall of Adam) the baptism of the Holy Spirit was finally made available. You should note the difference in effect the new birth made in the lives of the apostles. Days earlier, as recorded in John 19:19-20, they were behind closed doors hiding together for fear of the Jews. With the baptism with Holy Spirit there appeared tongues as of fire resting on each and they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke with other tongues. The miracle of Pentecost was that with 12 men speaking with other tongues were understood by 18+ nationalities present in Jerusalem in their own languages and what they were speaking were of the wonderful works of God. Just days before these men were hiding, scared to death of what the Jews would do to them if they were caught.

Then, bolder still, Peter stands up and delivers a cutting sermon to the same people who a short time earlier had crucified Jesus Christ. Something change these men and the change was explained by Peter. It was God's plan to restore, on a permanent basis, spirit to man that had died with the sin of Adam through his promised seed, Christ Jesus. This was foretold in prophecy by the prophet Joel.
“Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit."

The new birth, the baptism of Holy Spirit was the secret concealed in the Old Testament Days. It was dimly perceived but not understandable to the prophets and people of Israel. This "mystery" we are told by Paul in his letter to the church at Corinth, was kept hidden because had the Devil known what would be the result of the crucifixion of Jesus, he would have never allowed the religious leaders of the day to kill Jesus. It was only as a result of the resurrection of Jesus that the baptism of Holy Spirit was made available. And, this new birth produced a thing of wonder on the earth. In Colossians Paul defined the new birth simply as being,
"Christ in you, the hope of glory." The reality of this revelation was tremendous. While Jesus Christ was alive on earth during his ministry, he could only be in one place at a time. With the baptism of Holy Spirit made available to all that believed, and each believer had Christ in them, wherever there is a believer present, there the presence of Christ is. Now instead of only one Jesus Christ for the Devil to contend with, there were thousands and constantly being added daily more believers. Believers that being filled with the Holy Spirit (with Christ in them), comprised a growing army equipped for spiritual battle against the Devil.

The Word of God tells us that in conjunction with being filled with the Holy Spirit through the new birth, there are varieties of spiritual gifts, but the all are provided through the new birth (the Holy Spirit). There are also different levels of spiritual leadership in the church overseen by the same Lord (Jesus Christ to son). Then there are different function’s in the body of Christ by the individual believers but it is the same God who works all of these varieties of spiritual gifts in all members of the body of Christ. This covers what in actuality are the several areas of Spiritual Gifts in the body of Christ. These spiritual gifts are administrated by the
Spirit, our Lord (Christ Jesus the Son of God), and God working collectively in unified purpose, to disperse and empower these gifts in the selected members of the body of Christ. This section of verses explicitly state that the gifts are distributed through the choice and commissioning of individuals in the body of Christ by God to function in positions of service to the rest of the body of Christ. From verse 7 on the word "but" in verse 7 sets in contract (indicates change to a different but related subject) the new related spiritual matter to the previous. The "manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man for his own profit." The Spirit mentioned is the "Comforter" promised by Jesus Christ prior to his ascension.
“1 Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. 3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. 7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. 8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; 9 To another faith by the same Spirit;
to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; 10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will."

The manifestation of the new birth (the Spirit) is one item with 9 individual parts to it. The manifestation of Spirit is not a special gift, it is the power base of the new birth given to everyone who believes and is energized by the new birth (Christ in You) and God. Word of knowledge is your ability to receive from God information needful to you in your life, for being victorious that by your five senses you would not be able to know. You can know the coming attacks of the Devil before he can put them into effect. Word of wisdom is the revelation from God on the practical application of what you have received from Him by way of word of knowledge. These two parts of the manifestation of spirit were the eyes and ears of the church and they gave God's servants the ability to direct the operation of the church effectively and enabled the individual members of the body of Christ to be able to defeat the attacks of the adversary. The individual part of the manifestation , faith, is the faith of Jesus Christ. In the new birth we have been given the measure of the full faith of Christ to operate in our lives ("Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that
is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."). The next part of the manifestation is gifts of healing. This is the ability Jesus Christ told the apostles and disciples that was available and was to be a sign to follow believers, ministering healing to those afflicted. These gifts of healing confirmed the Word of God spoken by the believers. The next part of the manifestation is working of miracles. Jesus said that the works that he did, and greater works than he did, we would do ("John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father."). The next part of the manifestation is prophecy. We must understand this is not the office of a prophet, it the ability for each believer to speak for God and Christ when necessary in the body of Christ. It is also an operation in the body of Christ in order that there is no provision for lack of direction of the Church. When there is need for a prophet God happens in an area to correct doctrinal error or give warning to God's people, God will raise one up. The next part of the manifestation is discerning of spirits. This is the ability of recognizing the spiritual forces of the adversary around us, for what they are, and to enable us to be able to effectively fight the Devil and his spirits. The next part of the manifestation of Spirit is speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues is speaking to God and speaking mysteries (1 Corinthians 14:2); speaking in tongues edifies you - builds you up spiritually (1 Corinthians 14:4a); Paul said he wished that all the members of the body of Christ spoke in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:5a); speaking in tongues is a sign to the unbelievers that we have the power of Christ in Us (1 Corinthians 14: 22. The next part of the manifestation is interpretation of tongues. This is your ability to receive from God the meaning of what was spoken and the ability to relay this information to the Church so the Church will be edified. In order to operate this part of the manifestation is the process of merely to ask God for the meaning of what was spoken (1 Corinthians 14:13). The availability of your capability to work all nine parts of the manifestation is up to you as the individual member of the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:11 clearly tell us that all nine parts are energized by the Spirit making active in the believer the parts needed as he or she the believer wills (believes to operate).

In Colossians we have an overview of what Christ Jesus, the last Adam accomplished for us. Christ has made us acceptable to receive our inheritance from God (joint heirs with Christ - Romans 8:17). We have been delivered from the rule and authority of the Devil and his kingdom of darkness, and, have been repositioned into the kingdom of Christ Jesus the Son of God (we are already citizens of heaven). We have received redemption and forgiveness of sins through the blood of Christ who is the image of God. We are members of the body of Christ and Christ is the head of the body (he gives the body of believers direction and purpose). We were reconciled to God through Jesus dying for us on the cross and we are presented by him to God as holy, without blame, and without reproof. The riches of this glory is "Christ in you" the hope (anticipation of that we will receive) of Glory.
“Colossians 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 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: 17 And he is before all things, and by
him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 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. 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: 25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:"

With a view and understanding of Jesus Christ the last Adam, who is the Christ the son of God, we are exhorted to do a few things as our reasonable service to God. We are to present ourselves (heart, mind, and body) as a living sacrifice which is a holy and acceptable offering to God. We are not to allow the world to brainwash us into conforming to what it wants us to do and think. We are to renew our minds (by studying the Word of God which is His expression of the things we should do and think) in order to prove in our lives the operation of the things God wants us to perform (say and do). We are all equal in the body of Christ and should not think oursevles more important than any other member of Christ's body since we have all been given the same amount of faith (the full faith Christ has). We are all members of the same body (singular - should be no divisions) yet have individual functions we perform best in Christ's body to serve our fellow believers. Whether we are called to the office of a prophet, or an apostle, or a minister, or a teacher, or an exhorter (evangelist), a pastor, or simply called to support the needs of the body of Christ through giving, we are to perform our calling with simplicity, diligence, and love. We are to give our love without deception, showing Godly
affection one to another. The full listing of our simple requirement in our Christian walk are described in the section from Romans below.
“Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."

In conclusion, from what has been covered, we as born again believers (members in particular of the body of Christ) were called from the darkness of this world by God and given through the Spirit, the Son of God - Christ Jesus, and God the power and ability to live life as more than conquerors in every situation. We have received the new birth and are filled with the Holy Spirit and have inherited eternal life in God, in Christ, in us. We have been commissioned by God to walk our lives as a testimony of God's grace, love, and power always giving God the glory in everything we accomplish and do. We have had the eyes of our understanding
opened and walk in the light while the unbelieving world flounders in darkness. We have the ministry of reconciliation committed to us and in the place of Christ Jesus on the earth have to duty to bring men to the reconciliation of God. We have obtained an inheritance from God and are joint-heirs with Christ Jesus and will fully share in the inheritance when he come to claim his body from this earth. We are already seated in the heavenly places with him and our citizenship is no longer of this world but of heaven.

If you do not have what we have stated and have not yet accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior, it is easily attainable for you in your life.
“Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."

If you confess you faith in Jesus Christ with your voice, believe in your heart God raised him from the dead, you absolutely will be saved. And whoever believes on our Lord and savior Christ Jesus absolutely will not be disappointed. You will see the witness of the power of God in your life as an effective witness.

As the complete confession of our faith, the Nicene Creed from 325 A.D. is, to this day, the simplest and fullest expressive expression of our faith. In conclusion to this teaching I end with this early Church confession of truth. Please note that the word "catholic" used in this confession of faith does not specifically refer to the Catholic Church , but simply means (translated from Latin) universal, and refers to the universal and apostolic church, the entire body of Christ.

"I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who, for us men for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of Life; who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. And I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen."