June 30, 2016 - The Power Of God: And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me, in heaven and on earth." (Matt. 28:18) NKJV
All power was not given to Jesus as a reward for His death on the cross, He has always had the power within Him. He has always been equal with the Father and the Holy Spirit in power, essence and glory, the Holy Trinity acts in perfect unison.
He had the power to willingly lay down His life and he had the power to take it up again. This statement in verse 18 was made to the church as assurance that He had the power to enable her to carry out the terms as stated in the "Great Commission" and that he would be right there with the church as His command was carried out on earth. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matt 28:19-20) NKJV
His claim of all power in universal, He has authority over all the forces of nature, as well as over all spiritual powers. For instance, He stilled the storm, overcame Satan, healed all manner of diseases, raised the dead, read people's thoughts and assured the church that the gates of hell would not prevail against her.
He exercises His power in the salvation of lost souls. He tasted death for all; so whosoever will may come to Him for salvation. His blood is so powerful that it cleans from all sin. No one comes to Him in faith and is ever cast out.
Jesus has the final judgment, the faithful believers will stand before the Judgement seat of Christ in heaven. Nations will face Him when he returns to earth in great power and glory. Those who reject Him will have to face Him at the end of this age at the Great White Throne Judgment, only to be condemned to the lake of fire for eternity.
Jesus, Himself tells us that NO ONE comes to the Father but through Him. His authority is seen in heaven as He mediates each day for His flock.
The Father has exalted Jesus and has given Him a name that is above all other names. The purpose being that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue should confess that Jesus is Lord of Lord's to the glory of God the Father.
There are no exceptions for those who wish salvation, it can only be gained through the grace of God given to those whose knees do bow and whose tongues do confess Jesus as Lord (those who humble themselves and submit to His will and not their own or the will of mankind.)
As the "model prayer" says; "for Your's is the power, the kingdom, and the glory, forever and ever, amen." Blessed and honored be the name of the Lord...
