Beech Tree News Network

Some may be confused about the time frame of the Lord’s work for man. Some view Christ’s work as limited to the three years in the first century in which He lived in Palestine, taught people, then died on the cross, was buried, and resurrected on the third day. Limiting the Lord’s work in this manner is inaccurate. In truth, Christ’s work in saving man is three-fold, encompassing the past, present, and future. It truly spans time “from everlasting to everlasting.” How is this possible?

First, let us take a look at the past. When we do, we will see our Lord Jesus Christ was at the creation with the Father and the Holy Spirit (Gen. 1:1-2, 26-28; Jn. 1:1-4, 14). Christ engaged in making everything. After man sinned (Gen. 3:6), He accepted the responsibility of doing what was necessary to break the bonds of iniquity and set the captives free (Eph. 4:8; Gal. 2:20).

Through His death on the cross of Calvary, He redeemed all who will accept His terms from spiritual death (I Pet. 1:18-19; Matt. 26:28).  Forgiveness is ours on those terms (Jn. 14:6; Matt. 11:28-30)! Disobedience results in being lost spiritually (Heb. 5:9).

However, let us not stop in the past. Look at the present. Today, Satan exerts a continual pull on us (I Jn. 2:15-17; I Cor. 10:13). Since Satan is constantly trying to tempt us and turn us from the Lord, there is a need for constant help from above! Christ’s forgiveness settles past sins (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38), but this does not destroy the devil. He will remain until the end of time (Rev. 20:10). As a result of folks fighting against Satan and standing for Christ, Paul tells us that “All who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (II Tim. 2:12). Why would men suffer persecution? It is because the devil does not sleep (I Pet. 5:8)!

Temptations are common to all (I Cor. 10:13), and to withstand the onslaught of Satan is a continual charge (Eph. 6:11-13). Therefore, let us take advantage of the Lord’s plan for salvation and be faithful to Him (Acts 2:38; I Cor. 15:58). Faithfulness to Christ enables us to have a representative at the throne of grace to make intercession for us (Heb. 4:16).

Finally, Christ has work to do in the future. When time is over, the earth is burned up, the sky removed, and our eternal destiny is before us (II Pet. 3:10-11), Christ’s work will be to sentence the disobedient to torment (Matt. 25:46). He will also present the righteous to the Father (I Cor. 15:24). Thus, at His final coming, He will save His people from the presence of sin, turn the evil into the outer regions of woe, and have the saints to abide in perfect peace with Him forever. (Acts 1:9-11; I Thess. 4:13-17; II Thess. 1:6-9)

Indeed, the work of Christ did not embrace merely three years in Palestine in the first century but embraces all people in all nations and spans all time on earth! Are you a Christian? Have you accepted the Lord’s terms and been saved (Acts 2:38)? Are you faithful to Him (I Cor. 15:58)? If not, why not? Are you accepting of the Lord’s work that has spanned from everlasting to everlasting?

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167