Everything Exists for Christ: A Cosmic Perspective
Summary
In contemplating the purpose and goal of God's creation, we are drawn to the profound truth that everything exists for Christ. This understanding is rooted in the biblical narrative, particularly in Paul's letter to the Ephesians, where he speaks of Christ's ascension and His filling of all things. The secular worldview, as exemplified by figures like Carl Sagan, posits that the cosmos is all there is, denying any eternal perspective. This secularism interprets reality solely in terms of the present, dismissing the eternal truths that underpin the Christian faith. In contrast, the biblical worldview acknowledges an Alpha and Omega, a beginning and an end, centered on Christ.
The ascension of Christ is not merely a historical event but a cosmic victory where He leads captivity captive, triumphing over the powers of evil. This victory is not just about what Christ receives but what He gives to His people. The gifts He bestows are a testament to His grace and mercy. Moreover, Christ's ascension signifies His authority and sovereignty over all creation. He fills all things, not only with His divine presence but with His rule and purpose. Everything exists by Him, through Him, and for Him.
The ultimate goal of creation is not found in the temporal but in the eternal Sabbath rest in Christ. The seventh day of creation, the day God hallowed, points to our eternal destiny—a life of resting in the fullness of Christ. This is the essence of Sabbath holiness, where we find our true purpose and fulfillment in Him. As we navigate a world increasingly hostile to the Christian faith, we are reminded that Christ has already overcome the world. Our existence is for His glory, and in Him, we find our reason for being.
Key Takeaways:
- The secular worldview limits reality to the present, denying the eternal perspective that is central to the Christian faith. In contrast, the biblical worldview acknowledges an Alpha and Omega, centered on Christ, who is the beginning and the end of all things. [07:43]
- Christ's ascension is a cosmic victory where He leads captivity captive, triumphing over the powers of evil. This victory emphasizes not only what Christ receives but what He gives to His people, showcasing His grace and mercy. [21:24]
- Christ fills all things with His divine presence, authority, and sovereignty. Everything exists by Him, through Him, and for Him, highlighting His rule and purpose over all creation. [31:59]
- The ultimate goal of creation is found in the eternal Sabbath rest in Christ. The seventh day of creation points to our eternal destiny—a life of resting in the fullness of Christ, which is the essence of Sabbath holiness. [37:59]
- Our existence is for the glory of Christ, who has already overcome the world. In Him, we find our true purpose and fulfillment, living not for the temporal but for the eternal. [24:22]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:28] - Introduction to Ephesians 4
[01:09] - Purpose of Creation
[01:55] - Secularism vs. Eternal Perspective
[03:41] - The Secularization of Culture
[05:33] - Collision of Worldviews
[07:11] - Biblical Truth and Eternity
[09:00] - The Big Bang and Outside Forces
[10:56] - The Problem with Macroevolution
[12:21] - Nihilism and the Question of Existence
[13:49] - Exploring Ephesians 4:8
[16:02] - The Ascension of Christ
[18:11] - Captivity Captive
[20:07] - Psalm 68 and Victory Ascent
[21:54] - Christ's Gifts to His People
[24:54] - Christ Fills All Things
[29:17] - The Glory of Creation
[31:59] - Christ's Authority and Sovereignty
[34:08] - Our Reason for Being
[37:13] - Sabbath Holiness and Eternal Rest
[38:37] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 4:8-10
- Psalm 68:18
- Colossians 1:15-16
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men" in Ephesians 4:8? How does this relate to Christ's victory over evil? [14:37]
2. In the sermon, how is the secular worldview described in contrast to the biblical worldview? What are the key differences mentioned? [07:11]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Christ filling all things with His presence and authority? [31:59]
4. How does the sermon describe the ultimate goal of creation in relation to the Sabbath rest in Christ? [37:59]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of Christ's ascension as a cosmic victory challenge or affirm your understanding of His role in the world? [16:43]
2. What implications does the secular worldview have on one's understanding of purpose and existence, according to the sermon? How does this compare to the biblical perspective? [07:43]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Christ's authority and sovereignty are evident in creation? How does this influence the way believers view the world around them? [31:59]
4. How does the idea of an eternal Sabbath rest in Christ provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment for believers, as discussed in the sermon? [37:59]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own worldview. Are there areas where you might be influenced by secular thinking rather than a biblical perspective? How can you align your understanding more closely with the biblical worldview? [07:11]
2. The sermon emphasizes that Christ has already overcome the world. How can this truth impact the way you face challenges and opposition in your daily life? [24:22]
3. Consider the gifts that Christ has given to His people. How can you use your unique gifts to serve others and glorify God in your community? [21:24]
4. The sermon speaks of Christ filling all things with His presence. How can you become more aware of His presence in your everyday activities and surroundings? [31:59]
5. How can the concept of Sabbath holiness and resting in the fullness of Christ influence your approach to rest and work? What practical steps can you take to incorporate this into your weekly routine? [37:59]
6. Reflect on the idea that everything exists for Christ. How does this understanding shape your personal goals and priorities? [34:08]
7. Identify one area in your life where you struggle to see Christ's authority and sovereignty. What steps can you take to surrender this area to Him and trust in His rule? [31:59]
Devotional
Day 1: Christ as the Alpha and Omega
In a world that often limits reality to the present, the Christian faith offers a profound perspective that acknowledges Christ as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end of all things. This eternal perspective is central to understanding the purpose of creation and our place within it. The secular worldview, as seen in figures like Carl Sagan, denies this eternal perspective, focusing solely on the temporal. However, the biblical narrative, particularly in Paul's letter to the Ephesians, reminds us that everything exists for Christ. This understanding calls us to live with an awareness of the eternal, recognizing that our lives are part of a larger divine story. [07:43]
Revelation 1:8 (ESV): "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from the temporal to the eternal in your daily life, acknowledging Christ as the beginning and the end of all things?
Day 2: Christ's Cosmic Victory
Christ's ascension is not just a historical event but a cosmic victory where He triumphs over the powers of evil, leading captivity captive. This victory is significant not only for what Christ receives but for what He gives to His people. His grace and mercy are evident in the gifts He bestows upon us, empowering us to live in His victory. As believers, we are called to live in the reality of this triumph, recognizing that Christ has already overcome the world. This understanding should shape our daily lives, encouraging us to walk in the freedom and authority that Christ has secured for us. [21:24]
Colossians 2:15 (ESV): "He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him."
Reflection: In what ways can you live more fully in the victory that Christ has already won over the powers of evil in your life?
Day 3: Christ's Sovereignty Over Creation
Christ fills all things with His divine presence, authority, and sovereignty. Everything exists by Him, through Him, and for Him, highlighting His rule and purpose over all creation. This truth calls us to recognize Christ's sovereignty in every aspect of our lives and the world around us. As we navigate a world that often denies this divine authority, we are reminded that Christ's rule is ultimate and unchanging. This understanding should lead us to trust in His purpose and plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging. [31:59]
Hebrews 1:3 (ESV): "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power."
Reflection: How can you acknowledge and submit to Christ's sovereignty in a specific area of your life where you struggle to trust His authority?
Day 4: The Eternal Sabbath Rest in Christ
The ultimate goal of creation is found in the eternal Sabbath rest in Christ. The seventh day of creation, which God hallowed, points to our eternal destiny—a life of resting in the fullness of Christ. This is the essence of Sabbath holiness, where we find our true purpose and fulfillment in Him. As we live in a world that often values busyness and productivity, we are called to embrace the rest that Christ offers, finding peace and contentment in His presence. This eternal rest is not just a future promise but a present reality that we can experience in our daily lives. [37:59]
Hebrews 4:9-10 (ESV): "So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to enter into the Sabbath rest that Christ offers, finding peace and fulfillment in His presence?
Day 5: Living for the Glory of Christ
Our existence is for the glory of Christ, who has already overcome the world. In Him, we find our true purpose and fulfillment, living not for the temporal but for the eternal. This understanding calls us to live with intentionality, seeking to glorify Christ in all that we do. As we face challenges and opposition in a world that is often hostile to the Christian faith, we are reminded that our lives are meant to reflect the glory of Christ. This perspective should shape our priorities, decisions, and actions, leading us to live for His glory above all else. [24:22]
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV): "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
Reflection: How can you intentionally live for the glory of Christ in a specific area of your life today, reflecting His love and truth to those around you?
Quotes
"When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men. In saying 'He ascended' what does it mean, but that He had also descended into the lower regions, the earth. He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things." [00:28:00]
"What secularism does, is interprets all of reality in terms of the now. The world in this time. And before Sagan said 'The cosmos is all there is, all there was, ever will be,' the secularist was saying, this time is all there is. There is no eternity. Do you see the conflict?" [00:39:06]
"Because all of Biblical truth is given by what the philosophers call 'Truth that is subspecies aeternitatis.' That is, under the auspices, or from the perspective, of the eternal. So, when you get the question 'Why is there something rather than nothing? Why is there a world in the first place? And what is the destiny of the world in the future?' you're going to get two radically different answers." [00:44:41]
"Now, over against secularism, there is a view that we've been exploring that has an alpha, and has an omega. And not only an alpha, and an omega, but the Alpha, and the Omega. Now, that is not embarrassing, because that applause is for Jesus, who's the Alpha and the Omega." [00:57:53]
"And the principle captives that were in that entourage were not the kings and rulers of this world, so much as it was the powers and principalities of evil. They came in chains behind Him. I don't know who all was in that group, but I know among them was a serpent with a crushed head who was now a captive of the triumphant Jesus." [01:04:07]
"Paul emphasizes in the ascension of Jesus not what Jesus gets from His enemies, but what He gives to His people. There's no contradiction there. It's different emphasis. Because in this whole metaphor, this whole imagery of leading captives in captivity, that in the ancient world, when you captured your enemy, you received tribute from them, and you took that tribute then and distributed to your people." [01:17:27]
"Jesus said, 'Be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.' Now, we sometimes, in our distress living in a society that becomes increasingly more hostile towards us, our prayer is, 'O Lord, may you prevail, and may you overcome this hostile environment when you come back in glory.' The overcoming of this world is not a future event. It's a past event." [01:41:17]
"Well, the first thing we think about in His filling all things is that, in His divine nature, He shares with the Father and with the Holy Spirit the principle of immensity, of ubiquity, of infinity, that there is no place in heaven and earth where God, in His deity, is not present. That God fills all things. First of all, with His being." [01:57:12]
"Nothing can exist unless it subsists in the very being of God, and is filled by God, and touching His divine nature. There is no particle in this universe in which Jesus is not present. He fills it all. The clouds, the flowers, the animals, the stones, the buildings. 'The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,' and the whole world is full of His glory." [02:25:12]
"And so, the author of this little book said, 'The goal of creation is Sabbath holiness.' Which means the goal of creation is resting in the fullness of Christ. Christ is the Alpha of creation. Christ is the Omega of creation. And the only reason you exist, and that I exist, is for Him. For to live, is Christ." [02:37:46]
"Help us to rejoice in His ascension and in the fullness of the One by whom, through whom, and for whom all things were made. Amen." [03:33:54]
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