The Cosmic Impact of Christ's Atonement

 

Summary

In reflecting on the profound work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, particularly His atoning sacrifice on the cross, we delve into the multifaceted consequences of this divine act. Initially, we recognize a transformation in God's relationship with humanity, not in His character, but in His dealings with us. The heavenly realm itself was purified by Christ's blood, addressing the effects of sin and Satan's fall. The New Covenant was ratified through His sacrifice, granting believers direct access to God, with His law inscribed in our hearts, offering certainty and assurance of our salvation.

Beyond these personal blessings, there are common blessings that extend to all humanity. The world continues to exist because of Christ's work; without it, the world might have ended with Adam's sin. This common grace allows God to exercise patience and long-suffering, even towards those who remain impenitent. The concept of common grace is further illustrated by the general benefits of Christian salvation, which even non-believers enjoy, such as societal improvements following revivals.

Moreover, the angels themselves benefit from Christ's work. Though they do not receive salvation, they gain a new head in Christ, who unites all creation under His leadership. This cosmic reconciliation extends to the entire universe, which was affected by sin and is now being restored through Christ's work. Ultimately, a new heaven and earth will emerge, reconciled to God.

The work of Christ also impacts His own glory. Through His obedience and sacrifice, He is exalted and glorified as the God-man, a unique glory that includes human nature. This glorification is accompanied by the fullness of the Holy Spirit, enabling the formation of the Church. Christ's mediatorial kingship, established in eternity, is exercised through His rule over all creation, for the glory of God and the execution of His salvation plan. This kingship is both spiritual, reigning in the hearts of believers, and cosmic, encompassing all creation.

Key Takeaways:

- The atonement of Christ transforms God's relationship with humanity, allowing direct access to Him and inscribing His law in our hearts, providing assurance and certainty of salvation. [01:53]

- Common grace, derived from Christ's work, extends to all humanity, allowing the world to continue and God to exercise patience, even towards those who do not believe. This grace is evident in societal benefits following revivals. [06:16]

- Christ's work on the cross reconciles not only humanity but the entire cosmos, promising a new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells, highlighting the universal scope of His redemption. [12:39]

- The glorification of Christ as the God-man is a unique glory resulting from His obedience and sacrifice, accompanied by the fullness of the Holy Spirit for the formation of the Church. [16:49]

- Christ's mediatorial kingship, established in eternity, is exercised through His rule over all creation, for the glory of God and the execution of His salvation plan, reigning in the hearts of believers and over the entire universe. [25:48]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to the Consequences of the Atonement
- [00:28] - Change in God's Relationship with Humanity
- [00:59] - Purification of the Heavenly Sanctuary
- [01:16] - Ratification of the New Covenant
- [02:28] - Common Blessings from the Cross
- [03:48] - The Cross as the World's Sustainer
- [05:30] - Understanding Common Grace
- [06:43] - Revivals and Societal Benefits
- [08:16] - Angelic Benefits from Christ's Work
- [11:00] - Cosmic Reconciliation through the Cross
- [14:23] - Christ's Glorification through Obedience
- [18:45] - The Fullness of the Holy Spirit
- [25:07] - Christ's Mediatorial Kingship
- [32:30] - Spiritual Aspect of Christ's Kingdom

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 3:25-26
2. Ephesians 1:10
3. Philippians 2:5-11

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Romans 3:25-26, how does Paul describe God's justification of past sins? How does this relate to the sermon’s discussion on the atonement of Christ? [03:48]

2. In Ephesians 1:10, what does it mean for all things to be gathered together in Christ? How does this passage connect to the sermon’s theme of cosmic reconciliation? [08:29]

3. Philippians 2:5-11 describes the humility and exaltation of Christ. How does this passage illustrate the unique glory of Christ as discussed in the sermon? [14:39]

4. What are some examples given in the sermon of common grace that even non-believers experience as a result of Christ's work on the cross? [06:43]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of common grace, as explained in the sermon, challenge or expand the traditional understanding of grace? What implications does this have for how believers view the world? [05:30]

2. The sermon mentions that Christ's work reconciles the entire cosmos. What might this cosmic reconciliation look like in practical terms, and how does it affect our understanding of the universe? [12:39]

3. In what ways does the glorification of Christ as the God-man, as described in Philippians 2:5-11, impact the believer's understanding of Jesus' role in the Trinity and His relationship with humanity? [16:49]

4. How does the sermon’s explanation of Christ’s mediatorial kingship influence the believer’s perception of Christ’s authority and rule over creation? [25:48]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the idea of having God's law inscribed in your heart. How does this internalization of God's law manifest in your daily life, and what steps can you take to deepen this relationship? [01:53]

2. The sermon discusses the patience and long-suffering of God towards those who do not believe. How can this understanding shape your interactions with non-believers in your community? [06:16]

3. Consider the concept of cosmic reconciliation. How does this broader view of redemption influence your perspective on environmental stewardship and care for creation? [12:39]

4. The sermon highlights the unique glory of Christ as the God-man. How does this understanding of Christ’s glory inspire your worship and devotion? What specific actions can you take to honor this glory in your life? [16:49]

5. Christ’s mediatorial kingship is both spiritual and cosmic. How can you acknowledge and submit to Christ’s reign in your personal life and in the broader context of the world? [25:48]

6. Reflect on the societal benefits of revivals mentioned in the sermon. How can you contribute to societal improvement in your community as a reflection of Christ’s work? [06:43]

7. The sermon discusses the benefits angels receive from Christ’s work. How does this understanding of Christ’s cosmic role affect your view of spiritual beings and their place in God’s plan? [08:29]

Devotional

Day 1: Direct Access to God through Christ's Atonement
The atonement of Christ on the cross has fundamentally transformed the relationship between God and humanity. This transformation is not a change in God's character but in how He interacts with us. Through Christ's sacrifice, believers are granted direct access to God, with His law inscribed in our hearts. This new covenant provides assurance and certainty of salvation, allowing us to approach God with confidence and intimacy. The atonement assures us that we are no longer separated from God by sin, but are welcomed into His presence as His children. [01:53]

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

Reflection: In what ways can you embrace the direct access to God that Christ's atonement provides? How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Him today?


Day 2: The Sustaining Power of Common Grace
Common grace, derived from Christ's work on the cross, extends to all humanity, allowing the world to continue despite the presence of sin. This grace is evident in the patience and long-suffering God shows even towards those who do not believe. It is through this grace that societal improvements and benefits often follow revivals, impacting both believers and non-believers alike. Common grace serves as a reminder of God's mercy and the sustaining power of Christ's sacrifice, which upholds the world and offers hope for redemption. [06:16]

Matthew 5:45 (ESV): "For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."

Reflection: How have you experienced God's common grace in your life? Can you identify ways in which this grace has impacted your community or society as a whole?


Day 3: Cosmic Reconciliation through Christ's Redemption
Christ's work on the cross extends beyond humanity, reconciling the entire cosmos to God. This cosmic reconciliation promises a new heaven and earth where righteousness dwells, highlighting the universal scope of His redemption. The effects of sin and Satan's fall are addressed through Christ's sacrifice, bringing restoration to all of creation. This grand vision of redemption invites us to participate in God's plan for the renewal of the world, living in anticipation of the new creation that is to come. [12:39]

Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV): "For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

Reflection: How does the promise of cosmic reconciliation through Christ's redemption influence your perspective on the world? In what ways can you contribute to God's work of restoration in your daily life?


Day 4: The Unique Glory of Christ as the God-Man
Through His obedience and sacrifice, Christ is exalted and glorified as the God-man, a unique glory that includes human nature. This glorification is accompanied by the fullness of the Holy Spirit, enabling the formation of the Church. Christ's exaltation is not only a testament to His divine nature but also a model for believers, demonstrating the power of humility and obedience. As the Church, we are called to reflect Christ's glory in our lives, empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill His mission on earth. [16:49]

Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV): "Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Reflection: In what ways can you reflect the unique glory of Christ in your life? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to empower you in this endeavor?


Day 5: Christ's Mediatorial Kingship over All Creation
Christ's mediatorial kingship, established in eternity, is exercised through His rule over all creation. This kingship is both spiritual, reigning in the hearts of believers, and cosmic, encompassing the entire universe. Christ's rule is for the glory of God and the execution of His salvation plan, inviting us to participate in His kingdom work. As believers, we are called to submit to Christ's kingship in our lives, allowing His reign to transform us and extend His kingdom on earth. [25:48]

Ephesians 1:20-23 (ESV): "That he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all."

Reflection: How can you submit to Christ's mediatorial kingship in your life today? What specific areas of your life need to be brought under His rule and authority?

Quotes


First of all, we saw that there were certain consequences in the relationship of God to men. No change in God as in God's character, in God's being, but clearly a change in God's relationship to mankind. Then secondly, we saw that there was a change in heaven itself in this sense that the epistle to the Hebrews teaches us that the Heavenly Sanctuary had to be purified and was purified by the blood of Jesus Christ. [00:31:56]

We saw that we approach God directly, that we have the law written in our hearts, that it's no longer external but within. We saw its certainty and its assurance because Christ is seated at the right hand of God having finished his work, waiting until his enemies shall be made his footstool, and we were in him are going to share in all the consequences of his victory. [01:08:11]

There are certain common blessings which result from the work of Our Lord upon the cross. Now, this is something which is oftentimes forgotten or at any rate ignored or not realized as it should be. But there can be very little doubt that we must say this, that were it not for the work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the world would probably have come to an end and have been destroyed the moment Adam fell and sinned. [02:55:84]

It is only because of the work of the cross that God can even tolerate sin in any shape or form or in any sense. Now that, therefore, I put under the heading of common blessings, and let us be careful to emphasize this, that even the unbeliever derives that benefit and that blessing from the cross. The fact that he's not cut off immediately is entirely due to that. [04:41:36]

Common Grace is differentiated from special or peculiar Grace. The special or peculiar Grace is the grace of redemption; it's the grace of God towards us in the Lord Jesus Christ who are saved. But there is such a thing as common Grace. It means any type or kind of blessing that is derived by anybody in this world. [06:00:36]

There are many General benefits of Christian salvation which are enjoyed by people who are not saved themselves. Let me give you an instance. Take, for instance, any great Revival which has ever taken place in this country. Now, a Revival not only means the salvation of a number of individuals; there are certain General common blessings that always accompany a Revival. [06:40:03]

The whole universe benefits by the work of Our Lord upon the cross because, as we know full well, the whole world was affected by sin and by the fall, and it is all reconciled back to God by his work. That is undoubtedly a meaning which simply can't be excluded from these two verses that I've just been reading to you. [11:21:20]

Eventually, we are told there will be a new heavens and a new Earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. That is the ultimate result in a cosmic sense of the work of the Lord upon the cross, and it could not have been produced without his work upon the cross. He is the one who mediates in every respect, not only between men and God, between the whole Cosmos and God. [12:43:99]

Our Lord himself had said it. It's to be found in John 12:23: The hour is come, he says, that the son of men should be glorified. And then you remember in the high Priestly prayer in the 17th of John, we get this: Glorify thy son that thy son also may glorify thee. He realizes that as the result of his death upon the cross, he's going to be glorified. [15:50:39]

There is a special Glory which attaches to the Lord Jesus Christ as the glorified God-man. This is a different Glory. He had the glory of the father before the foundation of the world, before his Incarnation, yes, but at the Incarnation, something unique happened. He took human nature unto himself. He is now God-man, and it is the god-man who is now going to be glorified. [17:12:72]

The mediatorial kingship of Christ Is His official power to rule all things in Heaven and Earth for the glory of God and for the execution of God's purposes of Salvation. This is a great theme in the scripture. Now there can be no question at all but that our Lord was appointed to this mediatorial kingship in eternity Before Time. [25:43:91]

Christ Reigns as king over his people, over the church. He is the head of the church; he's the king of the church. He reigns in the hearts of all of us who are believers in him. He administers his kingdom by means of his word and by means of the Holy Spirit. Every statement about his headship of the church is an indication of his kingship, and it's exercised in a spiritual manner. [32:59:27]

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Transcript
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