The Transformative Power of Christ's Atonement
Summary
The work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, particularly His atoning sacrifice on the cross, has profound and far-reaching consequences. First, it altered God's relationship with humanity, not by changing God's nature, but by transforming how He interacts with us. The Heavenly Sanctuary was purified by Christ's blood, addressing the effects of sin and Satan's fall. The New Covenant was ratified through His death, granting believers direct access to God, the law written in our hearts, and the assurance of sharing in Christ's victory.
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. The cross allows God to exercise patience and long-suffering, even towards those who remain impenitent. This is part of what is known as common grace, which includes general blessings like the sun and rain, benefiting both the just and unjust.
Moreover, the angels and the entire cosmos benefit from Christ's work. Ephesians and Colossians suggest that even the angels derive some benefit, possibly finding a new head in Christ after Satan's fall. The whole universe, affected by sin, is reconciled to God through Christ's work, leading to the promise of a new heaven and earth.
Christ Himself is affected by His work on the cross. Philippians 2 reveals that He is exalted and given a name above every name, a special glory as the God-man. This glory is distinct from the eternal glory He shared with the Father before the Incarnation. Additionally, the fullness of the Holy Spirit was given to Him for the formation of the Church, His body.
Finally, Christ's kingship is a direct outcome of His atoning work. As the mediatorial King, He rules all things for God's glory and the execution of God's salvation purposes. This kingship was appointed in eternity and began functioning immediately after the fall. It was publicly declared at His Ascension and exaltation, and He now reigns over His people, the Church, in a spiritual sense.
Key Takeaways:
- The atonement of Christ transformed God's relationship with humanity, allowing for a New Covenant where believers have direct access to God and His law written in their hearts. This transformation is not a change in God's nature but in His interaction with us. [01:35]
- Common grace, derived from Christ's work, extends to all humanity, allowing the world to continue and God to exercise patience with sinners. This grace includes general blessings like the sun and rain, benefiting both the just and unjust. [05:14]
- The angels and the cosmos benefit from Christ's work, with the angels possibly finding a new head in Christ and the universe being reconciled to God. This cosmic reconciliation promises a new heaven and earth. [12:45]
- Christ's exaltation and special glory as the God-man are direct results of His atoning work. This glory is distinct from the eternal glory He shared with the Father before the Incarnation, highlighting His unique role as the glorified God-man. [16:54]
- Christ's mediatorial kingship, appointed in eternity, began functioning immediately after the fall and was publicly declared at His Ascension. He now reigns over His people, the Church, in a spiritual sense, executing God's salvation purposes. [30:19]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to the Atonement
- [00:29] - 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
- [03:04] - The Cross and the Continuation of the World
- [04:41] - Common Grace Explained
- [06:02] - Examples of Common Grace
- [08:18] - Benefits to Angels and the Cosmos
- [11:03] - Cosmic Reconciliation
- [14:14] - Effects on Christ Himself
- [16:39] - Christ's Special Glory as God-Man
- [18:39] - The Fullness of the Holy Spirit
- [24:04] - Christ's Kingship and the Cross
- [30:19] - Mediatorial Kingship Explained
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? What role does the cross play in this process? [03:48]
2. In Ephesians 1:10, what does it mean for all things to be gathered together in Christ? How does this relate to the cosmic reconciliation mentioned in the sermon? [08:33]
3. Philippians 2:5-11 describes the exaltation of Christ. What specific actions led to His exaltation, and how is this different from the glory He shared with the Father before the Incarnation? [15:13]
4. The sermon mentions that Christ's kingship was publicly declared at His Ascension. How does this event relate to His mediatorial kingship as described in the sermon? [30:19]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Romans 3:25-26 speaks of God's patience and long-suffering. How does the concept of common grace, as explained in the sermon, reflect God's patience with humanity? [05:14]
2. Ephesians 1:10 and Colossians 1:20 suggest a cosmic reconciliation through Christ. What might this reconciliation look like in the context of a new heaven and earth? [12:45]
3. Philippians 2:5-11 highlights Christ's humility and obedience. How does this passage challenge the common understanding of power and glory in today's world? [16:54]
4. The sermon discusses Christ's mediatorial kingship. How does this kingship influence the way believers understand their relationship with Christ and His rule over the church? [30:19]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflecting on Romans 3:25-26, how can you personally embrace the patience and long-suffering of God in your interactions with others, especially those who may not share your faith? [05:14]
2. Considering the cosmic reconciliation mentioned in Ephesians 1:10, what steps can you take to contribute to reconciliation in your own community or environment? [12:45]
3. Philippians 2:5-11 calls believers to have the same mindset as Christ. What specific area of your life could benefit from adopting Christ's humility and obedience? [16:54]
4. The sermon highlights the concept of common grace. How can you recognize and appreciate the common blessings in your life, even those that are often taken for granted, like the sun and rain? [06:18]
5. Christ's kingship is described as spiritual and mediatorial. How can you actively acknowledge and submit to Christ's reign in your daily decisions and actions? [32:42]
6. The sermon mentions the fullness of the Holy Spirit given to Christ for the formation of the Church. How can you seek to be more open to the work of the Holy Spirit in your life and within your church community? [18:39]
7. Reflect on the idea of Christ's special glory as the God-man. How does this understanding of Christ's unique role inspire you to live out your faith with greater purpose and intentionality? [16:54]
Devotional
Day 1: Transformation of Divine Interaction
The atonement of Christ has fundamentally transformed the way God interacts with humanity. This transformation is not a change in God's nature but in His relationship with us. Through Christ's sacrifice, the New Covenant was established, allowing believers direct access to God and His law written in their hearts. This new relationship is characterized by intimacy and assurance, as believers are invited to share in Christ's victory and live in the light of His grace. The atonement has opened a pathway for a deeper, more personal connection with the Divine, where God's love and justice meet in perfect harmony. [01:35]
Hebrews 10:16-17 (ESV): "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds, then he adds, I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more."
Reflection: How can you embrace the direct access to God that the New Covenant offers in your daily prayer life today?
Day 2: The Reach of Common Grace
Common grace, as derived from Christ's work on the cross, extends to all humanity, allowing the world to continue and God to exercise patience with sinners. This grace manifests in general blessings like the sun and rain, which benefit both the just and unjust. It is a testament to God's enduring patience and mercy, providing time and opportunity for repentance and transformation. The world, sustained by this grace, is a stage for God's redemptive work, where His love and patience are continually extended to all, regardless of their response to Him. [05:14]
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: In what ways can you recognize and appreciate the common grace in your life today, and how might this awareness change your interactions with others?
Day 3: Cosmic Reconciliation
The work of Christ on the cross extends beyond personal salvation to cosmic reconciliation. The angels and the entire cosmos benefit from Christ's atoning work, as the universe, affected by sin, is reconciled to God. This reconciliation promises a new heaven and earth, where the effects of sin are eradicated, and harmony is restored. The angels, too, find a new head in Christ, highlighting the far-reaching impact of His sacrifice. This cosmic perspective invites believers to see their faith as part of a larger divine narrative, where all creation is being renewed and restored. [12:45]
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 understanding the cosmic scope of Christ's reconciliation influence your view of the world and your role in it today?
Day 4: The Unique Glory of Christ
Christ's exaltation and special glory as the God-man are direct results of His atoning work. This glory is distinct from the eternal glory He shared with the Father before the Incarnation, highlighting His unique role as the glorified God-man. Through His obedience and sacrifice, Christ is exalted and given a name above every name, signifying His authority and honor. This exaltation is not only a testament to His victory over sin and death but also a source of hope and assurance for believers, as they are united with Him in His glory. [16:54]
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 honor and acknowledge Christ's unique glory in your daily actions and decisions today?
Day 5: The Reign of the Mediatorial King
Christ's mediatorial kingship, appointed in eternity, began functioning immediately after the fall and was publicly declared at His Ascension. He now reigns over His people, the Church, in a spiritual sense, executing God's salvation purposes. This kingship is characterized by His rule over all things for God's glory, guiding and protecting His Church as it fulfills its mission in the world. Believers are called to live under His reign, participating in His redemptive work and reflecting His kingdom values in their lives. [30:19]
1 Corinthians 15:24-25 (ESV): "Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in Christ's reign today by embodying His kingdom values in your community and relationships?
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. [00:29:10]
By dying upon the cross and in the shedding of his blood the New Covenant between God and Men was being ratified and finally last Friday we considered some of the results that acre to those of us who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. We become inheritors of this New Covenant and we saw some of the Glorious privileges which we enjoy as the result of that. [00:81:68]
There are certain common blessings which result from the work of Our Lord upon the cross. Now this is something which is often times 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. [00:159:48]
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 us of common blessings and let us be careful to emphasize this that even the unbeliever derives that benefit and that blessing from the cross. [00:280:12]
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. [00:343:36]
The angels in some extraordinary way derive a benefit. They don't derive the same benefit as we do, the benefit of salvation, but there have been those who have suggested this and I must say the suggestion commends itself to me. They put it in this form: they say that when Satan fell the Angels lost their leader, their head. [00:570:76]
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. [00:684:16]
Our Lord himself has been effect affected by his own work upon the cross. Now the great and crucial passage here of course is in the second chapter of the epistle to the Philippians and I must read it to you because it's such a great statement. You're familiar with it: let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. [00:863:44]
There is a special Glory which attaches to the Lord Jesus Christ as the glorified God-man. This is a different claw. 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. [00:1014:44]
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. [00:1561:36]
He was publicly and formally declared to be the mediatorial king and he assumed his throne in an official sense clear and obviously at the time of his Ascension and at the time of his elevation and his exaltation. He was the King when he was here on Earth himself amongst men, but he as it were had not then assumed the throne. [00:1814:55]
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. [00:1959:32]
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