Do you remember Cliff Notes from school? They were the summary booklets of the great literary classics that we reached for the night before a test because we hadn't read the book:)
There is a very important Bible passage that is the ultimate "Cliff Notes" of the entire plan of salvation. It's Revelation 5:9-10 -
"And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth."
After Jesus' suffering, crucifixion, and ascension into heaven, he took possession of a very important document: a 7-sealed scroll containing key future events. His sinless sacrifice made Him worthy to take charge of the unfolding of future events, as well as to purchase for God with His blood people from every nation, language, and race. Their destiny is to be made into a kingdom, and to perform priestly service, and to ultimately rule with Christ upon the earth. And that's a great summary of the great plan of God!
The work of Christ, according to the plan of God, is all-inclusive. None are excluded; all have opportunity to be drawn in to the salvation and plan of God. Those who respond He has "made them to be a kingdom".
It would be easy to conclude that to be made to be a kingdom is to be the church. And there is a sense of connection between the Church and the kingdom: the Church exists to serve the purposes of the kingdom. But, "they WILL reign upon the earth" (emphasis added). All who are called out from all nations are being formed into a kingdom today to one day reign with Jesus upon the earth in His coming kingdom.
Out truest identity is found in these 2 verses. We are among the called-out ones of all nations who have been purchased for God through the blood of Jesus. We are presently being formed into the government of God in preparation for ruling the world with Jesus for 1,000 years at His return.
Never lose sight of your identity and destiny, because these provide the motivation and energy for living today. It is along these lines that we "dream dreams and see visions" (Acts 2:17).
John 3:16 is perhaps the best-known verse in the Bible, but I suggest to you that Revelation 5:9-10 should instead be best-known because of its vitally important summary statement. May its message encourage and energize you today.
Steve
There is a very important Bible passage that is the ultimate "Cliff Notes" of the entire plan of salvation. It's Revelation 5:9-10 -
"And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth."
After Jesus' suffering, crucifixion, and ascension into heaven, he took possession of a very important document: a 7-sealed scroll containing key future events. His sinless sacrifice made Him worthy to take charge of the unfolding of future events, as well as to purchase for God with His blood people from every nation, language, and race. Their destiny is to be made into a kingdom, and to perform priestly service, and to ultimately rule with Christ upon the earth. And that's a great summary of the great plan of God!
The work of Christ, according to the plan of God, is all-inclusive. None are excluded; all have opportunity to be drawn in to the salvation and plan of God. Those who respond He has "made them to be a kingdom".
It would be easy to conclude that to be made to be a kingdom is to be the church. And there is a sense of connection between the Church and the kingdom: the Church exists to serve the purposes of the kingdom. But, "they WILL reign upon the earth" (emphasis added). All who are called out from all nations are being formed into a kingdom today to one day reign with Jesus upon the earth in His coming kingdom.
Out truest identity is found in these 2 verses. We are among the called-out ones of all nations who have been purchased for God through the blood of Jesus. We are presently being formed into the government of God in preparation for ruling the world with Jesus for 1,000 years at His return.
Never lose sight of your identity and destiny, because these provide the motivation and energy for living today. It is along these lines that we "dream dreams and see visions" (Acts 2:17).
John 3:16 is perhaps the best-known verse in the Bible, but I suggest to you that Revelation 5:9-10 should instead be best-known because of its vitally important summary statement. May its message encourage and energize you today.
Steve
posted by steve @ 12:07 PM
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