The World Conquest of the Resurrected Christ (1 Corinthians 15:19-26)
The 24 Answer of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd RUTC: 4/17/2022
Christ is the greatest model of “world conquest,” the covenant we have held onto this year. Although the Jewish and Roman authorities persecuted and crucified Christ on the cross, He rose again. In the end, He rose as One who overcame, healed, and saved the world. A life like this is the life of a disciple who conquers the world. There are renowned and infamous conquerors in the world. (Alexander, Genghis Khan, Napoleon, even Hitler). They did not hesitate to oppress people and destroy the world for their greed and ambition. Christ never took part in war. Yet, He led all lives, nations, and authorities to have no choice but to worship and kneel before the Father (verse 24). Who will kneel the very last? It says that it will be the Devil that brought sin, curses, and death to all lives (verse 25). God desires to bless and use us in this age. Forces of darkness that bring failure, suffering, and curses will crumble, and we will be used in saving and healing people. Are there those in suffering? You will surely arise and be those who save others who are suffering like you. Therefore, we who have been saved have been called ambassadors of Christ, spiritual doctors, witnesses, evangelists, and true conquerors. How is that possible? The mystery is the power and blessing of the resurrection. It said that Christ is the first fruit of this blessing (verse 20). There are three blessings we must enjoy because of this resurrection.
- A new life that only the resurrected Christ can give.
Baptism signifies that our old self has died through Christ’s death and reminds us that we have received new life through His resurrection (Romans 6:4). This blessing is the blessing of the new creation (2 Corinthians 5:7). What does this mean? What are the difference between this new life that we have and the new life that unbelievers have?
1) The moment we accept Christ, we bear God’s image within us (restoration of Genesis 1:27).
In other words, this is called spiritual life. God is with me, and my spirit enjoys God. Why have humans corrupted and become so evil? They have lost hold of this blessing after Adam’s corruption. Mankind’s life is only a physical life and has become filled with the Devil’s image (Devil’s greed and character) instead of God’s image (Romans 7:19). The image of God will continuously be restored in me when I always look upon God and enjoy His grace (Galatians 4:19).
2) This life is one that can enjoy God’s power and authority (restoration of Genesis 2:7).
① It is a blessing that is promised the moment we are saved. Jesus reconfirmed this blessing as He sent the disciples (John 20:21-22).
We overcome the authority of sins with this power and authority, overcome the world filled with temptations, and fight against Satan’s authority that continuously deceives us. It is a life that can enjoy spiritual life.
② Christ has given us the life that is bound to have victory through His resurrection (verse 55-58).
Do not be afraid of any problems. Fight a spiritual battle with an assurance of victory. Those with this mystery help people who are in darkness and suffering. They share Christ, who has destroyed Satan’s head through His resurrection and deep healing takes place.
3) The kingdom of God comes upon those who have this life (restoration of the blessing of Eden of Genesis 2:1-18).
① The garden of Eden is the first model of God’s kingdom.
Why is the Garden of Eden called Eden? God was with them there, and it was a place blessed by God. Even if one has nothing, is poor, and amidst a difficult environment, that place becomes Eden when this is enjoyed.
② My household and family line that worships idols and is filled with curses changes into blessings because of me alone.
At first, difficulties and persecutions may come. Simply hold onto the covenant. If one who has this covenant goes into a neighborhood of crimes and drugs, the spiritual stream changes (Acts 8:4-8). This is the life we possess and the life we must live.
- The new work that the resurrected Christ confirmed.
Being devastatingly lowered, humiliated, and dying was not the end. He resurrected from the dead, and new works began.
1) He promised that new works will take place upon the Israelites who were brought captives and in despair (Isaiah 43:18-19).
To those in Christ, failure is not failure, and despair is not despair. If we look upon God at that time, failure and despair are a new start for God to carry out new works.
2) Therefore, we are told to forget the past and not be bound by old works.
What are these past and old works? They are memories, hurt hearts, scars, and trauma from the past (Isaiah 61:1). Works take place if a saved person revives his brain. That is why we must have deep breathing and change our thoughts (Philippians 4:6-7, Ephesians 3:20). As much as I worry and fear, similar works will take place (Job 3:25). We are bound by how much we hate and despise. We become oppressed instead. Satan is the one who leads us to live like that, but it is Christ who leads us to victory (Acts 10:38).
3) Who carries out those new works? “See, I am doing a new thing!” It is the Triune God.
Are you weak? Are you weary? Is it too difficult to bear? Hence, we are to look upon the things above, the throne, for 24 hours (Colossians 3:1). The nine blessings of the throne will follow, and we will stand to save and revive the three ages and 237 nations.
- The new future that the resurrected Christ will lead. There is a different way believers must go while living on earth.
It says that if we only seek our present reality and world in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied (verse 19). There is a future that Christ opened and will continuously lead through His resurrection.
1) The church is the future. People who are going on the “journey of the remaining ones” that will save the crumbling church (Revelation 12:17).
Gentiles burned down the temple, and the reconstructed temple was still only a weak formal structure. Satan led European churches to be like this and is attacking American churches and churches across the world this way. Hold onto the covenant that we are people who will receive answers and enjoy blessings to where we will save those churches and challenge yourselves to that.
2) The future of the field. We are people going on the “conqueror’s journey” that will save my field and the field of the 237 nations.
Therefore, we must stand as the 70 disciples. God promised that everything will be restored if we arise and shine the light (Isaiah 60:1-5). The weak disciples who fled after denying, cursing, and swearing Jesus went on this journey after meeting the resurrected Jesus.
3) The eternal future. We are people going on the “pilgrim’s journey” that will enjoy eternal comfort, prize, and glory.
Our death is not actual death. After these works are finished, we will resurrect and face that eternal day. Not one prayer, labor, and devotion we do as we look upon that day will fall to the ground (verse 58).
Conclusion – May you hold onto the covenant of the new life, new works, and new future that the resurrected Christ gives and be triumphant.