Creator of the Cosmos

Earlier periods of Christian history have focused on the books of Romans and Galatians which has led to many theological battles over religious doctrine. But what if we focused more on the books of Ephesians and Colossians which speak so powerfully about the universal oneness we have in Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:20-23 says,

“When God raised Jesus from the dead and seated Christ in the heavenly places far above every 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.”

If this all encompassing cosmic picture of Christ were not enough, chapter two of Ephesians goes onto to say that we are raised up with Christ in the heavenly places with him (Eph.2:6). We have lost this cosmic vision of who Christ is and what Christ actually does in us in the heavenly places. Heaven is to come to earth in Christ’s people to transform the kingdom of this world into the kingdoms of Christ (Rev.11:15).

Christians have too often turned salvation into fire insurance for the after life. Heaven is where I go when I die. But Scripture points us to a deeper and greater reality that heaven and hell are battles to be fought right now on planet earth. We are either ambassadors for God’s kingdom bringing peace and healing to the world or we are duped by the Devil bringing death and violence and destruction to the world abound us. The end of the age is not some dualism between a other worldly depiction of heaven and hell but the new Jerusalem, the new heaven coming down to earth to create an new heaven and a new earth! (Rev.21:1-3).

          Jesus is the cosmic Christ who created all things and holds all things together (Col.1:15-17). Christ has all authority and power and Christ is head of his church. The church is an assembly of people who incarnate the Living Christ in front of world. The church is not politics or buildings but the faithful people of God. If your church is following Jesus and being a blessing to the nations, praise God. If your church is hurting people in the name of Jesus and acting antithetical to the teachings of Christ, this will pass away and Jesus will resurrect new life into new people.

What the world and possibly some Christians do not understand, God will have a people and sometimes the best thing we can do is either get out of God’s way or simply be obedient to whatever God puts in front of us at the moment. Even if we disobey, God gives multiple chances, but even local assemblies can be by-passed to another down the street to a people who will simply say yes to Jesus no matter whatever he asks them to say or do.

          I will end by referring to one of the more unknown books of the Newer Testament. The book of Jude is like this obscure book that speaks of strange things like the angel Michael having a fight over the body of Moses with the Devil (v.9) or enigmatic sayings like Sodom and Gomorrah are examples of punishment of eternal fire which might make some people reconsider what the words for eternal punishment really means (v.7)? Can we actually believe that Jesus death on a cross had cosmic implications that will one day potentially save the whole cosmos? Can we dare to believe that God’s grace is greater than man’s sin or disobedience? What we fear the most concerning justice and judgment may actually lead to mercy triumphs in the end? (James 2:13). If the resurrection can triumph over death, can it triumph over rebellion in the end?

          Jude 1:21-25 says it like this,

“Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt, save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”