A Biblical Vision, Part II: Mastering the New Testament Witness to Christ

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A B i b l i ca l Vi s i on, Par t I I : Mas ter i ng the New Tes tament Wi tnes s to Chr i s t

midst, as you yourselves know – [23] this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. [24] God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.”

6. By virtue of his resurrection and ascension, Jesus of Nazareth has been exalted at the right hand of God as the Messianic head of the new Israel, the Church, consisting of both Jews and Gentiles.

a. Acts 2.33-36 – Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. [34] For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, [35] until I make your enemies your footstool.” [36] Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. b. Acts 3.13 – The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him.

7. The presence of the Holy Spirit in the Church is the indisputable sign of Jesus Christ’s exalted position, and present power and glory

a. Acts 2.38-39 – And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [39] For the promise is for you and for your children and for all