Jesus Cropped from the Picture

Jesus Cropped from the Picture

On the other hand, since no one can ever do enough to show a truly thankful response for their Rescue, people are easy prey to legalism and false guilt. These faulty assumptions put too much pressure on people, creating discouragement. They become lazy or overworked, neither of which is what God intended for his Church. Multi-Dimensional Implications By focusing on the broad range of Jesus’ work before, during, and after the cross, it is clear that Jesus continues to destroy the works of the devil today, through the Church, the agent of his Kingdom (see Appendix 2). However, the Church is not the Kingdom, nor the King. Jesus alone “has bound, dethroned, and will ultimately destroy all the powers of evil and will restore the created order.” 25 God is actively working to restore his Kingdom on the earth, and he does this with or without the intentional participation of his people. But the Church is Jesus’ chosen agent to carry on his work in the world, through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Church is the OBJECT of God’s enterprise. Therefore, anyone who repents and believes is now qualified to join the Church in destroying the work of the devil until Jesus returns. Once saved, a person’s work is not over; it has just begun (see Appendix 3). Sin is to be avoided, not just out of a thankful response for their Rescue, but because sin is aiding and abetting the enemy’s kingdom. Anyone who prays, “Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” is asking God to expand his rule, through the Church, in this present age. This prayer is an invitation to join in the fray.

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