The Enduring Mission of Christ: Building His Kingdom Until All Things Are Under His Feet
The Enduring Mission of Christ: Building His Kingdom Until All Things Are Under His Feet
The mission of Christ is a crucial motif embedded within the Christian theological framework that runs consistently through Scripture.
The mission surpasses time and space, returning to the beginning of creation and extending to fulfill everything. At the heart of this mission lies the profound truth articulated in First Corinthians chapter 15, verse 24: “Then the end will come when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority, and power.”
This verse encapsulates the grand narrative of redemption, portraying Christ as the conquering King whose victory over sin and death inaugurates a new era of God’s kingdom. However, this mission is not merely a historical event confined to the past; it is an ongoing reality that shapes every believer’s life and the church’s mission.
The Defeat of All Things:
The defeat of every opposing power is fundamental to Christ’s mission. Dark forces have held humanity captive ever since sin entered the world, and they are involved in a cosmic conflict with spiritual forces of authority and power (Ephesians chapter 6, verse 12).
But victory has been secured in Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus dealt a decisive blow to the powers of sin, Satan, and death, triumphing over them on his cross (Colossians chapter 2 verse 15).
However, the full realization of this victory awaits the consummation of all things. As First Corinthians chapter 15 verse 25 declares, “For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.”
Christ’s mission signifies a persistent and purposeful attempt to dominate and subjugate any opposing powers or authorities that could challenge the establishment of God’s kingdom on Earth.
It involves a sustained campaign of actively subduing all forms of opposition and resistance through the propagation of the gospel, the establishment of churches, the demonstration of God’s power and love, and the proclamation of God’s rule and reign over all things.
It is an all-encompassing mission that seeks to transform every aspect of human life and society, bringing it under Christ’s lordship and establishing a new order of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
As followers of Christ, we must participate in disseminating the gospel and exemplifying God’s love for others.
This mission is not a passive one but requires our active involvement. Our divine duty is to serve as partners with Christ in this critical struggle ( second Corinthians chapter 6 verse 1).
The passage emphasizes the importance of every believer carrying out a mission, which can take many forms.
Preaching the word of God and spreading the message of love, compassion, and kindness is a crucial way to contribute to the mission.
Teaching is another crucial aspect. Understanding the significance of faith, its teachings, and how they can transform one’s life is also essential. Including others within our communities is a fundamental aspect of practicing our faith.
Giving to those in need and supporting various charitable causes is another way to contribute to this mission.
Living out our faith daily, being kind to others, and treating everyone with respect and dignity are all essential to accomplishing this mission.
By working together with Christ and one another, we can significantly impact the world and bring hope, healing, and salvation to those who need it most.
Building the Kingdom:
The mission of Christ extends beyond mere conquest; it encompasses the task of building His kingdom.
Jesus spoke extensively about the kingdom of God, comparing it to a mustard seed that grows into a large tree or yeast that leavens the whole batch of dough.
“Matthew chapter 13 verses 31 to 33.”
As a result of the Holy Spirit, righteousness, peace, and joy are hallmarks of the kingdom of Christ (Romans chapter 14 verse 17), including the present and the idealized future.
As Christians, we have a crucial role in building the Kingdom of God. During His ministry, Jesus told His disciples to go to all nations and preach to them, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey all His commands. Matthew chapter 28, verses 18 to 20, contains this commandment.
This Great Commission is not a suggestion but a mandate for every Christian to spread the gospel and expand God’s kingdom.
Joining Christ in the Vineyard:
Scripture often uses the imagery of the vineyard to depict the work of God’s kingdom. In John chapter 15, Jesus describes Himself as the true vine, with believers as the branches. He calls us to abide in Him, for apart from Him, we can do nothing (John chapter 15 verse 5). This intimate union with Christ is the source of our strength and the wellspring of our mission.
As Jesus worked diligently during His earthly ministry, we, too, are called to labor with Him in the vineyard and advance His kingdom.
This effort requires self-sacrifice, perseverance, and unwavering faithfulness. As the apostle Paul exhorted the Corinthians, “Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm.
Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves entirely to the work of the Lord because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (first Corinthians chapter 15 verse 58).
In Conclusion:
The mission of Christ is a glorious undertaking that encompasses the defeat of all opposing powers and the establishment of God’s kingdom on Earth. It demands our wholehearted devotion and unwavering commitment.
As we look to the future with hope and anticipation, let us never forget our calling to join Christ in the vineyard, laboring faithfully until the day when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians chapter 2 verses 10 to 11).
