Disciples Global Network

The New Testament links the enthronement of Jesus to his resurrection and ascension by applying key Messianic texts to him. He qualified to reign because of his “ obedience unto death .” This was confirmed when God raised him from the dead and seated him  “ at His right hand ,” making this Crucified man both “ Lord and Messiah . ” He now rules over the Cosmos  as King  and Sovereign – (Acts 2:36).

In Colossians , Paul stresses the exaltation of Jesus following his Resurrection. Some members of the congregation were confused about his authority over the spiritual powers that were hostile to God and His people; therefore, Paul reminded the Assembly of just how highly God exalted the One who became the “ Firstborn of the Dead .”

In the first half of Romans , Paul presents the “ Gospel .” It is the “ power of God for salvation to Jews and Greeks ” alike. He provides salvation through the “ faith of Jesus Christ ” to everyone who responds with repentance and faith. Death passed from Adam to all men, both to those “ within the Law ” and those “ apart from the Law ” because “ all sinned .” Now, however, “ apart from the Law ,” the “ righteousness of God ” is being revealed for “ all men who believe, for there is no distinction .”

Paul claimed that the source of his apostleship was the same God who raised His Son from “ among dead ones ” (literal rendering). This same Messiah died and was raised from the dead to “ deliver us from this evil age .” In Galatians , The Apostle was responding to certain “ men from Jerusalem ” who were operating in the Assembly as if the old era was still in effect, insisting that Gentiles must be circumcised and keep the Jewish calendar, and challenging Paul’s Apostolic authority and credentials.

When we hear the term “ Last Days ” we assume it refers to the final few years of history that will occur just before the return of Jesus “ on the clouds of Heaven .” This is logical and natural. However, the New Testament presents the present age as the time of fulfillment, the period that began following the death, resurrection, and enthronement of Jesus.

Paul responded to false teachings about the resurrection of believers in his second letter to Timothy. Certain voices in the Church were denying this essential truth. “ God did not give us a spirit of fear but of a sound mind ,” including our anxieties about death. Jesus overcomes death and gives life “ through the Gospel .”

Paul links the start of the “ Last Days ” with the death and resurrection of Jesus. The time of fulfillment arrived, and all God’s promises now find their “ Yea and Amen ” in the risen Savior. Similarly, the  Letter to the Hebrews  declares that “ in these last days ,” God has “ spoken ” His definitive “ Word ” in His Son who now sits at the “ right hand of the Majesty on High .” History reached its pivotal point in the life, death, and resurrection of the Son of God.