Page 246 - Bible Writers Theology Original

230 ♦ Bible VMters' Theology Chapter Eight may be also" (John 14:23).
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His ascension differs from the translation of the spirits, "Of just men made perfect," in that he ascended bodily with the same body of His birth(whichisthewordofGodmadeflesh). Thatbodysuffereddeath and was resurrected. Christ then will return with the same body.
(See Acts 1:11; Hebrews 12:23; Luke 24:39; John 19:34-37; Revelation 1:7; 19:11-16 Matthew. 24:30; Zechariah 12:10; Zechariah 14:1-9.)
IX - The Exaltation of Christ
Christ is crowned with glory and honor (John 3:13). This glory appears in the present "body of his glory" (Hebrews 2:9; Philippians 3:21). John saw Him in this body on the Isle of Patmos (Revelation 1:12-18). He is now
notmerely inheaven, butspiritually present everywhere: "Helhat descend ed is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fillallthings"(Ephesians4:10). SinceHeissittingnowontherighthand of the power of God and bearing the Name Jesus, He is God-Man, the ideal olqectofworshipforallmankind(ICorinthians1:2). Hehas"ledcaptive" ahostofcaptives(Ephesians4:8). TheOldTestamentsaintsarenolongerin Hades, but have b^n transferred to the third heaven. Ever since. New Testament believers go directly into the immediate presence of Christ when they die. (See II Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:21-23; II Peter 1:14-15 ; Ecclesiastes 12:7; Hebrews 12:22-24; II Corinthians 12:2-4). Jesus Christ now reigns in heaven and on earth as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:6,16; Matthew 28:18-20; Colossians 1:13-18; Ephesians 1:20-23; Revelation 1:8; 5:13).
8.4 Universal Call of Salvation
Salvation is available for all, for the atonement is unlimited. John the Baptist declared, "Behold the Lamb ofGod, which taketh away the sin of the world"(John1:29). Itiswritten,"ForGodsolovedtheworld,thathegave Ms only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, buthaveeverlastinglife"Oohn3:1-18). (ReadalsoITimothy1:15-17;2:6; Hebrews2:9;andIJohn2:2.) Manisgiventheresponsibilitytoeitheraccept or reject the atonement; it is available to all, but man willfully turns aside horn it. That some men may reject the atonement limits its effectiveness, but not its availability. God ordained that Christ was to be crucified, but the menwhoactuallydiditwillbeheldresponsible(Acts2:23,4:27). Jesussaid, "Woe unto the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses
come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh" (Matthew 18:7). God does not delight in the death of the wicked: "Yet ye say. The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not