THE PRESENT WORK OF CHRIST

I’ve been saved and have the Holy Spirit indwelling. I pray to God often for various things – health, safety, protection, etc. – for myself and others. And for our country, rain, etc.

Since Jesus ascended and is now sitting at the right hand of the Father, what does/can He do for me?

I was recently asked this question, and though I am no theologian by any stretch of the imagination, there are certainly a number of Scripture passages which come to mind.

It is hard to gauge the intent of a question like that, but I must admit that it sounds suspiciously like: “I know that Jesus came on earth to teach us how to live lives consistent with God's will, and I accept the fact that his death on the cross was so that I could be saved from the consequence of my sin. But what has the the risen Christ done for me lately?” Whether or not that was the original intent of the question, below are some of Christ's present ministries that impact each believer, either directly or indirectly:

His work interceding in heaven on our behalf

Since the questioner above started out with mention of his prayers to God, it is only appropriate for us to begin with this important point. It is probably the aspect of Christ's present activities that is expressed the most often in the New Testament. Thus, our confidence to approach the Father in prayer is not only because of our status as believers in Christ's past work of atonement, but also because he continues to sit at the Father's right hand as a High Priest interceding for us.

John 14:14 “If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.”

John 15:1-10 Believers are to continue to abide with Christ and his word or their prayers will not be answered, they will be unproductive, and God will remove them from his sight.

Romans 8:34b “It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.”

Ephesians 2:18 “For through him [Christ] both of us [believing Jews and Gentiles] have access in one Spirit to the Father.”

Hebrews 7:23-25 “Furthermore, the former priests...were prevented by death from continuing in office; but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently he is able for all to time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”

Hebrews 9:24 “...but he entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.”

I John 2:1 “But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

His work as the head of the Church, His body

Christ's present ministries within His body impact believers both corporately and individually.

Acts 2:33 The Holy Spirit was only sent to man at Christ's request. In John 16:7, Jesus states, “...if I go [to the Father], I will send him [the Advocate] to you.”

Acts 2:47 “And day by day, the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.”

II Corinthians 12:9 Christ gives us His power for life and ministry.

Ephesians 1:18 Christ is the head of the body, the church.

Ephesians 4:7-13 Christ apportions His spiritual gifts to believers.

Ephesians 5:29 “For no one ever hates his own body, but he nourishes and tenderly cares for it, just as Christ does for the church.”

Revelation 1:12-20 Christ is pictured as walking among the churches.

Revelation 2-3 Christ both admonishes and consoles the church.

Christ's present work in each believer

John 14:19 “In a little while the world will no linger see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live.”

Romans 6:10-11 The true life of the believer is only in Christ.

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.”

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Hebrews 2:18 “Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.”

I John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I John 5:11-12 “And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”

Christ's continuing work in sustaining the world

We are told that not only was the creation of the world accomplished through Christ, but he also is presently sustaining the world through his word. (Hebrews 1:3) In a similar manner, Colossians 1:17 states, “He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

Christ's present work in preparing a place in heaven for us

This fact was revealed to the apostles in John 14:1-3. It could be considered as a past or future work of Christ except for the fact that it is apparently continuing today.

Christ's present rule over all earthly and heavenly powers

This fact is expressed in Revelation 1:5. In a similar manner, Christ is the present and/or future object of worship by the whole world (Philippians 2: 9-11).

Colossians 2:10 “You have come to fullness in him, who is the head of every ruler and authority.”

I Peter 3:22 “[Christ] has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities and powers made subject to him.”