For All Nations
After his resurrection, Jesus declared - “All authority in heaven and on earth is given to me, therefore, go and make disciples of all nations!” As the Lord over all things, he now sends his disciples to proclaim his sovereignty and salvation everywhere - to the “uttermost parts of the earth.” No nation is beyond his reach.
And there are
no limits to his authority. Jesus, the Nazarene who was crucified on a Roman
cross, is now sovereign over all things. Therefore, neither he nor his message
is the property of any nation, civilization, or political ideology. He rules,
not Caesar.
By his self-sacrificial death, he redeemed men and women from every nation and ethnic group and established them as a “priestly kingdom.” And as his earthly envoys, they now take his message of life across the planet. And by his resurrection, God has exalted him to reign over all things.
For this reason, in the book of Revelation, the entire creation proclaims him “worthy” to receive all power, honor, and glory. From now on, the “slain Lamb” sits on the Divine throne as sovereign over the entire creation – (Hebrews 1:1-4, Revelation 3:21, 5:5-14).
THE FINAL WORD
In the death and resurrection of His Son, the God who created all things has “spoken” His definitive and final “word.” The “word” spoken previously “in the prophets” was true but partial and preparatory.
The Son “achieved the purification of sin”; therefore, he alone sits “on the right hand of the majesty in high places” where he reigns supreme – (Hebrews 1:1-3).
According to the Apostle Paul, the righteousness of God is available to all men “through the faith of Jesus Christ for all who believe, FOR THERE IS NO DISTINCTION.”
Sin is the Great Leveler that condemns everyone to bondage and decay. In the end, one’s ethnicity, gender, or economic status makes no difference – Death awaits us all.
But now, anyone may receive right standing before God and everlasting life, and all on the same basis, whether Jew or Gentile, male or female, poor or rich; namely, from the FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST and by placing faith in him - (Romans 3:22-30).
And Paul employs his RADICAL MONOTHEISM to make the point. The one God of Israel is the God of both Jews and Gentiles. No one is advantaged or disadvantaged before Him because of biological descent or national origin.
And if the God who created all things is truly one, then He is as much the God of the Gentiles as He is of the Jewish people - (Colossians 3:11).
THE NEW PEOPLE OF GOD
Ever since the death and resurrection of His Son, God is creating a new community composed of people from every social and ethnic group - “IN JESUS.” Regardless of national origin, every person who places faith in him begins to conform to his image.
And in this new community, any distinction or ranking based on race, culture, or economic status is wholly inappropriate – (Ephesians 2:15).
No nation, civilization, or political ideology can claim Jesus as its exclusive property. The announcement of salvation through him is a message of hope and life for EVERY man and woman, and therefore, it transcends all national and cultural boundaries.
JESUS REIGNS SUPREME OVER A UNIVERSAL KINGDOM. He has tasked his disciples with proclaiming this good news throughout the earth FREE OF CHARGE.
And since this gospel is for everyone, in the truest sense, it is a universal faith. All men have sinned. All need salvation. No one deserves it, but God has graciously offered it to all men and women, and on the same basis - faith in Jesus Christ.
