When Christ came

Out with the old—in with the new

Everything became different when Christ came. He came with an inner blessing and with eternal things. He came to abolish the sacrifices of the Old Testament. When He came, He introduced a new and glorious dispensation whereby everything could be put into its proper place according to the laws of the Spirit of life. Then it became possible to serve Him with a perfect conscience. (Hebrews 9:9-11.)

He abolished the Levitical priesthood and introduced a completely new priesthood according to the order of Melchizedek. It is impossible to become a member of this priesthood by studying for it; you can only live yourself into it. As a part of this royal priesthood, you are chosen to proclaim His virtues, who called us out from darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9.) He came with the message of the gospel.

Redemption—and a new and living way

He came with redemption from each single sin from which it was impossible to be set free in the old covenant. He came full of grace and truth—not only for the purpose of forgiving us our sins, but to give us of His glorious fullness of wisdom, love, goodness, and all His virtues in the Holy Spirit. He came to purify our hearts by faith and to place the kingdom of heaven there—an unshakable and good kingdom consisting of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

He came to show us the way of self-denial in humiliation so He could be united with us in the glory of His exaltation. He came with a cross over everything that is “I, me, and mine”—over all the desires of the flesh—so that it is now possible to be one through the cross just as He and the Father are one.

He came to transform us according to His own image and to let us be partakers of the greatest and most precious promises pertaining to divine nature. He came to establish an eternal fellowship with us if we walk in the light.

He came with a new and living way that led out of the Fall right up to the Father’s throne, thus making it possible for His disciples throughout the years to follow Him victoriously and triumphantly on the way of the cross and self-denial—right to this glorious throne. (Revelation 3:21.)

Eternal salvation and eternal life

He came with blessedness and the greatest promises for the poor in spirit, the sorrowing, the meek; for those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, the pure in heart, the peacemakers; for those who are being persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for those who are reviled and persecuted and who have all kinds of evil said against them for His name’s sake.

He came to bring life and immortality to light through the gospel. (2 Timothy 1:10.) He came to conquer death and the kingdom of death with His godly fear and faithfulness in doing all of God’s will, thus becoming the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. (Hebrews 5:7-9.)

Jesus came to glorify His Father’s name among men. He came to prepare brethren for Himself—joint heirs of the glorious inheritance He had together with His Father in the heavenly dwelling places.

He came to show us that He loved us and to prepare a bride for Himself, a helper who was comparable to Him, someone who was like Him in mind and heart.

He came to make us happy for time and eternity!

“That they may be with Me where I am”

It was an exceedingly great occasion when Jesus came to earth and was born of the Virgin Mary in a stable. This occasion was celebrated in heaven with the greatest splendor, even though the average person—together with the scribes and Pharisees—understood nothing of it. A few poor shepherds received the first message, and not the scribes. The angel of the Lord stood before them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were told this great, joyful news that a Savior, Christ the Lord, of the city of David, was born. They would find a Child wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!’” Read Luke 2:8-14.

During His entire life, Jesus was watched over from heaven. Angels were sent at the right moment to strengthen and help Him. They appeared on important occasions right until the angel took the stone from His tomb. Two angels came when Jesus ascended to heaven, and they declared: “‘This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.’” Acts 1:11.

The time for Jesus’ second coming is almost here. Then He will fetch those who are waiting for Him. (Hebrews 9:28.) He will come with His mighty angels to be glorified in His saints and to be admired in all those who believe, those who have been obedient to the gospel of our Lord Jesus. (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10.)

It is Jesus’ desire to come to every one of us personally and do His great work in us and through us, and finally to share His heavenly inheritance with us.

“‘Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.’” John 17:24.