◄ What Does 1 Corinthians 15:24 Mean? ►

The battle of the ages between God and the satanic forces of evil, has been raging since Adam sinned in the garden and God's plan of redemption was set in motion. The man, created in God's own image, who was tasked with caring for the earth and maintaining dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every living thing on the face of the earth, failed in his task, which set in motion God's perfect plan to reinstate man's original assignment: man's dominion over the earth under the authority of God.

While the first Adam who was made from the dust of the earth failed miserably in his task, the last Adam, Christ Jesus our Lord Who came from heaven above, would succeed. While the first man sinned and brought death and destruction into the world, the last Man was to bring back righteousness and restore life to the children of men. He was to defeat the satanic forces of evil and reinstate God's original plans and purposes for the race of man.

God's beautiful creation was fractured beyond repair, but God determined to fashion a new creation made in the righteous image of the second Adam. God's new creation was to be born of the Spirit in the perfect likeness of His only begotten Son. It would become the new race of man who would rule and reign as His regent over His creation. And so, God sent His dearly loved Son into the world to be the propitiation for our sins so that all who believe on Him would be forgiven of their sin, justified in the sight of God, and declared righteous before Him, by faith.

God's redemptive plan quietly threaded its crimson path through the pages of Scripture and Christ came two-thousand years ago as the Federal Head of God's new creation, made in His image and likeness. He gained a glorious victory over Satan, sin, death, hell, and the demonic forces of evil, through His sacrificial death and glorious Resurrection.

His victory caused God to place all authority and rule in heaven and earth under His feet, but because His own people was not ready to repent of their sins and receive their promised Messiah, the Lord Jesus returned to heavenly places for a season. Today there is a Man seated on the right hand of the Majesty on high Who is waiting until His Father is ready to complete the final part of His perfect, redemptive plan: "Then comes the end, when Christ hands over the kingdom to God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power."

Although Christ gained an everlasting victory over His enemies, God's pan of redemption continues to unfold and the next event is the Rapture of the Christian Church. Living saints together with the resurrection of those who have died in Christ, will be removed from the earth before the great and terrible 'Day of the Lord'.

After the Church has been removed, God will once again begin to work through the nation of Israel. Because of the rejection of their Messiah, they will have to go through the Time of Jacob's Trouble, when God will bring His erring nation back to Himself. They will finally recognise Jesus as their Messiah and preach the gospel of the Kingdom throughout the entire world, which will usher in Christ's return to reign on earth for 1000 glorious years.

The next part of God's plan for this sinful world is the fast-approaching 'Day of the Lord'. This will begin with a time Great Tribulation when God pours out His wrath on those who refused His offer of salvation, while a multitude without number will call on the name of the Lord and rejoice together with all the heavenly congregation that salvation belongs to our God and to the Lamb.

Israel will look on Him Who was pierced 2000 years ago and cry with one voice: "Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest." Satan will be locked up during Christ's thousand years rule of peace and prosperity, and the 'Second Adam' will rule and reign in righteousness. The earth will be filled to overflowing with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea.

And FINALLY, the end will come. At the end of Christ's millennial rule on earth, He will destroy every last vestige of evil and the redeemed will rejoice when He hands back the kingdom to God and Father, after He has abolished all rule and all authority and every demonic power.

Although the first Adam failed and forfeited his authority over the earth, causing the battle of the ages to rage for centuries, the Last Adam will regain man's lost authority. Righteousness will be restored and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ will finally return the kingdom to His Father in heaven. Praise His holy name.

Heavenly Father, thank You for telling us the end from the beginning and that despite man's sin, You implemented Your plan of redemption so that whosoever believes on the name of the Lord will be saved. Thank You that Christ has gained the victory over sin, Satan, death, hell, and every evil ruler and demonic authority. Keep the eyes of my heart fixed on Jesus, and help me live and work for Your greater praise and glory. In Jesus' name, AMEN.