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Another aspect of the mystery of godliness is Jesus being justified or vindicated by the Holy Spirit – His Resurrection. While in the flesh, Jesus seemed a mere man, referred to as the son of Joseph by the Jews (John 6:41), but in His resurrection, He was vindicated or justified as divine. After Jesus was put to death in the flesh, He was quickened, raised to life or made alive in the Holy Spirit (I Peter 3:18).
In Acts 2, the Apostle Peter explained the mystery of how Jesus Christ, a Man approved of God; who did many miracles, wonders and signs appeared to be abandoned by God when He was put to death. God vindicated Jesus by raising Him from the dead – the ultimate miracle. Even Israel’s greatest king, King David, foresaw the resurrection of Jesus in that the Christ (Messiah) would not see corruption to His Body. David was not speaking of himself, for his own body saw corruption (Acts 13:36), but prophetically of the Messiah in the Psalms. David knew that the Messiah would descend from his family line. Apostle Peter testified that they were witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection, having touched, eaten with and seen Him after His resurrection.
Jesus Christ is not only resurrected but ascended to the heavens and is at the right hand of God the Father (Acts 2:34). Apostle Peter explained that the manifestation of the Holy Spirit, which the people saw, upon the outpouring of the Spirit (Acts 2:2-12), was the fulfilment of Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit when He is glorified (John 7:39). Peter concluded by saying that all these events prove, and for all Israel to be assured, that God made Jesus whom they have crucified, both Lord (Greek word “Kurios” means supreme authority) and Christ (Anointed One). Jesus is Lord over death and hell. He is the Promised Messiah, bringing salvation to Jews and Gentiles.
What should be our response to Jesus being Lord and Christ? For those who have not believed in Jesus Christ, we are to repent and be baptised (firmly believe, solemnly profess publicly) in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). For those who have believed, we must put Jesus as Lord (supreme authority) of every area of our lives.
Set our Lord Jesus Christ always before us. Seek Him in prayer and in His Word in all that we do. He is always at our right hand and we shall not be moved or shaken in doing His work and will. Let our hearts be glad and joyful and our bodies rest in the wonderful hope of Christ’s Second Coming and our resurrection (Psa. 16:8, 9).
