Christ Jesus has been crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. (Hebrews 2:9) God has exalted Him to the highest place, given Him a name that is above every name, and seated Him at His (God the Father's) right hand in heaven. (Philippians 2:9; Hebrews 10:12) Christ Jesus, also, directs the affairs of the Church, serving as our High Priest in the sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord. (Hebrews 4:14; 8:1-2) God has placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the Church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way. (Ephesians 1:22-23) He bestows Spiritual gifts upon the Church to prepare God's people for works of service so that the body of Christ (the Church) may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith, and in the knowledge of the Son of God, and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13) He also bestows Spiritual gifts to individuals for the common good of the Body of Christ (the Church) as well as giving repentance and forgiveness of sins. (1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Acts 5:31) He baptizes believers into the Church through the Holy Spirit (John 1:33; 1 Corinthians 12:13) and has also prepared a place for the redeemed of God, in heaven, as well as making intercession for the saints, and acting as our advocate due to the sins of believers. (John 14:2; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1) Angels and authorities and powers have been made subject unto Him. (1 Peter 3:22) He is truly King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 19:16) |