In the midst of many narratives I hear here and there, most of which are conflicting and man-made or man-centered, there’s one story that we, the people of God, must always remember. We must believe and proclaim this one story throughout the whole world, seeking to commit our lives for its advancement.
It’s the story of what God has done in Christ and through Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. As one of my friends, Matt Colvin, has said, “Like other stories, this one also has an account of the future destiny of the world. Unlike the others, it does not favor one nation or race over others, but ‘in every nation, whoever fears God and works righteousness is accepted by Him’ (Acts 10:35).”
This story can be summarized in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Lord of the universe and the head of the Church who, after accomplishing His mission here on earth, has declared that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matt. 28:18). No wonder He can claim everything, in heaven and on earth, as His. No wonder He can command His followers to “make disciples” of Him from every tribe, nation, language, and people (Matt. 28:19-20).
Anyone who will not acknowledge the lordship of King Jesus or refuse to obey Him is doomed. Everyone who will not bow down to Him in humble submission shall perish! The kings and rulers, as well as the wise and the learned of this world, are summoned by the King of kings to be wise by serving Him and serving His cause. They are called to rejoice with trembling in His presence for He is coming again to judge the living and the dead.
In His coming, Christ Jesus will reward those who serve Him and put their trust in Him. But to the unruly and rebellious, His words of warning are clear: “Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little” (Psalm 2:12).
No one can escape His sovereign rule. Everyone is under His reign, whether one recognizes it or not. As one Dutch pastor-theologian and early 20th century Prime Minister, Abraham Kuyper, once said, “In the total expanse of human life there is not a single square inch of which the Christ, who alone is sovereign, does not declare, ‘That is mine!’”
Every man and woman, every boy and girl in this world has to give an account before His judgment seat. We all shall appear before His throne. And no one can stand before His presence except he who has been washed by His blood and robed with His righteousness.
This is the true story and truth claim that is worth spreading and I was called to believe and proclaim. All other narratives are subordinate, if not contrary, to this.
We hope you enjoyed this post from the “Pearls of the Orient” blog series by Rev. Vic Bernales. Rev. Bernales is an ordained minister in the Pearl of the Orient Covenant Reformed Church. He pastors the Davao Covenant Reformed Church in Davao City, Philippines. He earned his Master of Divinity at Mid-America Reformed Seminary at Dyer, Indiana, U.S.A