Title: The Invisible Presence of Christ: A Prophecy Study
Matthew 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
The concept of the invisible presence (parousia) of Christ is a compelling aspect of Christian prophecy that spans the pages of the New Testament and carries significant implications for understanding the unfolding of historical events. This study delves into the idea that Christ's presence extends beyond the physical realm and influences key moments in history, ultimately leading to his anticipated second coming.
The Invisible Presence: A Biblical Foundation
The foundation for the concept of the invisible presence of Christ is rooted in the New Testament. 1 Peter 3:22 proclaims that Christ has ascended into heaven, taking his place at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers in submission to him. This exalted position signifies Jesus' divine authority and influence over the celestial realm. Additionally, John 5 informs us that all judgment has been entrusted to the Son.
This divine authority and power serve as the basis for the belief that Jesus, though physically absent from Earth, is actively controlling world events from the time of his ascension until his second coming. It is through his invisible presence that he guides and shapes the course of history.
Matthew 28:18 and 1 Peter 3:22 emphasize the authority and rule of Jesus, indicating that He began to exercise His kingship from the time of His resurrection. This rule is manifested through His invisible presence and providence, which extend over both heaven and earth. It underscores His continuous guidance and influence over the course of human history and events, shaping the destiny of all creation.
The text makes it clear that in Matthew 28:18, Jesus declares that all authority has been given to Him. This suggests that He did not possess this authority before His resurrection. This viewpoint challenges the concept of the Trinity and refutes the Jehovah's Witnesses claim that the invisible presence began in 1914 AD.
Jesus' kingship began around the time of His resurrection, which is traditionally dated to approximately 33 AD. It is His resurrection and ascension that are seen as important moments in establishing His kingship and authority. This event is fundamental to Christian theology and marks the beginning of Jesus' rule and reign as the King of both heaven and earth.
The First Act of the Parousia: The Coming of the Comforter
The invisible presence of Christ finds its first act in the coming of the Comforter. This Comforter is identified as the Holy Spirit, whose arrival fulfills Jesus' promise to empower his disciples and lead them into all truth. "The Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things" (John 14:26).
The belief that Christ is present when two or more are gathered in His name underscores the idea that this invisible presence is not limited to historical events but is also experienced within the Christian community. Christ's presence among believers serves as a source of guidance, comfort, and inspiration.
In Acts 2, we find a profound connection to the passage from Ephesians 4:9-13. This connection highlights the invisible presence of Christ and His role in empowering and guiding the early Christian community.
In Acts 2, the promised Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles during the Day of Pentecost, ushering in a new era of spiritual empowerment and guidance. This event signifies Christ's fulfillment of His promise to send the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, to lead and empower His disciples. Just as Ephesians 4:11-13 speaks of Christ giving apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to equip His people for service and to build up the body of Christ, Acts 2 reveals the means through which this equipping and empowerment take place – through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
The supervisor, director, and developer of this Holy Spirit power is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ, who, as Acts 2 demonstrates, is alive and active in the spiritual realm. His resurrection and ascension paved the way for His invisible presence, enabling Him to fulfill His role as "the Lord the Spirit." This divine presence continues to guide, empower, and unify believers, ultimately leading them to maturity and a deeper understanding of the Son of God, attaining the fullness of Christ's influence in their lives. Acts 2, therefore, exemplifies the practical manifestation of the invisible presence of Christ as it unfolds in the early Christian community, powered by the Holy Spirit.
The nature of the Holy Spirit
To comprehend the role of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter, it is crucial to clarify the nature of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not a 'separate' or 'other' person. Ac 7:55, 56; Re 7:10 The Holy Spirit is the power and energy of God it is his active force emanating from his corporeal divine nature always out flowing from Him, by which His 'everywhereness' is achieved. Ps 104:30; 1 Cor 12:4-11. The Spirit is personal in that it is of God Himself: it is not personal in the sense of being some other person within the Godhead"The Holy Spirit is the divine force through which God interacts with the world and His people. It is the source of supernatural abilities and the driving force behind spiritual transformation.
The Prophecy of Revelation 1:1
To comprehend the role of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter, it is crucial to clarify the nature of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not a 'separate' or 'other' person. Ac 7:55, 56; Re 7:10 The Holy Spirit is the power and energy of God it is his active force emanating from his corporeal divine nature always out flowing from Him, by which His 'everywhereness' is achieved. Ps 104:30; 1 Cor 12:4-11. The Spirit is personal in that it is of God Himself: it is not personal in the sense of being some other person within the Godhead"The Holy Spirit is the divine force through which God interacts with the world and His people. It is the source of supernatural abilities and the driving force behind spiritual transformation.
The Prophecy of Revelation 1:1
Revelation 1:1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John,
Revelation 1:1 is an important passage in this interpretation. It describes the events as "the things that must shortly come to pass." For adherents of the continuous historical interpretation, this verse foreshadows the significant historical occurrences that are guided by Christ's presence. One of the most noteworthy examples is the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in 70 AD, an event considered a direct fulfilment of Christ's influence on human history. Matthew 24:1:3
The continuous historical perspective treats the Book of Revelation as a comprehensive plan for understanding the course of history. It asserts that these visions and revelations span from the time of the Apostle John to the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. According to this viewpoint, Jesus, since His ascension, has been actively guiding and influencing the flow of human events from the background.
The continuous historical interpretation is instrumental in aligning historical developments with the symbols and visions presented in the Book of Revelation. This interpretation suggests that Christ's invisible presence is shaping the course of history until His ultimate return.
The continuous historical interpretation is instrumental in aligning historical developments with the symbols and visions presented in the Book of Revelation. This interpretation suggests that Christ's invisible presence is shaping the course of history until His ultimate return.
Providence in Action: Historical Signposts
The invisible presence of Christ is discerned through historical signposts that echo divine providence. These events are guided by Christ's presence, shaping the course of history. One of the most striking examples is the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in 70 AD. This calamity is viewed as a direct fulfillment of Christ's influence on human history, and it serves as a powerful indicator of his invisible presence. (Daniel. 9:26 Deut. 28:62-64. Psalm 118:22)
Additional historical milestones are seen as part of this providential plan. These include the fall of pagan Rome, an empire that played an important role in early Christian history. Its eventual decline is seen as part of the divine plan. (Revelation 6)
Jesus stirred up various tribes and empires – such as the Visigoths, Huns, Vandals, and Germanic forces – and empowered them for their role in shaping the destiny of the Western Roman Catholic world. This was all part of the invisible presence of Jesus and His providence at work. (Revelation 8)
Similarly, the fall of Constantinople, a momentous event in Christian history, is viewed through the lens of Christ's influence, guiding the course of human events. (Revelation 9)
The French Revolution, World Wars 1 and 2, and the re-establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 are all considered landmarks of Christ's invisible presence in the course of history. These events are believed to be part of the unfolding of God's plan and the progression toward Christ's ultimate return.
Community and Faith
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Moreover, the Bible teaches that where two or more are gathered in Christ's name, he is among them. This further emphasizes the enduring nature of his presence and influence in the lives of believers. It is not confined to historical events but also serves as a source of guidance, comfort, and inspiration within the Christian community.
Anticipation of the Second Coming
The invisible presence of Christ leads to the anticipation of his physical second coming to Earth. This belief is a central aspect of Christian eschatology. While Christ's presence is seen throughout history, it is perceived as a precursor to the momentous event when he will return to establish his reign and fulfill the promises of God.
The interpretation of Matthew 28:20, where Jesus states, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age," is indeed a matter of theological debate. Some argue that it refers to the end of the Jewish age in 70 AD, particularly in the context of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. However, others see this statement as referring to Christ's ongoing and invisible presence, extending beyond the end of the Jewish age and into the future.
The perspective that Jesus' presence continues even after his physical return to Earth is rooted in certain eschatological beliefs. This viewpoint suggests that his presence is not limited by time and can extend through various ages or eras, including the millennium. It's a way of understanding the enduring nature of Christ's influence and guidance in the lives of believers and in the course of history.
Furthermore, it aligns with the concept that the invisible presence of Christ is not restricted to a specific time frame but carries on throughout different phases of God's plan for humanity. It is only after the thousand-year reign (the millennium) that, according to certain eschatological views, Christ's presence in this specific form may come to a conclusion when he hands over the kingdom to the Father, as described in 1 Corinthians 15:24.
This interpretation of Matthew 28:20 reflects a particular theological perspective on the continuity of Christ's presence and guidance in the lives of believers, and it underlines the belief in his enduring influence throughout different ages and phases of human history
Conclusion
The concept of the invisible presence of Christ offers a unique perspective on prophecy and Christian history. It underscores that Christ's influence isn't limited to the past or the future but is an ever-present force guiding the course of human events. It provides a framework for understanding significant historical occurrences and the eager anticipation of Christ's physical return. This interpretation emphasizes the enduring presence and providential influence of Christ in the world, offering believers a profound source of hope and faith.
Anticipation of the Second Coming
The invisible presence of Christ leads to the anticipation of his physical second coming to Earth. This belief is a central aspect of Christian eschatology. While Christ's presence is seen throughout history, it is perceived as a precursor to the momentous event when he will return to establish his reign and fulfill the promises of God.
The interpretation of Matthew 28:20, where Jesus states, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age," is indeed a matter of theological debate. Some argue that it refers to the end of the Jewish age in 70 AD, particularly in the context of the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. However, others see this statement as referring to Christ's ongoing and invisible presence, extending beyond the end of the Jewish age and into the future.
The perspective that Jesus' presence continues even after his physical return to Earth is rooted in certain eschatological beliefs. This viewpoint suggests that his presence is not limited by time and can extend through various ages or eras, including the millennium. It's a way of understanding the enduring nature of Christ's influence and guidance in the lives of believers and in the course of history.
Furthermore, it aligns with the concept that the invisible presence of Christ is not restricted to a specific time frame but carries on throughout different phases of God's plan for humanity. It is only after the thousand-year reign (the millennium) that, according to certain eschatological views, Christ's presence in this specific form may come to a conclusion when he hands over the kingdom to the Father, as described in 1 Corinthians 15:24.
This interpretation of Matthew 28:20 reflects a particular theological perspective on the continuity of Christ's presence and guidance in the lives of believers, and it underlines the belief in his enduring influence throughout different ages and phases of human history
Conclusion
The concept of the invisible presence of Christ offers a unique perspective on prophecy and Christian history. It underscores that Christ's influence isn't limited to the past or the future but is an ever-present force guiding the course of human events. It provides a framework for understanding significant historical occurrences and the eager anticipation of Christ's physical return. This interpretation emphasizes the enduring presence and providential influence of Christ in the world, offering believers a profound source of hope and faith.
