The Bible illustrates a number of purposes for Jesus' coming and the Kingdom of God. However, within this document, two will be reviewed.

1. Destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).

To this point (according to Scripture), the devil gained dominion (rule) of the earth through deceiving man. Through his deceit, the curse of sin and death fell upon the earth and its inhabitants. It was the devil's desire to set himself above the stars of God that began his work of deception among the mountain of God and upon the earth (Isaiah 14:12-15).

All power and authority in heaven and earth had been given to Jesus (Daniel 7:13-14; Matthew 9:6, Matthew 11:27, Matthew 28:18-20; John 3:35, John 5:27, John 13:3; John 17:1-4; Acts 2:36; Romans 14:9; 1 Corinthians 15:27; Ephesians 1:9-12; Ephesians 1:15-23; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 2:9-12; Hebrews 1:1-4; Hebrews 2:8; 1 Peter 3:18-22). If Satan was able to gain dominion of God's kingdom through deceiving His Son, his goal would be accomplished (Mark 12:1-11).

The devil tempted Jesus when He was lead by the Holy Spirit in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights (Matthew 4:1-11). Though the devil tempted Him, Jesus did not give into his tactics...and did not sin. Because he could not deceive Jesus, he would destroy Him. However, the devil did not know this was part of the ultimate plan of God (John 12:12-36). Through Jesus' death, He would destroy the works of the devil and cast him out of the world. This was a mystery from the beginning...

1 Corinthians 2:6-8 (KJV) - Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Hebrews 2:14-18 (KJV) - Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Remember: The devil would bruise His heel, and the seed of woman (Christ) would crush His head (Genesis 3:14-15).

2. Jesus came to save sinners (Luke 4:18-19, Luke 9:56, Luke 19:10; Acts 10:38; 1 Corinthians 15:22-26; 1 Timothy 1:15).

Though man received the punishment of disobedience, God loved the world so much that He gave His own Son to save it (John 3:16-17). He gave His life as a ransom to save many (Matthew 20:28). Salvation from the curse of death (from Adam) is given through Jesus Christ.

Jesus was sentenced to death by crucifixion; died and was buried; on the third day He rose again to be the first of many to enter into eternal life (Isaiah 53; Matthew 20:17-19; Ephesians 1:3-7; Colossians 1:15-22, Hebrews 9:27-28). He died for you and for me...that we may live with Him and God forever.

The Kingdom of God is not only for descendants of the people of Israel, but for all people who would believe in Jesus, that HE is the promised Messiah that came to redeem man from their sins (2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 9:6-7; Daniel 2:44; John 18:33-37; Hebrews 1:8-9).

Romans 5:15-17 (KJV) - But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance.

EVERYONE who believes in Jesus will be saved from the curse of sin and death and given everlasting life, becoming a child of God and a joint heir with Christ (John 3:16-17; Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 4:7; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:7). Children of God will no longer live as the children of disobedience (sin, the devil), but of God - in His likeness and character (Ephesians 2:2; Colossians 3;6; 1 John 2:29; 1 John 3:7-10, 1 John 4:7, 1 John 5:1-10).

Those who would believe in Him would receive God's Spirit and laws through a New Covenant that would govern their behavior and the 'conditions' for receiving eternal life (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Matthew 22:34-40, 28:18-20; John 13:34-35, 16:13; Romans 8:1-17; Galatians 5:16-25, Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 1;13-14; James 2:17-26). Through Jesus, the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham is complete (Genesis 22:18; Acts 3:25; Galatians 3:8).

The Kingdom of God will overturn the kingdom of Satan, death, and sin (1 Corinthians 15:51-58; Revelation 17-19). In God's appointed time, Jesus will return to redeem His people; sentence Satan (the devil) and his followers to an eternal punishment; and establish a new Heaven and earth where all whose names are in the Book of Life may dwell (Psalm 110; John 14:2-3, 28; Acts 1:1-11; Colossians 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; Hebrews 9:27-28; Revelation 20, Revelation 21:1-4).

Those that desire the salvation of the Lord must understand that belief in Jesus is not a haphazard decision. Please read The Cost of the Kingdom (at the next article) for more information.

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