The Spirit of Christ

"Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, ¹¹ searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. ¹² To them it was revealed that, not to themselves, but to us they were ministering the things which now have been reported to you through those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven--things which angels desire to look into."

1 Peter 1:10-12

We can have this idea those who have received revelation from God have all the answers or insight, but these verses paint a different picture.  Through the prophets in the Old Testament God revealed the Messiah would suffer and it puzzled the prophets who received this divine revelation.  Under the heavy yoke of the Law of Moses the grace of the Gospel was preached yet not understood.  Inspired by the "Spirit of Christ" faithful prophets searched what suffering the Christ would endure, when it would occur, and how it could possibly lead to glory.  For over a thousand years these questions remained unanswered, and this includes angels who minister in the presence of God.

Peter explained these things revealed to the prophets (without their full comprehension of what or when these events would occur) are a ministry to us.  In the Word of God we have testimony of saints who instruct and teach us according to the power of the Holy Spirit who has filled us by grace through faith.  Their reports generated by the everlasting Spirit of Christ now provides understanding how Jesus Christ did suffer on Calvary, was raised the third day, and now is seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us.  He is the Lamb of God slain from the foundations of the world (Revelation 13:8) and knew what He would suffer and how it would lead to everlasting glory--not just for Him, but all who believe on His name.

From this passage two things come to mind:  even the partial revelation divinely granted us can be a blessing and preach unalterable truth to generations yet born.  The prophets had no idea of the full extent of what God revealed through them, and there is no possible way to quantify how useful God will make our testimony as we remain true to His Word.  Instead of making complete knowledge our aim (for who can fully grasp the infinite), knowing God trumps all.  The second point is Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life who has sent the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth.  I am convinced that if Jesus is not the Christ and Son of God He is a devil, deceiver, and blasphemer.  Because He is the Christ, having fulfilled the Law and the prophets, at His name every knee shall bow and tongue confess He is God.

The words of Peter to the council in Acts 4:8-12 is a fitting conclusion of what we know and are assured of by the Spirit of Christ:  "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: ⁹ If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, ¹⁰ let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. ¹¹ This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' ¹² Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."  Knowing Jesus Christ as Saviour and God-made-flesh won't just transform your life today but for all eternity--for good!