by Timothy W. Burnett
We�ve seen that he was and still is God�s son. As God�s first-born son, he is heir to all of God�s blessings and authority. The authority leads us to understand another part of God�s word concerning Jesus Christ.
According to Acts chapter two, after the first record of disciples being filled with holy spirit and speaking in tongues, Peter stood up and began to boldly explain what everybody in the temple had just seen and heard. He finished with the following words, �Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he has shed forth this which you now see and hear.
For David is not ascended into the heavens, but he said himself, �The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit on My right hand, until I make your foes your footstool.�
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God has made that same Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ� (Acts 2:33-36).
What is God teaching us about His first-born son?
Peter quoted King David who spoke of Jesus Christ. David not only referred to God as Lord, but he referred to another person as his Lord. Peter explained that this quote was fulfilled. The evidence of this fulfillment was shown in what happen in Acts 2:4, which the other people saw and heard.
What happened?
God made Jesus to be both Lord and the Christ. This is one example of God redefining a condition. Prior to this time, God was the only one referred to as Lord. The Old Testament is full of examples of His people referring to Him as Lord. Even David spoke by the spirit and referred to God as �the Lord.�
That condition changed. God gave Jesus the title of Lord and Christ. In other words, as God�s first-born son, Jesus was given full authority from the highest King who is his Father. This is why we call Jesus our Lord.
Please notice the context. Peter was explaining what everybody had seen and heard. As recorded in verse 33, he said, ��He has shed forth this which you now see and hear.� Peter goes on to explain what �this� was in verses 34-36. Contrary to popular belief today, what happened in Acts 2:4 perfectly describe how people can be assured that Jesus Christ is seated at God�s right hand, and that Jesus is Lord and Christ.
As discussed in previous teachings on speaking in tongues, God does not guarantee that other people will understand what is spoken, like what was seen in Acts chapter two. The fact that others were able to understand the languages was a special situation that helped to propel the ministry. But when spirit filled people started speaking in tongues as recorded in other records, they were individually assured that Jesus was seated at God�s right hand of all authority, and that Jesus is their Lord and Christ.
The spiritual times have not changed. Jesus is still seated at God�s right hand, and spirit filled people today can still be assured that God made Jesus both Lord and Christ.
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