God Who Dwells In Unapproachable Light Series

‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’

‘O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?’

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” [1 CORINTHIANS 15:50-58].

Notice the phraseology in the FIFTEENTH VERSE: “I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords” [1 TIMOTHY 6:13-15]. Focus on the third person singular pronoun in that verse—“He.” Does the “He” refer to Christ or to God?

Those who favour the understanding that this pronoun refers to Christ is the fact that He is the one just mentioned in VERSE FOURTEEN. If that is your understanding, you are in good company. Jesus is called “the King of kings and Lord of lords” [see REVELATION 17:14; 19:16]. However, the designation originated as a statement for God. Take note of a couple of instances. “The LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords” [DEUTERONOMY 10:17]. Here is another instance where the Lord God is identified by these designations.

“Give thanks to the Lord of lords,

for his steadfast love endures forever”

[PSALM 136:3]

As I said, if you believe Paul is referring to Jesus, you stand in some distinguished company; however, I do not believe that is correct. The reasons I say that Paul’s reference is to God Himself is as follows. First, the timing of Jesus’ return is known only to the Father. Do you remember these words that Jesus spoke? “Concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” [MATTHEW 24:36]. [3] These limitations appear to be rather common knowledge to the angels as well as to the Master. For instance, you may well recall this statement of the angels who spoke to the disciples after Jesus’ ascension. “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority” [ACTS 1:7].

Note the text again. The One of whom Paul is speaking has never been seen. More than that, no one can see Him. Obviously, this cannot be speaking of Jesus since He has been seen. That was the point of the Incarnation—to ensure that Jesus was seen. Moreover, at His return “Every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him” [REVELATION 1:7].

There is yet another point in favour of understanding that Paul is speaking of God. “Eternal dominion” is ascribed to this One of whom the Apostle is speaking. Think about this. There is a point in time “When [Christ the Lord] delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power” [1 CORINTHIANS 15:24]. When “All things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all” [1 CORINTHIANS 15:28].