The Work of the Lord Jesus Christ After His Death

The lecture explains that the work of the Lord Jesus Christ did not stop with His death on the Cross, but continued after His death and Resurrection, and still continues until now for the salvation of humanity and the building of the Church.

Main Idea

• Pope Shenouda III explains that after His death, the Lord Jesus descended into Hades, brought out those who had fallen asleep in hope, opened the gate of Paradise, and after the Resurrection strengthened the faith of the disciples and explained to them the matters concerning the Kingdom of God.
• He affirms that Christ is still working in the Church, in the believers, and through them, because His divine work never ceases.
• He explains that the saints also continue their influence and service according to God’s will, and that their lives do not end with the end of their earthly existence.
• He calls every believer to imitate Christ in a life of continual work and to make all his works for the glory of God and the salvation of the soul.

Spiritual Dimension

• The true Christian life is a life of continual work and spiritual struggle, not a life of laziness or spiritual weakness.
• Spiritual works such as prayer, fasting, meditation, and inner struggle are enduring works that continue into eternity.
• Worthless works are those that bring no spiritual benefit and end with earthly life.
• The believer is called to make use of the opportunity of life and work while there is still time, because every person will stand before God to give an account of his works.
• True rest is not found in ceasing from work, but in faithfully fulfilling God’s will, and complete rest is found in God’s presence after completing one’s mission.
• Young people especially are encouraged to use their strength and health in serving God and building the Church, and not to waste their lives on works that do not remain.
• The lecture concludes by emphasizing continual self-examination and attention to the enduring works that are recorded in the Book of Life and bear fruit for eternal life.

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