When God the Father, created man in His image, and the world around him; God gave man the authority over everything upon the earth. There was to be an intimate spiritual relationship between God the Father and mankind, establishing the Kingdom of God on earth. Man was to be the expressed image of God, His light, and holiness, pushing back the darkness created by the rebellion of Satan the devil. After Adam (man) fell, and sin entered into mankind, God’s authority and relationship with man was broken. This authority of God was being challenged by Satan the devil.
The system of government that was to be a theocracy, God the Father was to be King, the only authority over man. God the Father would be leading and guiding mankind in order to defeat the works of Satan the devil. Once man believed the lie of Satan the devil, separation occurred between man and God, which was called death. God the Father, needed to re-establish the relationship with man once again, in order that His purposes on earth could be accomplished. After the fall, we see God the Father, come looking for man, to begin to bring him back into relationship with Himself. One might say, why didn’t God the Father just declare it so! The problem with this is that God can only be consistent with Himself, therefore; He being Holy can’t have anything to do with that which is unholy or sinful. God needed to find a way to hide the sin of man from Himself. So God determined to cover man with that which was clean, so a relationship could continue with man. When man eyes were opened and he knew that he had sinned, he hid himself from God.
Gen.3:9, 10
“And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.”
Gen.3:21
“Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.”
The result of their sin, God casted Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, where there was no labor and the tree of life stood. Therefore man had to work in order to feed himself, and his wife and children; from this action, caused a different type of relationship between God and man. Mankind continued to listen to the whims of the devil and his rebellious nature. Man became as rebellious as the devil that God the Father would destroy all of mankind by a flood. Up to now no one had ever seen rain, for the earth was watered by the dew. But a man named Noah found favor in God’s sight, so God saved Noah and his family, and many of the animals on the earth, via the Ark. After the floods receded, Noah and his sons repopulated the earth. As mankind increased they became haughty and proud for there wasn’t anything that man couldn’t do. Their success was in part do to the fact that they all spoke one language, so God came down, and confounded their language, at the tower of Babel. So nations were formed according to languages, and the earth continued to be populated, but men stopped calling on the name of the Lord.
Gen.7:20, 21
“Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered. And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man:”
Gen.9:1
“And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them. Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.”
Gen.10:32
“These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nations: and by these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood.”
Gen.11:1,
“And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.”
Gen.11:6
“And the Lord said, behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.”
Gen.11:9
“Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.”
Then about the year 1920 BC the Lord God called Abram (Abraham) from the City of Ur, whose wife was Sarai (Sarah). Because Abram believed God, it was accounted to him as righteousness yet; it didn’t make him righteous. After God chose Abraham, whom is considered, the father of those that believed. Abraham’s seed became known as the people Israel or the Jews. For a period of time God through his servants the prophets guided the people Israel, leading them in the ways of righteousness. But Israel desired an earthly king, like the nations around them. In fact they rejected God as their King and authority for an earthly one.
The first earthly king of Israel was Saul, of the tribe of Benjamin. King Saul didn’t obey God and sinned against Him, so God removed the throne from his house, from being kings over Israel. God gave the kingship over to David of the tribe of Judah. And God promised David that the line of Judah would reign forever. This fulfilled the blessing that Jacob made, over his son Judah, just before he died. Listed below is several Old Testament Scriptures indication the coming of the Messiah, the Christ and His status as King, after the line of Judah.
Gen.49:8
“Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father’s children shall bow down before thee.”
1 Sam.16:11
“Them Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.”
Ezek.11:19, 20
“And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.”
Isa.9:6
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The ever-lasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Jer.23:5, 6
“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.”
Psa.40:7-10
“Then said I, Lo I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest. I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy loving kindness and thy truth from the great congregation.”
Dan.7:13, 14
“I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”
Dan.2:31-35
“Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. This image’s head was of fine gold, his breast and arms of silver, his belly and thighs of brass, His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and break them to pieces. Then was the iron, the clay, the brass the silver, the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floor; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.”
The interpretation of this prophecy was started to be explained by Daniel himself, when he told King Nebuchadnezzar, that he was the head of gold. Therefore it is easy for us to look back over history to see the sequence of kingdoms that followed.
1st. Head of gold = Babylonian Empire under King Nebuchadnezzar.
2nd. Breast of silver = Babylonian Empire under Belshazzar.
3rd. Belly & Thighs of brass = Persian Empire, Darius & Cyrus
4th. Legs of iron = Greek Empire, Alexander the Great
5th. Feet of iron and clay = Roman Empire with its parliamentary government, which Jesus Christ was born under.
6th. The Stone; cut without man hands but God, which will break down all earthly powers. This could only be Jesus Christ the Son of God, Lord of lords, and King of kings.
From what was prophesied by Daniel and the other Prophets, one could easily see that a King would be born that would lead the Nation of Israel out bondage, and from under the authority of the Gentile Nations. The Jews thought that it would be similar to that which occurred for a brief period of time, by the Maccabean revolt. Basically this is what the Jews were looking for, a Deliverer to restore the kingdom of Israel as it was under King David and Solomon. This Kingly line becomes an important point in relationship to Jesus of Nazareth. We have the testimony of the Wiseman from the East came looking for the King of the Jews; has been born? And also the angel Gabriel, that was sent by God to the city Nazareth, to proclaim Jesus’ birth. Jesus being born of a virgin woman named Mary; who was engaged to a man, named Joseph; of the house of David.
When it comes to Kings of Israel, we don’t know what the real meaning of being anointed is. It is God’s method of ordination of a King to rule His People. With the anointing comes the Spirit of God upon that person giving him the ruler ship. In Jesus’ case He is the only begotten Son of God, conceived of the Holy Spirit and anointed King of kings and Lord of Lord. That God the Father has turned over all authority both in heaven and earth over to Jesus Christ our Lord. The only person that is over Jesus Christ is God the Father, Himself, who put all things under Jesus’ feet. During Jesus’ earthly ministry some did realize His royalty. Once they wanted to take Him and crown Him king. In another case a blind man seeking healing, called Jesus, son of David, indicating His kingly line.
Then we have the case when Jesus asked His disciples whom do you say that, I am. Peter proclaimed; you are the Christ the Son of the living God. Jesus then answered on this rock, or foundation, I will build my Church. Which is the body of Christ, made up of believing members, and the gates of hell shall not be successful against it. The Christian have been given the power to over throw the works of the devil on earth. Jesus went on to say that He gives the Church the keys of the kingdom of God (Heaven), or means of entering it. Jesus came to His own, Israel, the Jews and they received Him not. But rather denied Him, their Messiah, and Christ, the one anointed by God the Father. When Jesus was asked the question? When would the restoration of the Kingdom of God come? This meant to the Jews, Israel as a Great Nation once again, that their Messiah would free them from Roman rule. Jesus’ reply to that question was such.
LK.17:20, 21
“And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, Lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”
Did you take note to the last phrase, of Jesus’ reply? “The Kingdom of God is within you.” Not an outside force, something you could see coming, like a great army, but that which is in the hearts of man. There are several New Testament Scriptures; that speak of a spiritual kingdom, not a physical one, when it comes to Christianity. When Jesus asked Peter who do you think I am or what he had said to Pontius Pilot concerning His Kingdom? We also have the letter of the Apostle Paul to the Romans; related to a spiritual type Kingdom within the hearts of man. The Kingdom of God (Heaven) is not physical, nor earthly, with governmental leaders ministering corporal and social punishments. The Kingdom of God does not raise armies to defend its borders because there is none. The real war is against our enemy, Satan the devil, the power of the air and darkness. Of course if you don’t believe in God, so who can understand the spiritual realm of darkness around you?
Matt.16:16-19
“And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
Matt.26:51-54
“And behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?
John.18:33-36
“Then Pilot entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? Pilot answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.”
Rom.14:17
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
From the content of these scriptures above, we can begin to understand that Jesus was teaching His apostles a different type of kingdom other than a worldly one. He was referring to a spiritual one, of righteousness, peace, and joy, in the changed hearts of men, renewed Spirit of God within you. That man would be restored back to the image of God through His Son Jesus Christ, from which he had fallen. It is the power of God via the Holy Ghost (Spirit), changing men, their conduct and behavior in their daily lives. Men would be under the rule of God’s Son, and completely obedient to His will, the fulfillment of which is perfect LOVE. This is why Jesus didn’t go about trying to raise a physical army, to over throw the Roman Empire, and to restore Israel as an earthly Nation. For it is from within mankind that true change will come, not outwardly, with force, regulations, and laws. When God spoke to the prophet, Zechariah about the rebuilding of the Temple under the direction of Zerubbabel God indicated that it isn’t by physical force, but by the Spirit of God that deliverance would truly come.
Zech.4:6
“Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit saith the Lord of host.”
It is only through the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that men can be freed from the power of sin and death in their personal lives. Peter wasn’t the only disciple that recognized the fact that Jesus was the true King of Israel, Nathanael did also. As Jesus’ crucifixion drew near He became more open about the things that were to come to pass, and the truth about His Kingly reign. At the Last Supper, Jesus told His disciples that he wouldn’t drink of the fruit of the vine until He was in His Kingdom. This took place after He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father. Holy Communion, the Lords Supper is that very partaking of the fruit of the vine with Jesus Christ our Lord, with His believers the members of His Church. It is this selfsame Jesus of Nazareth, which the scripture spoke about, that, was crucified, dead and buried and on the third day rose from the dead, and is seated at the right hand of God the father.
Matt.12:23
“And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David?”
Matt.21:5
“Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.”
Jn.1:49
“Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.”
Mk.16:9
“Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.”
Mk.16:19
“So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.”
Acts 1:3
“To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:”
Acts 2:37, 38
“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
1 Cor.15:28
“And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.”
Rev.17:14
“These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.”
Now the question that arises from a New Testament and Christian stand point is how should the Kingdom of God (Heaven) with Jesus Christ as our King operate here on earth? Let’s start with, the words from the Lord’s Prayer; “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” Once you can acknowledge that it is the principles of heaven that should govern us that it is only Jesus’ leadership that counts and in him we are on solid grown.
The Kingdom of God can’t be part of the earthly social one, which is governed by worldly concepts. God’s will and purposes are not mans, and in fact can’t be part of man’s ways, laws, and social justice. Man’s ways are not God’s ways. Yet so many have tried to join the Body of Christ, the Church with the unbelievers, worldly governments, those that don’t honor God, or are interested in submitting to the will of His Son, Jesus Christ. Did Jesus Christ at any time, direct His followers, disciples, and apostles to join with the earthly kingdoms and nations? Of course not! Jesus and His apostles did admonish us Christians to obey the local authority, for they are there to rule with the sword over the evil doers. But can those that war, and make wars against each other, physically defeating men, enslaving them, taking their goods, stealing their wives and children, even taking their very lives, be part of the body of Christ. Sorry, no they can’t; this isn’t what the teachings of Jesus Christ is all about. If only our religious leaders, way back when, were interested in the truth, and had taken the time to search the New testament scriptures, things might be different today, if they had understood the truth. They would have clearly seen the teachings of our Lord, Jesus Christ and the testimony of His apostles. That only by love, peace, and godliness was the principles of this world going to change. Therefore a Christian is supposed to live a Gospel; of peace and love, not war, and hatred. As it is written, “Let your light shine before men, that they might see your good works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” Christians are to be in the world, but not part of it, they are to be the leaven of goodness in the world, but yet separated from it.
Matt.21:43
“Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.”
Gal.5:22-24
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lust.”
2Cor.6:14-18
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”
You might be wondering what the meaning of the word Belial is. Well it isn’t a proper name, but is a term for a worthless person, those that only have a regard for oneself, and live a lawlessly and recklessly life. To many Christians have been deceived by political rhetoric, thinking that one Nation is better than another. Just because a Nation; may mention the word “God” in their preamble, doesn’t make them a godly Nation or followers of Jesus Christ. The Lord once gave me a message for the Church, which was, “Don’t become homogenized, but stay pasteurized.” What the Lord was saying; do not get all mixed up with the world and its affair, because no one will be able to tell you apart, a believer from an unbeliever? But rather remain separate, like pasteurized milk, for its cream always rises to the top and is easily seen, like a light on a hill.
It is inconsistent for Christians that are supposed to bring the message salvation to sinners and the evidence of, love, peace, gentleness, and kindness to all mankind. To be part of the world’s system of hatred, anger, strife and wars. The Christian should be bringing the world into faith in Jesus Christ, and a new order of government, that is under the reign of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Whose standard is godliness, righteousness, love, peace, and joy. Isn’t this what the angels sang about at Jesus’ birth “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men?” Jesus, isn’t only “The King of the Jews”, but of Heaven and earth and everything that is in them. And the members of this Kingdom of God, under the reign of Jesus Christ, shouldn’t only love their neighbors, but their enemies also. This Kingdom of God (Heaven) which is to be expressed through His Body, the Church, has to be set apart from all political worldly systems. Christians are just so journeyers on earth with the message of salvation, being heavenly minded, not earthly. Jesus Christ came into the world to over throw the spiritual powers of darkness, everything that is ungodly, or opposed to the will of God.
The Christians weapons are not carnal, for it’s not by might and power of arms, but by the Spirit of God, change will occur. The Holy Spirit will draw man to God, causing their lives to change from lustful, evil ones to good. We must understand that all world governments so called good or bad, are all under the control, direction, and power of Satan the devil, the prince of this world and are enemies of God. All those that don’t yield themselves to the will of God through Jesus Christ, will find themselves enemies of God, in the same place as the devil, Satan when judgment day comes upon all and given over to the lake of fire.
Eph.2:2
“Wherein in times past ye walked according to the course of the world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:”
Eph.6:11, 12
“Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Col.3:1-4
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”
Jn.12:31
“Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.”
Rev.12:9
“And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth.”
Rev.20:10
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
Jesus Christ’s Kingdom is the Kingdom of God on earth, the expressed image of God, in the believer. It is a new type of system where the will of God and His righteousness dwells. This concept is hard for some to understand, but it is called the Church, the Body of Jesus Christ, made up of individual members, live godly, peaceful and loving lives with all men. A true Christian must be opposed to, and resist any participation in any war, or oppressive act against mankind anywhere in the world. Yes, a true Christian must be a pacifist, being opposed to violence and war. Just like Jesus refused to defend Himself against evil men, and went to the cross, so shall His followers do likewise.
What a difference it would have made in stopping wars and conflicts between other Christian Nations, no less unbelieving Nations. Just think of the lives that might have been saved. Because this wasn’t the case, look at what has occurred down through the ages, between the Christian, European nations, Russia, and the Americas. What about the wars between England and France, Spain, Germany, and Russia. Then in America, the Revolutionary war, French and Indian war, Civil war, the first and second World Wars. All of these nations being rooted in Christianity, those naming Jesus Christ as Lord, yet going about killing each other. This is Christianity as God intended it, I don’t think so. Jesus Christ the Son of God didn’t come into the world to make war, but peace. As Christians we need to wake up, and be strong, taking courage, and start living the faith as Jesus Christ would have us live. Our first step has to be to turn away from any and all leaders, religious or secular that encourages us to take up arms and go to war. It is only God Himself that has the right to take life, vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord, I will repay. Remember, we as Christians are to be serving God, bring about His will, not men’s will. This might sound dogmatic, but so be it, for its God’s way or as we would say the highway, damnation. Hell is opening it mouth large every day, for all those that are rushing in, because they haven’t gone the way of Christ Jesus.
Lk.6:45, 46
“A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. And why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”
Matt.5:39
“But I say unto you. That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
Matt.5:44
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
Rom.12:17
“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.”
Rom.12:20
“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; If he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.”
1 Pet.3:9
“Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are there unto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”
Many of the world systems such as the United Nations with their human concepts have been trying to bring about world peace by rhetoric, and force. Others by different forms of governments, Democracy, Socialism, Communism, even man’s conceived theocracy, but they all will fail and have failed. Have they brought any peace and contentment to mankind? No way, only more confusion, hatred and wars. They build in vain, because they haven’t built upon the Rock which is Jesus Christ the hope of glory, for all mankind. Without the resurrected power of Jesus Christ working in and through us all, only death and destruction will be their results. Even though some of their ideas, many be rooted in Christian concepts, unless Christ Jesus has changed their hearts and minds, they are still dead in their sins, and are enemies of God, and the works of their hands will fail.
The difference is that according to Jesus Christ and His teachings, the only way change can be brought about is by man’s hearts being changed first. It is not by works of the law, but by the Spirit of God. Man must give up his own ways and call upon God to change his heart from stone to flesh. This heart change can only occurs when a persons has true faith and repentance towards God, and being baptized into Jesus Christ, separating him from this world, unto God. Of course the world says that this concept and idea is foolishness, nonsense. Because of their own pride, they say in their hearts, I can do it on my own, so who needs God. If Jesus Christ wanted to overthrow the kingdoms of this world by force, then God His Father would have sent all the angels of heaven necessary to overthrow them all, but this wasn’t the case. God so loved the world, mankind that, that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ into it, so He could establish the Kingdom of God (Heaven) here on earth.
Matt.5:16
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
By this light, the glory of God, (goodness, kindness, love, peace, etc.) in man, will destroy, sin and death, and the works of Satan the devil, and his control on earth. Therefore let the mind that was in Christ Jesus, also be in you. Jesus was totally committed to the will of God, and laid His life down for those that hated, cursed, dishonored and cruelly abused Him. Our calling in Christ is to transform men everywhere into the image of God through Jesus Christ. I dislike when some say what Jesus would do. They that say such things don’t have a clue about the call of Christ on man’s life. Jesus always gave place to those that would hurt him, by not yielding to the lust of the flesh and His own will, but always the will of God the Father. When a person is transformed by the power of God, being born anew, through faith in Jesus Christ they become sons and daughters of God. Therefore it shouldn’t be a big deal to give up your physical life, if you have eternal life itself. It is only when this character of Jesus Christ is manifested within you personally, then and only then can you say the Kingdom of God is at hand.
The Apostle Paul (Saul) prior to his revelation of Jesus Christ, and conversion, believed in the re-establishment of Israel as the nation of God as the ultimate ruling force in the world. Israel to this day still believes in this concept. Also today many misguided Christian denominations, have believed a similar concept, to their own demise. Taking on worldly methods; leading men down the path to hell, by their false doctrines. After the Apostle Paul’s conversion; by his faith and being baptized into Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin, being filled with the Holy Ghost (Spirit), and then he understood the real truth about the Kingdom of God. He went forth preaching the selfsame message and doctrine of Jesus Christ, and the other Apostles; to love your brother and your enemy as well giving mercy unto to them that persecute you.
Rom.5:17, 18
“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one Jesus Christ. Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.”
Rom.8:11-14
“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”
Rom.12:14-21
“Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
When exactly did God first say, vengeance is mine; I will repay? In a sense after Cain had killed Abel. Cain was punished by God, in that the earth wouldn’t bare its fruit for him. Also he would be a fugitive and vagabond upon the earth. God had excommunicated him from his immediate family. Also God put a mark on Cain so no one would take vengeance on him. If anyone happened to slay him, then God would take vengeance on that person sevenfold. It is the self-same concept; it was in the book of Deuteronomy that God specifically states this truth. It is this concept that the Church of Jesus Christ is to now operating under; that God the Father, will punish the evil doers.
The law being taken out of the way, therefore there is no longer any corporal punishment done by the fellowship of the saints. It shall all be left up to God at the end of time. Now that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead there is new rule of government that is of the Kingdom of God. In the first letter of the Apostle Peter he states these facts pertaining to the Christian, especially the gentile Christian.
Deut. 32:35
“To me belongeth vengeance, and recompense;”
Deut.32:41
“I will render vengeance to mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me.”
1Peter. 2:9-14
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims abstain from fleshly lust, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.”
Peter is speaking to the Church under the direst of circumstances. It was during the time, when the Empire Nero had burned the city of Rome and was blaming it on the Christians. But Peter is making it quite clear that the Christian is a separated people after the royalty of Christ Jesus, who is seated at the right-hand of God. As Christians we are just traveling through, having no part in the earthly affairs of men, because we are stranger, pilgrims, sojourners upon the earth. Also nowhere in the New Testament does Jesus or in the apostolic writings is there any call for corporal punishment to be administered to any Church members, by its leaders. The only thing you will find is the separation of a member from the Church at large. This was to occur only when they refuse to repent and stop their fleshly sinful behavior. When they were bringing open shame on the Body of Christ, then and only then should they be excommunicate.
Excommunication was never intended to be used like some of the Popes did during the dark ages to bring ruling Kings to their knees. Peter also explains what the purposes of the earthly governments are here for, and what they are to do. That their purpose is to punish the evildoers, like thieves, rapist, murders, and the like, so social order could be keep. Again may I point out that this is what the governments should be doing all over the world, not the Church of God in Christ? We need to let the unbelievers deal with the unbelievers, and hopefully a Christian wouldn’t be found among them. By chance a Christian did something evil; they should take their punishment patiently. But if by chance a Christian falls under their sword and is punished, let it be for doing good, not evil, as it was in the case with Empire Nero. Nowhere in the New Testament does it indicated that Christians are to take part in the affairs of the governments of the world, other than to show the world by our peaceful loving ways, the Glory of God our Father and His Son Jesus Christ.
For this very reason the Jews ended up hating the Christians. Because when the Romans came to destroy Jerusalem around 70 AD, the Christian Jews under the guidance of James the half-brother of Jesus refused to take up armies with the Jews. But rather left Jerusalem, for the Lord Jesus had prophesied the destruction of the temple, the center of Jewish worship. God by way of Empire Nero, showed once and for all, that God had risen up a new temple, made not with hands, but of living stones, called the Body of Christ the Church. The half-brother of Jesus, James also makes a statement in his letter to the Church at large relating to where wars come from, and it isn’t from God. If one understands what James is saying about the root cause of war, you will see why Christians shouldn’t be involved in them.
James.4:1-3
“From whence come wars and fighting among you? Come they not hence, even of your lust that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”
Listed below are some of the main principles of behavior for those followers of Jesus Christ, members of His Body, the Church. Which are in turn citizens of the Kingdom of God or Heaven on earth?
- Forgive those that despitefully use you, go the extra mile.
- Pray for those that hate you and persecute you.
- Always turn the other cheek, don’t return evil for evil
- Don’t try to give your own defense, when they judge you for your faith in Christ Jesus, the Holy Ghost (Spirit) will defend you.
- Love your brother as yourself, care for one another.
- Give to those that ask, help the widows and orphans in their distress. Forget not the poor among you.
- Love your enemies, because Christ Jesus died for you while you were yet a sinner and enemy of God; therefore do likewise.
- Let the Love of God abound in you towards all men, unto the glory of God.
If we; as Christians would start living the faith which has been born in us via the Holy Ghost (Spirit) can begin by living out those things listed above. When our light truly begins to shine as it was in the begining, the first century Church, then the world would see the glory of God through us. Most Christians are looking for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, as mentioned after His ascension, which will definitely come to pass. But the question is when. I believe that there are some things mentioned in the scriptures that first must occur before Jesus Christ return. The saints of God in Jesus Christ must come into perfection; the manifestation of the Sons of God, expressing the true love, righteousness and Holiness of God. A Church that is truly prepared to receive their Lord of lord’s and King of king’s into their lives. This is the very purpose and reason for the teaching of God’s word, especially the New Testament, so all will know Him, in Spirit and truth.
Rom.11:25, 26
“For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written. There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.”
Eph.4:11-13
“And he gave some, apostle; and some, prophets; and some, evangelist; and some, pastors, and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the statue of the fullness of Christ:”
Eph.4:24
“And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
1 Cor.13:8-10
“Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”
Col.1:27, 28
“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:”
Col.4:12
“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”
Heb.12:14
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:”
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus Christ is referred to as the Bridegroom. And that he is going to come at night to receive His bride which is the Church. Do you dare to think that Jesus Christ the King of Glory is going to come for a Bride, dirty and full of sin? I don’t think so? He will be coming back for something pure like a virgin. If that wasn’t the case, He would have come a long time ago. But He is going to come back for a Bride (The Church) fit for His Glory and Majesty.
Eph.5:26, 27
“That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of the water by the word. That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”