Nationality factors in to who we are. Many people are quick to declare that they are American, British, French, African, or Hispanic. And yet are Christians truly defined by their nationality?
Jesus' statement while on trial before the Roman ruler Pilate is especially enlightening:
"My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews ; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm." Therefore Pilate said to Him, "So You are a king ?" Jesus answered, "You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." (John 18:36-37)
Jesus indicates that He is head of a government of truth. This system of government "is not of this realm"; not comparable to this world's systems of government. It is a government, not in competition with but far superior to, other governments.
What are the implications of belonging to Jesus' government of truth? Does it completely divorce us from the governments of this age? Few questions have been more difficult to answer, or as hotly debated. This much seems clear: Jesus' vastly superior government of truth is destined to overwhelm and conquer all governments of this age. This will not be accomplished through the militarization, political activism, or lobbying of His people, but through His direct intervention at His return. The King of the kingdom, supernaturally empowered by His Father, our Creator, will accomplish this.
The governments of this age and the kingdom of God will always be in dynamic tension, and defining the roles of kingdom citizens in relation to the governments of their earthly citizenship will be difficult. But the overwhelming confidence that we have is that the perfect government of truth will ultimately triumph.
As the Roman ruler Pilate asked, "What is truth?" (John 18:38). Truth is ultimately embodied by the government of God and ruled by the Son of God. Citizens of that government enjoy the rule of truth in their personal lives as they seek to be ambassadors who represent the government of truth to peoples of all nations. We partner together with the government of truth as we await its ultimate triumph.
Our perspective is that of the early church, as they observed the actions of the governments of this world: "'WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE, AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS? THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST." (Acts 4:25-26)
The kingdom of God is not threatened by present-day government actions. The kingdom of truth triumphs and on this truth the people of God take their stand.
Rejoice, victorious kingdom citizens, because it will soon be true that "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever." (Revelation 11:15)
Steve
Jesus' statement while on trial before the Roman ruler Pilate is especially enlightening:
"My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews ; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm." Therefore Pilate said to Him, "So You are a king ?" Jesus answered, "You say correctly that I am a king. For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." (John 18:36-37)
Jesus indicates that He is head of a government of truth. This system of government "is not of this realm"; not comparable to this world's systems of government. It is a government, not in competition with but far superior to, other governments.
What are the implications of belonging to Jesus' government of truth? Does it completely divorce us from the governments of this age? Few questions have been more difficult to answer, or as hotly debated. This much seems clear: Jesus' vastly superior government of truth is destined to overwhelm and conquer all governments of this age. This will not be accomplished through the militarization, political activism, or lobbying of His people, but through His direct intervention at His return. The King of the kingdom, supernaturally empowered by His Father, our Creator, will accomplish this.
The governments of this age and the kingdom of God will always be in dynamic tension, and defining the roles of kingdom citizens in relation to the governments of their earthly citizenship will be difficult. But the overwhelming confidence that we have is that the perfect government of truth will ultimately triumph.
As the Roman ruler Pilate asked, "What is truth?" (John 18:38). Truth is ultimately embodied by the government of God and ruled by the Son of God. Citizens of that government enjoy the rule of truth in their personal lives as they seek to be ambassadors who represent the government of truth to peoples of all nations. We partner together with the government of truth as we await its ultimate triumph.
Our perspective is that of the early church, as they observed the actions of the governments of this world: "'WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE, AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS? THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST." (Acts 4:25-26)
The kingdom of God is not threatened by present-day government actions. The kingdom of truth triumphs and on this truth the people of God take their stand.
Rejoice, victorious kingdom citizens, because it will soon be true that "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever." (Revelation 11:15)
Steve
posted by steve @ 8:25 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home