Another Post by Chad
The Literal Future Government
(Part 2)
I would like to take a brief look at two other aspects of the literal future government. The first is the structure of the government and the second is the scope of the government. One of the critical components of the study of scripture is that context is the key to understanding truth. I believe that the word of God is to be taken literally when studying the context. As you read this, may you rightly divide the truth according to its context and I hope it will bring forth encouragement and strengthen your faith.
Within any form of government that is established, the needs to be structure in order for it to properly function according to its attended purposes. In the government that Jesus Christ is going to establish, there will be a well established structure. There are four literal truths that will establish the structure of the government in the literal Millennial Kingdom.
First, at the head of this government, there will be a king, “See a king will reign in righteousness…” (Isaiah 32:1). It was even promised in the covenant to Abraham, that there will be a king. (Genesis 17:6) The prophet Zechariah states, “The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.” (14:9) it is clear that according to this passage of scripture, the Lord will be upon the earth. Jesus Christ is not presently upon the earth. He is in heaven and one day, He will come back to earth. There is a promise that Paul gives to Timothy about the hope that the church has in regards to their position in the Kingdom, “Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; If we endure, we will also reign with him…” 2 Timothy 2:11-12
Second, in the structure of this government the prophets put the “saints.” Following the vision of Daniel in regards to the world empires, he observes that “the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.” (Daniel 7: 18) These saints are those who are written in the book of life. (Daniel 12:1-3)
Third, in the next structure of this government is the living nation of Israel. In this future Kingdom this historic people will at last realize the supremacy of the Abraham covenant. They are the chosen seed of Abraham, the friend of God; and all attempts to destroy them will fail. God will fulfill His promises to them (Isaiah 41:8-16). God will not forget them. (Isaiah 49:15) There are two powerful Psalms that bring this point out clearly. Psalm 47 is a beautiful picture of the rejoicing in the land because of the fact that that the Lord is Awesome and that His name is glorified. Psalm 67 states the purpose of God’s blessing upon Israel is stated “May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the people praise you.” (67:3) the promises to Abraham will be fulfilled in the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ.
Fourth, at the lowest level, but in the structure of the government is the Gentile nations. It is amazing to see that the Gentiles will also have a part in the plan as well. It was stated through the prophet Micah “Many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths” (4:2). Even the people who were enemies of God will find a place of favor in the Kingdom (Isaiah 19:23-25). The New Testament speaks of the fact God is the God of all men both Jew and Gentile. (Romans 3:29)
The extent of this government is that it is universal in scope. It is over all the earth and it includes all nations. (Zechariah 14:9; Isaiah 2:2; 34-35; 7:14). Not only will it be universal in scope, but it will also be everlasting in duration. (Psalm 72:15, 17). The everlasting Kingdom of our Lord will be merged with the Universal Kingdom of God and it will be for eternity (1 Corinthians 15:24-28).
2 Comments:
John,
This amillennialist is enjoying reading your series. I think your structuring your case well.
By Earl Flask, at 23/2/08 5:47 PM
Hi Earl,
Thank you for your kind words. If only I could take the credit :-(
My friend Chad has done a very thorough study on this topic. Chad and his wife came to a class I was teaching on discovering the Messiah in the Old Testament. After I completed that study Chad actually came along side and filled that ministry for me and gave me a break from teaching. He is currently an associate pastor of a church in the greater Toledo area.
Whenever we get time to talk it is a great blessing.
Thanks again for reading Earl.
By J. Wendell, at 24/2/08 7:08 AM
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