The subject of the Kingdom of God has been, and is greatly misunderstood by many people. Visionists have dreamed of a coming age of blessedness and earthly glory, while many writers have described it in its loftiest phrase and by highly colored word pictures.
Misunderstanding of this subject was a strong contributing factor in causing the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, lack of proper understanding of this truth may cause the spiritual death and damnation of many, who otherwise would enjoy a present life and experience of victory, glory and power with Jesus the Lord.
It is our purpose, not to set forth a mere man-made suppositional something, but to show what the Bible clearly teaches concerning the subject, giving scripture upon scripture, showing something great was going to happen, something glorious was going to come, and something divine was going to be set up when Shiloh, meaning Christ the Messiah would come.
This great occurrence would be for the salvation of all nations, a focal point for gathering of all peoples, and eternal in its duration. It would be so powerful and forceful in its nature, that it would disrupt the evil workings and eventually conquer and destroy all man-made earthly kingdoms and would fill the whole earth.
We will now go to the Bible to locate the exact time of this great epoch, when God would set up His Kingdom, and bring to fulfillment the glorious promises He has made throughout the Old Testament.
Lawrence J. Chesnut, B.Th. D.D.
Chapter I
The Kingdom in Prophecy
During the Babylonish captivity of the Israelites King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that directly concerns the subject of the Divine Kingdom of God. The record of this dream is given in Daniel the second Chapter. Read the account of the dream, get the happening fixed in mind, and understanding will unfold in orderly manner.
There are two very important things concerning this dream. The time, and the interpretation.
King Nebuchadnezzar began his reign as King of Babylon B.C. 604, had his dream in the second year of his reign B.C. 602. He reigned forty-three years, and died in the year 561 B.C. at the age of eighty-three or eighty-four years of age.
Daniel was taken to Babylon in 604 B.C. and trained for the King’s service. At the close of three years discipline, Daniel had an opportunity of exercising his peculiar gift of interpreting dreams. It is said of him “… Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” Dan. 1:17. It was in the year of 601 B.C. that Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream recorded in Daniel second Chapter. At this point it will be valuable to note the exact scriptural account of this dream as given by Daniel.
“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 his arms of silver, his belly and his 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 brake them to pieces.
“Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors: 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.” (Dan. 2:31–35.)
Chapter II
Daniel’s Interpretation of the Dream
It is very important to notice Daniel was talking to King Nebuchadnezzar, who was alive and present, listening attentively to Daniel interpret his dream that had so greatly troubled him. The full scriptural account will be given, following which the full explanation will be set forth for clearer understanding. Notice closely the Biblical record of the interpretation. “This is a dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. “Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory.
“And wheresoever the children of men dwell the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath given into thine hand, and hath made the ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold.
“And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. “And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.
“And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with the miry clay. “And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.
“And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men; but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.
“And the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set upon a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms and it shall stand forever.
“Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter, and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.” Dan. 2:36–45. There are four beasts pictured in this dream of Nebuchadnezzar. It is very important we understand the time and systems they represent.
Chapter III
The Four Beasts Considered
The first beast represents the Babylonian Empire, of which Nebuchadnezzar was its greatest, and most powerful king. Time of his reign was from 604 B.C. to 561 B.C.
“Thou art that head of gold,” Dan. 2:38.
The word kingdom shows without dispute that in identifying Nebuchadnezzar with the “head of gold,” the reference is not to him personally, but to him as representing dynasty. The very opening statement, interpreting this dream by Daniel makes it clear that it has reference to a great, colorful, and powerful system, or kingdom.
“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,” Dan. 2:31.
Keep in mind it was in the year of 601 B.C. when Daniel was with king Nebuchadnezzar, interpreting his dream. This Babylonian king reigned for forty-three years. The Babylonian kingdom fell in the year of 538 B.C. The second beast was the Medo-Persian Kingdom, pictured with breast and arms of silver, which immediately followed, and replaced the Babylonian kingdom. “And after thee (Babylonian Kingdom) shall arise another (Medo-Persian) kingdom inferior to thee,” Dan. 2:39. This is a direct reference to the Medo-Persian Kingdom, which continued for 152 years and fell in 286 B.C.
The third beast pictures the Grecian Kingdom, which immediately followed, and replaced, the Medo-Persian Kingdom. It is referred to as one with belly and thighs of brass. “And another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over the whole earth,” Dan. 2:39. This kingdom came into being in the year of 286 B.C. continued for 140 years, and fell in the year of 146 B.C.
The fourth beast was the Roman Empire, pictured with breast and legs of iron. “And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron, forasmuch as iron breaketh into pieces and subdueth all things; and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise,” Dan. 2:40. This kingdom (the Roman Empire) continued 622 years, and fell in 476 A.D.
Note with special care, “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed and the kingdom shall not be left to another people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever,” Dan. 2:44. Not for one thousand years, but eternally, forever.
Another important scripture depicting Christ’s kingdom, the time of its coming, its power, and its impact on these earthly, evil kingdoms of man. “Forasmuch as thou sawest that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure,” Dan. 2:45.
This in brief has reference to the coming of the kingdom of God, and of Christ which would be brought into being, and set up when Jesus Christ the Messiah came during the reign of the Roman Empire which came into being in the year of 146 B.C. and continued for 622 years, falling or ending its existence in the year of A.D. 476. It further pictures the power the kingdom of God would exercise in destroying the forces of evil as represented by these earthly kingdoms considered. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream told the exact time of the beginning of the kingdom of God. Yes Babylon, by and with the dream of its greatest king told the time better and clearer than the major portion of the so-called New Testament Gospel preachers of today.
Chapter IV
Daniel’s Prophetic Dreams and Visions
In the first year of Belshazzer King of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream and told the sum of the matters.
“Daniel spoke and said, I saw in my vision by night and behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.
“The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings. I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet of a man, and a man’s heart was given to it.
“And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, arise, devour much flesh. “After this I beheld, and to another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl, the beast had also four heads: and dominion was given to it.
“After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth; it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it; and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns,” Dan. 7:1–7.
This prophetic dream and visions of Daniel occurred in the year of 555 B.C., 48 years after Nebuchadnezzar had his dream. It pictures, and considers the identical things and time of Nebuchadnezzar dream, using beasts to make the understanding simpler and reveal the spiritual truths intended. It is worthy to note the exact time of the establishment of the kingdom of God is clearly revealed by two unquestionable sources.
One was the earthly kingdom, (Babylon), with its greatest king Nebuchadnezzar in his dream. The other by Daniel the man who wholly followed the Lord. One representing the earthly, the other the heavenly. From both the earthly, and the heavenly God through his prophet Daniel has made it clear and simple to understand the exact time of the coming and establishment of the kingdom of God, by the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ the Lord.
In Daniel’s prophetic vision Dan. 7:3, “Four great beasts came up from the sea.” “Sea,” meaning people, which is a symbol of the human kingdoms without Godliness here in operation on earth. This sea was in an element of restless change. This pictures society in a very great and violent commotion. Dan. 7:2. Here we have revealed the elements of destruction. Systems with terrible destroying power.
The Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Grecian, and Roman Empires were all destructive, rather than constructive forces in the world. The “Four Beasts” are used as symbols of the four universal, world kingdoms that would be in power until the kingdom of God would come and be established. These kingdoms are symbolized by beasts of prey by the lion, the bear, the leopard, and another beast which was “dreadful and terrible and strong exceedingly, having great iron teeth, devoured and brake in pieces, stamped the residue, it was diverse from all the beast that were before it, and it had ten horns.” Dan. 7:7. This description makes it easy to know who is referred to here, and the time of its reign.
John, on the Isle of Patmos in the first century A.D. saw this same system of power as Daniel.
“And there appeared another great wonder in heaven, and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his head,” Rev. 12:3. This is the same system Daniel saw in Dan. 7:7. Daniel saw it as something that was going to be, and John the Revelator saw it as something already existing. In both places it is depicting the Roman Empire with its heads and kingdoms, which came into being 146 B.C. continuing 622 years, or until A.D. 476. This was the anti-god political system, and power in control when Jesus was born, grew up, and began His ministry of setting up and establishing his kingdom.
Chapter V
The Meaning of Daniel’s Beasts
The first was like a lion, and had Eagles Wings. Dan. 7:4. The first of these is the Babylonian Empire. In the dream of Nebuchadnezzar its symbol was the head of gold. In the dream of Daniel, the first of the wild beast which was like a lion and had eagle’s wings.
The superior excellence of the head of gold, to the silver, brass, and iron of the huge image corresponds with the superior excellence of the first wild beast, which had the body of the king of beasts, and the wings (power) of the king of birds. The symbol of the Babylonian Empire is the noblest Metal, the head of gold. Here in Daniel’s vision the noblest animal is the symbol of Babylon, “the lion.” His power was unchecked, unlimited, uncontrolled.
The judgment sent on King Nebuchadnezzar humbled the greatest of Babylonian kings, and paved the way for the overthrow of the great world power. Daniel 7:4 refers to this judgment. Twenty-three years after Nebuchadnezzar left his throne as king, the Babylonian Empire ceased to be. The lion stands as a symbol of ferocity, (savage), eagle wings for power and swiftness of attack.
“The second beast (nations under Medes and Persia) was like a bear, and raised itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it, between the teeth of it, and they said unto it, arise and devour much flesh,” Dan. 7:5. The second beast was “like a bear,” corresponding with the breast and arms of silver in the visionary image in Daniel Chapter 2, the Medo-Persian Empire. It is generally admitted that the Empire which succeeded the Babylonian was the Medo-Persian. The symbol of the second empire in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream is the breast and arms of silver, meaning it is inferior to the first empire represented by the head of gold, and two arms, are two peoples, (two kingdoms) who compose it.
Note the symbol of Daniel’s dream. “And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear and it raised itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it, between the teeth of it, and they said thus unto it, Arise devour much flesh,” Dan. 7:5.
The Medo-Persian Empire like the bear was powerful and destructive. One of the two peoples, the Persians like one of the sides of the bear, was more prominent than the other. It had in its grasp, like the bear with three ribs in its mouth, meaning three kingdoms under its control.
The third beast, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl. The beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it. Dan. 7:6. This agrees with Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, the third division, meaning the Grecian Kingdom, Daniel’s dream termed it as belly and thighs of brass.
The leopard is a fierce animal, remarkable for its swiftness, and ability to move quickly. Reference to this will be found in the Bible, “Swifter than leopards,” Hab. 1:8. The expression is also used “Having the four wings of a bird.” The rapid movements of the Grecian kingdom would be much superior to that of Nebuchadnezzar or Babylon. The four heads represents the four general kingdoms into which the Grecian Empire was divided.
The Fourth one not easily described, or classified, corresponds with the legs and feet of iron and clay in the fourth division of Daniel, Chapter two, in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, meaning the Roman Empire. Note the resemblance in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream Dan. 2:40, and Daniel’s dream Dan. 7:7, proving both was shown the same kingdom, the Roman Empire.
Daniel further clarifies and declares this to be true. “These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall rise out of the earth,” (Dan. 7:17), meaning earthly organizations of man. But the saints of the most high shall take the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and forever. This is not referring to a literal kingdom for one thousand years here on earth, but a spiritual one, that will continue with endless duration. Daniel himself applies the four beasts as four political kingdoms ruling in the world, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome. Everyone knows that the Roman Empire was at its height when Christ appeared on earth to establish his kingdom, and His church.
In the book of Daniel, the ancient prophet himself interprets the first kingdom of the four as signifying the then reigning Babylonian dominion, hence the fourth must and does represent the Roman Empire.
Daniel 2:44 has this thrilling information that established without question the time of the coming, and setting up of the kingdom of God. “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.” “The stone (meaning Christ) that smote the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth,” Dan. 2:35.
The interpretation, and explanation of the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel are not only scriptural truths, but the existence and operations of these various kingdoms pictured in these are documented historical facts, even to the date of their reign as given in this book. This is information that cannot be gainsayed, or factually refuted. Since the time, and the coming of the Kingdom of God has been scripturally proven, we will now proceed to the time of its establishment.
Chapter VI
The Kingdom of God—Established by Christ
The prophet Isaiah clearly predicts the time of establishment of the Kingdom of God. “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, Counsellor,
The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom to order it, and to establish it with justice from henceforth, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this,” Isaiah 9:6–7.
Every Bible student knows this refers to Christ. However, let us seal it with the Word of God in the New Testament, “And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of His Father David. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end,” Luke 1:31–33.
When on trial before Pilate, Jesus acknowledged he had a kingdom but said, “My kingdom is not of this world,” meaning it was not anything earthly or literal, John 18:36–37. The message of the kingdom was introduced by John the Baptist. “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, Repent ye for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” Matt. 3:1–2. The word “at hand,” from now on, from this time forward, near, close, within reach.
Jesus bore witness to this work of John by saying, “The Law and the Prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached and every man presseth into it,” Luke 16:16. One could not press into something that did not exist.
The same message as that of John was taken up by Christ. “Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent ye, and believe the gospel,” Mark 1:14–15.
Many to support the theory of a coming literal kingdom, make a difference in the kingdom of God, and the Kingdom of Heaven. They place the Kingdom of God here in this life and the kingdom of heaven at Christ’s second coming. But according to the scripture, they are the same. Note the terminology and comparison of various New Testament writers speaking of the same time and happening.
Matthew—“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand,” Matt. 3:1–2. Luke—“The law and prophets were until John, since that time the Kingdom of God is preached and every man presseth into it,” Luke 16:16. Matthew—“Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven,” Matt. 5:3.
Luke—“And He lifted up His eyes on His disciples and said, Blessed be the poor; for yours is the Kingdom of God,” Luke 6:20.
Concerning John the Baptist—“Verily I say unto you, among them that is born of women there hath not risen greater than John the Baptist, Not withstanding he that is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he. And from those days of John the Baptist until now the Kingdom of Heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force,” Matt. 11:11–12.
“For I say unto you, among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist, but he that is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he,” Luke 7:28. The Kingdom of God, and the Kingdom of Heaven was used describing the same incident, showing they are intended to be and mean the same thing.
More comparisons—Matthew—“He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven,” Matt. 13:21. Mark—“And he said, whereunto shall we liken the Kingdom of God; or with comparison shall we compare it; It is like a grain of mustard seed …” Mark 4:30–31.
Matthew—“Another parable spoke he unto them; The Kingdom of Heaven is like unto leaven …” Matt. 13:33.
Luke—“And again he said, whereunto shall I liken the Kingdom of God, It is like leaven …” Luke 13:20–21. This proves beyond question the scriptures teach the Kingdom of God, and the Kingdom of Heaven are the same.
Chapter VII
Nature of Christ’s Kingdom
Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world,” John 18:36. Meaning it is not of any material substance or literal nature. Therefore we are to look to the spiritual for understanding of what it is.
1. It is a doctrine. A doctrine is something to be taught, to be believed, and a system of principles. The scriptures place special emphasis on this fact. “Go thou and preach the Kingdom of God,” Luke 9:60.
“The Kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it,” Luke 16:16. The entire message of the gospel is, “preaching things concerning the Kingdom of God,” Acts 8:12.
2. It is an experience. This is indicated by the fact we are commanded to seek it. “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you,” Matt. 6:33.
Believers must pray for it. “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth (mortal body) as it is in heaven,” Matt. 6:10.
Note, the manner of entering it. By being born again. The words of Jesus to Nicodemus. “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God … Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the spirit he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God,” John 3:3–5.
One enters the kingdom by becoming as little children, “And Jesus called a little child unto him and set him in the midst of them. And said, Verily, I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven,” Matt. 18:2–3. This has reference to a state of freedom from known sin, and in a position of innocency, or freedom from guilt as a little child.
One enters the kingdom by being spiritually translated. “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son,” Col. 1:13.
By pressing (crowding) into it. “Fear not, little flock, it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom,” Luke 12:32. These scriptures make it plain that the kingdom is spiritual, that it is to be received in the heart, and enjoyed in this life. Furthermore, it gives God great happiness to give all believers in Christ the kingdom.… Yes, it is a definite promise and present experience for all believers.
Chapter VIII
Location of It
This is answered clearly by our Lord Jesus Christ. “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 (meaning outward, earthly show). Neither shall they say, Lo here, or, lo there; for behold, the kingdom of God is within you,” Luke 17:20–21. This proves it is spiritual.
Jesus said it would come in power before the disciples death. “And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom come in power,” Mark 9:1. This makes it clear the apostles, with other disciples then living, would be present when the kingdom would come with great power, referring to the coming of the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost.
This promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting, and there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them,” Acts 2: 1–3. “For the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power,” 1 Cor. 4:20.
It was fully established on the Day of Pentecost. Word of Jesus, “But I tell you of a truth there be some standing here which shall not taste of death till they see the Kingdom of God,” Luke 9:27. “It is the Father’s good pleasure to give the kingdom,” Luke 12:32. In Mark 9:1 is further proof, as we have considered, that it came in power, and was fully established on the day of Pentecost.
The great question with many. What is the kingdom? The answer is simple, and clear.
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost,” Rom. 14:17. This proves conclusively that it is not something earthly, or literal, that you can eat or drink, but a spiritual kingdom of righteousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, located in the heart of God’s believing children.
The Hebrew writer put it this way, “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace whereby, we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear,” Heb. 12:38.
Chapter IX
The Present Inheritance of the Saints
John the Revelator was in the kingdom, and patience of Jesus Christ, while on the Isle of Patmos. “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the Isle that is called Patmos for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ,” Rev. 1:9. It would have been impossible for him, or anyone else to be in something nonexistent.
Paul’s instructions to the Colossians put it like this, “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son,” Col. 1:12–13.
Through full salvation we are now made kings and priests unto God, therefore, we are now reigning with Christ here on the earth. Here are scriptures to prove this.
“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and Priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever,” Rev. 1:5–6. This makes it clear when we are born again, converted, accept Christ as our Saviour, we immediately become a spiritual king and Priest and begin our spiritual reign with Christ here in this life on this earth. Peter in his writing states, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal Priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light,” I Peter 2:9.
The results of becoming Kings and Priest through full salvation from sin, we immediately begin reigning with Christ here on earth. Here is further scripture that makes it clear. “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth,” Rev. 5:9–10.
Many are confused on the question, When do we reign? To this question, the Bible is clear. “For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one, much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life (here, and now) by one Jesus Christ,” Rom. 5:17. By receiving the grace and righteousness of Christ the Saviour we reign in this life with Him.
Chapter X
What Do We Reign Over?
This is a good inquiry, and the Biblical answer is very clear. First all believers in Christ, who have been born again, created anew by His saving power reign over sin. Let us now go to the sixth chapter of Romans. “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin live any longer therein? Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. For sin shall not have dominion over you; for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye become servants of righteousness. But now, being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life,” Rom. 6:1–2, 12, 14–15, 17–18, 22. This makes it plain that a Christian is free from and reigning over sin.
The believers also reign over the world. By the world is to be understood all of the evil surrounding, the anti-God environment, and atmosphere. It also means the non-religious, non-Christian life of action by society. “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith,” 1 John 5:4.
The Christian believer is to reign over all false religions. The word of God through John the Revelator, “And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten victory over the beast (papalism, or Catholicism) and over his image (Protestantism) and over his mark (false doctrines of these movements) and over the number of his name (meaning power of the pope and his system) standing on the sea of glass, having the harps of God, and they sing the song of the Lamb (purity, holiness) saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God almighty: just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints,” Rev. 15:2–3.
Yes, the Christian reigns over Satan himself, “And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightening fall from heaven. Behold I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall by any means hurt you,” Luke 10:17–19.
Chapter XI
Kingdom Work, While Christ was on Earth
The work of the kingdom was carried on while Christ was here on earth. Scriptural teaching makes this certain. The words of Jesus, “But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you,” Matt. 12:28. Incidents are many in the New Testament where Jesus cast devils out of various people.
“Therefore say I unto you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth fruit thereof,” Matt. 21:43. Further proofs that the kingdom was then set up. The Apostle Paul, “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son,” Col. 1:13. “That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you into His kingdom, and glory,” I Thess. 2:12. What a glorious experience. The words of the song—“The Kingdom of Peace” by Barney E. Warren is so fitting here—
“THE KINGDOM OF PEACE”
There’s a theme that is sweet to my memory,
There’s a joy that I cannot express,
There’s a treasure that gladdens my being,
’Tis the kingdom of God’s righteousness.
There’s a scene of its grandness before me,
Of its greatness there can be no end;
It is joy, it is peace, it is glory,
In my heart how these riches do blend:
I am lost in its splendor and beauty,
To its ne’er-fading heights 1 would rise,
Till I see the King come to receive me,
And explore it with him in the skies.
What a pleasure in life it is bringing!
What assurance and hope ever bright,
O what rapture and bliss are awaiting,
When our faith shall be lost in the sight.
’Tis the kingdom of peace, it is reigning within,
It shall ever increase in my soul:
We possess it right here when he saves from all sin,
And ’twill last while the ages shall roll.
Yours for Truth,
Lawrence J. Chesnut, B.Th., D.D.
[ The End ]