The Kingdom of the World

 God's Work Among the Nations: The Kingdom of the World

At the end of the previous article we saw how the consummation of God’s plan for the nations will be Jesus’ will rule over all the earth as its eternal King (Rev. 11:15). Christ’s authority over the earth today is not in question because it is by this authority that we are sent to every nation to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). The result of this Great Commission is that people from every nation are redeemed and disciples of Jesus are made all across the earth. Then when Jesus brings  judgment on the unrepentant among the nations (Rev. 9:20-21; 16:9-11), the Kingdom of the Son will be fully revealed. This aspect of God’s plan was not a mystery revealed in the New Testament, but was prophesied multiple times throughout the Old Testament and especially in the book of Daniel.

In the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, and this kingdom will not be left to another people. It will crush all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself endure forever. You saw a stone break off from the mountain without a hand touching it, and it crushed the iron, bronze, fired clay, silver, and gold. The great God has told the king what will happen in the future. The dream is true, and its interpretation certain. (Dan. 2:44-45)

I continued watching in the night visions, and I saw One like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was escorted before Him. He was given authority to rule, and glory, and a kingdom; so that those of every people, nation, and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will not be destroyed. (Dan. 7:13-14)

Then the angel told her: Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end. (Luke 1: 30-33)

For it is written: As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to Me, and every tongue will give praise to God. So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. (Rom. 14:11-12)

A sharp sword came from His mouth, so that He might strike the nations with it. He will shepherd them with an iron scepter. He will also trample the winepress of the fierce anger of God, the Almighty. And He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. (Rev. 19:15-16)

We can see that God’s plan for the nations includes not only redemption, but also just judgment and righteous ruling. Every wicked person, who seemed to get away with sinning, will be judged in the end. Every unjust law will be stricken down. This is why our message of the Good News of the Kingdom includes not only the proclamation of the freedom and forgiveness found in Christ Jesus, but also a warning of the judgment to come. It is absolutely imperative for everyone to hear the gospel and trust in Christ alone for their salvation. 

Thought for prayer and meditation: Lord, we praise you as King over all other kings, presidents, prime ministers, and leaders of the earth. We pray that people in every nation would submit to your authority.