I. The Theocratic Kingdom Instituted At The Second Advent
II. Matthew Continues.
A. The angelic announcement heralds the establishment of the theocratic kingdom in the words: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” And the twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying, We give You thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who were, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign [ Rev 11:15-17]
B. Another angel, who has “the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” (Rev. 14:6) says: Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of water [Rev. 14:7].
C. The “everlasting gospel” is the announcement that God’s eternal purpose is now being accomplished. The everlasting gospel is substantially the same as the gospel of the kingdom. It is the good news that the king is at hand to establish the kingdom which was God’s eternal purpose.
D. Speaking of the eternal gospel, it is called by Matthew the “gospel of the kingdom.” The “gospel of the kingdom” and the “everlasting gospel” are substantially alike. In the Revelation it is thus described, because it was always in the purpose of God, through the bruised Seed of the woman, to crush the foe and to bless man himself here below. This Matthew, in accordance with his design, calls rather the “gospel of the kingdom,” because Christ is going to be King of a kingdom prepared from the foundation of the world.
E. The world is brought into subjection to the authority of the King and worship is given to God. The un-prayed prayer of the rightful King has been offered and answered (Ps. 2:8) and dominion has been given to Him who possesses the earth in God’s name.
F. A number of reasons may be given why this theocratic kingdom is an absolute necessity.
1. It is necessary in order to preserve the integrity of the character of God. If such a Theocratic Kingdom, as God Himself instituted, is not permanently and gloriously reestablished here upon earth, then it follows that God’s efforts at the establishment of government and the interest which He manifests in it are fruitless of abiding results. Or, in other words, His own Kingdom has proven a failure. God’s honor, majesty, etc., are immediately concerned in its restoration, or otherwise it will be said that the Almighty undertook a work which, owing to man, that He could not accomplish.
2. It is necessary to accomplish God’s purpose of demonstrating His perfect government over the earth. This is a Theocracy in deed and in truth, for in this reorganized Kingdom we find the Theocratic idea—God’s idea of a perfect government—fully consummated. The Rulership is safely and powerfully lodged in one Person, who in Himself unites the human and the Divine, who becomes, according to “the everlasting covenant” and “the sure mercies of David” (Isa. 55:3, 4,), “a leader and Commander for the people.”
3. It is necessary to restore the original harmony between God and His creation, between the supernatural and the natural. Now the kingdom being designed to restore and manifest the original concord once existing between the natural and supernatural, the Bible closes with that kingdom in such accordance. Without the supernatural the kingdom cannot be produced, for it requires, as predicted a supernatural king, who has been provided in a supernatural manner, and rulers who have experienced a supernatural transforming power. Even in its conception and the preparatory measures, as well as in its final manifestation, is it indissolubly bound with the Divine…The kingdom and the supernatural cannot possibly be dissevered…When Jesus, of supernatural origin and glorified by supernatural power, shall come the second time unto salvation, His supernatural might shall be exerted in behalf of this kingdom in the most astounding manner.
4. It is necessary in order to redeem the earth from the curse imposed upon it. The prophets with one voice proclaim that this kingdom is to be established in order that in it man may find complete, perfect deliverance from sin and evil. The kingdom is to be set up, so that man and nature may be happily rescued from the curse entailed by sin under which both labor and groan.
5. It is necessary in order to fulfill all God’s eternal covenants made with Israel. Apart from the earthly theocratic kingdom there would be no fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant, which promised Israel possession of the land, perpetuity as a nation, and universal blessings through that nation. Apart from the kingdom the Davidic covenant could not be fulfilled, which had promised Israel a king in David’s line, a throne or recognized seat of authority from which that king would rule, and a people or kingdom over which the king would reign. Apart from that kingdom, the land covenant which promised Israel possession of the land, and blessings in the possession of it, would not be fulfilled. Apart from that theocratic kingdom, the new covenant, which promised Israel a conversion, a new heart, and the fulness of God’s blessings, would not be fulfilled.
6. It is necessary in order to provide a final test of fallen humanity. Man will be placed under the most ideal circumstances. With all outward source of temptation removed, in that Satan is bound, and every want supplied, so that there is nothing to covet, it will be demonstrated through those who are born in the millennium with a fallen, sinful nature, that man is corrupt and worthy of judgment. In spite of the visible presence of the King and all the blessings that come from Him, by rebellion at the termination of the millennium (Rev. 20:7-9), men will prove that the heart is corrupt.
7. It is necessary to make a full manifestation of the glory of Christ in the kingdom over which He rules. In every aspect that we view the subject, it seems suitable and necessary to have such a Theocracy as predicted. Besides the reasons adduced derived from covenant, the faithfulness of God, the redemption of the earth, etc., it does appear eminently proper that the theater of our Lord Jesus’ humiliation, sufferings, and death should witness also His exaltation and glory. The Bible, in addition to the pleas presented to us, points to the time coming when Christ shall be openly and visibly recognized as the glorious One, who, as the Second Adam, having substituted Himself through love, is the efficacious Head of Humanity in its newly begun destiny; who, as Redeemer, having offered expiation to, and honored the justice of God, now practically manifests the fruit of salvation; who, as Prophet, having taught restitution, now exhibits Himself as the Truth evidenced by the work performed before Him; who, as Priest, having made an acceptable sacrifice, now presents before the world the fruit resulting from it; who, as King, in virtue even of His Divine union and showing it by guidance, supporting, etc., now manifests it in the special ordained manner as Sovereign Ruler. In brief, this Theocracy is the restoration of a God again dwelling with man, accessible, and constituting in Jesus an infallible Head, just such as the world needs, just such as man for ages has longed for, and just such as will place David’s Son in honor and glory in a world where He suffered and died. The past treatment and brief stay of the Son of God and David’s Son insures a triumphant return, and a sojourn in power among men whom He will save, verifying the name Immanuel, God with us, in the Theocratical sense.
III. Yeshua The Coming King (YTCK), is a series of articles that is closely related to this series, “Thy Kingdom Come,” and will be written on alternating dates. Please be sure that you are following the Bible Exposition link, https://israelinscripture.wordpress.com in order to have YTCK articles sent to you
Eternity 