Baptist History, Heritage and Distinctives – Historic & Scriptural Baptist Position Concerning the Kingdom of God – PART TWO of NINE
August 4, 2019
Baptist History, Heritage and Distinctives – Historic & Scriptural Baptist Position Concerning the Kingdom of God
PART TWO – Broad but Not Political
The Kingdom of God is broad in that it refers to the work of God on earth in the hearts of men. Encompassing God’s work, it includes those who are part of it, and all that pertains to it. However, when we overlook the most obvious aspect of the Kingdom of God, we miss the key to understanding its true nature. Our understanding of the character of any kingdom must begin with the King – not its subjects. All kingdoms have laws, ordinances, rulers, and those appointed to carry out the will of the king. The vast majority of subjects and citizens of any kingdom are not appointed or commissioned to function within it. The majority of citizens are only the beneficiaries of that kingdom. Likewise, when understanding the Kingdom of God, we must not limit our focus to its earthly citizens. The kingdom is all about the King. Our God is a God of order. The Kingdom of God is not one of mystical disorder. He has literal laws and ordinances and an executor to carry out His will.
The Kingdom of God is not political. The unbelieving Pharisees demanded of Christ to see a political kingdom. The Jewish idea of the Messianic Kingdom was that of a political, conquering force. But the Lord answered them “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:” (Luke 17:20). In other words, it was not set up with an observable political domain, as a political system. He then told these lost, unbelieving religious leaders: “behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” Obviously, the Kingdom of God was not mystically residing within the hearts of these who reject Christ. But it was literally in their midst among them. The kingdom of God was present and operational within the very sphere of those who rejected the King. So it is still today.
Thomas E. Kresal from: “The Mystical Invisible Universal Church” by Les Potter, Chapter 3 pg. 25-33
(Continued – Three Aspect to the KOG – The Present Kingdom)
Book is available at a very reasonable price : www.localchurchbiblepublishers.com
NOTE from Tom: This is a nine part series and I would ask that you please read every segment before you attack the Biblical, age old doctrine held by Baptists through the centuries. Many a Baptist has unwittingly been taught Protestant theology (including yours truly) and I understand the desire to defend your position (been there done that). Please keep in mind “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” (Proverbs 18:13)
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