Some say we go to heaven to rule and reign with Christ. What say you????? Check out the Old Testament. The prophet Daniel, amplifying the saints’ role as kings and priests, writes about the Return of Christ and the establishing of God’s kingdom on Earth. Before examining three key verses, some background is important. Before Christ’s Return, God will officially grant Him the authority to rule the world. Notice: “And there was GIVEN Him (Christ) dominion, and glory, and a kingdom” (Dan. 7:14). Where will this kingdom be? Daniel answers, “…that all people, nations, and languages, should serve Him: His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” It will be on Earth. But how will God rule the peoples and nations of Earth? Daniel explains: “But the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever” (vs. 18). The Christian’s ultimate destiny is to join Christ and share ruler ship in the kingdom of God over all nations and peoples ON EARTH! Now read verse 22: “…and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.” And verse 27: “And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.” Christ and the saints will rule peoples and nations on Earth. You have surely heard Christ referred to as “KING of kings and LORD of lords.” Now you know why! Let’s confirm where this ruler ship takes place. Jesus states, “And he that overcomes, and keeps My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron...even as I received of My Father” (Rev. 2:26-27). A few verses later, He adds, “To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with Me in My throne…” (3:21). Christians are overcomers. They do not sit idle, “just believing” in Jesus and waiting for heaven. They recognize that they are in training to become teachers and rulers! This is why the apostle Jude wrote, “And Enoch also...prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment upon all…” (vs. 14-15). Did you notice Jesus Christ “comes” to Earth rather than Christians “go” to heaven? And the saints assist Him in “executing judgment.” The phrase “in My throne” is used because Christ understood that His throne is on this earth; unlike the Father’s throne, which is in heaven. Luke 1:32 shows that Christ will sit in Jerusalem on the throne of David. Now notice Revelation 20:4, 6: “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them…and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years…Blessed and holy is he that has part in the first resurrection: on such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.” What could be plainer than these verses? When Christ returns, the saints rule with Him! Together, they will reign over the entire world!
Posted on: Fri, 20 Sep 2013 14:33:55 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015