Covenant Commission

Christian Expectations is a series of articles from Covenant Commission dealing with the implications of the Covenant of Grace. Due to Dispensationalism's faulty worldview, many Christians only expect defeat in this life. Whether it is personal victory over the tyranny of sin or institutional victory, modern American Christians have little hope. In the Introduction to the series, Devin Maddox explains the issues and what is at stake. In Part One, Resurrection: The True Hope of the Saints, Devin sets forth the Biblical expectations of Christians after death. Many American Christians are hoping in an abdicating rapture to steal them away from the failure of the Church. However, our hope is in the power of the Gospel, which will ultimately defeat every enemy of Christ. Death is the last enemy that will be defeated making resurrection our hope, not escape. In Part Two, The Dominion of Christ, Pastor James Brown Jr explains this victory will also be measured in the complete fulfillment of Christ's dominion over every nation. In Part Three, and the final article in this series, Devin concludes with how the Church will be victorious over darkness.

Introduction
Massive Cause: God's Sovereignty at Work
Miraculous Conquest: God's Victory Revealed
Mission Completed: The Work of Christ to Redeem the Elect and Establish His Kingdom
Mustard Seed Cultivation: Continual Expansion Until Christ's Return
Might Consummated: The Global Dominion of Christ's Kingdom

Introduction

The doctrine of defeat is not just isolated to soteriology issues. It has saturated the whole American Christian mindset. Instead of tearing down the gates of hell, American Christianity has adopted appeasement and flight for its battle plan.

This was not the commission given by our King. Christ had and still has a victorious plan for His Church. Contrary to Dispensationalism, this victory is not camouflaged in a broken clock of disappointment and escape. Instead, Christ's Kingdom begins small like a mustard seed but eventually becomes mighty in taking dominion over the world.

Over twenty years ago, Greg Bahnsen and Kenneth Gentry Jr. wrote the book House Divided: The Break-Up of Dispensational Theology. In making the case against this eschatological view, these two Postmillennial Presbyterian scholars were detailing the breakup of Dispensationalism.

While the continuing break-up is worth noting, it is still the dominate worldview among Evangelicals. Therefore, we must continue to show the errors and detrimental nature of this system.

As most Fundamentalists mistakenly confuse Dispensationalism with Premillennialism, just a little over a hundred years ago the house was not largely divided. The biggest divide was that of Amillennialism vs. Premillennialism and Postmillennialism. It wasn't until the popularity of Dispensationalism, which resulted from the social gospel (liberalism) taking over and redefining the victorious eschatological essence of historical Premillennialism and Postmillennialism, that eschatology began to be defined by pessimism.

Dispensationalism has developed over the course of the 1900's a system of sensationalism. While stating they theologically held to Premillennialism, they abandoned the premillennial camp to make news headlines into prophetic fulfillments. This unscholarly newspaper approach to the Bible has caused a profound rift in Christianity. Historically, the difference among Premillennialists and Postmillennialists was mostly the timing of the Second Coming. Dispensationalism began to turn the eschatological debates into arguments over the nature of Christianity.

Presumably, modern Christians have a very difficult time distinguishing historical Premillennialists and Postmillennialists. For example, nearly all Premillennialists were Preterists concerning Matthew 24, meaning they held to a fulfilled or mostly fulfilled view of Matthew 24 just like their Postmillennial and even Amillennial counterparts. Also similar to Postmillennialism, they did not see the failure of the Church in the end, but the rise and victory of Christ's Church.

As a premillennialist Baptist in the 18th Century, theologian and pastor John Gill comments on Psalm 110:1 with a different view than modern Dispensational Premillennialists:

"…it being always accounted honourable to sit at the right hand of great personages, (1 Kings 2:19) (Psalms 45:9) (Matthew 20:21), and also of rule, and power, and authority; being upon the same throne with his Father, exercising the same government over angels and men; 'sitting' is explained by 'reigning' in (1 Corinthians 15:25) . It also denotes having done his work, and to satisfaction; and therefore is set down, being entered into his rest, and having ceased from his work and labour, enjoying the presence of his divine Father; in which is fulness of joy, and at whose right hand are pleasures for evermore: and it also signifies the continuance of regal honour and power; he sits and continues a King as well as a Priest for ever."¹ [emphasis mine]

Gill continues:

"…Christ has his enemies; all the enemies of his people are his; some are overcome already by him, as sin, Satan, and the world; and the Jews, his enemies, who would not have him to reign over them, have been destroyed: but as yet all things are not put under his feet, which will be; as antichrist, and the kings of the earth that are with him, who will be overcome by him; the beast and false prophet will be taken and cast into the lake of fire; where also the old serpent, the devil, after he has been bound and loosed, wall be cast likewise; and when the last enemy, death, shall be destroyed; till that time comes, Christ reigns and will reign, and afterwards too, even to all eternity. The allusion is to the custom of conquerors treading upon the necks of the conquered; see (Joshua 10:24)."² [emphasis mine]

In his book concerning the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in Christ, Gill gives us the historical Premillennial timeline for Christ sitting on the right hand of God and making His enemies His footstool.

"What is said unto him, is, that he was to sit at God's right hand, which is expressive of his exaltation, power and authority; the time how long, is until he made his enemies his footstool; that is, until they are all subdued under him, and the last enemy which shall be destroyed, is death."³ [emphasis mine]

In Gill's book of systematic theology, he devotes a whole chapter to this victory of Christ and His Church preceding His Second Coming.

"The gospel will have a greater spread than now; at present it lies in a narrow compass, chiefly in the isles, very little on the continent; and in the countries where it is, it is but in few places there; but hereafter many will run to and fro, and knowledge, evangelical knowledge, will be increased; the earth shall be full of it, as the waters cover the sea; the angel, or a set of gospel ministers, shall have it to preach to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. Those 'living waters,' the doctrines of grace, which are the means of quickening sinners and enlivening saints, 'shall go out from Jerusalem,' the church of God; 'half of them towards the former,' or eastern 'sea,' and 'half of them towards the hinder' or western 'sea;' that is, they shall go east and west, even into all parts; 'in summer and in winter shall it be;' these waters shall be always flowing, or these doctrines constantly and continually preached (Dan. 12:4; Isa. 11:9; Rev. 14:6; Zech. 14:8)."⁴

These comments by Gill, a Premillennialist, are the very essence of eschatology that I, a Postmillennialist, emphasize.

The purpose in showing the historical Premillennial worldview is:

1) to show historically the eschatological divide among Premillennialists and Postmillennialists was not great prior to the rise of Dispenstationalism;
2) that this article cannot simply be passed off as an anti-premillennial diatribe.

However, let's look to the Word of God and discover some absolutes regarding our subject. This will not be an exhaustive study, but a synopsis of each topic.

Massive Cause: God's Sovereignty at Work

"Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass...Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass." -Psalm 37:5, 7

The problem with all defeatist positions is their lack of knowledge and trust in the Sovereignty of God. Many Christians are discouraged and in despair because they believe all is lost.

Yet, we are to rest in the knowledge of God's sovereignty and "commit our way" to Him. This knowledge trusts that God will cut off the evildoers and cause the righteous to inherit the earth (Psalm 37:9).

Theology Proper⁵ is the study of God and all Christian doctrine is centered on this revelation. He is the beginning and end of all things (Revelation 22:13) because all things were made by Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16).

Therefore, without a proper understanding of God we cannot understand anything. Every topic in Christian Theology is intertwined and rooted in the doctrine of God. Central to the doctrine of God is His sovereignty.

While almost every Christian and denomination will attest to God's Sovereignty, confusion is the standard of the day. The sovereignty of God is recorded in statements of faith in most modern churches, but is usually denied or left unexplained by church leaders.

While almost every Christian and denomination will attest to God's Sovereignty, confusion is the standard of the day. The sovereignty of God is recorded in statements of faith in most modern churches, but is usually denied or left unexplained by church leaders.

The dispensational view makes God sovereign enough to destroy His creation with judgment, but not powerful enough to restore it through the advance of His kingdom. Contrary to these reoccurring heresies, the Bible reveals that God created all things for His glory and will bring all things under His dominion.

King Nebuchadnezzar gave this testimony of God's Sovereignty:

"And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?" -Daniel 4:34-35 [emphasis mine]

There are two realities Nebuchadnezzar contributes to our understanding of God's sovereignty:

(1). God rules according to His will.
(2). No other power can subvert God's will.

God has the right and power to do whatever He desires. It matters not whether it is the doctrine of salvation, civil government, or future things.

"But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased." -Psalm 115:3

"Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places." -Psalm 135:6

There are various deistic⁶ flavors on this topic that have risen to the top of American Christianity. Nevertheless, God did not create the world and then step back from it allowing "nature" to take its course. There is a continual course of Providence as David attests in Psalm 33.

"The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will." - Proverbs 21:1

"Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth." - Psalm 46:8

This knowledge causes David to trust in the LORD because "he [Jehovah] is our help and our shield" (Psalm 33:20). God is presently presiding over the world and "bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought" (Psalm 33:10).

God's will shall be done on earth as it is in heaven as Christ commanded His disciples to pray (Matthew 6:10). David wrote, "For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast" (Psalm 33:9).

What God has proclaimed, promised, and petitioned will prevail! God will not direct us into His work only to fail. As Isaiah attests, God's word "shall not return void" (Isaiah 55:11).

"Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven." -Psalm 85:11

"All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. For the kingdom is the LORD'S: and he is the governor among the nations." -Proverbs 22:27-28

This knowledge of God's sovereignty makes those Christians with a Biblical worldview know that all things work together for good (Romans 8:28). It is the "counsel of the LORD [that] standeth for ever" (Psalm 33:11).

Miraculous Conquest: God's Victory Revealed

Although God rules according to His will and none can subvert it, He has not left His people ignorant of His dominion. God has declared His Word to show His glory in the redemption of His elect and in the restitution of all things.

The revelation of His word, both written and made flesh, is to reveal His Covenant of Grace. The present misunderstanding of the Covenant has led to a defeatist worldview as we (Americans) have rejected historical Christianity.

The Covenant

Most Dispensationalists maintain a system of at least 7 or 8 dispensations. Each dispensation is a distinctive framework in which God relates to man in different ways and covenants.

Dispensationalist C. I. Scofield gives this definition of dispensationalism:

"A dispensation is a period of time during which man is tested in respect of obedience to some specific revelation of the will of God. Seven such dispensations are distinguished in Scripture."⁷

Charles Ryrie, another Dispensationalist, objecting to the use of the above definition offers this alternative one:

"A dispensation is a distinguishable economy in the outworking of God's purpose."⁸

Ryrie gets sidetracked in thinking our objection rests in the notion that dispensations are based upon time alone. While there is valid argument that dispensationalists misunderstand the meaning of dispensations, at no time are we implying the word dispensations refers to time only.

My inclusion of these definitions is just to point out that I am not attempting to misquote or play word games. Dispensationalists, by most accounts, are referring to 7 or 8 economies in which God relates to man in different ways.

However, this Dispensational division does not add up Biblically. We shall put the pieces together momentarily, but notice the Biblical wording.

"For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." -Hebrews 8:7-13 [emphasis mine]

Scripture only defines the post-fall covenant in two dispensations. The writer of Hebrews defines the first as the covenant made with Israel in the Old Testament or Old Covenant record. Prophesied all throughout the Old Testament, this new covenant is established by Jesus Christ in His First Advent.

Highly esteemed Dispensationalist Clarence Larkin wrote:

"This [New] Covenant has not yet been made. It is to be made with Israel after they get back to their own land. It is promised in Jer.31:31-37. It is unconditional, and will cover the Millennium and the New Heaven and New Earth. It is based on the finished work of Christ. Matt. 26:28. It has nothing to do with the Church and does not belong to this dispensation. It is the 'Eighth Covenant'..."⁹ [emphasis mine]

This is the main heresy of Dispensationalism. It denies the coming and work of Christ in the First Advent. We will deal more thoroughly with this subject as we progress.

Yet, notice the errors by Larkin. First, he makes reference to additional covenants or dispensations not made in the text. Second, at the time Hebrews was written, the second is defined as presently established by Christ to replace the first. Third, Larkin denies this covenant does not belong to the Church.

The late Mr. Larkin is the world renowned publisher of the Book of Charts. These comprehensive drawings and illustrations by Mr. Larkin have inundated the average Christian with a system most do not understand.

It is not because the average Christian is stupid, it is because the system is confusing and contradictory. However, the Christian who takes the time to study it will find it absent in Biblical support.

Although Dispensationalism has undergone countless revisions in various areas, it cannot be denied its foundations are rooted in a faulty premise of the Covenant. While they enact a 7 or 8 covenantal system, it flies in the face of what we read in Hebrews chapter 8. Hebrews 8 is quoting from Jeremiah 31, as the writer does again in Hebrews 10. What is interesting is that the whole purpose of Hebrews is to show that the administration of the ceremonial system has been fulfilled by Jesus Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. If Larkin is correct in his premise, either there is another Jesus yet to die for atonement or His first death was a practice run. Only if this is the case can Dispensationalists be correct in saying the Kingdom and the promises are future.

Of course, this is foolish vain-jangling and even heretical foolishness by Larkin to uphold his system and charts rather than the Word of God.

The Hebrew word for covenant is translated διαθη&kappaη (diatheke) in the Greek. This is the Greek word used in Hebrews 8 that corresponds to the use of covenant in Jeremiah 31. It is also the same Greek word used for covenant in verse 6 of chapter 8 that is not quoting the Hebrew text. This means the New Testament understanding of covenant is διαθη&kappaη (diatheke).¹⁰

This same Greek word is used by Matthew in quoting Christ as He instituted His Supper in this New Covenant.¹¹

"For this is my blood of the new testament [διαθη&kappaη (diatheke)], which is shed for many for the remission of sins." -Matthew 26:28

This gives us the proper understanding of the word testament, which is the same word as covenant, of which the Scriptures are divided into the Old and New. The New Testament Scriptures are to reveal this New Covenant.

Dispensationalists also fail to understand the nature of the Covenant. The Old and New Covenants are essentially different administrations of the same covenant. They are not opposed to each other, but work in harmony revealing the fulfillment of the Covenant of Grace.

This Covenant of Grace was revealed "by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began" (Luke 1:70). God's Word reveals that reconciliation and redemption are accomplished in the Covenant of Grace.

As the Holy Spirit spoke through Zacharias in Luke 1:67-73, two principle characteristics of this covenant are explained:

(1). The Covenant of Grace is the reconciliation of the world.

"That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life." -Luke 71-75 [emphasis mine]

(2.) The Covenant of Grace is the redemption of the elect.

"To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins..." -Luke 1:77 [emphasis mine]

The Word Preserved

Through God's holy prophets and apostles, we have been given knowledge of this Covenant of Grace or God's miraculous conquest. It is His manifestation of victory over all things.

Redemption and restitution is not left to man's rational ability in understanding God or His majestic works. The Lord has revealed this impossibility to man.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Therefore, "the secret things belong unto the LORD our God" (Deuteronomy 29:29). We are not to delve into those things which do not belong unto us. So that we might do what God has commanded us, man is told that only "those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever" (Deuteronomy 29:29).

Our thoughts must be governed by God's thoughts revealed in His Word. This principle of Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone), which was revived in The Great Reformation, is our only guide.

We can have confidence in what we read because His Word is forever "settled in heaven" (Psalm 119:89) and preserved unto all generations (Psalm 12:6-7).

This revelation of God's thoughts and ways, reveals His covenant shall not fade away or end, but also endures forever.

"He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations." -Psalm 105:8

"For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant." -Psalm 105:42

"To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham…" - Luke 1:72-73

The covenantal promises we find in the old revelation are fulfilled in the new revelation.

Therefore, this covenant is not to be viewed as two separate distinct covenants, but as a continuation. The second fulfills the first. Jesus reveals this in Matthew 5:17-19:

"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." [Emphasis mine]

This Word is true and right, therefore all His works are done in truth (Psalm 33:4). God has revealed His Word to us to show His glory in what he has done, is doing, and will do.

"For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth." -Psalm 33:4

God's Word is bestowed to give light (Psalm 119:65) for faith, practice, and all of life (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Due to the righteousness of God's Word (Psalm 119:160), we have faith God will do according to His Word (Psalm 119:65). Therefore, our reliance is to be absolutely in God's Word.

"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." -Isaiah 8:20

Over and over throughout this revelation of God's Covenant of Grace, the Biblical worldview tells us the righteous will inherit the earth.

"For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." -Psalm 37:9

"But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth." -Psalm 37:11-12

"The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever." -Psalm 37:29

"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth." -Matthew 5:5

"And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end." -Luke 1:33

"And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth." -Revelation 5:10

"And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever." - Revelation 11:15

"In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust." -Psalm 72:7-9

"Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all." -1 Corinthians 15:24-28

"Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." -Acts 29:29-36

Therefore, our focus is to be in the revelation of God and not the daily newspaper. The debate with Dispensationalism is whether or not we are going to trust God's Word.

The Word Manifested

The Word was not only manifested through the prophets and apostles in written form but also in Christ. The Word was made flesh to fulfill this Covenant of Grace.

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." -John 1:14 [emphasis mine]

This Word, the second person of the Trinity, was God in human form (1 Timothy 3:16) revealed to His elect for their wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Again, we find the Word (Christ) revealing the Covenant of Grace. However, this revelation was for the purpose of fulfilling the promises of God.

Christ fulfilled the Covenant in justifying the elect through God's grace (Romans 3:24). This work was foreordained by the Father before the foundation of the world.

"Who [Christ] verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you…" -1 Peter 1:20 [emphasis mine]

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." -Ephesians 1:3 [emphasis mine]

Notice it was God's work and power according to the "good pleasure of His will." This spiritual benefit cherished by Christians is reliant upon the revelation of the Word made flesh, the righteousness, purity, and preservation of His written Word, and His sovereignty to perform what He promised.

Christ secured the redemption of the elect by the sovereignty of God and the power of His Word (Hebrews 1:3) in executing the covenant. By fulfilling the promises of the covenant, He brought many sons to glory (Hebrews 2:10) to bring glory to God in accomplishing what He promised (Matthew 5:16; Luke 1:72; Romans 4:21). Therefore Paul writes, "he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" (2 Corinthians 10:17).

God is glorified in Christ (John 13:31) fulfilling His promises made to individuals in regeneration (Ephesians 1:14) and the whole world in restitution (Colossians 1:20; Philippians 2:10-11). We are not regenerated to populate or increase the property value of God's heaven. Our significance is of little worth.

We are regenerated for two primary purposes:

1. We are regenerated to show praise to the glory of His grace.
"To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." - Ephesians 1:6

2. We are regenerated to bring forth righteous fruit for the praise of God's glory.
"Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." - Philippians 1:11

We have nothing to glory in except the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:29-30). This grace was given to us, not because of our worth but because of the worth of Christ. Grace was imparted to us so that God would receive His just praise and glory (2 Corinthians 4:6, 15).

Therefore, we are not saved for our own benefit or worth but for God's. The whole meaning of life changed when God changed our heart. We no longer live after the flesh but in all things live for God's purpose (2 Corinthians 1:20).

The redemption of the elect shows the sovereignty of God's work throughout history. This concept of grace is difficult for individualistic and prideful Americans to acknowledge. Yet, the word of God makes it clear that only God can change man's heart.

"So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory," Romans 9:16, 18, 21-23 [emphasis mine]

This fulfillment of God's Covenant not only gave the remission of sins to those whom God had chosen before the world began, but also restores the Kingdom of God on earth.

"And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance." -Hebrews 9:15

This eternal inheritance not only takes into account our personal salvation but the promises of the Covenant God established forever.

"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven." -Colossians 1:20

Modern Christianity suffers from an unbiblical understanding of redemption and from total ignorance of reconciliation. However, Jesus was manifested in the flesh not only to deliver us from our personal sins, but also the sins of the whole world.

Individuals, through the curse, are separated from God. This curse lies in rebellion against the Word of God. Yet, there is also a curse upon the world system, which is also due to rebellion against the Word of God.

This curse began with the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. The fall resulted from man's rejection of God's word when the serpent asked, "Yea, hath God said" (Genesis 2:1). As a result of the lack of faith in God, man goes on to disobey God's law (Genesis 2:4-6). Yet, the post-fall promise to man was that Christ would crush the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15).

Jesus Christ is manifesting the sovereignty and power of God He has been granted (Matthew 28:18). Peter declared in his Acts 2 sermon that Jesus was made both Lord and Christ at His resurrection. Understanding that Jesus is the savior, modern Christians have lost the knowledge of His Lordship.

"And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:" -Ephesians 1:19

The American Church is backwards from the Ephesus church. We have some understanding of eternal salvation, but lack understanding in the present reality of Christ's lordship.

The dominion of God through Christ is being manifested "not only in this world, but also in that which is to come." Seemingly, the church at Ephesus understood the Lordship of Christ in the present world, but was a little foggier about eternity. Yet, the truth is to be found in the Lordship of Christ now and forever.

"For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen." -Romans 11:36

Because all things are made by Him and for Him, God is actively putting all His enemies under His feet (Hebrews 10:12-13) until all nations come under His dominion (Matthew 28:18-20; Revelation 11:15).

All things are under the sovereignty of God, not just salvation. Individual salvation is part of the restitution of all things.

Consequently, the miraculous conquest of fallen man and this fallen world is accomplished by God's sovereign authority, by the Covenant of Grace, through the work of Christ, and is revealed to us in the Word. God's dominion is by Him, through Him, and for Him. We should therefore live to the "praise of the glory of his grace".

"In whom [Jesus Christ] we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." -Colossians 1:14-17 [emphasis mine]

Mission Completed: The Work of Christ to Redeem the Elect and Establish His Kingdom

"But this man [Jesus Christ], after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool." -Hebrews 10:12-13

Without challenging our intelligence, it goes without saying there are future actions to be realized in history. However, what dispensationalists fail to recognize is that Jesus has already fulfilled all His work in redeeming the elect and reconciling the world. There is nothing else the Second Person of the Trinity needs to do. The power and work of His Spirit is still active in bringing the elect to Christ and in turning this world upside down. Yet, Jesus will remain on God's right hand until His enemies are made His footstool. At that point, the final enemy, which is death, will be completely defeated at the Second Advent of Jesus Christ. This is the day of our glorious resurrection and transformation from corruptible to incorruptible as Christ delivers the finalized kingdom to the Father (I Corinthians 15:24-28).

Dispensationalism rejects the finished work of Christ in many different ways. One of the more recent attempts is by John Hagee in his book In Defense of Israel. Hagee not only claims Jesus did not finish the work but did not even come in His first advent to accomplish it.¹²

This view is actually not as radical as it sounds. Within the Dispensationalist framework, it upholds the general ideal of Dispensationalism. Remember, Clarence Larkin wrote that the New or Second Covenant of Jeremiah 31 and Hebrews 8 and 10 is not for the Church or this present generation. Therefore, Hagee's blasphemy is really the fruit of the seeds planted by earlier Dispensationalists.

Hagee makes this astonishing claim in the advertisement for his book.

"In Defense of Israel will shake Christian theology. It scripturally proves that the Jewish people as a whole did not reject Jesus as Messiah. It will also prove that Jesus did not come to earth to be the Messiah. It will prove that there was a Calvary conspiracy between Rome, the high priest, and Herod to execute Jesus as an insurrectionist too dangerous to live. Since Jesus refused by word and deed to claim to be the Messiah, how can the Jews be blamed for rejecting what was never offered? Read this shocking expose, In Defense of Israel."¹³ [emphasis mine]

While Hagee and other dispensationalists are "shaking Christian theology," it is causing an avalanche of heresy. This heresy has brought America to its knees and has destroyed our God-ordained institutions.

The whole purpose of Hagee's book is an attempt to prop up a failed and heretical theological position, and I use the term theological loosely.

Hagee also states in his book:

"The Jews were not rejecting Jesus as Messiah; it was Jesus who was refusing to be the Messiah to the Jews."¹⁴

This blatant attempt to circumvent the clear teaching of Scripture is solely to overcome Covenantal truth. In doing so, Hagee is setting up American Christianity for failure. Instead of asking "Can America Survive," as Hagee does in his latest book, the question should be, "Can American survive Dispensationalism?"

Just think of the implications of Hagee's statements! If Jesus did not come to be Messiah, he is not or at least not yet, Christ. This is blatant blasphemy.

The Scriptures clearly reveal that Messiah and Christ are synonymous. If he is not the Messiah, neither is He Christ.

"He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ." -John 1:41 [emphasis mine]

"The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things." -John 4:25 [emphasis mine]

This knowledge of Jesus being the Messiah was openly revealed to His followers.

"And he [Jesus] saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him [Jesus], Thou art the Christ." -Mark 8:29 [emphasis mine]

So, how could they know He was the Christ unless Jesus revealed it unto them? Through the teachings of Jesus His claim of Messiahship was clearly understood.

"Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world." -John 11:24-27 [emphasis mine]

The Jews also understood what Jesus declared. Following Jesus sermon in John 10 the text tells us the Jews took up stones to stone Him (John 10:31). This was immediately following His declaration that "I and my Father are one" in verse 30. Jesus questioned the validity of their condemnation by asking, "Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?" Their reply is very revealing!

"The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God." -John 10:33 [emphasis mine]

The Jews understood the implications of His statement. The Old Testament prophesied that the Lord (Jehovah) would visit and redeem His people just as Zacharias prophesied concerning Jesus birth (Luke 1:68).

"Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation; That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance." -Psalm 106:4-5

"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth." - Jeremiah 23:5

The believing Jews understood the prophecy of Jehovah's manifestation as messiah was fulfilled in Jesus. This is the reason He was called the "Christ."

"And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people." -Luke 7:16 [emphasis mine]

The people of Judea knew the prophecies and teaching of the Old Testament, which is why they had no difficulty understanding the teachings of Jesus.

"For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour..." -Isaiah 43:3

"I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour." -Isaiah 43:11

"Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me." -Isaiah 45:21

The all capital "LORD" found in our English Bibles is the Hebrew הוהי or Jehovah as translated in English.¹⁵ However, in the Hebrew there is no written equivalent for vowels. They were implied in the Hebrew language. These four letters (הוהי) are referred to as the Tetgrammaton or the sacred name of God.¹⁶ They are transliterated in English as JHVH or of recent usage as YHWH. There is much debate over the name of God today, but for our purposes we will use the traditional understanding of JHVH. Our purpose here is not to debate the Hebrew name of God.¹⁷

Commenting on Genesis 2:4, the first rendering of God's name, John Gill had this to say:

"Here another name is added to God, his name 'Jehovah', expressive of his being and perfections, particularly his eternity and immutability, being the everlasting and unchangeable 'I am', which is, and was, and is to come: this name, according to the Jews, is not to be pronounced, and therefore they put the points of 'Adonai', directing it so to be read; and these two names, 'Jehovah Elohim', or 'Adonai' and 'Elohim', with them make the full and perfect name of God, and which they observe is here very pertinently given him, upon the perfection and completion of his works."¹⁸

The Jews understood that the coming Savior would be Jehovah manifested in the flesh. It was Jehovah who would redeem His people as Zacharias stated. Therefore, Jehovah declared Himself throughout the Old Testament as "thy Saviour and Redeemer" (Isaiah 49:26; 60:16).

The shadowy revelation of the Old Testament even presented the Trinity. Although this was not fully understood, this concept of the Son of God was connected to the Messiah.

"Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God." -Isaiah 44:6

"Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth." -Psalm 89:27

"Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession." -Psalm 2:6-8 [emphasis mine]

The fulfillment of these Messianic prophecies was revealed by the angels at the birth of Jesus.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." -Luke 2:11

It was not only announced by the Angels but recognized by the people. In Luke 19:38, as Jesus rode into Jerusalem the multitudes lined the roadside and proclaimed, "Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest."

The Greek word kurios (κυριος) is used in the New Testament for the term lord and the name of God from the Hebrew. Kurios means "supremacy" or "supreme in authority."19 It is obvious that the New Testament use of this word is in relation to Jehovah.

Speaking of Jesus' birth and First Advent, Zacharias states in Luke 1:68, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people." This is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy that the Messiah would be God manifested in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16). It was Jehovah who would come.

Jesus even testified to the fact of His Messiahship to the unbelieving Jews.

"And the high priest arose, and said unto him, Answerest thou nothing? what is it which these witness against thee? But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." -Matthew 26:62-64 [emphasis mine]

Why is this matter of importance? If Jesus was not the Christ then He did not fulfill the work of the Covenant. Not only are we still in our sins but there is no active work to reconcile the world. Yet, if Zacharias is correct in Luke 1:67-74, Jesus has fulfilled all that is necessary to accomplish the promises of the Covenant.

Hagee is grasping at straws in order to uphold the Dispensational premise that the work of Christ is not complete, which is the blasphemy of Dispensationalism. Therefore, this present world belongs to Satan and nothing will change until the emergence of another dispensation. The end result, according to Dispensationalists is defeat and retreat.

If Dispensationalism is correct, it would mean Jesus was not made both Lord and Christ at His first advent. However, Peter expressly states in his Pentecostal sermon that God hath made Jesus both Lord and Christ at resurrection (Acts 2:28-36). The resurrection of Christ marks the completion of His work necessary to redeem the elect and restore all things unto Him.

Therefore, John marks these individuals as liars and anti-Christ. This denial of the complete Messiahship of Jesus is the true anti-Christ doctrine."Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son." -1 John 2:22

Calvin offers us this insight into this passage:

"What he had generally said of false prophets, he now applies to the state of his own time; for he points out, as by the finger, those who disturbed the Church. I readily agree with the ancients, who thought that Cerinthus and Carpocrates are here referred to. But the denial of Christ extends much wider; for it is not enough in words to confess that Jesus is the Christ, except he is acknowledged to be such as the Father offers him to us in the gospel…It is, indeed, to reduce Christ to nothing, when his grace and power are set aside…We now see that Christ is denied, whenever those things which peculiarly belong to him, are taken away from him."20 [emphasis mine]

So, those who deny that Jesus is Christ are of the spirit of anti-Christ and not of God. They are deceivers who are manifesting the kingdom of darkness and not the light of the glorious Gospel in redeeming the elect and the world.

Calvin also wrote, "And as Christ is the end of the law and of the gospel, and has in himself all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, so he is the mark at which all heretic's level and direct their arrows."²¹

The Spirit of God drives home this point as John is inspired to comment further.

"And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." -1 John 4:3

"For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist." -2 John 1:7

Commenting more on this anti-Christ spirit, Calvin writes, "He speaks not of that prince of defection who was to occupy the seat of God; but all those who seek to overthrow Christ, he puts them among that impious band."²²

Intentionally or unintentionally, Dispensationalists promote this treasonous spirit of anti-Christ. By detracting from Christ's sovereignty as Lord and Christ they render Him no different than Mohammed, Gandhi, Confucius, or Buddha.

However, Jesus is more than a pious self-help guru or failed revolutionary. He completed the work the Father sent Him to do. Zacharias detailed the two main purposes of the First Advent, which was to save sinners and grant dominion. To deny this finished work of Christ is anti-Christ. It is the denial that the Messiah came in the flesh.

The good news is that Christ came into the world to save sinners and to be granted all power and authority by God (1 Timothy 1:15; Matthew 28:18). Jesus truly was, and is, the Messiah!

The common mistake among Christians is not comprehending Christ's finished work and the current state of history. Confused Christians ask, "Why aren't the kingdoms of the world the kingdoms of our Lord?"

The cause of this misunderstanding is a faulty view of the Kingdom. Because the modern Church is blinded to the truth of the Covenant, we grope in darkness not understanding the times.

The essence of this Kingdom work is progressive. John Gill wrote, "The light of the present time is fitly described as being neither clear nor dark; not so clear as in the first times of the gospel, nor so dark as in the darkest times of popery, or as it may be before a brighter day appears."²³

Bahnsen and Gentry expound in further detail this progressive nature. They write:

"Contrary to Covenantal Postmillennialism, the dispensationalist holds catastrophism as the basic modus operandi of the kingdom…The postmillennialist discerns a contrary operative principle at work: divinely ordained gradualism (in a sense this involves a macrocosmic version of individual sanctification)."²⁴

Evolution and the socialist "Progressive Movement" of the early 1900 have caused many conservatives to reject this historical truth of Christianity. However, our meaning of "progressive" is diametrically opposed to the socialist agenda. We are not wishing to tear down the old historical Christian order and raise a new united world. While socialists speak to the evolutionary process of man, we refer to the restorative work of Christ in history.

God does not work according to the desires of man. His thoughts are not our thoughts. The modern Church desires instant Christianity and has tailored their worldview to match their need.

The Fundamentalist Movement²⁵ was a reaction against the liberal Progressive Movement²⁶ in the early 1900's. This reactionary worldview caused major shifts in Christian thought.

Even though it is considered a counter movement to progressivism, in many cases they were both two sides of the same coin. Fundamentalism, like progressivism, sought to do away with the old. Many fundamentalists repeated the worn out liberal rallying cry of rejecting historic Christian creedalism.

Decisions for Christ replaced the historical knowledge of salvation as stated in orthodox creeds. Methods of evangelism were adopted to accommodate this new worldview.

While it is true we can know the period of time when faith and repentance occurs, this notion of man willing the exact time of his salvation was foreign to historical Christianity.

Historically, Christians have understood their redemption was in eternity past. God has willed their redemption from the foundations of the world. Jesus atoned for their sin on the Cross in His finished work. Now He is sitting at the right hand of the Father. Faith and repentance become realized throughout history in the lives of the elect. Yet, even with this transformation by the work of the Spirit there is a process in completing this work.

When, by the will of God, the work of Christ, and the calling of the Spirit, man is regenerated it is a process of salvation, sanctification, and preservation. This manifestation of the redemptive work of God in eternity past is not a onetime event in their lives.

In other words, salvation is not praying a certain prayer or walking down an aisle to tell the preacher you don't want to go to hell.

In 1742 colonial Baptists adopted the 1689 London Confession of Faith to state their understanding of Scripture. Notice how our redemption is characterized by progression according to the historical Baptist understanding of Scripture.

"God did from all eternity decree to justify all the elect, and Christ did in the fullness of time die for their sins, and rise again for their justification; nevertheless, they are not justified personally, until the Holy Spirit doth in time due actually apply Christ unto them."²⁷

"The grace of faith, whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls, is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts, and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the Word; by which also, and by the administration of baptism and the Lord's supper, prayer, and other means appointed of God, it is increased and strengthened."²⁸

"This faith, although it be different in degrees, and may be weak or strong, yet it is in the least degree of it different in the kind or nature of it, as is all other saving grace, from the faith and common grace of temporary believers; and therefore, though it may be many times assailed and weakened, yet it gets the victory, growing up in many to the attainment of a full assurance through Christ, who is both the author and finisher of our faith."²⁹ [emphasis mine]

By such, we are not saying there is not a direct time whereby man is born again by the Spirit of God. Even though it was finished according to the will of God, this process began before the foundation of the world and is being revealed throughout history.

It is not only the redemption of the elect that is progressive but also the reconciliation of the world. God hath decreed all things from eternity.

"In the execution of this power wherewith he is so intrusted, the Lord Jesus calleth out of the world unto himself, through the ministry of his word, by his Spirit, those that are given unto him by his Father, that they may walk before him in all the ways of obedience, which he prescribeth to them in his word."³⁰

"God hath decreed in himself, from all eternity, by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will, freely and unchangeably, all things, whatsoever comes to pass..."³¹

"Although God knoweth whatsoever may or can come to pass, upon all supposed conditions, yet hath he not decreed anything, because he foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to pass upon such conditions."³²

Therefore, in His Sovereignty, all things are upheld by His power and will.

"God the good Creator of all things, in his infinite power and wisdom doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures and things, from the greatest even to the least, by his most wise and holy providence, to the end for the which they were created, according unto his infallible foreknowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of his own will; to the praise of the glory of his wisdom, power, justice, infinite goodness, and mercy."³³

The Dispensationalist denies this power and retards the sovereignty of God. Without a sovereign God there is no hope of redemption or restitution. God is reduced to chance rather than providence.

Of course, older Dispensationalists would reject the view of Hagee on certain points. However, all of Dispensationalism is a denial of the complete work of Christ. Clarence Larkin, who represents a more mainstream view of Dispensationalism than Hagee, wrote:

"We are told in the Scriptures that He is a 'Prophet,' 'Priest' and 'King.' But He does not hold those offices conjointly but successively. From the Fall in Eden to the Cross, He was a 'Prophet.' He is now a 'High Priest' and when He comes again He will be a 'King."³⁴ [emphasis mine]

This false view of the Gospel and Kingdom of Christ is leading many Dispensationalists to accept the Christ denying views of Rabbinical Judaism and Zionism. To prove the point, Hagee gives this response to the charge of anti-Semitism:

"The Jewish people have a relationship to God through the law of God as given through Moses. I believe that every Gentile person can only come to God through the cross of Christ. I believe that every Jewish person who lives in the light of the Torah, which is the word of God, has a relationship with God and will come to redemption.³⁵ [emphasis mine]

In contrast to this view, Baptist minister John Gill wrote in the early 1700's:

"The covenant of grace is but one and the same in all ages, of which Christ is the substance; being given for a covenant of the people, of all the people of God, both Jews and Gentiles, who is the same in the yesterday of the Old Testament, and in the to-day of the New Testament, and for ever; he is the way, the truth, and the life, the only true way to eternal life; and there never was any other way made known to men since the fall of Adam…The patriarchs before the flood and after, before the law of Moses and under it, before the coming of Christ, and all the saints since, are saved in one and the same way, even by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ…"³⁶

"Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness…And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith…Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all," - Romans 4:9, 12-13, 16

"Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham…That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." -Galatians 3:7-9, 14

Gill affirms the oneness of the covenant and its fulfillment through Christ. He is upholding the progressive revelation of the Messiah to do what the flesh (Adam) could not do in the Covenant of Works.

This Dispensational rejection of the Messiah denies the very words of Jesus on the Cross when He said, "It is finished" (John 19:30). Jesus has completely finished the work in His death, burial, and resurrection for redemption and restitution having been made both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). Christ is presently sitting on the right hand of God, which Peter identifies as the throne of David (Acts 2:30-31), until all His enemies are made His footstool (Acts 2:34-35).

"As touching the force and cause, Christ hath already restored all things by His death; but the effect doth not yet fully appear; because that restoring is yet in the course, and so, consequently, our redemption, forasmuch as we do yet groan under the burden of servitude. For as the kingdom of Christ is only begun, and the perfection thereof is deferred until the last day, so those things which are annexed thereunto do now appear only in part. Therefore, if at this day we see many things confused in the world, let this hope set us upon foot and refresh us, that Christ shall once come that He may restore all things. In the mean season, if we see the relics of sin hang on us, if we be environed on every side with divers miseries, if the world be full of wasting and scattering abroad, let us bewail these miseries, yet so that we uphold with the hope of restoring. And this is the reason why Christ doth not appear by and by, because the warfare of the Church is not yet full, whose time, seeing it is appointed by God, it is not for us to prevent the same."³⁷

Mustard Seed Cultivation: Continual Expansion Until Christ's Return

"Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him." -Hebrews 2:8

Many confuse the finished work of Christ and the realization of His work being manifested on earth. All that is necessary to fulfill our redemption and the restitution of the world is complete.

However, it does not mean we see these things realized on earth. Just as all the redeemed have not yet believed; neither has the kingdoms of this world submitted to the reign of Christ.

In one explanation, Jesus used the analogy of a mustard seed.

"Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof." -Matthew 13:31-32

Although the Kingdom of Christ has already been instituted (Acts 2:29-36) it has not yet brought about the subjection of the world to it.

Christ's Kingdom is not an explosive event, but a progressive reconciliation. The elect are redeemed one individual at a time just as the nations are restored one family at a time.

The lulls and backsliding are not evidence of the powerlessness of Christ's work, but of our lack of obedience. As a result, curses come upon us (Deuteronomy 28).

Just as the Israelites had to wonder in the wilderness for 40 years, many times we lose ground in this battle of the kingdoms when we face setbacks due to our failure to take the land.

Still yet, in the history of the New Covenant the kingdom will increase until it has grown to completion.

Christ also used an illustration of leaven to emphasis this truth. Leaven is implanted into the element until the whole of it becomes leavened. Such is the Kingdom of Christ.

"Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened." -Matthew 13:33

Baptist minister Rev. Robert Howell said of Christ's kingdom:

"To what amazing events then, are we destined. They shall not however, occur until the gospel has achieved all its earthly triumphs. 'The kingdoms of this world must' first 'become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ.' 'Then cometh the end.' Time ceases. Christ, and his people, are glorified together. Heaven is filled with everlasting rejoicing."³⁸

This puts it into perspective that we are not simply saved to enter heaven. We have been saved to "take the kingdom" of this world for Christ (Daniel 7:18).

There is an order to the consummation of this age and the physical return of Christ. First, there is the conversion of all nations. Second, is the blessing of the worldwide dominion of Christ before He returns.

Once again, Rev. Howell points out this progressive nature of Christ's Kingdom:

"...and we have seen how these promises were, and are yet to be fulfilled, in the conversion of all nations, in the happiness of men upon earth, in the resurrection of the body, and in the everlasting glory in heaven of all the sanctified; and we have also seen how the covenant as repeated to David, is consummated in Jesus Christ our Lord, 'In whom we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace." "Of him, and through him, are all things; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.'"³⁹

The redemption of the elect and the transformation of the world are for God's glory. He is the Creator of all things and therefore all things are for Him so that His glory might be revealed forever.

So, how does this progressive nature of Christ's Kingdom play out in the real world?

Jesus Christ came into the world to consummate the Old Covenant administration and complete the work of redemption and restitution of all things. This institution of the New Covenant administration will consummate Christ's eternal reign as the Gospel conquers all nations. Then shall the resurrection of the saints, the physical return of Christ, and the judgment take place.

Jesus sat down at the right hand of God until His foes become His footstool. Paul reveals to us this progressive restitution of all things (I Corinthians 15:22-28).

God has always been the ruler of heaven and earth as the sovereign Creator (Psalm 135:6; Psalm 47:7). Yet, Paul identifies Christ as presently reigning and Peter reveals He has assumed the throne of David. This position given to Christ by the Father is separate from His Kingship as the Creator of the universe. The Father is sitting upon that throne and does not give up that position. Christ takes the throne of David on the right hand of the Father to bring about the promises of the Covenant.

Might Consummated: The Global Dominion of Christ's Kingdom

We have looked at how the Kingdom will be manifested. Christ's dominion will be realized progressively. However, it will take dominion over all nations as it is realized in all its fullness.

The expansive and progressive nature of Christ's dominion is microscopic in the transformation of lives, churches, civil governments, nations, and ultimately the world.

As the dominion of Christ is consummated or fulfilled, this revolutionary transformation of the world will be seen in the large scale effect upon all institutions, nations, and the world.

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field." -Matthew 13:44

This progressive commitment brings radical transformation and power. Still yet, the power rests in God as He transforms sinners, institutions, and nations by the Word of God. Paul said the kingdom is not simply in word, but power (1 Corinthians 4:20).

In the keys of the kingdom, God gives this power to His Church.

"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." -Matthew 16:19

The key is the instrument of power for the Church by the authority of Christ. It is His rule and reign which empowers us to transform this world. This power will enable Christ through His Church to deliver the kingdom completed in the end (1 Corinthians 15:24).

Therefore, we don't have to worry about the end. There is no need for Christians to speculate about end-times prophecies for 2012 or the Dispensationalists failed system of eschatology.

We rest in the hope of victory and work for the defeat of all anti-Christ realities. The proper understanding of Christ's Kingdom can and will reform the defeatist pessimism of American Christian practice.

However, until this takes place, Christians will continue to concede ground to the forces of evil. It is only when we are reawakened to this Biblical truth of victory that the anemic Church will once again become the victorious Church.

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Footnotes

1. John Gill, "Psalm 110," Exposition of the Whole Bible, 07 Oct. 2010 http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/psalms-110-1.html

2. Ibid.

3. John Gill, "Concerning the Ascension of the Messiah to Heaven," The Prophecies of the Old Testament, Respecting the Messiah, Considered; and Proved to be Literally Fulfilled in Jesus, 07 Oct. 2010 http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Misc/misc01_ch12.htm

4. John Gill, A Complete Body of Doctrinal and Practical Divinity (Paris, Arkansas: The Baptist Standard Bearer, reprinted 2007) 449.

5. "…includes all the Bible teaches of the being and attributes of God; of the threefold personality of the Godhead, or, that the Father, Son, and Spirit are distinct persons, the same in substance and equal in power and glory; the relation of God to the world, or, his decrees and works of Creation and Providence." Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology Vol. 1, (Peabody, Mass: Hendrickson Publishers, reprinted 2008) 32.

6. Originally, Deism began as a movement or system advocating natural religion, emphasizing morality. However, it soon became defined as a movement that denied the interference of the Creator in His creation.

7. C. I. Scofield, Scofield Reference Bible, (New York: Oxford, 1909), 5.

8. Charles C. Ryrie, Dispensationalism, (Chicago: Moody Press, 1995) 23-43.

9. Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth or God's Plan and Purpose for the Ages, (Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1918) 151

10. James Strong, The Comprehensive Concordance of the Bible Together With Dictionaries of the Hebrew and Greek Words of the Original, With References to the English Words, (Iowa Falls, Iowa: World Bible Publishers, Inc, 1986) 224.

11. Online Bible Edition, CD-ROM, Online Bible Foundation, 2010.

12. "A False Prophet John Hagee Ad says Jesus did not come to be Messiah," 07 Oct. 2010 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhJjl4bHQco&feature=related

13. Ibid.

14. John Hagee, In Defense of Israel, (Lake Mary, Florida: Front Line, 2007) 140.

15. Online Bible Edition, CD-ROM, Online Bible Foundation, 2010.

16. John Gill, A Complete Body of Doctrinal and Practical Divinity (Paris, Arkansas: The Baptist Standard Bearer, reprinted 2007) 28-29.

17. Charles F. Pfeiffer, Howard F. Vos, John Rea, Wycliffe Bible Dictionary, (Peabody, Mass: Hendrickson Publishers, 1975) 1048

18. John Gill, "Psalm 110," Exposition of the Whole Bible, 07 Oct. 2010 http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/genesis-2-4.html

19. Online Bible Edition, CD-ROM, Online Bible Foundation, 2010.

20. John Calvin, Calvin's Commentaries Vol. XXII, (Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker Books, 2009) 195.

21. Ibid, 196.

22. Ibid, 196.

23. John Gill, A Complete Body of Doctrinal and Practical Divinity (Paris, Arkansas: The Baptist Standard Bearer, reprinted 2007) 448.

24. Greg L. Bahnsen and Kenneth L. Gentry Jr., House Divided: The Break-up of Dispensational Theology, (Tyler, Texas: Institute for Christian Economics, 1989) 217-218.

25. Fundamentalism was a necessary and significant opponent of secularism and socialism in the early stages of progressivism. However, it did not take long for the movement to be high-jacked by liberal thought. The liberalism of Fundamentalism was not what they accepted but what they rejected. The movement became noted for its rejection of historical creeds and confessions of faith, which is one of the tenants of secularism and socialism. The Fundamentalist Movement also accepted a faulty literalist position of Scripture instead of the historical Sola Scriptura of the Reformation. The movement went on to become a hotbed for Dispensationalism and now it is this eschatological system that defines the Fundamentalist Movement.

26. The Progressive Movement began in the late 1800's and became a powerful movement in the early 1900's. Progressivism was marked by the desire to be like the socialist moving nations of western Europe. Along with socialist practices, they largely promoted prohibition, women's suffrage, and other social concerns. They worked largely to institute their agenda with Constitutional Amendments on the federal and State levels. They also believed science would reveal the knowledge that human goodness would correct socially, religiously, civilly, and economically.

27. Philadelphia Baptist Confession of Faith, (Ashville, NC: Revival Literature, 2007) 37.

28. Ibid, 40.

29. Ibid, 41.

30. Ibid, 60.

31. Ibid, 22-23.

32. Ibid, 23.

33. Ibid, 25-26.

34. Clarence Larkin, Dispensational Truth or God's Plan and Purpose for the Ages (Rev. Clarence Larkin Estate, 1918) 19

35. Julia Duin, "San Antonio Fundamentalist Battles Anti-Semitism," The Houston Chronicle, 30 April 1988, 1.

36. John Gill, A Complete Body of Doctrinal and Practical Divinity (Paris, Arkansas: The Baptist Standard Bearer, reprinted 2007) 345.

37. John Calvin, Calvin's Commentaries Vol. XVIII, (Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker Books, 2009) 153.

38. Robert Howell, "The Covenants," The Reformed Reader, 07 Oct. 2010, http://www.reformedreader.org/history/howell/thecovenantschapter09.htm

39. Robert Howell, "The Covenants," The Reformed Reader, 07 Oct. 2010, http://www.reformedreader.org/history/howell/thecovenantschapter07.htm

Read More:
Introduction by Devin Maddox
Part 1 - Resurrection: The True Hope of the Saints by Devin Maddox

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