Kingdom of God begins with change. Christians are called to rule and reign.Disciples of Christ they are part of a priesthood of kings called to restore and advance the Kingdom of God. This is the “unity of the faith” spoken by the Apostle Paul.[1] Not only was Jesus the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world he was also the Restoring King that would perfect his followers for the work of the ministry.
When the anointing came on Jesus he made a prophetic announcement saying, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand repent ye and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). In other words, Christ launched a revolutionary Kingdom Movement. This movement was not about getting people to ‘accept Jesus’ as their savior (a term not found in the Bible) but joining him in restoring the rule of God on the earth through his covenant people.[2]
When you were born again you became a new creature in Christ Jesus and part of a priesthood of ruling citizens Christ could use to advance His reign. Apostle Peter wrote, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). He is drawing from an Old Testament decree of the LORD ruling through His people, “And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). The word “kingdom” is malkuth meaning dominion, reign, realm, kingdom, and sovereignty. The same word is closely related to mâlak meaning to be king and ruler, to make king and ruler, or to become king and ruler. So you can see your part as a “dominion of priest” destined to reign.[3]
THE KING’S DOMINION
Reigning is different than escaping. It’s evident in scripture that Christ never intended to save you so you could escape this world.[4] In fact, He saved you so you could overcome the world. John declared, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4). This is not just faith that believes that Jesus is but faith that joins Christ’s kingdom revolution. Many believe that Jesus is the Christ but never do anything to make a difference with their lives. You are not like that and are part of a dominion of priest advancing Christ’s kingly reign. The ministry of Christ is not yet finished and there is still much to do. “For he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet” (1 Corinthians 15:25).
The enemies of Christ are opposing the dominion of God. Nevertheless, Christ has a faithful remnant serving him in their generation. This remnant understands the words kingdom, dominion, rule, reign, and restoration. Here is an example using the words kingdom, rule, and restoration. “Then said Samuel to the people, Come and let us go to Gilgal and renew (restore) the kingdom (malkuth) there. And all the people went to Gilgal and there they made Saul king (mâlak) before the LORD... “(1 Samuel 11:14-15). Here the prophet gives instructions to God’s kingdom of priests to restore the LORD’S reign in Gilgal. “Renew,” châdash means to repair, renew and restore.
KINGS RUSH IN
The word kingdom suggests a territory or kingdom governed by a king. Notice in this text the scope of the LORD’S influence seems to be confined to a people group within a specific territory. This doesn’t mean that God is not sovereign of the world but simply describes a particular group of people (a royal priesthood of kings, a holy nation) and a territory (Gilgal) “under the influence of the LORD through His royal priesthood.”
Samuel also uses the word renew as a specific ministry directive. This is interesting because it implies that this territory was once under the rule of the LORD but somehow became ruled by another. Understanding “the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof” brings substance to the restoration (renewal) of the Kingdom of God in Gilgal. It also confirms that God created the heavens and the earth giving dominion to Adam who later committed high treason thus surrendering his kingship to the serpent.
To restore a territory under the leadership of Christ requires a people submitted to the authority of Christ that carries their king’s values, beliefs, laws and culture into the territory. Christ said it like this, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). This means placing yourself under the authority of Christ while following His instructions for living. Saul was a type and shadow of the kingship of Christ ruling in a territory through a priesthood of kings.
Christ exercises His kingly rule among men. He is not just King of Israel but the world, even though, the world does not recognize His rule. It doesn’t matter because Christ’s only permits a measure of mâlak (rule) to nation states. He can change their status whenever he wishes.[5] The law of kingdoms declares that kingdoms come and kingdoms go. There is only one kingdom that is ever expanding and unstoppable and that is the Kingdom of God. Scripture declares, “But the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, even for ever and ever” (Daniel 7:18).
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[1] “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:”(Ephesians 4:11-13)
[2] A. W. Tozer once said, “How tragic that we in this dark day have had our seeking done for us by our teachers. Everything is made to center upon the initial act of ‘accepting’ Christ (a term, incidentally, which is not found in the Bible) and we are not expected thereafter to crave any further revelation of God to our souls.”
[3] “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:10)
[4] “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:” (John 20:21-22)
[5] “By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.” (Proverbs 8:15)