The Scriptures announce many times that God has appointed our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son and second person of the Trinity, to rule over all the creation. He has appointed Him Prince and Savior to His people as well.
But what of His reign? The Scriptures tell us it will be forever, yet there will be a thousand year time when Christ rules with a physical presence before He makes all things new.
God's people have always looked for a heavenly city, and a better country. That longing will be satisfied when Christ recreates the world, the elements melting with a fervent heat and the heavens consumed by fire.
In the new heavens and earth, righteousness will dwell undiluted by sin and death and sorrow, for the former things are passed away! This new creation will have indescribable beauty, and the Lamb will be the light thereof!
But before that time, Christ will rule in Jerusalem. He will impose a mighty reign over the world, and kings will submit to Him - many of them unwilling in their hearts. Wars will be outlawed, and a great time of peace and safety and prosperity and healing will be introduced.
Christ will provide for His people perfectly, and shield them completely from all ill. We will rejoice in His presence and worship Him perpetually!
And yet, after His imposition of perfect, ordered, and just government, wicked men will still rebel against Him in the end!
Apparently, even His perfect government cannot compel men's hearts - only the grace of regeneration and reconciliation by His blood can make men willing to obedience to Him.
Without the Lamb's sacrifice, we would rebel against him too, but He has made peace between us by His blood. |
