sovereigngrace
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- Dec 9, 2019
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I think you're misinterpreting acknowledgement of what scripture says about Satan having power, position, and authority over this wicked world, as lauding.
We don't give Satan any more power than scripture attributes to him, and we don't love him and we want that power taken away by Jesus ASAP.
All we're doing is acknowledging what scripture says.
If scripture says that Satan gives the beast his power, his seat, and great authority, that means that Satan has those things, from God, for God's purposes, to give. We trust God's judgement on this and at the same time we hate that he has anything like that. I pray that Satan is without power and authority the way you see it, but that is just not scriptural.
What is also not scriptural, and what I see your position falling into a trap in, is this concept that the gospel conquers the entire world, that things will get continually better and better, that instead of having a great falling away, we'll have great revivals...
The problem is, scripture and prophecy don't indicate that. Scripture and prophecy indicate a world that is decaying into further and further wickedness, things get worse and worse and it is only when Jesus comes in the clouds that anything better happens. I can't pretend to understand the purposes of a millennial kingdom, it doesn't make sense that there would be a revolt after 1000 years of peace living under Christ's rule, it doesn't make sense why not just make the new earth and eternity now and just throw Satan into the lake of fire forever and ever at the 2nd coming of Christ. I would want that.
But scripture says otherwise... so I have to trust that God is wiser than me and there is a REASON for these things to happen.
Premils are always talking about the power, ability and influence of Satan. They want to talk about how strong he is and what he is accomplishing. They try their best to give him access to heaven, even though he has been cast out of it forever. In doing so, they dethrone Christ from His sovereign role as king and ruler of this globe.
Colossians 1:15-17 addresses the great providential reign of Christ over all creation. Stating, Christ, “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.”
This is completely comprehensive. Christ is shown to be the ruler of all dominion and power. He is a sovereign God today. Satan is submitted to His authority. Christ is king over all the earth. Can I remind you He reigns over His enemies now as sovereign king? With the Premillennial reasoning, they divest Christ of His rightful power.
Christ is king over all the earth. Can I remind you He reigns over His enemies now as sovereign king?
There are two aspects to the kingship of Christ. The first is the whole sphere of Christ’s providential rule over all creation. Revelation 1:5 reveals that Christ is the Sovereign archon or “Prince (or ruler) of the kings of the earth.” Christ currently rules over His enemies. The second aspect is the whole realm of Christ’s spiritual reign over all His new creation – the blood-bought Church. Revelation 15:3 tells us that He is the “King of saints.” It is only this second domain that is incorporated within the spiritual confines of the kingdom of God.
Paul and Silas had such an effect Jew and Greek in Thessalonica preaching , On the missionary journey of they saw many people come to faith in Christ, both The unbelieving Jews, being very angry, attempted to arrest the Apostles but not finding them, brought Jason and certain of the converts before the rulers of the city, crying, “These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus” (Acts 17:6-7).
Understanding the difference between these two realms is essential to comprehending the true nature of the kingdom of God. 1 Timothy 1:17 describes Christ as “the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God.”
Psalm 24:7-8 says, “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.”
The term ‘archon’ or ‘ruler’ is found again in Acts 5:30-31 where Peter is seen addressing the unbelieving Jewish religious leaders. There he declares, “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a archon (or) Prince (or ruler) and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.”
There is His divine sovereign kingship over all creation as God, but there is also His Messianic kingship over His people – His elect, both Jew and Gentile, old covenant and new covenant. These do not conflict, but correlate beautifully. He reigns as God and man through this dualistic kingship. It involves His humanity and deity.
Any authority belonging to, or exercised by, the Church must ultimately emanate from the One who bestows it – Jesus Christ.
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