40. Christ’s Everlasting Reign (2)

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Hymn: RHC 141 That Beautiful Name 151 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel 152 Joy to the World!

Isaiah 9:6-7

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. 

Christ’s Everlasting Reign (2)

OUTLINE

(1) Provision and Appropriating Life in Christ’s Kingdom (v6)

(2) Life in Christ’s Everlasting Kingdom (v7)

INTRODUCTION

Christ is eternally King over the entire universe being the Maker and the Sustainer of it. The world is Christ’s Kingdom. The Book of Hebrews well attested to this truth. 

It is written in Hebrews 1:1-4 (KJV) God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

He is the Son that was born in the fullness of time, and He is the Son that was given as prophesied by the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 9:6-7 and fulfilled. 

The Son of God is the Creator – by whom He made the worlds, He is very God and very man – being the express image of His Person – the exact representation of God, and the Son is the Sustainer of the Universe by His power – upholding all things by the word of His power, and He is Saviour – when He had by Himself purged our sins, and He is King – ascended to heaven (Acts 1:11) thus sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high, surpassing even the angels in heaven.

Christ’s Kingdom at His First Coming 

Zacharias, the father of John the Baptizer, the forerunner of Christ, declared, in Luke 1:78-79 “Through the tender mercy of our God: whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide or feet into the way of peace.”

And yet, when Christ was on earth, He said that His kingdom is not political but spiritual kingdom when only when one is born again to see and enter the kingdom of God, and find peace in his heart – John 3:13-21 (KJV) And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light comes into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Indeed, Christ Himself attested that in His first coming, His kingdom will not be a political kingdom – John 18:36 (KJV) Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.

Christ’s Kingdom at His Second Coming

What does it mean when our text declares “and the government shall be upon his shoulder”? What is this government? The word “government” “מִשְׂרָה miśrāh” is the word “dominion, rule”, to government. 

Alva J. McClain insightfully observed, “A Child will be born, and He will reign universally upon the throne of David. And so, we begin our interpretation with a literal child and a literal birth. But now consider what happens if an unbroken time is clamped on the prophecy. Because the regal Child did not immediately take the literal throne of David to rule the world, it is argued that such a thing will never come to pass. And then, to preserve the assumption of an unbroken time sequence that cannot allow room for any literal fulfilment of the second part of the prophecy at some future time, the throne of David on earth is changed into the throne of God in heaven, and Messiah’s reign is reduced to the “influence of the Gospel” or the rule of God in the “hearts of men.””[1]

This second portion would be fulfilled at the latter time, not in Christ’s first coming but in the Millennial Kingdom of Christ at His second coming! 

McClain further showed, “When God’s own glorious King takes over the kingdoms of the earth, it will be safe at last to concentrate all the functions of the state in one Person. This does not mean that He will do everything; but rather that He will be the directing head and final authority; thus, providing a unifying center, both infinitely wise and good, for all the activities of government; something which no state on earth has ever enjoyed. Under His beneficent rule, it will no longer be necessary to sacrifice political unity and strength in the interest of political liberty. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed (John 8:36) – this principle is true of every department of human life, whether spiritual or political.”[2]

He explained, “All the functions of government are centred in the glorious Person of this Mediatorial King. The prophet Isaiah paints a vivid picture of the political situation in the days of the established Kingdom: Then the eyes of men “shall see the king in his beauty” ruling upon the earth as a “judge,” “lawgiver,” and “king” (Isaiah 33:17, 22) – a remarkable forecast of the conventional division of modern government: judicial, legislative, and executive.

Isaiah 33:17 (KJV) Thine eyes shall see the king in his beauty: they shall behold the land that is very far off.

Isaiah 33:22 (KJV) For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.

The chief problem in the operation of government has always been to keep these necessary functions in a state of proper balance, and at the same time to provide some center of unification. This problem has never been wholly resolved. Human government, therefore, always swings between two opposite poles of regimentation and fragmentation: the former leading to a sacrifice of liberty in the interest of strength; the latter to a sacrifice of strength in the interest of liberty. And the head of the state tends to become either a dictator or a mere symbol.

The founding fathers of the American state, approaching their task with a deep suspicion of human nature, designed an ingenious system of checks and balances to separate these three functions into departments and keep any one of them from usurping too much power. Although it seems clumsy and inefficient at times, lacking both in unity and economy, nevertheless such a government has furnished a welcome refuge for political liberty in a sinful world, and will continue to do so, if it can be kept.” [edited][3]

The nature of Christ’s Kingdom is well described in Psalm 89:14 (KJV) Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.

It will be based on moral principles. In the prophets, four great words are used to indicate these principles: truth, holiness, righteousness, and justice. Under the reign of the coming King, the earth will rejoice and the isles will be glad because “righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.”

Psalm 97:1-2 (KJV) The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.

His Kingdom will prosper because He will “execute justice and righteousness in the land (Jeremiah 23:5).

Jeremiah 23:5 (KJV) 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.

As the visible centre of His government, Jerusalem shall be called “the city of truth” and the “holy mountain” (Zechariah 8:3).

Zechariah 8:3 (KJV) Thus saith the LORD; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the LORD of hosts the holy mountain.

The Hebrew terms used in Isaiah 16:5 suggest the moral character of the King’s reign: He will not only keep the forms of the law (“judging”)l but He will also interest Himself to find the substantial right of every case (“seeking judgment”), and then He will promptly execute the verdict (“hasting righteousness”). 

As to the desperate need of the world for the establishment of such a government, there is clear evidence on every hand. Even in the most enlightened of modern states, too often the tragic confession of ancient Israel could be written over its gates: Isaiah 59:14 (KJV) And judgment is turned away backwards, and justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.

These great moral principles of Christ’s government will be enforced by sanctions of supernatural power. The answer of God to all people and kings who venture to set themselves against the beneficent rule of the coming Kingdom is a solemn commission to His anointed King: Psalm 2:7-9 (KJV) …Thou art my Son; … Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen [nations] for thine inheritance, … Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

No longer will the wicked oppressor of the poor be able to utter cynical judgment: Psalm 10:9-11 (KJV) He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net. He croucheth, and humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones. He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.

No longer will the righteous be troubled about the ways of God in a world where things seem to be upside down: Psalm 73:2-16 (KJV) But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. They arenot in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;

The question as to whether or not we live in a “moral universe” will no longer be a subject of philosophic debate. For in the coming Kingdom, the judgments of God will be immediate and tangible to all men.

Zechariah 14:17-19 (KJV) And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain. And if the family of Egypt go not up, and come not, that have no rain; there shall be the plague, wherewith the LORD will smite the heathen that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles. This shall be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all nations that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles.

Isaiah 66:24 (KJV) And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh.

The long period of God’s judicial silence, which men have perversely construed as evidence of moral indifference instead of the long-suffering mercy on the part of God, will come to an end (Psalm 50:21).

Psalm 50:21 (KJV) These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an oneas thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.

And with judgments of a holy God once more manifest in the earth, “the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness” (Isaiah 26:9).

Isaiah 26:9 (KJV) With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

But the moral government is more than an infallible determination of what is right and its inflexible enforcement. There must be a place for mercy and tenderness in dealing with the ignorant and the erring. Therefore, we read in Isaiah 16:5 that “in mercy shall the throne be established.” The King who comes to rule with a strong hand” will at the same time “feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young (Isaiah 40:9-11).

Isaiah 40:9-11 (KJV) O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

And if there will be swift and terrible justice for all who rebel, it is also true that “Blessed are all they that put their trust in him” (Psalm 2:9, 12).

Psalm 2:9 (KJV) Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

Psalm 2:12 (KJV) Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

To maintain a perfect balance between mercy and justice is never an easy achievement. Historically, governments have been prone to swing between the two opposite poles of legal harshness on the one hand or sentimental laxness on the other. And the end is a disaster in either case.

But under the coming Mediatorial Kingdom of Christ, the perfect equilibrium shall be reached. Its happy subjects will be able to say as in Psalm 85:10 (KJV) Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.[4]  

Indeed, under Christ’s rule at His return, judgment and justice will be established from henceforth even forever.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. 

This kingdom is coming, may His people take comfort. At that time, Satan will be bound, and the world will experience a thousand years of peace when Christ will reign on earth with His raptured saints at His return. 

Revelation 20:1-6 (KJV) And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

Amen.

[1] Alva J. McClain, The Greatness of the Kingdom, BMH Books, 1959, 137.

[2] Ibid., 208-209.

[3] Ibid., 207.

[4] Ibid., 208-209.