THIS IS THE THIRD article in a series on Civil Government. The first looked at Civil Government as it existed at Creation. The second examined the affect of sin on civil government. You can find the first here and the second here.
The point of this blog is that God promised a second Adam to restore the dominion forfeited by the first Adam.
(Isaiah 9:6–7) “6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lordof hosts will do this.”
We have already discussed how Christ showed us what submission to authority looks like. We have also discussed how Christ’s cross shows us what the exercise of God’s authority looks like. It is the happiness and welfare of the citizens of God’s kingdom at the divine King’s infinite expense.
Christ’s cross also shows us what the pre-requisites for the delegation of God’s authority are––humility. (Philippians 2:9–11) “9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
On the basis of Christ’s death and resurrection God the Father gave the Second Adam the authority that the First Adam forfeited.
(Matthew 28:18–19) “18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…””
Jesus is currently seated at the Father’s right hand. By his sovereign power and authority, he governs all things. He is gradually subduing all things to his rule and authority. Someday he will return to culminate the full restoration of the first Adam’s dominion. He will raise the dead. He will judge all men. He will save the Saints. He will condemn all unbelievers. And he will create New Heavens and a New Earth. Then Rev 11:15 will be fulfilled. “The Kingdoms of the world have become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ: And he shall reign forever!”
Utopia, the Garden of Eden, will be restored. Sin will be banished. God will liberate Creation from its bondage to sin and death. And, once again there will be no need for Civil Authority.
When we think of Civil Government this is our hope. We hope for the day when sin is abolished and there is again no need for Civil Government.
However, today we live in a fallen world, and the existence of Civil Government continually reminds us of the curse of sin. So, here is the big question. How should we relate to Civil Government?
The answer to that questions is the subject of the next blog.
