Posted by AU on 12/15/2001, 8:04 pm

Posted by Author Unknown on 10/16/2001, 1:59 pm , in reply to "One more small sample, please pray for this work" The Christians that were a part of the first resurrection, the resurrection that comes a thousand years earlier than the general resurrection, will also have a part in this kingdom. We shall have glorified bodies, and Jesus will appoint us positions in his government. As we look into a few Old Testament passages that depict the coming kingdom of Christ, let us understand how to interpret the prophetic symbolism in the light of common sense and sound scriptural principles. “At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the LORD, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD. No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts” (Jeremiah 3:17, NIV). Jesus Christ is returning to the Mount of Olives, which is next to Jerusalem. There are many Scriptures pointing to Jerusalem as being the place where Christ will set up his kingdom, this is true; however, please understand that this city in Bible prophecy transcends finite boundaries. This city in Scripture has more than one application, for Jerusalem in Bible prophecy is a symbolic illustration of the perfected church. The devil will be chained for Christ's thousand-year reign; therefore, the pull from Satan to tempt men and hinder man's spiritual development will not be a factor to stunt man's growth in Christ's kingdom. Everything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God will be cast down. The glory of Jesus will be lifted high. Men and women, through yielding to the spirit of Christ and feeding upon the Word of God, will set out on the journey to spiritual perfection. Every thought will be brought into obedience of Christ. “In the last days the mountain of the LORD’S temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore” (Isaiah 2:2-4, NIV). Mountains in Bible Prophesy Terms like “chief among the mountains” and “above the hills” demonstrate this passage is a prophetic illustration. This verse is crying out a spiritual truth. The LORD'S house will be the absolute highest position on this earth indeed yet not in a literal sense. The LORD'S house will be upon the highest mountain symbolically. Jesus will hold the highest office in the earth, standing as KING of KINGS. Christ's position will overshadow every former world government. Christ will reign from Jerusalem. Let us ask the question: where does Jesus reign right now? The answer is, in the hearts of his children. This next passage illustrates the new earth after this one has been dissolved. It depicts eternity, yet also has an application in the Millennium. The New Jerusalem “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God” (Revelation 21:1-3, NIV). This “new Jerusalem” is an illustration depicting the church. This city of Jerusalem returns from heaven with Christ at the beginning of the millennium. It is from within this city that Jesus Christ will rule. From this city the Word of the LORD will come into the earth: the glory of Jesus will go forth from Jerusalem, and it will fill the whole earth. This city is where Christ sets up his throne. However, Jerusalem is not in one geographic location; it is a spiritual city. The Scriptures were written to portray the glorified infinite church in a way that fits our finite understanding. David Shall Be King? Back in the days when the Old Testament prophesies were written, God used natural concepts that could be readily understood to convey spiritual truths. For example: “My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd. They will follow my laws and be careful to keep my decrees” (Ezekiel 37:24, NIV). The next verse goes on to say “David my servant will be their prince forever.” Most scholars understand that King David will not literally be the prince and king of Israel for eternity. This Old Testament king represents a New Testament design—Jesus Christ. We are members of his body. This body of Christ shall reign on earth as one entity. Jesus said, “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you” (John 14:20, NIV). Here is an excellent passage to help us understand this truth, “until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ…speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ” From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Ephesians 4:13 and 15-16, NIV).