The Was Always the Plan

The Kingdom Part 3
Isaiah 2:1-4
    
    In the previous article, we discussed how scripture shows that the kingdom is already here, and Jesus is reigning over it (John 18:36; Col. 1:13-14; Rev. 1:6; 5:10 & 13; Heb. 8:1-2). And we also discussed how the kingdom is in fact the church (Matt. 16:18-19, Col. 1:13, Acts 2:47). This was always a part of God’s plan. God’s plan, before the foundation of the world, was for the Christ to die and thereby also purchase the church (Acts 2:22-24; 20:28). There is a great deal of prophesy concerning the creation of the church, outside of Jesus’ prophecy in Matt. 16:18-19, throughout the Bible. Joel 2:28-32 is fulfilled in Acts 2:16ff where, in the last days, the Lord poured fourth his spirit on mankind (Acts 2:1-8). We as humans read, “In the last days,” and assume it’s talking about Jesus’ 2nd coming, but if we were to read Heb. 1:1-2, it is clear that the last days are the Christian dispensation, “In these last days has spoken to in by His Son.” Isaiah 2:1-4 says that “in the last days the mountain of the house of the Lord will be established.” That harmonizes with not only Heb. 1:1-2, but 1 Tim. 3:15 where Paul called the church “the household of God.” Isaiah 2:3 says that the word of the Lord would proceed from Jerusalem in the last days. Acts 2 occurred in Jerusalem (Acts 2:5). Isaiah 2:4 says that he will “judge between the nations” and “nation will not life up sword against nation.” Acts 2:5 says jewish “men from every nation under heaven” were present and the Lord Himself said “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over tot he Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm” (John 18:36). It is clear that God had a plan for the kingdom, which is the church, from the beginning. We are not waiting and looking for a future kingdom to yet be established, because “He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father” (Rev. 1:6). I love you all!


In His service,
Steven Hugley