English
Português
Español
Français
Answer
As a prelude to discussing a Christian kingdom, we recommend reading our article on Christian reconstructionism, a doctrine closely linked to dominion theology and theonomy. This theological perspective asserts that biblical Christianity should influence all aspects of society, both individual and collective, with the aim of establishing a global kingdom based on the moral principles of the Mosaic Law. Adherents of this view believe that Christ will not return until such a Christian kingdom is established.
The primary objective of dominion theology and Christian reconstructionism is to bring about a tangible Christian kingdom. Once this kingdom is established, believers will exercise political and religious authority over the entire world. The rulers of the Christian kingdom will enforce the moral precepts of the Old Testament—and administer the corresponding penalties for violations of those laws. (The laws concerning sacrifices and ceremonies will not apply to the Christian kingdom, as they have been fulfilled in Christ.) The Christian kingdom will not function as a secular government controlled by the church, but rather as a government aligned with the Law of God.
The Bible does not instruct us to strive for the establishment of a physical Christian kingdom. While God had such a plan for Israel when they entered the Promised Land, in the era of the New Testament, He has not called His people to create a political kingdom governed by His laws, commandments, and ordinances. Jesus clearly stated that His kingdom is not of this world, and unlike the followers of worldly political leaders, His disciples do not resort to violence to advance the kingdom “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.”, <a href="https://www.bibliatodo.com/en/bible/king-ja
The mission of Christians is not to strive for worldwide dominion and establish a Christian kingdom but to spread the gospel of salvation throughout the world (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). When individuals are saved, the Holy Spirit will commence His work in them, transforming their lives to align with God’s Word (Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:13). As the gospel spreads, society is transformed, one heart and one life at a time.
Efforts to change societies and cultures externally will always be unsuccessful. Merely seizing control of the political process or enacting moral laws will not bring about change in people’s hearts. Christianity cannot be imposed on individuals, and the idea of a Christian kingdom is not found in the Bible. The transformation of individuals from within is the work of God through His Holy Spirit. God is more concerned with saving people’s souls than with compelling obedience to His laws. If an unsaved person is compelled to obey God’s law, they would do so out of fear and duty. God desires individuals to repent “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”, (2 Peter 3:9) and then obey His commands out of respect and love “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”, (1 John 5:3).
God has not tasked us with enforcing His commands on an unredeemed world. We cannot compel people to enter a Christian kingdom. Instead, He has called us to proclaim the message of salvation—the transformative power and life-changing impact.The redeeming message of Jesus’ crucifixion and His resurrection (Romans 10:9-11).
