End Time Insights

Jesus proclaimed a unique political reality, the Kingdom of God, one that differs radically from the governments and ideologies of this present age . Jesus appeared in Galilee proclaiming the “ Kingdom of God ” – “ Repent, for the kingdom is at hand .” The Kingdom promised by God was arriving in Christ’s life and ministry. He was the Messiah and King of Israel who summoned all men to turn from their wicked ways and submit to his lordship before the Judgment when it would be too late.

The disciples of Jesus reign with him as priestly kings who mediate His light and proclaim His Good News to the world . At Mount Sinai, Yahweh summoned Israel to become His priestly kingdom that would reflect His light and holiness before the nations of the Earth. If the Nation of Israel kept God’s covenant, she would become “ my own possession  from among all peoples, for all the earth is mine. And you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation ” - (Exodus 19:5).

The New Testament applies messianic and royal promises from the Psalms to Christ’s present reign. He alone is, present tense, Lord and Messiah! Since his Death, Resurrection, and Ascension, Jesus has reigned as absolute Lord over the Earth. He is seated on the Messianic Throne where he reigns supreme from “ Mount Zion ” as promised by the God of Israel. Because of his “ obedience until death ,” Christ is the “ Ruler of the Kings of the Earth ” who possesses “ all authority in Heaven and on Earth .” His sovereignty knows no bounds.

The Book of Revelation applies several terms to the Church that is under assault from within and without. The men who have been redeemed by Jesus form a new priestly company that transcends all national, social, and cultural boundaries, and “ tribulation ” and persecution are not aberrations to be avoided at all costs, but integral parts of what it means to belong to the Kingdom of God. Persevering in the “ Testimony of Jesus ” through affliction goes to the heart of what it means to follow the “ Lamb wherever he goes .”

God has spoken His decisive and superior “ word ” in His son, and He did so “ upon the last of these days .” This refers to the end of the period epitomized by the Levitical code with its priesthood and repeated animal sacrifices, a system of worship centered in the Tabernacle and the later Jerusalem Temple. With the appointment of Jesus as the High Priest “ after the order of Melchizedek ,” a new and final era of salvation commenced.

His disciples reign with Jesus as priests who render service in the True Tabernacle and minister his light and message to the world . The present sovereignty of Jesus is based on his past Death and Resurrection, and His disciples participate in his reign. Like him, their royal position is paradoxical. It is characterized by self-sacrificial service rather than the suppression and destruction of their human enemies. The shedding of Christ’s blood is what consecrates them as “ priests ,” and priestly service for others is how they rule with him.

The  Book of Revelation  applies several terms to the saints who are being persecuted by the Devil and his earthly agents. They form a united company that transcends national, social, and cultural boundaries. What they have in common is their redemption by the “ blood of the Lamb .” For his disciples, “ tribulation ” and persecution are not aberrations. Persevering through trials while bearing witness is what it means to follow the “ Lamb wherever he goes .”

During the “ thousand years ,” Satan is imprisoned, and the victorious saints reign as priests. Ironically, the “ rest of the dead ” do not live until the “ second death ” at the “ Great White Throne of Judgment .” Behind this image is Daniel’s vision of “ one like a Son of Man ” who receives the kingdom from the “ Ancient of Days .”