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Christ's Government
gohaley:
Do the scriptures give any indication onto the type of government that Jesus Christ will run when he reigns on earth? Eg capitalism, socialism, communism etc. I know that these words are mans carnal perspective of a human utopia, so forgive me for using them with regards to Christ's Government.
Acts 2:44 And all who believed were together and had all things common. 45 And they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need. 46 And continuing with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they shared food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
Acts 4:32 And the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul. And not one said that any of the things which he possessed was his own. But they had all things common. 33 And the apostles gave witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power. And great grace was on them all. 34 For neither was anyone needy among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 and they laid them down at the apostles'feet. And distribution was made to every man according as he had need.
Are these passages of scripture an indication to the way of life, man will live in Christ's future government or is it just the way believers are to behave now? Is it saying all things common, as in 'communism'?
What does it mean in Revelations when it says three times that, christ will rule all nations with a 'rod of iron'? Dictatorship?
In my opinion, people in the west don't like the words dictator, communism or socialism but maybe these words aren't that bad with a good leader (shepherd). A democratic capitalist government seems to speak against what I see in the scriptures. Mankind would vote Christ out in a flash, in a democracy.
Anyway, help me out people. If this is a ridiculous question, let me know guys. I just find it interesting in trying to understand Christ's coming government.
What social governmental structure does the bible point to in Christ's coming kingdom/government? :-)
God bless
gohaley:
I like this answer. Simple and very effective. Thanks
arion:
I think that the closest literal government type would be a theocracy. Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and the scriptures are full of symbolism of this nature.
mharrell08:
--- Quote from: Arion on December 06, 2010, 06:57:40 AM ---I think that the closest literal government type would be a theocracy.
--- End quote ---
Theocracy is for a divine power to govern humans. For this to be true, it would mean the wicked/unbelievers would have to remain humans even after their spiritual conversion.
--- Quote from: gohaley on December 05, 2010, 08:44:49 PM ---Do the scriptures give any indication onto the type of government that Jesus Christ will run when he reigns on earth? Eg capitalism, socialism, communism etc. I know that these words are mans carnal perspective of a human utopia, so forgive me for using them with regards to Christ's Government.
--- End quote ---
It's an interesting question GoHaley, but one the scriptures do not answer. We are told 'Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him' [1 Cor 2:9]
But as John said, it will be based on love as God is Love.
--- Quote from: gohaley on December 05, 2010, 08:44:49 PM ---Acts 2:44 And all who believed were together and had all things common. 45 And they sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need. 46 And continuing with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they shared food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
Acts 4:32 And the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul. And not one said that any of the things which he possessed was his own. But they had all things common. 33 And the apostles gave witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power. And great grace was on them all. 34 For neither was anyone needy among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 and they laid them down at the apostles'feet. And distribution was made to every man according as he had need.
Are these passages of scripture an indication to the way of life, man will live in Christ's future government or is it just the way believers are to behave now? Is it saying all things common, as in 'communism'?
--- End quote ---
This word common means 'belonging to generality' or sharing amongst one another/general consumption. While I wouldn't use 'communism' to describe their actions, it seemed like everyone was simply willing to share with their fellow brethren. Loving their neighbor as themselves.
--- Quote from: gohaley on December 05, 2010, 08:44:49 PM ---What does it mean in Revelations when it says three times that, christ will rule all nations with a 'rod of iron'? Dictatorship?
--- End quote ---
Christ will have all rule and authority, until all enemies are placed under His feet and delivers the kingdom to His Father [1 Cor 15:24-28].
God works all things according to the counsel of His own will [Eph 1:11], so a dictatorship would not apply either.
--- Quote from: gohaley on December 05, 2010, 08:44:49 PM ---In my opinion, people in the west don't like the words dictator, communism or socialism but maybe these words aren't that bad with a good leader (shepherd). A democratic capitalist government seems to speak against what I see in the scriptures. Mankind would vote Christ out in a flash, in a democracy.
Anyway, help me out people. If this is a ridiculous question, let me know guys. I just find it interesting in trying to understand Christ's coming government.
What social governmental structure does the bible point to in Christ's coming kingdom/government? :-)
God bless
--- End quote ---
We are to be the kingdom of God. The term government is no more literal than us being God's body or His temple. These are simply parables to describe us being fit together, same spirit and mind of Christ.
Hope this helps,
Marques
arion:
--- Quote from: mharrell08 on December 06, 2010, 08:42:22 AM ---
Theocracy is for a divine power to govern humans. For this to be true, it would mean the wicked/unbelievers would have to remain humans even after their spiritual conversion.
--- End quote ---
Those who are raised in the GWT judgment are still mortal humans. This is something that I don't believe Ray has taught on but for those in the millennial reign that are going through the lake of fire, when are they translated and receive their spiritual bodies? As soon as they are spiritually converted? Even so could a theocracy not remain until the very last human being is spiritually converted? A lot of things have not been expounded in the scriptures and even more things that Ray has not been lead to teach on as of yet.
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