The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum King of Kings

Okay Anthony, I listened to that portion of the podcast and more. Believing that everyone's views are based upon a presupposition, that's what I try to discern first and foremost when trying to evaluate someone's or some groups views on everything. Soooooo, my impression is that the 'author' and perhaps the 'hosts' are of the view that not just believers but the entire world is to think, do and love with the purpose of "glorifying God". On the surface that sound so holy and biblical (cf. 1Cor. 10:31), right? However, I reject that premise on the basis of one of the most fundamental biblical principles of sound exegesis; CONTEXT. Paul's words are addressed strictly to believers and not to the world in general. It is true that ALL THINGS glorify God in some manner, for God has ordained ALL THINGS, even the most wicked, for it demonstrates His holiness and perfect justice which will be fully revealed in the end. It is God's eternal plan for time and eternity that cannot be changed for it is perfect. Therefore we look to His "revealed will" for answers to our questions concerning ALL THINGS. Does Scripture in any way shape or form teach that it is His purpose that "government glorify God via the appointment by whatever means of men (women?) perfectly adhere to and demand and enforce the law of God upon all others living under their rule?" I find no such pretext.

OT Israel was given to us as an example, both good and bad of how a Theocracy exists on this present corrupt world. Israel had every advantage that man could dream of for it was under God's direct favor in that He gave Israel His holy law to govern them. How did that work out? Was the law imperfect? Absolutely not in its intent, i.e. to reveal what truth and holiness is and that all who did not keep that law perfectly in mind, body and soul would suffer punishment. But it was not given nor could it accomplish what was most needed by fallen mankind; the salvation of one's soul, to be reconciled to God by the appeasement of His wrath and the receiving of the punishment due for the transgression of that law. That fulfillment was obviously impossible for any man due to Original Sin (imputed guilt and the inherit corruption of nature). Christ fulfilled the law and received the punishment vicariously for those whom God predestined to be saved in Him. INDIVIDUALS, therefore, are called OUT OF this world and INTO the kingdom of God. They in turn are called together as God's "church" (the called out ones) which is given the responsibility, as the ordained means, of preaching the Gospel throughout the world by which the Spirit regenerates the elect and they likewise are CALLED OUT of this world and become members of the Church and of the Kingdom of God. Secondly, but primarily, the Church is to preach the Word for the purpose of upbuilding the saints so that they may be prepared for the New World and New Earth to come.

I agree with Anthony's sentiments and several of his comments showing skepticism and even rejection of what both the 'author' and 'hosts' of that podcast are promoting. The law of God as stated above is the means by which the elect are convicted of their guilt and sin(fulness) and their need of redemption and reconciliation with God in the Lord Christ. And it is also the standard of what is right, true and holy to which they are called to live. But the law was never given as the means to establish governments, agencies or other ruling bodies under which ALL men are to live. The world is not ever going to be "Christianized" in any way, shape or form for it's very existence is corrupt and based upon a hatred of God and all that is good. And, of so much importance is the truth that God's plan is not to save the world, but rather a remnant OUT OF this world and to judge all else and cast it into hell.

Governments are agents of God, for good or worse, to protect the good and punish the evil. But again, no where do I find that God has ordained that those who occupy governments are to be "Christians" or those who exact all judgments, rules, regulations nor punishments based solely upon the The Commandments. Should all men bow before the law? Yes... but as individuals. Those who perfectly keep that law are rewarded. And those who fail to keep the law will be punished. Since no man, but Christ, can and did keep that law, the only thing due to ALL MEN is punishment for it is impossible for any man, woman or child to keep the law as a rule of life. Therefore, no government can be expected to be formed, for it has no where been mandated by God Himself, that such be formed upon the foundation of His moral law. Learn from Israel... they failed miserably and suffered God's wrath and rejection and thus the Gentiles were given the favor of God. But not ALL Gentiles, as was the case in Israel, have been ordained to be saved, but rather a remnant OUT OF Israel and the Gentiles showed by saved and who are glowing examples of God's love and mercy in Christ, God their righteousness.

To put it in simple terms, in my estimation, all such views are being espoused in that broadcast, called by whatever term one chooses, are unbiblical and in truth end up being a form of B.F. Skinner's Walden Two. They all end up with some group of "elites" that govern all others which can only fail. The U.S. Constitution prohibits the "establishment of religion", but any bias whatsoever toward any religion, whether a deistic one or secular one, is a violation of what the founding fathers' intent for the formation of this country. Yet, they took the principles of Christianity as their personal view of what is good but they didn't demand that all government officials, employees, etc. adhere perfect to the Ten Commandments. The problems all nations, countries, etc. have and why they fail is because NO ONE CAN keep the moral law of God. Learn from Israel and history.