Law Matters: The Law and Kingdom of God (2)

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession… 1 Peter 2.9

God promised a Kingdom to come through Israel, ruled by the descendants of Judah (Gen. 49.8-11). The people of Israel were to be a nation of priests, holy to the Lord, His treasured possession among all the peoples of the world (Ex. 19.5, 6). Their kings would rule according to the Law of God in a dynasty that was to begin with David (2 Sam. 7). The Davidic dynasty would cease with the coming of a King for Whom the Kingdom itself had been prepared, and Who would reign over that Kingdom forever (Is. 9.6, 7).

Peter does not hesitate to tell the believers in Asia Minor that they are that Kingdom over whom Christ reigns as Savior and Lord. The followers of Christ are stones in a temple being built by the Lord (1 Pet. 2.4, 5). Jesus Christ Himself is the Head of the Corner in this temple; He is the King for Whom this Kingdom of priests is being prepared.

Through the Church God intends to extend the rule of Christ – in love for God and neighbor – to all the peoples of the world. How does this occur? Peter explains that we live humbly in the world, doing good to our neighbors and honoring them, living in purity and hope, and ready to give as our reason for such holy conduct the fact that Jesus Christ has risen from the dead (1 Pet. 2, 3; 1.3).

Whatever instruction God has provided in the past is for the encouragement and edification of His Kingdom people now (Rom. 15.4). We cannot fulfill our calling as God’s chosen, treasured, and sanctified people unless we embrace the requirements of the Kingdom, pursue the holy character of the Kingdom, and proclaim the presence and coming of the Kingdom to every person.

The Kingdom of God is a great blessing, as Jacob foresaw and God explained to Israel through Moses. It brings great promise to all who enter into it, but they must not presume to be true citizens of the Kingdom unless they persist in learning and living by its rules, beginning with the Law of God, and extending from it, and on its foundation, to all the counsel of His Word. Kingdom greatness awaits those who are zealous in this endeavor.

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