Should Christ be limited to the Church?

     The word ‘Christmas’ is not found in the Bible.  The word means ‘Mass of Christ’ from the early English phrase Cristes Maesse.  The holiday known as Christmas acknowledges and celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God.

     The exact date of Jesus’ birth is not recorded; however:

     “…when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman…”  Galatians 4:4

     That means that Jesus Christ was born on the exact pre-appointed day established by the Father before the foundation of the world.

     The announcement of Jesus’ birth was made centuries before He was born.

     “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given…”  Isaiah 9:6

     These words are found on many Christmas cards, as is the actual place of His birth.

     “But you, Bethlehem…though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are…from everlasting.”  Micah 5:2

    

     The New Testament confirms the deity of Christ and His position as Head of the Church.

     “He (Christ) is the image of the invisible God…For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily…And He is the head of the…church…”  Colossians 1:15, 18, 2:9

     But the world still asks the question: should Jesus be involved beyond the ‘church,’ i.e. in the ‘state,’ or government?

     To answer that basic question we need to go back and read the words following Isaiah’s prophecy announcing the birth of the promised Son.

     “…And the government will be upon His shoulder…Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever…”  Isaiah 9:6b-7

     The Bible succinctly states that the governments of all nations will rest on the shoulder of Christ.  It is also revealed that endless peace can only follow judgment and justice. 

     But some will ask, ‘how is that possible considering America is the most exceptional nation in the world, and our success is due in part to our three independent branches of government, i.e. executive, legislative, and judicial.’

     Isaiah also addressed that issue.  After the nations are judged according to God’s standard, Christ will establish His kingdom and rule all nations with a ‘rod of iron’ from Jerusalem.

     “Your eyes will see the King in His beauty…For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our Lawgiver, the LORD is our King…”  Isaiah 33:17, 22

     There, you have it.  All functions of government will be under the sovereign rule of Jesus Christ alone.  There will be no need to worry about veto proof legislation, or anti-Biblical Supreme Court rulings; however, look for many executive orders.

     Matthew confirmed Jesus’ authority.

     “And Jesus came and spoke to them (disciples), saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.’”  Matthew 28:18

     The Bible couldn’t be clearer relative to the absolute sovereignty of Jesus Christ in all of man’s affairs.

     Satan, however, is really exercising his granted authority attempting to convince the world that Jesus has no place in government.

     How many times do we see where any mention of Jesus Christ offends someone?  How often are complaints registered because someone prays at a football game in the name of Jesus?

     There are organizations such as the ‘Freedom from Religion Foundation’ whose purpose is to remove Christ from daily life.

     A small number saw Jesus in the manger, many more witnessed His death on the cross, a limited number saw Him after His resurrection, and fewer witnessed His ascension.

     But the whole world will witness His return to judge the nations and exercise His sovereign authority over all aspects of all nations.

     “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.”  Matthew 24:27

     Any government official that denies the fullness of the Son of God will shortly find themselves under His sovereign rule.

     Separation of church and state?  Bah! Humbug!

     Merry Christmas!   

     Share your thoughts walt.thrun@gmail.com