The Declaration of Independence
Americans are usually quite proud to celebrate the Fourth of July, the day in which the Declaration of Independence was signed, stating America's intention of being separate from England. Those living here in the colonies had grown tired of being governed by another country without even having any say-so as to how much we were taxed. The time had come to be self-governing—even though England disagreed. It took several years of war to gain that independence, which we received when Cornwallis surrendered in 1781.
Some system of government had to be established, and we went with the Articles of Confederation for eight years, but they proved to be ineffective and were replaced by the Constitution. George Washington became our first president in 1789. We remain profoundly grateful for the freedoms we have—even though our system of government has proven flawed at times. More than once the Supreme Court has blundered in some of its decisions. Government leaders have been guilty of covetousness, among other sins. Nevertheless, our system of government is the best one that men have ever devised.
However, God has a better one—the kingdom of Christ, which is unique in every way. How many kingdoms, for example, have been prophesied 1,000 years in advance that they will come into existence. David was told about the kingdom of Christ that far in advance (2 Sam. 7:12-13). Isaiah spoke of its establishment more than 700 years in advance (2:1-4). Daniel revealed a history of world kingdoms more than five centuries in advance. As great as we like to think that America is, it was not foretold by any prophet of God.
One King
Why is the kingdom of Christ so great? It has only ever had one ruler—Jesus. We don't have to worry about having a king like David or Solomon—and then wondering what the next monarch will be like. Solomon's son Rehoboam was a fool who listened to awful advice, and the kingdom was divided from that point on—to the captivities of both nations. Later, Hezekiah devoted himself to several reforms in the nation of Judah, but his son undid everything and became the most wicked king who ever reigned over Jerusalem. King Josiah rid the kingdom of idolatry and was a righteous king, but his sons did not walk in his footsteps. The nation was conquered by Babylon.
Jesus is the one and only ruler over His kingdom. It survived persecution by Rome, as well as the fall of Rome. It survived all changes, including the rise of the Islamic Empire. Jesus has managed to reign even through two world wars in the last century. No one can or has unseated Him because His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). He has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18).
Righteous Laws
Most countries have a series of good laws that are helpful to its citizens, but some laws have proven to be outrageous. Some countries' governments do not want the general populace to be armed. Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, for example, said on June 13th that guns could be used for hunting there, "but you can't use a gun for self-protection in Canada. That's not a right that you have either in the constitution or anywhere else." Really? This is nothing less than foolishness on steroids. We have an amendment to our Constitution that guarantees the right of Americans to bear arms. Some, however, like Trudeau, would like to do away with the second amendment.
When Trudeau says that Canadians have no right to defend themselves from "anywhere else," he is wrong. Most countries in the world acknowledge the concept of self-defense, but even if all of them agreed with him (perish the thought!), the Bible authorizes it. Moses revealed God's thinking on the matter to Israel:
"If the thief is found breaking in, and he is struck so that he dies, there shall be no guilt for his bloodshed. If the sun has risen on him, there shall be guilt for his bloodshed. He should make full restitution: if he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft" (Ex. 22:2-3).
If a man is allowed to defend his property; he is surely allowed to defend his family. Human life is of far greater value than possessions. In the daylight, he could see that a man was not armed, but under cover of darkness he cannot tell; thus, he can defend himself.
In the Lord's kingdom, no bad laws exist, and no incompetent prime ministers are in charge of anything. All of our laws are for our own well-being. Our King is worthy of all praise and adoration. Our laws concerning salvation are few; they involve faith in God and in Christ as His Son and our Savior (John 8:24; Heb. 11:6); they demand repentance (Luke 13:3); they tell us to confess the Deity of Christ (Matt. 16:16; Acts 8:37; 1 Tim. 6:12); they command us to be baptized—for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38); and they command us to be faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10). When we are baptized, our sins are cleansed by the blood of Jesus (Acts 22:16; Rev. 1:5). Then we are added to the church—the kingdom of Christ (Acts 2:38, 41, 47; Matt. 16:18-19).
Laws regarding worship are few. What we practice must have Divine authority (Col. 3:17). God wants us to express our worship in five ways: teaching / preaching (1 Tim. 4:16), singing (Col. 3:16), praying (1 Cor. 14:15), giving (2 Cor. 9:6-7), and the Lord's Supper (1 Cor. 11:23-29). Our worship must be from the heart and according to the truth (John 4:23-24).
Jesus Himself taught us the way to love God and one another (Matt. 22:37-40). Much more is explained in the New Testament, but these are some of the key principles. Christians also know that the king is returning (1 Thess. 4:13-18; 2 Thess. 1:7-9) and that we must be prepared for that event (Matt. 24:42).
Jesus Cares for His Kingdom
Let's face it. Many people seek to rule over a kingdom so that they can have power and control over the lives of others. They may be covetous and arrange to amass fortunes either while they are in office or after they leave. We know this corruption exists in the United States, but it does in Communist countries, also—only there the ruler may have absolute control and not need to bother with a House or a Senate. In many instances people are oppressed for the benefit of the leader and / or his cronies.
Our king is not plagued by such ignoble motives. His actions glorify God and benefit His kingdom. He did not attain His present position of power so that He could abuse it as earthly rulers often do. Some politicians have literally made hundreds of thousands of dollars because of the influence they have. Some have been known to have "affairs" even while they are in office. And many have been known to run roughshod over others just to get their way.
Jesus rules in a glorious kingdom that is spiritual in nature. He does not take advantage of His constituents. In fact, He has already shown His love and affection for us by dying on the cross for our sins. He did not do so because we were so worthy. God demonstrated "His love toward us, in that while were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8). The love He has shown, and the sacrifice He made has qualified Him to be our king and to reign over us.
The Christian is one who has declared himself independent from the devil by repenting of his sins and submitting to baptism where the blood of Jesus washes away all sins. We no longer depend on Satan—but on Jesus our Lord. We have departed from the bondage of sin and now walk in the light of the Lord (1 John 1:7). Jesus said that if we continue in His word, we can be His disciples and know the truth. That truth can make us free (John 8:31-32). "Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36).