The work of God has both a spiritual and a temporal application.
The gospel pertains to the spiritual well-being of the individual. The
government of God pertains to the temporal well-being of society. When
Zion is finally achieved here on earth, these two facets will function harmoniously
like husband and wife.
The first advent of Christ was to establish the foundation of the gospel. The second
advent is to establish his righteous government. Together these constitute the church and
kingdom of God on earth, that his will might be done on earth even as it is in heaven.
Anciently, the Jews were ordained by God to be his husbandmen to prepare for his first
coming. Their expectation and focus, however, was with the temporal or government
aspect of the kingdom. They crucified their Messiah, the son of God, thereby bringing about the
means of spiritual deliverance for all mankind, through the gospel of Jesus
Christ.
Today, the Gentiles have been ordained of God to be his husbandmen to prepare for his second
coming. Their expectation and focus, however, is with the spiritual or individual
aspect of the gospel. They are in process of rejecting Messiah as he manifests himself to
them in these latter days in the person of the Davidic servant. Out of that rejection of the work
of the Father in their midst will come temporal deliverance from tyrannical
captivity that is coming upon them and the world.
Zion will be established no more to be thrown down, filling the whole earth, which will be
renewed and receive its paradisaical glory.
With the Jews anciently and the Gentiles in our day, while the main body may grow corrupt, a
remnant has ears to hear and accepts the greater work of God in their midst. Those who do not
hearken are cut off from among the people of God.
Hence, the stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head stone of their
corner. This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
Sterling
D. Allan; Mapleton, Utah; January 30, 1999
|
The Lord taught his people in parables anciently, and he is
doing so again today. Those who have eyes to see will see. |
