[Dr. Kenneth Gentry graciously published my article on his site, PostmillennialismToday.com. You can read the full article here.]
Peace. It is illusive, yes, but it is not unattainable. The best of human rulers can only give thanks to God if his kingdom or country is characterized by peace. To say a kingdom is characterized by peace is a high commendation. For example, the reign of Israel’s greatest king, David, was characterized by peace (though not before much fighting had to be done; see 1 Chronicles 22:18; 23:25). Peace was even more prominent during Solomon’s days (1 Kings 4:20; 1 Chronicles 22:8). But the peace of King David and King Solomon was short-lived. As great as they were, these kings were still sinners. Imagine, however, a perfect king, ruling in perfect righteousness. What would be the effect of that? What would the result be if such a king were ruling over us? Would there be peace? Or would there be increasing wickedness and sin? The Bible not only answers that question, it also tells us who that king is.
In Isaiah 32 we are told, “Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment” (v. 1). One modern study Bible notes that this verse foreshadows the “triumph of the Messiah.” The Puritan Matthew Henry, a friend of all postmillennialists, notes that this passage directed the original readers “to look for the kingdom of Christ, and the times of reformation which that kingdom should introduce.” Every Christian will acknowledge that Jesus is King. However, the implications of this kingship are often overlooked. The Shorter Catechism specifically asks, “How doth Christ execute the office of a king” (Q. 26). The answer: “Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.” Some Christians are puzzled by this: if Christ is king, why is there still evil in the world? If Christ is on the throne, why are there still enemies at large? By looking to an Old Testament example of a king, we find instruction from God’s Word on how to view the kingship of Christ.
[Continue reading the post here.]
Reformed Hope 