The Testimony of Jesus

In the Book of Revelation, the men redeemed by Jesus form a new priestly company that transcends all national, social, and cultural boundaries, and they persevere in the “Testimony of Jesus” before the world through every affliction and persecution. This is how they follow the “Lamb wherever he goes.”

What sets the Assembly of Jesus apart from the rest of mankind is that it consists of men from every “nation,” “people,” “tribe,” and “tongue” who have been redeemed by the death of Jesus, saints who now summon the rest of humanity to join this company of the Redeemed. His “Kingdom of Priests” mediates the light of the Gospel throughout the Earth.

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One in Christ Jesus

In Galatians, the Apostle Paul compares the Mosaic Law to a “pedagogue” in its supervision of Israel “until the seed came.” That “seed” was Jesus. In Greco-Roman society, the “pedagogue” was usually a slave with custodial and disciplinary authority over an underage child until he reached maturity. The minority status of the child and the authority of the custodian over him were both temporary.

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One Message for All

The Gospel proclaimed by Jesus is NOT about reforming society or fixing governments. His message summons all men to repent and join an entirely new social order and political reality, namely, the Kingdom of God, and his message contradicts the political ideologies of the present “evil age.” Responding positively to his invitation is vital considering the approaching end of the existing world order and its disappearance from the Earth.

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Kingdom Slaves

The man who decides to follow Jesus joins his “Kingdom of Priests,” and as one of his priestly representatives, the new disciple rules with him, both now and in the future. This understanding raises the question:  How, exactly, does a believer participate in the sovereignty of his Lord and exercise his authority? Fortunately, Jesus and Paul have provided us with straightforward answers.

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Spirit and Mission

In the Second Psalm, the Messiah is identified as the Son of God and the ideal king who is anointed by Yahweh to rule over the nations, the one to whom the “Kings of the Earth” pay homage. In the four gospel accounts, he is anointed by the Holy Spirit at his baptism in the Jordan River, equipping him for the proclamation of the “Kingdom of God” to the people of Israel. In turn, he grants the Spirit to his disciples, empowering them to announce His Good News and sovereignty to all nations.

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