Quote:
Originally Posted by houston
I am fine with the constitution. Goverments are ordained by God. 
I don't see theonomy jiving with the NT model of the church. |
Eph_3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
That is theonomy and the church's relation to it right there.
One of the primary purposes of the ekklesia of God (a governmental term, by he way - ekklesia) is to teach the 'powers' (exousias, the AUTHORITIES in 'heavenly places') the manifold wisdom of God. The wisdom of God is known via His Word.
In other words, the church of God is responsible for teaching the Will of God to the powers that be. Why? So they can fulfill this:
Rom 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
Rom 13:2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Rom 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
Rom 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain:
for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
The purpose of civil government is to enforce the law of God in the punishment of evil.
Jesus said this:
Mat 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,
All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Mat 28:19 Go ye
therefore, and
teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
The Great Commission, the Mandate of the Church, is to teach ALL NATIONS that Jesus Christ has been given ALL authority both in heaven AND IN EARTH, and that ALL NATIONS are to begin obeying all of His Commandments.
What some call 'theonomy' is what is more generally known as 'the gospel'. See this:
Mat_24:14 And
this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Good news of what? Good news of the KINGDOM. A Kingdom is nothing less than a bona fide GOVERNMENT. What Government does not have a law? All government has law, otherwise it is no government. A kingdom is a government (and a law) headed by a king.
Jesus Christ is a king. A genuine king, just as surely as the old woman in London is a queen, even more so. He is the King of Israel, Son of David, indeed Son of GOD, indeed GOD HIMSELF, and thus King of the Universe.
To become a Christian is to submit to His claims and His authority, to become a CITIZEN of His Kingdom. EVERY citizen is bound by obligation to be loyal to the LAW and GOVERNMENT of their kingdom/nation. Thus, all Christians are expected to be loyal to the Law and Government of God's Kingdom.
So then for a Christian to suggest that God's Law as revealed in the Holy Bible, as understood an interpreted by Jesus Christ and His apostles, is somehow inferior or is something to be avoided or rejected, is nothing less than treason, is it not? Yes, for treason is adhering to the ENEMIES of one's nation, and God has declared that all the nations of the world are under sin (criminal tresspass and rebellion) and that makes them ENEMIES.
Jas_4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that
the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
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