The Theocratic Kingdom of Our Lord Jesus, the Christ - As Covenanted in the Old Testament and Presented in the New Testament #248189

This already appears from (lie contemplated cessation of all Gentile domination, the complete overthrew of all kingdoms and states, and the bringing of all nations directly (by the rule of the saints, etc.) under tile one great central Theocratic authority. For, whatever purposes the institution of human government, in the past and the present dispensation, may subserve, it is distinctly announced that so much of imperfection and evil is attached to it in all its varied forms that it is incompatible with the new order of things which shall be presented in "the age to come."<br><br>Obs. 1. In the consideration of this subject men have been apt to rush to extremes, presenting conclusions which are not warranted by Scripture. One party lands and magnifies human government, as it has existed and now exists, as a Divine institution, speaking loudly of "the divine rights of kings," or of "the sovereignty of the people," etc. - so numerous writers of the past and present. Another party, only regarding the threats, etc., against such government, and misapprehending the time, manner, etc., of God's kingdom to replace it, undertake to break down such government by substituting one of their own; so the Anabaptists, Fifth Monarchy Men, in the days of the Reformation, the Mormons, etc. Still another party so decry all human government, that they insist upon it, that it is the duty of believers to avoid having any personal connection with them in any official capacity, or in upholding them in any form as a participator; so e.g. Quakers, Christadelphians. some Adventists, Seventh Day baptists, etc. We avoid all such extravagant deductions by allowing the Scriptures to testify to three things pertaining to human government, viz., (1) its necessity; (2) its character; (3) its ultimato destiny.