I'm just getting into studying theonomy, and while I'm understanding the things I read from both sides, and agreeing with some from both, I definitely have questions as well. One that I've been thinking about lately is how theonomists interpret John 18:36, where Jesus says, "My kingdom is not of this world." I know theonomists have to have an interpretation of that verse that fits consistently into their worldview, since it is such a basic statement. I just haven't run into any articles that address it yet, so I thought here would be a good place to start.

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Chris


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Christopher Blum
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36 Jesus answered, "œMy kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world."�

Matt 5:10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.

John Calvin on this verse:

But here a question arises, Is it not law fill to defend the kingdom of Christ by arms? For when Kings and Princes are commanded to kiss the Son of God, (Psalm 2:10-12) not only are they enjoined to submit to his authority in their private capacity, but also to employ all the power that they possess, in defending the Church and maintaining godliness. I answer, first, they who draw this conclusion, that the doctrine of the Gospel and the pure worship of God ought not to be defended by arms, are unskillful and ignorant reasoners; for Christ argues only from the facts of the case in hand, how frivolous were the calumnies which the Jews had brought against him. Secondly, though godly kings defend the kingdom of Christ by the sword, still it is done in a different manner from that in which worldly kingdoms are wont to be defended; for the kingdom of Christ, being spiritual, must be founded on the doctrine and power of the Spirit. In the same manner, too, its edification is promoted; for neither the laws and edicts of men, nor the punishments inflicted by them, enter into the consciences. Yet this does not hinder princes from accidentally defending the kingdom of Christ; partly, by appointing external discipline, and partly, by lending their protection to the Church against wicked men. It results, however, from the depravity of the world, that the kingdom of Christ is strengthened more by the blood of the martyrs than by the aid of arms.

Calvin, J. (1998). Calvin's Commentaries: John (electronic ed.). Logos Library System; Calvin's Commentaries (Jn 18:36). Albany, OR: Ages Software.

[Edited on 26-10-2004 by crhoades]

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Chris Rhoades -33
Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church (PCA) Nashville, TN-Under Care

Vera theologia non theoretica, sed practica est; Finis siquidem eius agere est hoc est vitam vivere deiformem. - Martin Bucer
""True theology is not theoretical, but practical. The end of it is living, that is to live a godly life."

Good response Chris. Christ's Kingdom isn't of the "world", and yet it is in the world. And the yeast will leaven the whole loaf.

His kingdom is in the world, but not of the world. Like when Christians say they are to be in the world, but not of the world.

(edited note: I feel like an idiot, someone just said that)



[Edited on 11-28-2004 by ConfederateTheocrat]

Then there is the verse in Revelation 11 that says "the Kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and his Christ." A futurist can avoid that saying that Revelation is a future oriented book, but this verse can carry weight with preterists.

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J. B. Atken
John Knox PCA
Layman, M.A. student at Louisiana College