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Why are we here? The simple, direct and concise answer is that we are in this world to exercise dominion over the earth in the name of the Lord; That is, we were created and destined to colonize and govern the earth in His name and for His Kingdom.
The essence of Jesus\’ preaching focused exclusively on the Kingdom-Government of God. However, an initial conflict arises here: the Bible does not address the idea of democracy, Christ Jesus is not presented as a president, and the Kingdom is not conceived as a religion. Jesus did not teach people about his own death or resurrection; rather, he dedicated his teachings wholly to the Kingdom of God.
It is crucial to understand that the word \”Lord\” implies and means ownership. In previous centuries, slaves called their owners: “My Lord” (my owner). In the United States, owners of apartments or rental properties are called \”LandLords\”, that is, owners of the land. \”Lord\”, when applied to God, means owner of all things on earth and in the visible and invisible universe, which makes Jesus the Lord/Owner of all the earth. We were created for the purpose of \”colonizing\”, that is, conquering and subduing everything on earth for our owner and Lord. Man is the only creature that man is prohibited from conquering, everything else has been placed under human dominion.
The concept of the Kingdom is radically different from democracy; This can generate conflicts for those of us accustomed to thinking in democratic terms, where the government belongs to the people or to all. We are trained to conceive of \”rule by all,\” and these ideas present challenges when we delve into the Bible, which is, essentially, the Constitution of the Kingdom of God. The Bible establishes the laws and principles of God\’s government, a reign that differs substantially from a democracy. It is not the government of all or the people, but the government of the Lord God, the owner of all things.
The Bible, therefore, becomes the Constitution that governs the Kingdom of God, providing a framework for understanding and living in harmony with divine government. Instead of seeking democracy, we must embrace and apply the principles of the Kingdom of God in our lives and society. This approach challenges us to change our mindset and align ourselves with the will and rule of the Lord over all the earth.
In the world and within the church, many people face serious challenges when reading the Bible, since this book tells us not about religion, but about a Kingdom, a King, a royal family and a constitution that details the laws of that Kingdom. By adopting this perspective, the Bible is revealed not as an ordinary religious text, but as a legal document.
Each country, nation or kingdom has its own constitution, which establishes the rules and aspirations of its population. However, in a kingdom, the constitution represents the aspirations of the King for his people, not the aspirations of the people for themselves. This concept is reflected in the biblical statement: \”But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God\’s own people, that you may proclaim the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light\” (First Peter, chapter 2 verse 9).
The Bible, then, is revealed as a legal document that guarantees the King\’s promises to his citizens. To view it simply as a religious book would limit our understanding of all that God desires for us. For this reason, the Bible is called The Law of God, highlighting its legal nature.
Galatians chapter 6 verse 2 urges us to \”Bear one another\’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.\” Here, the law is related to the practice of love and solidarity among believers. Furthermore, First John, chapter 4 verses 7 to 8 teaches us that loving one another is a manifestation of God\’s love in us, thus connecting the law with the very essence of God, which is love. First John, chapter 5 verse 3 reinforces this idea, indicating that loving God involves obeying his commandments, which are not a burden but an expression of genuine love.
Psalm 40 verse 8 reinforces the idea of living according to God\’s will: \”I delight to do your will, my God, I carry your law within me.\” Here, God\’s law is not imposed externally, but rather becomes an intrinsic part of us, guiding our actions and decisions.
The Bible is more than a religious book; It is a legal document that reflects the laws and aspirations of the Kingdom of God. Its focus on love, solidarity and obedience reflects the relationship of the citizens of this Kingdom with their King, and carrying these laws in our hearts becomes a delight, not a burden.
God\’s law addresses legal rights and responsibilities in the Kingdom, both those that the King offers us and those that we, as citizens, are called to obey and fulfill. Unlike a democracy, we cannot simply change what we don\’t like in the Kingdom of God. A citizen in this Kingdom is not simply a religious person, but someone with legal rights. We are not mere members; We are citizens, which implies specific rights and duties.
In Philippians, chapter 3 verses 12 to 21, the apostle Paul highlights the perspective of citizenship in the Kingdom of God. It is not a state of instant perfection, but a continuous process of growth. The goal is to grasp that for which we were grasped by Christ Jesus. Paul exhorts us to forget what is behind, to reach for what is ahead, and to pursue the goal of the high calling in Christ Jesus.
Citizenship in the Kingdom of God implies following a common rule and feeling the same thing. It is not simply passive membership, but active and committed participation in the life of the Kingdom.
In verse 20, Paul emphasizes that our citizenship is not earthly, but heavenly. Our hope is in the Savior, Jesus Christ, who will transform our bodies and subject all things to himself.
The citizenship analogy connects to Jesus\’ conversation with Nicodemus, where he explains how to acquire citizenship in the Kingdom of God. While many pay high sums to obtain citizenship in countries like the United States, in the Kingdom of God, the lawyer is Jesus and citizenship is free. This central message of the Bible is the message of the Kingdom, of how each can regain his citizenship in the Kingdom of God.
Throughout his earthly ministry, Jesus spoke exclusively of the Kingdom of God because his desire is for us to regain our citizenship in that Kingdom. Each individual is born to be a leader, an ambassador of the Kingdom of God on earth. In all areas of life, we must bring the Kingdom of God, without waiting to die to experience it, since we can live it here on earth. Citizenship in the Kingdom of God implies an active and committed life, reflecting the rights and responsibilities that it entails.
