God’s kingdom program is rooted in the covenants and unfolds progressively throughout Scripture. Central to that program is the Davidic Covenant, in which God promised David an eternal dynasty, throne, kingdom, and descendant who would rule forever (2 Sam. 7:12-13; Ps. 89:3-4, 34-37). David had an earthly kingdom, and his “throne shall be established forever” (2 Sam. 7:16). Isaiah declared that the promised Son would sit “on the throne of David and over his kingdom” and that His government and peace would never end (Isa. 9:6-7). Jeremiah foretold a “righteous Branch” from David who would reign wisely and execute justice in the land (Jer. 23:5-6; 33:14-17). Ezekiel spoke of a restored Israel living securely under “My servant David” (Ezek. 34:23-24; 37:24-28). Daniel saw the Son of Man receiving an everlasting dominion that would crush all Gentile kingdoms (Dan. 2:44; 7:13-14, 27). Zechariah announced that the Lord Himself would one day be “king over all the earth” (Zech. 14:9). The New Testament opens with these promises still intact, as Gabriel told Mary that Jesus would receive “the throne of His father David” and reign forever (Luke 1:31-33). Jesus is repeatedly identified as the Son of David and rightful heir to the kingdom promises (Matt. 1:1; Rom. 1:3; Rev. 22:16). The kingdom promised in Scripture is a literal, earthly kingdom in which Christ will rule on earth, fulfilling the prayer, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10).
Tag: Bible prophecy
World Events that Imply the Rapture is Near
While we do not know the day or hour of the rapture of the church (1 Th 4:13-18), we can be discerning of the times and alert to developments that appear to be setting the stage for the coming Tribulation (1 Th 5:4-6). According to Scripture, the rapture will occur prior to the Tribulation, and it stands to reason that we may observe certain precursors unfolding before the Lord calls His church to heaven. In light of this, it seems that several world events and technological advances today align with what Scripture describes as dominant features of the Tribulation period, especially the rise of the Antichrist, a centralized global government, and a unified economic system (Dan 7:23-25; Rev 13:16-17). With this in mind, we identify several trends and developments that may help us see how the world is being prepared for these future realities.