Recently, I preached on the three main Christian views regarding the “millennium”. I usually do not preach on eschatology unless the text I’m preaching drives me there, which in this case it did. Premillennialism, amillennialism, and postmillennialism all contain fundamentally different theories concerning Christ’s rule in the “millennium”. Each position has its own take on when Christ rules, where He rules from, and even exactly how He rules the “millennium”. But even premillennialists do not deny that Christ ascended and rules from heaven now.
I am privileged to pastor a Reformed congregation. And if you know anything about Reformed folk, then you know that we have strong convictions. We tend to wear our doctrine on our sleeves. It would make sense, therefore, for our church to have a policy requiring any man serving as an elder to possess Reformed convictions when it comes to the breadth and depth of his theology. However, a man can serve as an elder at Christ Reformed while maintaining any of the three main positions on eschatology. In other words, the eldership does not consider one’s eschatology a disqualifying factor, so long as it fits within the framework of orthodoxy. I understand that not every church operates the same way, but most Reformed churches do not view eschatology as a dividing factor.
Matthew 13:31-33 is a favorite passage of postmillennialists in particular. Here Jesus teaches the parables of the mustard seed and leaven. Both parables make a very simple point regarding the incremental growth and influence of the kingdom of God. But one should not insist that Matthew 13 is a passage only for postmillennialists. It is a biblical passage, which means it carries authority for all three positions on eschatology. Every Christian, in one degree or another, affirms the influence of the kingdom of God in the world here and now. No self-respecting Christian that I know of would wish for anything other than a kingdom influence upon society – especially in the current societal upheaval we find ourselves in today. And why not? The Bible teaches that Christian influence upon society will be the by-product of faithfulness. But Scripture also teaches that working toward such influence is mandated by the King Himself.
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven”.[i]
I fear, however, that many Christians operate with a certain defeatist mentality regarding the success, and even appropriateness, of kingdom influence. Fear is a powerful human emotion. Many Christians speak as if the events going on in the world today threaten the kingdom of God somehow. Some suggest that raising political issues only serve to divide the church at a time we cannot afford to be divided. Now, do these professing Christians actually believe the church is doomed? Perhaps not. How could a genuine Christian have faith in Christ, but doubt the words of Christ? After all, Jesus promised that He would build the church and that the gates of Hades would not prevail against it.[ii] I do think, however, that many within the visible church have been conditioned to operate according to an unbiblical escapism. They view this world as one cursed by sin, and rightly so. The best thing that could happen is for God to secretly rapture the saints so that we can leave this God-forsaken world. But such a mindset can be dangerous. Believing in a secret rapture of the saints is not dangerous in and of itself, and I’m not mocking those who affirm such a rapture. But theology does matter. What we believe will inevitably determine how we live. And in this case, how we view our present circumstances (and the potential of future circumstances) is predicated upon our grasp of how much kingdom influence upon society we believe to be a good thing.
For starters, God has not forsaken this world. And furthermore, Christians have an obligation and responsibility to urge those around them to submit to the headship of Jesus Christ. This was Peter’s take as he preached to yet converted Jews on the Day of Pentecost.
Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.[iii]
Is it possible that some have not given due consideration to Christ’s session, or rule at the right hand of the Father following His glorious ascension? I think that such is not only possible, but is the reality of this generation of Christians. The result of this is often seen in lifestyles of escape; disengagement rather than engagement. Fear rather than courage rules the day. After all, we dare not offend anyone in our politically correct culture. And why does it matter what happens on the world stage anyway, especially if Christ’s return is immanent? Soon we’ll be done with this world. So, instead of taking Christ at His Word that the influence of God’s kingdom will grow incrementally over time and that Christians have a responsibility to participate in kingdom mandates, many disappear, disengage, and lament the condition of the world. But there must be a better way. And I think there is. Once a Christian grasps the import of Christ’s coronation as King – a coronation in which He was given all authority and all power in heaven and on earth[iv] – the way forward takes a different direction. Rather than operating according to an escapist, survivalist, or prepper mindset, a Christian who recognizes Christ’s right and reality of ruling over all things will shift to a hopeful, engaging, and courageous mindset.
In 1943 the eminent theologian of Westminster Seminary, John Murray, published a short piece entitled The Christian World Order[v]. Murray defines the Christian world order as “a world order that in all aspects and spheres is Christian.”[vi] While a complete Christian world order free from the vestiges of sin and corruption is impossible until the second advent of Christ, Murray argues nonetheless that Christians should still work toward a Christian world order in the life that we live now. Murray maintained – and I believe correctly so – that one need not be a postmillennialist to work toward a Christian world order.
A Christian world order will culminate in a new heavens and new earth following Christ’s second coming.[vii]But this does not mean that Christians have no work to do now. Christians should work toward what God has promised. I will allow John Murray to comment further on this matter:
“Our dilemma would seem to be indeed perplexing. If we have to wait for the supernatural forces that Christ’s advent will bring in its train before the order of absolute right and holiness will be ushered in, is there any sense in speaking of a Christian world order except as an eschatological hope? Particularly and most practically, is there good sense in working towards the establishment of a Christian order when we know that, in the completeness of its conception, it is not attainable in what we generally call this life? We must be bold to say that the Christian revelation does not allow us to do anything less than to formulate and work towards a Christian world order in this life that we now live. It is not difficult to demonstrate the validity and even necessity of this thesis…The rule and standard for us are the irreducible claims and demands of the divine sovereignty, and these irreducible claims are that the sovereignty of God and of His Christ be recognized and applied in the whole range of life, of interest, of vocation, and of activity. That is just saying that the demands of the divine sovereignty make it impossible for us to evade the obligation to strive with all our heart and soul and strength and mind for the establishment of an order that will bring to realization all the demands of God’s majesty, authority, supremacy, and kingship. And this, in a word, is simply the full fruition of the kingdom of God, wherever we are, and in the whole compass of thought, word, and action.”[viii]
But how does a Christian world order come about? Let me suggest several areas of reformation needed in the world today in order for us to work toward this. These areas of reformation are not contingent upon the might of man, but the Spirit of God. The Spirit brings about a Christian world order. For a fuller discussion on this, read Murray. I am building my case to a great degree on the foundation he laid. I pray that even if you disagree with my arguments and conclusions that you will nonetheless prayerfully consider your role in propagating gospel influence in your own corner of this world.
Reformation In Prayer
A Christian world order begins with a reformation in prayer. The prayer Jesus taught us to pray in Matthew 6 is a good place to start. This past Sunday I had the privilege of teaching our youth class during the Sunday school hour. My assigned topic came from the Westminster Shorter Catechism and pertained to the third petition: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”.[ix] Countless activities have replaced an emphasis on one of the most basic means of grace – praying for God’s kingdom to come and for His powerful will to be done on earth. How many minutes a week does your church spend in prayer in just their corporate worship services alone? I’m almost afraid to ask.
As I taught, I realized my own failures to confidently pray this way. I sensed within myself a sinful apprehension to pray about certain issues lest I be called a racist, radical patriot, or divisive Christian. From this I must repent. From this all Christians must repent. If Christ told us to pray this way, then that means two things. First, we are to pray this way. And second, we are to expect Him to answer these prayers. Why would God ask us to pray for something that will not happen? The kingdom of God is meant to have an influence upon this world in the here and now. Christians are to be proclaimers of truth regardless of the costs. We are to pray for repentance in our nation. We are to pray for the salvation of our political leaders. We are to pray that gospel light penetrates the darkness of sin that covers our land. We are not to live as defeatists. We are to pray big prayers – like, “God please change the world” type prayers.
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?[x]
If you look at the church today, you do not see an emphasis on prayer. Furthermore, the content of prayers in many churches follow more along the lines of “Come, quickly Lord Jesus.” Such is not a bad prayer to pray so long as we are also praying for the influence of God’s kingdom upon this earth. Do we believe that Christ’s authority can be seen in the world today upon earth? If not, we should. And if we have trouble believing it, perhaps we should pray for it and see what happens. After all, Christ commands us to pray this way. A Christian world order will only come about through prayer.
Reformation In Cultural Engagement
The influence of the kingdom is not established the way the kingdoms of the world are. Jesus’ kingdom comes through prayer as we have just seen. But His kingdom also comes by war, but not the type you might be thinking. The Christian’s war is one of words, not swords.
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.[xi]
Christian leaders cannot afford to be silent any longer. Cancel culture or not, we are in a war of words against worldly ideologies. And the only weapon we have is the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God”.[xii] We are in desperate need of robust cultural engagement. We must do this while we still have a voice. God gave you your voice. He redeemed your voice. Your mouth is not yours, it’s His. Christians must boldly use their voice for the kingdom, like heralds. Of course, this includes preaching the gospel above all else.
But I don’t think it stops there. We must speak out against the political, radical, anti-God agendas pervasive in our society. For example, it is a violation of God’s holy law to murder babies. Abortion is the greatest crime of this generation. Republicans are not innocent, but the Democratic party is the party of abortion. Democrats run on that platform. History will not be kind to us. And it shouldn’t be. We deserve God’s severe judgement for tolerating and placing in office those who reach beyond their limits into the womb of a mother to take a life put there by God. Why are we surprised that people take to the streets to literally tear down civilization? And why are we further surprised that those who have the power to stop it don’t? Toppling a statue is a great crime. I particularly despise such an action out of my love for history. But such does not compare to the crime of cutting babies up. When a society lowers itself to murdering the innocents, anything is possible. We should not be surprised about any form of wickedness. We have turned our heads from what we cannot see in a murder mill, then act appalled when some young thug climbs onto Christopher Columbus and spray paints his face. How dare he, we say. And rightly so. But where was our voice and action when that little life was taken in the backroom of a murder mill at the hands of a butcher who calls himself a doctor? God help us.
I recently saw an interview of two high profile University professors, one teaches at the University of California at Santa Cruz, and the other at George Mason University. The host was asking them questions regarding the breakdown of education in our country. There has been a growing, but presently an even greater intensification of leftist indoctrination in colleges. College campuses are essentially “one party campuses”. This creates a platform for the extreme leftists, who operate according to Marxist principles. The agenda is simple: condition the youth of our culture in Marxist principles. One of these professors said that recent studies have verified that a quarter of college professors in the United States openly acknowledge that they are Marxists. This does not take into account perhaps another quarter who teach Marxist principles but would never admit publicly to being Marxist.[xiii]
Western Civilization is in a battle against Marxism. Christians may not be able to change all that passes as “education” on college campuses, but we can start where God has placed us. We can seek to have a gospel influence within the educational spheres God has placed us. The most fundamental and natural place for Christian education is the home. I am not talking about homeschooling, though such is increasingly looking like the best and most logical option. I’m talking about the duty of parents to establish a Christian world order within the home.
Reformation In Fatherhood
In light of the recent riots in Minneapolis, a brother-pastor in my own state of Florida simply tweeted, “America looks like it needs a dad.” Spot on! If a Christian world order is going to materialize, then it will require godly fathers doing their jobs.
Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.[xiv]
Fathers have both the delight and duty of speaking to a captive audience every night at the dinner table. So, what will fathers speak about to their children? Perhaps the apostle Paul’s words might help.
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.[xv]
I wander how many of those rioters actually knew their dads? And how many of those dads were successful in not provoking their children to anger? I’ll let the TV or I-phone screen answer that question. The anger of rioters was preceded by some nefarious provocation. For sake of simplicity, we’ll call it fatherly negligence. It is obvious that God has given Christian fathers a weighty responsibility to evangelize their children. But it’s sort of difficult to do that when fathers are not around, either physically or spiritually. Let’s be clear. God’s kingdom does not grow apart from regeneration. God’s kingdom is not dependent upon political revolution or patriarchial requirements, but spiritual renovation. Men are not saviors. The God-Man alone is Savior. Salvation only comes through the gospel in which alone resides power to make a new creation. But God established the family as the first main institution of society. God is the Creator behind that life that men and women produce through procreation. And with that physical life comes a responsibility to do all one can to ensure it receives spiritual life. Both physical and spiritual life come from God. Was this not Jesus’s point to Nicodemus in John 3? Even still, if a Christian world order is to be a reality, it will begin with the presence – not the absence – of fathers. God gave Adam a home not merely to nurture and tend the garden, but also to cultivate godliness within the heart soil of his wife and children. Fathers must act as the priests of their homes, teaching the law of God and training their children to love the Lord Jesus Christ. The home needs a massive reformation. And such reformation begins with fathers, and then extends to mothers. Sadly, the family seems to be a thing of the past in our culture. Broken homes are the norm, and have been for quite sometim now.
It may interest you to know (and should, by the way) that Marxism seeks to abolish the family. The Western nuclear family is viewed as the enemy of Marxist ideology. Through the influence of families in general and fathers in particular, the Marxist argues, an unhealthy patriarchal structure is established which in turn produces class inequality. Is it not ironic that the same rioters who want so-called class equality are the same ones who did not have a father providing for them in order to prevent their poverty? It is not the presence of fathers that leads to poverty, but the absence of them. I’ll grant that there is enough blame on dads to go around. But the dads who are present, provide, and protect are not to blame. Those who instill biblical principles and teach the gospel are not the problem. Marxism disagrees. And since it is being taught in the education system, it is mostly younger people protesting. Many do not know their fathers, so they may not know better. But Christian fathers know better. And Christian fathers will be held accountable for how they educate their children in the ways of the Lord.
Feminism is integrally tied to Marxist thought. The feminist also blames men and families. Women are oppressed in Christian homes in particular. A poor black woman is even more at the crossroads of intersectionality. Why? Because she is oppressed in at least three ways. She’s black. She’s a woman. And she’s poor. Christian fathers are to blame for this. And so it goes. If you want to know the result of such thinking, then just look at Western civilization today. What we see before our eyes is the result. Marxism is winning. Where are the dads who will stand up and say enough is enough? Well, it must be Christian fathers who understand their mandate as members of the kingdom of God. Christian fathers must train the next generation in biblicism, not Marxism. And if you happen to be a parent who sends your children to the public schools, your work will be cut out for you. All the time you spend deprogramming them from Marxist ideals could be swapped for the time spent pouring biblical truth into their souls if you selected a better form of education. A Christian world order will not happen any other way.
Marxism refuses to recognize that the origins of man are not tribal, but familial. God created the family. And He did not give multiple partners to Adam, but one. The community does not own all things equally. Sexual intercourse is not meant to be a shared enterprise within the community. But women want their liberty. And so do men. Why is this shocking? A cry for so-called liberty and freedom from oppression will always lead to free sexual oppression. This is just the way it works. The family is in the way of freedom. But the Bible paints a different picture, of course. The family – a spouse and children – is the most fulfilling investment of human existence. The family was not instituted after man’s fall into sin, but before it. The family is not a modern invention of capitalism. It is a concept as old as the Garden of Eden. And when viewed rightly, and taken seriously, it brings the most fulfillment. Forget freedom for a moment, and liberation. God promises fulfillment. And fulfillment is always a freeing experience. Freedom comes when one lives according to the standards of God’s law and original design.
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”[xvi]
The family is the primary social order, so when it breaks down the rest of society crumbles with it. This is what we are witnessing before our eyes today in the West.
Godly families are salt and light to a cursed world. That tree Jesus spoke about in His parable in Matthew 13, the one He says will one day fill the whole world, could be called a “family tree”. The family tree of God often grows – indeed most naturally grows – through individual family units where fathers and mothers and children obey God’s Word. If this isn’t the case, then why does Scripture place such a strong emphasis on the Christian family?
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.[xvii]
Reformation in the Church
The reason Marxism rejoices in churches being burnt rather than being built is precisely because they know what the Scriptures teach regarding the family. And they do not want the message propagated any longer. Unfortunately, the church has capitulated to such pressure in many quarters. But how can the family remain pure when the church tolerates, or even promotes immorality?
But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.[xviii]
One obvious blemish of the visible church is Revoice. Revoice does not need a reformation, it needs a rebuke.[xix]When the self-proclaimed visible church says that its mission is to “support and encourage gay, lesbian, bisexual, and other same-sex attracted Christians—as well as those who love them—so that all in the Church might be empowered to live in gospel unity while observing the historic Christian doctrine of marriage and sexuality”, then you know: a) sexual immorality will be tolerated in the visible church, b) the family will break down as a result, and c) confusion will abound since the church cannot encourage gay, lesbian, bisexual, and other same sex attracted Christians to continue in their sinful lifestyles while at the same time maintain a biblical ethic of marriage and sexuality. When large denominations harbor swaths of people and pastors who promote and participate in Revoice principles without holding them fully accountable, you know the church is in trouble. Perhaps it will not be rioters who burn down these churches. Perhaps the King will make war with them with the sword of His mouth. He’s done it before with a church named Pergamum.[xx]
The church has a Head. His name is Jesus Christ. He is the King. He has a law. He has standards. The church is subject to His pressures and priorities, not the culture’s. Now, the church is not the state and the state is not the church. The church does not have the right to wield the sword, just as the state does not have the right to administer the sacraments. But both have been ordained of God. And both must function under Christ’s headship within their own domains of influence and authority. The church is not to take over the world in crusade-like fashion. Nevertheless, the church does have an obligation – yea a mandate from her King – to seek to establish Christian order within herself. When the domain of the church is infiltrated by worldly principles it is not the world’s fault. Such is the church’s fault. And the only remedy is repentance. The Bride of Christ has muddied her wedding garment.
The church cannot change the world in her own power. The power lies in the gospel. But she can change her ways. She must change her ways in order to be salt and light in society. She must proclaim the gospel. She must proclaim the standards of God’s law. She must proclaim the world order to which ultimately Christ’s headship obligates in every sphere of life including the family, the church, and the state.[xxi] She must do this both in her liturgy and lifestyle. She must preach and live truth. Marxism is not just the enemy of the state and family. It is also the enemy of the church. The church must speak against it by pointing to the One true King and His laws. The church is to have one voice with the prophets Isaiah and Micah.
Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob that He may teach us his ways and that we may walk in His paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.[xxii]
Reformation of the State
The fifth area of reformation that I want to suggest is necessary for a Christian world order is the government. Following the family and the church, the state is the third institution ordained by God that must submit to His authority. Scripture is clear that all governments are to recognize that their authority and power comes from God.
There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, He is able to save and to destroy.[xxiii]
The state has an obligation both to preserve and promote civil obedience. This include the concepts of peace and liberty, and law and order. But many Christians wrongly assume politics do not belong in the pulpit. Think for a minute how ridiculous such an assertion sounds. Civil authorities are supposed to enforce laws, right?. They are supposed to uphold morals. They are actually obligated to do so according to Scripture. Does morality have anything to do with the Christian message? Of course, it does. There is only one Lawgiver ultimately. It stands to reason, therefore, that politics belong in the pulpit in some sense because politicians oversee legislation.
Do civil magistrates have an obligation to promote good and punish evil? Romans 13 more than suggests so.
For he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer.[xxiv]
Rioters and looters are not simply against government, they are simultaneously against God. They are not laying a foundation for any moral change; they are tearing down the morality built in this country through the influence of Christianity. They are not heroes, but criminals. The state receives its authority from God, therefore civil authorities are in rebellion against God when they tolerate a violent mob mentality.
For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.[xxv]
And while we are on the topic of government negligence and transgression, we may dare to ask if Christians are allowed to expect, and even hold accountable, governmental authorities to tell the truth? Our country has an entire department named the Department of Justice. It is increasingly becoming clear, however, that this is just a fancy name. It has a nice ring to it, but such a department means nothing if it is empty of truth. Justice is about truth. And truth is rooted in the ninth commandment where God tells us not to bear false witness.[xxvi] Does it not appear strange to you that somehow it is okay for crowds to gather on streets with the express purpose of either directly breaking the law or at a minimum challenging the law, yet it is considered a major health risk to attend a Trump rally? How much energy and breathing and sweating and close contact is required to burn and loot as opposed to sitting in a stadium listening to a speech? I’ve never rioted and looted, but it looks like quite a bit of energy is expended in such actions. I have sat in plenty of indoor stadiums. They are pretty comfortable and I’ve never had a problem with people breathing heavily right on top of me. Does anyone still think there has not been some level of bearing false witness by certain government officials during Covid-19? If there was any doubt, there should not be any more.
The job of the state is to guard the rights of the individuals, not the mobs. Civil authority has its own zone. Its authority has been given to it by God. It is not to cross lines with either the authority of the church or the family. This is why the United States has always endorsed the basic principle of religious liberty. The family also has its zone of authority. Children do not belong to the village; they belong to their parents. Owning private property is also a legitimate right in a sane, civil, and moral society. In the eighth commandment God tells us not to steal.[xxvii] So, when we take what rightfully belongs to others and give it to those who did not work for it, we are not first and foremost in rebellion against Capitalism or a free market, we are in rebellion against God Himself. God’s law gives to the individual the right to own the property he worked to purchase. God’s law also gives to the individual the right to own his home. But these liberties are being threatened. God’s law also forbids us from committing adultery in the seventh commandment.[xxviii] So putting all of this together, a man has his own wife in his own home, and I am not to invade that home and take what lawfully belongs to him. I am not to take his wife or his house or his children. I am not to loot his business because I think what he has should belong to me.
The point is that God alone is sovereign over every square inch of this world. All authority was given to Christ both in heaven and on earth upon His resurrection and just prior to His ascension. He is the Lawgiver. And many of His laws have built into them certain inalienable rights for citizens of any government. Forget the Constitution of the United States for a moment. The Bible serves as our constitution here. Governments, therefore, have no right to take away certain rights. It may not sound popular, but the civil authorities are under obligation to acknowledge Christ’s headship. And acknowledging the King of King’s headship practically means acknowledging and upholding the King’s laws. This is not a page out of the postmillennial playbook; it is a Scriptural principle through and through. Did Christ come to conquer souls alone? Did He not also come to conquer families and governments? Did He not come to conquer the nations? Please help me if I am reading my Bible wrongly. Does the gospel eventually remove the effects of sin in some parts of the world, or in every part? Whether we believe it or not, God has promised to subdue the nations. All governments will yield to Him one day. Working toward a Christian world order is part of the Great Commission. It is not negotiable. Such is fundamentally what Jesus was speaking about in the last words He gave while on this earth.
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.[xxix]
The responsibility of seeking a Christian world order within the three God-ordained institutions of the family, the church, and society is a great one. This prerogative may rest with citizens of God’s kingdom, but the power comes from God alone. Christians must embrace their responsibility while also acknowledging that the results will come from the King. He’s ruling and reigning.
For He must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.[xxx]
May we trust Him. May we pray. May we work hard. May we not be silent about the gospel. May we publish truth. To quote the devout Christian, General Stonewall Jackson (while people still actually know who he is), “Duty is ours; consequences are God’s.”
For He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.[xxxi]
[i] Matthew 5:13-16, ESV.
[ii] Matthew 16:18
[iii] Acts 2:36
[iv] Matthew 28:18
[v] Originally published in The Presbyterian Guardian, October 10, 1943. It can be accessed in Collected Writings of John Murray, Vol.1: The Claims of Truth, Banner of Truth, 356-366.
[vi] Murray, 356.
[vii] 2 Peter 3:13
[viii] Murray, 357-358.
[ix] Matthew 6:10
[x] I John 5:4-5
[xi] 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
[xii] Ephesians 6:17
[xiii] Life, Liberty, and Levin, Episode Aired June 21, 2020. https://www.foxnews.com/shows/life-liberty-levin
[xiv] Matthew 18:3
[xv] Ephesians 6:4
[xvi] Genesis 2:18
[xvii] Ephesians 5:25, 5:22; 6:1-3
[xviii] Ephesians 5:3
[xix] https://revoice.us/about/our-mission-and-vision/
[xx] Revelation 2:16
[xxi] Murray, 362.
[xxii] Isaiah 2:3; Micah 4:2
[xxiii] James 4:12
[xxiv] Romans 13:4
[xxv] Romans 13:1
[xxvi] Exodus 20:16
[xxvii] Exodus 20:15
[xxviii] Exodus 20:14
[xxix] Matthew 28:18-20
[xxx] I Corinthians 15:25
[xxxi] I John 4:4
