Upcoming Events
Kingdom Agenda
Jan 28, 11:59 AM
Let’s imagine two people, each devoted and passionate followers of Jesus Christ.
The first one steps forward and says:
“I believe that being a Christian arises from personal faith in the atoning sacrifice of Christ which brings forgiveness of sins and a right relationship with God. This can only come through personal repentance: acknowledgment of sin, a change of heart, and putting one’s trust fully in Jesus Christ alone. I believe that truth is not relative, but comes from the foundation of God’s Word as found in Scripture.”
The other person steps forward and says:
“I believe that being a Christian involves more than just feelings and doctrine. It has to show up in the way you live, the way you see the world, and the way you treat the environment. I care about AIDS, I care about poverty, I care about inequality, and I care about the environment. I believe that being a Christian means being a responsible citizen, involved in the social affairs of life to work for justice for all people.”
In a sense, both of them are right. Both have elements of their belief in the Bible. For some reason these two people do not get along in today’s church. In fact they don’t even seem to like each other. It is a silly fight. They ought to become one in order that they may be a fuller personification of Christ on the earth.
And yet, neither one of them fully captures the essence of the testimony of Christ. Jesus came bringing neither an evangelical agenda nor one of social justice. He came proclaiming, demonstrating, and embodying the way of life which is the Kingdom of God. Jesus did not act like an evangelical preacher nor did He function as a social activist. He spoke about the Kingdom as it is, saying, “The Kingdom of God is like . . .” He spoke of the Kingdom of God as it is going to be when it is fulfilled, saying, “It will be like . . .” He demonstrated Kingdom life as He healed the sick. He embodied Kingdom reality when He gave respect and care for the poor. He called people mired in sin to a more excellent way of life. He challenged the social order and especially its religious stronghold of self-righteousness. There are some things He did not do. For instance, He never made a move against Rome – one of the most oppressive regimes on earth. He did not run for king, even though everybody around Him pressured Him to do it. He gave His life, not merely as a demonstration of altruistic self-sacrifice, but to fulfill the will of the Father as a Lamb slain for the sins of the world.
Repentance and faith are the means of entrance into the Kingdom. Social justice is but one aspect of the total Kingdom way of life. Neither idea alone fully encapsulates the way things are nor the way will things be under the reign of Christ. As the followers of Christ immerse themselves in a more comprehensive Kingdom way of life, we will better proclaim, demonstrate, and embody the Kingdom of God. That is after all our job.