Christians have regularly struggled with how they should live in this fallen world. Should they retreat into their own enclaves and disengage from the world with all of its problems and attendant difficulties? “No,” asserts Dr. Abraham Kuyper! He gives us this bold answer to the question by reminding Christians everywhere that God owns the earth and all that is in it. Simply stated, the Lord has never given title to anyone else, nor did He leave it solely under the authority of the Evil One. The Lord owns it all–every “square inch.” In addition, the Lord is steadily advancing the kingdom of His Son here on earth. Consider these two Psalms,
“The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.”
Psalm 24:1-2
“The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool…The Lord is at your right hand; he will shatter kings on the day of His wrath. He will execute judgment among the nations, filling them with corpses; he will shatter chiefs over the wide earth. He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore he will lift up his head.”
Psalm 110:1, 4-7
Therefore, we as the people of God, must live under His authority and seek to advance His Son’s kingdom throughout our lives. It is not a futile task! The Lord promises us the Kingdom of Christ is a domain “that cannot be shaken.” (Heb. 12:28) It is steadily advancing throughout history, even though at times it may be hidden from our sight. (Matt. 13:31-33) Nonetheless, this fact should give us hope in times of growing darkness. Moreover, it gives us a confident expectation that righteousness shall prevail and that the Lord will bring all things under His dominion. Soli Deo Gloria! To God alone be the glory!
— Dr. Marcus J. Serven