“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven” Matt. 6:10
Later in life when Martin Bucer (1491-1551) served as the Regius Professor of Divinity at Cambridge University, he wrote, perhaps, his greatest work De Regno Christi which is translated “The Kingdom of Christ” (1550). This significant book shaped theological and political thought for many centuries in Reformation-minded countries by setting forth a blueprint for Christian society. It was dedicated to the young English Monarch, King Edward VI.
Bucer described the Kingdom of God in the following manner,
“We read that this Kingdom is called “the Kingdom of God” (Matt. 6:33), “the Kingdom of the beloved Son of God” (Eph. 5:5), and “the Kingdom of Heaven” (Matt. 3:12). Now we know that a kingdom, if it is rightly and properly so called, is said to be the administration of a people or state by which the one person who excels the others in wisdom and every virtue so arranges and obtains whatever is for the well-being of the citizens that nothing at all is lacking to them, in such a way that from earliest childhood everyone is formed and led toward a responsible and happy way of life. Since this is the nature and purpose of any kingdom which can really be called a kingdom, let us consider that the kingdom about which we are reading is called the Kingdom of God. Whatever good properties exist in any human kingdom exist and are found in fuller perfection here, inasmuch as God is above all men, both in the wisdom of his governance and in the benevolence of his will for all mankind. Indeed, since God alone is good, wise, and powerful, only in his Kingdom can those things which ought to be done by royal rule be plainly perceived.”
Bucer, De Regno Christi, 176-177
Here we see the thoughts of a mature Christian man who was thoroughly saturated with the principles of the Word of God. Bucer rightly acknowledges, “Whatever good properties exist in any human kingdom exist and are found in fuller perfection here” (i.e. in the Kingdom of God). Thus, it is beneficial, good, and right for the leaders of the kingdoms of this earth to emulate the King of Kings in their judgements, laws, and societal standards. To do otherwise, invites the judgement and discipline of the Lord (Ps. 2:10-12).
May God give us confidence in the rule of the Lord Jesus Christ during these dark days (Ps. 110:1-7). Those who flagrantly rule over humanity with deception, injustice, and wickedness must ultimately give an account to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (2 Cor. 5:10). That sobering fact should give all Christians a great sense of assurance. The Kingdom of God will prevail despite all those who oppose it. Jesus plainly states, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18b).
— Dr. Marcus J. Serven
Biographical Source:
Bucer, Martin. “De Regno Christi” in Melancthon and Bucer. Wilhelm Pauck, ed. Francois Wendel, trans. The Library of Christian Classics. Volume XIX. Philadelphia, PA: The Westminster Press, 1969.