A Matter of Origin
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36
Of – Peter Leithart argues that we have fundamentally misunderstood the intention of the Kingdom because we have converted this New Testament concept into something that fits our culture.[1] We don’t think in terms of kings and kingdoms these days. We think in terms of nations and political leaders, so we believe Christianity fits within an existing political entity. We are Christian inside the nation of the United States or Honduras or Mozambique. We have redefined the biblical idea as if it were about religious practice within the culture. In our view, Christianity fits into the Western world, a world that consists of many different nations. This is anachronistic tragedy. It is reading the text as if it were written for us, not for people who knew nothing but competing world empires.
A kingdom in Yeshua’s time was not a nation. It was an empire that consumed and incorporated and assimilated all other ethnic, geographical, political and social interests. A kingdom sought one thing and one thing only – world domination. Persia, Assyria, Egypt and Rome had this in common. Everyone not included in the empire was an enemy and the solution to all enemies was either death or submission. When Yeshua stands before Pilate, the discussion about kingdoms is not about making room for a spiritual kingdom that will co-exist with an earthly kingdom. The discussion is about domination. It is about removing, subduing, conquering or converting all outsiders. Unfortunately, our political bias and mistaken historical perspective alter the text just enough so it reads as if it were about two kingdoms existing side by side – the Church and the State. But that’s not what Yeshua says.
The Greek text reads eme ouk estin ek tou kosmou toutou (“My not is out of the world this”). The preposition is ek not de. The preposition ek means “out of” or “from,” not “of.” In other words, Yeshua responds to Pilate, “Mine does not come out of this world.” This is a statement about its origin, not its location. The Kingdom of Heaven comes from God Himself. It is not derived from earthly or human origin like every other kingdom. Therefore, its citizens do not act like the citizens of any other kingdom. But make no mistake. It is a Kingdom and it seeks what all kingdoms seek – domination. In fact, God Himself guarantees that His kingdom will come on earth, and by that He means that the Kingdom of Heaven will be the only kingdom on earth. In the end, God wins.
As a result of many corrupting influences, not least of which is the Reformation, we seem to accept a dual-kingdom world. We think that Christianity does not seek earthly dominion. We think Yeshua wants us to join the heavenly kingdom while we are settled into whatever version of national boundaries we choose. We are wrong. God seeks dominion – now and in the future. We are called to bring about the Kingdom on earth. That means instituting God’s instructions here and now in expectation of His eventual victory. If we aren’t taking active steps toward Kingdom building, steps that have direct consequences for the destruction of other empires, then we have missed the point.
Islam understands this. Christians do not. This picture was taken on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.
It is a picture of the Dome of the Rock, Islam’s third most holy site. You will notice that the usual half-moon circle found above Islamic mosques is closed. It is a full circle. Why? Because it is the symbol of world domination. Our enemies know what is at stake while we bury our heads in the sand, pretending that God just wants everyone to come to heaven. Empires do not co-exist. They fight until one is defeated. Yeshua knew that. Do we?
Topical Index: empire, kingdom, ek, John 18:36
[1] See Peter Leithart, Against Christianity.
Wow. That small change makes a world of difference! To think of the verse as Yeshua saying His kingdom is not out of this world totally changes the meaning of what He said! Like you pointed out, no longer is the Kingdom of G-d a place “somewhere else,” instead it’s here in the world we inhabit brought about every day by people also not out of this world. Imagine the impact on society this would make if all Christ-followers actually realized what they were meant to hear and understand (before translation got in the way)…
Of course, then I ask the stupid question: how do we bring about G-d’s kingdom here on earth? I’m guessing it’s by obeying Him, first and foremost (which can be tricky considering it means figuring out which of the parts of His law can actually be followed today, and which are actually from Him and which were later added as part of tradition – how do you figure that out?). But from there… loving others? loving justice and mercy? realizing I can’t make it through the day without His help? I’m pretty darn sure Yeshua would not approve of the methods of radical Islam as a method of kingdom conquest… 🙂
A.
Hmmm…. so after rereading the article, did I misinterpret what what written? I think I’m combining lessons I’m listening to with what I’m reading. But, anyway, is my interpretation off? Because Skip points out that Yeshua really says His is not out of the world, meaning that His kingdom does not originate in the world but rather in G-d. That’s a bit different than my initial reading. I’m interested to hear other thoughts. It still makes a pretty huge difference.
You didn’t misunderstand. The Greek text suggests Yeshua is commenting on the origin of His kingdom, not the location. While the origin is not from this earth (that is, it does not derive from the power of men), the goal is to take over this earth, which it eventually will at his return.
Hi Skip,
Don’t mean to be too argumentative, just want to share my views 🙂
1. “My kingdom is not of this world.”
Well, I’m certainly no expert on this concept; but based on what we have been learning about Paul, I thought this world was the world of the “flesh,” not the world of the “spirit.”
Isn’t this world based on individual/collective will and the acquisition of power (economics/politics); the world of mega-church Christianity and Catholicism?
2. “We think that Christianity does not seek earthly dominion.”
Seems to me that Christian/Catholic culture has dominated Western Civilization for around 2000 years 🙂
3. “Islam understands this. Christians do not.”
To the extent that we are a Christian nation, seems to me that the USA is serving as the international police force and that we are in a relatively aggressive posture in the world today.
China has taken over the role of dominant economic power, but looks like the USA plans to remain the dominant military power.
Aren’t we at war with Muslim extremists? The option to nuke Iran is “on the table.”
4. “Islam understands this. Christians do not.”
Don’t we need to be a little more specific here; four groups not two?
For example:
– Christians: In my experience, “Christians” and to a lesser extent Catholics tend to share what they believe, their faith. But many don’t.
– Muslims: In my experience, Muslims tend to not to share what they believe, but some do.
– Jews: In my experience, which is considerable, Jews never share their faith.
– Rabbi Gorelik is unique in my experience.
Let me try to reply.
1. Paul certainly distinguishes between the world (kosmos) that has its foundation and motivation in the lives of sinful men, but this is not the “origin” of God’s kingdom. There is no Greek dualism here. This world is scheduled for restoration and the removal of the wicked. It is God’s earth and He will reclaim it. It has been corrupted. But Yeshua isn’t speaking about what the world currently exhibits. He is talking about the origin of God’s kingdom, not its final destination.
2. Actually, Christianity hasn’t “dominated” anything. All the great religions have been in full force during the age of men. We in the West think of Christianity, but all the others have been there in other parts of the world. God’s kingdom is WORLD domination, the same goal of Islam. Christianity in its current form seeks to peacefully reside within the culture, not take over the culture. The separation of church and state is just one example of this mistaken view of the kingdom.
3. We might think we are a “Christian” nation, but that isn’t the issue here. We are not a YHWH-following nation and we never will be. The Kingdom of YHWH isn’t a nation. It is a worldwide dominion that will some day remove all other kingdoms. How we as Americans act, even within the scope of “Christianity”, is irrelevant. We don’t represent YWHW’s view of the Kingdom.
4. In my view, Christians are naive, mistaken and generally out of alignment with the God of the Bible. The theology is thoroughly Greek-based and will eventually result in the same inadequacies we see in Greek epistemology. Christianity is a RELIGION. It is not citizenship in the Kingdom which does not originate from this earth. Quite the opposite.
Muslims – those who are true to their faith are intolerant of all other beliefs. Only naive Muslims practice syncretism with the West. If Islam becomes the dominate religion, it will sweep away these backsliders along with the infidels.
Jews – I don’t think you’ve really spent time with orthodox Jews. They share their faith by the way they live. No, they don’t hand out 4 Spiritual Laws tracts, but they certainly know what it means to live distinctively different.
And Yes, BOB is unique.
“For Thine is the kingdom, and the power (authority/dominion) forever- Amen.”
This is of course from the mouth of the LORD or we could also say as well- “thus saith the LORD.”
We have been instructed from the word of G-d- “every word of G-d is pure”- so we do need to pay a little more attention to “every word that proceeds out of the mouth of G-d”.
What am I trying to say? or where am I going with this? Reread the introductory sentence, slowly and deliberately, thinking, (meditating, marinating, marveling) at each and every word (that has proceeded out of the mouth of our Messiah. For Thine IS the kingdom and the power. Yes, G-d is (now) our Sovereign. He is both our Sovereign and our Savior. As Peter confessed- “my LORD and my G-d”.
He (now) rules and He (now) reigns. Yes, I am very aware it may look like a freight train which has derailed but G-d has a plan. I may panic, but He has a plan. My brain is far too little to comprehend it all and I am incapable of seeing the end from the beginning. (We walk by faith).
All authority is (now) given unto me in heaven and in earth. “All” is an inclusive word in any language. “In toto” for those who speak Latin. “Todo” for those who speak Spanish. “All”.
“and he said, O LORD, the G-d of our fathers, art not Thou in heaven? and art not Thou (Sovereign) Ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? and in Thine hand is power and might, so that none is able to withstand Thee.” (2 Chronicles 20:6)
Not many realize and recognize but -“Which in his times he shall show, Who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;” (1 Timothy 6.15). “Every” (another inclusive word!) knee shall bow… -why wait?
The Spirit Of prophecy is at work here in Carl’s sharing Rev. 19:10 For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.
Hi Carol and Carl,
Thanks for pointing out Revelation 19:10, it is worth repeating:
Revelation 19:10 Then I knelt at his feet to worship him, but he said to me
“Don’t do that: I am a servant just like you and all your brothers who are witnesses to Jesus. It is God you must worship.”
The witness Jesus gave is the same as the spirit of prophecy.
The Kingdom of Heaven and so many think that it reads “The Kingdom IN Heaven.” Sure makes a difference people.
“Sure makes a difference people.”
Hi Carol,
I agree. And, if I’m not mistaken, the Kingdom of Heaven is God here and now.
One might wonder after reading Skip’s writings for today about co-existence – how a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven can remain a loyal subject and still live in this world. Yeshua’s answer to this came earlier in the Yochanan’s gospel account, at the end of chapter 16 when Yeshua said, “I have said these things to you so that, united with me, you may have shalom. In the world, you have tsuris (troubles). But be brave! I have conquered the world!”
Let me try to reply.
Mike: Thanks Skip.
Skip: 1. Paul certainly distinguishes between the world (kosmos) that has its foundation and motivation in the lives of sinful men, but this is not the “origin” of God’s kingdom.
Mike: Understand.
Skip: There is no Greek dualism here.
Mike: I don’t mean to argue this point, but it still seems dualistic to me. Don’t our “bodies” (flesh) have “drives” that are at odds with what our spirit wants?
Mike; And as individuals inclined toward the “spirit,” must we not live in a society inclined toward the “flesh”?
Skip: This world is scheduled for restoration and the removal of the wicked. It is God’s earth and He will reclaim it. It has been corrupted. But Yeshua isn’t speaking about what the world currently exhibits. He is talking about the origin of God’s kingdom, not its final destination.
Mike : Got it.
Skip: 2. Actually, Christianity hasn’t “dominated” anything. All the great religions have been in full force during the age of men. We in the West think of Christianity, but all the others have been there in other parts of the world.
Mike: Okay
Skip: God’s kingdom is WORLD domination, the same goal of Islam.
Mike: I think you mean God’s kingdom “will be” WORLD domination and Islam will be converted to God’s Kingdom?
Skip: Christianity in its current form seeks to peacefully reside within the culture, not take over the culture.
Mike: How would Christianity take over the culture? By force?
Skip: The separation of church and state is just one example of this mistaken view of the kingdom.
Mike: I tend to think that the Kingdom is here now, but doesn’t have much to do with the church or state 🙂
Skip: 3. We might think we are a “Christian” nation, but that isn’t the issue here. We are not a YHWH-following nation and we never will be. The Kingdom of YHWH isn’t a nation. It is a worldwide dominion that will some day remove all other kingdoms. How we as Americans act, even within the scope of “Christianity”, is irrelevant. We don’t represent YWHW’s view of the Kingdom.
Mike: Undertsand.
Skip: 4. In my view, Christians are naive, mistaken and generally out of alignment with the God of the Bible. The theology is thoroughly Greek-based and will eventually result in the same inadequacies we see in Greek epistemology. Christianity is a RELIGION. It is not citizenship in the Kingdom which does not originate from this earth. Quite the opposite.
Mike: I agree.
Skip: Muslims – those who are true to their faith are intolerant of all other beliefs. Only naive Muslims practice syncretism with the West. If Islam becomes the dominate religion, it will sweep away these backsliders along with the infidels.
Mike: I see no chance of Islam becoming the dominate religion in the world.
Skip: Jews – I don’t think you’ve really spent time with orthodox Jews. They share their faith by the way they live. No, they don’t hand out 4 Spiritual Laws tracts, but they certainly know what it means to live distinctively different.
Mike: Understand. Let me put it this way. Every week the Jehovah Witnesses come by my house and share their news. They are “Christians” and they want to convert others to their faith. Fine.
I think if I asked my Jewish friends about their religion they would probably tell me anything I wanted to know. But they obviously don’t care if I know and they are not trying to convert me to their way of thought.
Mike: I’m the same way.
Wow Skip,
What an incredible word. I have for a long time argued that one of the failures of the American Church is the defining of the Kingdom by the borders of the 48 contiguous states. But how interesting, the Kingdom eats up borders rather accepting their definition. Instead of church AND state, the kingdom must conquer the state. Sure does shake our ideas of pluralism as well doesn’t it. Thank you for being so faithful to the truth. You have truly taken me back to school over the last few years. I thank God daily for that flight out of San Pedro Sula that night. It was a God thing.
Blessings,
Steve
I feel compelled to mention a couple scriptures myself:
2 Cor 10:3-5 – For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Surely we Christians lay down way too much and suffer the coexistence (and proclaimed equal value) of ideas which are violently opposed to those of the Kingdom of God. But our weapons are radically different than the world’s (love is a weapon against fear, insecurity, past injury and the physical and emotional violence that comes from these things); and our aim is radically different than the world’s (allegiance by intimidation may subject the body and speech to the sovereign, but not the heart. Yeshua wants his rightful place as sovereign over man’s heart, soul, mind and strength and that can only come when we lay down our weapons and acknowledge that, truly, He is Lord and God.
Also, thinking about the Sermon on the Mount and Jesus’ radical interpretation of the ten commandments, physical violence as a way of establishing dominion is out of the question. The violence with which we wage war against other kingdoms is in the Spirit (here and now, not up in heaven somewhere) Matthew 11:12 “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force. ” The kingdom of heaven is STILL suffering violence from every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, but it is by the sheer weight of the truth that we do battle, not by physical might or national intimidation.
You guys are probably on board with this, but in my spirit, I just had to say this since the comparison was made with Islam. Our God, despite our shared history, is NOT their God. Our ways are not their ways. Our weapons are not their weapons.
Okay, now I feel better.
Me too. Thanks Whitney
Shalom,
Very late to the game on this party (been a traveling man the last few days) … yet some interesting commentaries I see … 🙂
Skip: 3. We might think we are a “Christian” nation, but that isn’t the issue here. We are not a YHWH-following nation and we never will be. The Kingdom of YHWH isn’t a nation. It is a worldwide dominion that will some day remove all other kingdoms. How we as Americans act, even within the scope of “Christianity”, is irrelevant. We don’t represent YWHW’s view of the Kingdom.
I believe Skip hits the nail right on the head in closing out the referenced comment … the scope and perspective of “Christianity”, as it exists, is not aligned with the ways of the eternal Kingdom. Please do not take this the wrong way but personally … I have a problem with being characterized generically as a “Christian”. I am part of Israel and seek to align my life with the ways and purposes set forth by YHVH …. on HIS terms! The Christian: world, community and personal views (despite agreement on some basic beliefs) quite simply are not aligned with all that Yeshua was, is and will be … forever!
Objectively … its a mess! The storm continues to gather force!
On the upside … we know that HE wins and will take along those that are with Him in true faith! 🙂
ps. I hope not to divide or offend … I have mishpocha that consider themselves “Christians” … and I have other mishpocha that are simply too uncomfortable with accepting the “tag” given the reality of the movement …. which has quite frankly deviated so far off course that one would be hard pressed to call it “Biblical”!
I know I’m a day late and a dollar short here. I was traveling until today. My question Skip is: will Yeshua upon his earthly return reinstate the Hebrew laws for what we now term criminal activity? Will prisons as we know them become a thing of the past? Will people who are convicted, by biblical standards, of something like first degree murder, child porn, armed robbery, etc. forfeit their lives? Will cities of refuge be reinstated? My curiosity is based on being involved in prison ministry.
Thanks.
Frankly, I don’t know. The text doesn’t tell us all the particulars, but it does tell us that the Torah will be the centerpiece of every person’s lifestyle (Jeremiah 31). So, I imagine that we can expect those who desire to live according to Torah and those who follow its instructions will be welcomed citizens of the Kingdom on earth. As far as I can see, the rest are removed.
Luke 9:3 Take nothing for the journey… (Don’t look forward)
Luke 9:62 … no one who looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God. (Don’t look back)
Hi Daniel,
If I understand the passages above, Yeshua is ordering us to focus on the “here and now” if we want to be “fit for the Kingdom.”
BTW Daniel, I as just thinking that teaching prisoners how to meditate would be a good idea.
I like to visualize the four letters, YHVH, and focus on my breathing.
Listening to the intake of my breath, “yah”, and the output, “weh.”
It’s relaxing and great for improving mental discipline.