In conclusion
God created man to have dominion on the earth in the beginning. The believer who was sanctified through the operation of the Holy Spirit and who bore righteous fruits through life of God working in the overcoming believer will inherit the ruling in heavens and earth.
God has shown abundant grace towards the fallen, disobedient man to bring him to authority and glory. When the Lord preached the Kingdom of heaven, he meant ‘the rule of the heavens on earth’ in many passages and parables.
It all begins by receiving the gift of the eternal life from God, the very life of Him. The eternal life is essential to be with God in heaven, without that no one can be with him in eternity.
Receiving a kingdom, that is ruling with the Lord in the heavens and upon the earth is the noble purpose of God in saving us. While the Lord speaking with his disciples in early part of his ministry, He told them,
“But first seek his kingdom and his righteousness…” Matthew 6:33,
“Howbeit seek ye his kingdom and these things shall be added unto you. Fear not little flock: for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” Luke 12:31-32.
“But ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations; And I appoint unto you a kingdom even as my Father appointed unto me” Luke 22:28-29.
“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified with him” Rom 8:17.
Joint heirs with Christ to rule in the heaven and upon the earth for those who suffer with him, is a blessed privilege, which is not a gift but a prize.
These above passages are spoken to His disciples by Lord and to believers by Apostle Paul and not to unbelievers.
Eternal life is a gift of God to all those who believe in only true God and His son Jesus Christ. It cannot be received by any good works of man. It will not be forfeited once received from God. “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, no one shall snatch them out of my hand” John 10:28.
Receiving a kingdom that is ruling with the Lord in the coming dispensation is a reward to those who live sanctified and righteous life by His grace. This is the meaning of ‘working out our salvation in obedience to Him’, towards the fulfillment of the original purpose of God in creating man.
Working out the salvation to participate in the coming kingdom is not a selfish motive but an earnest desire to fulfill the glorious thought and eternal purpose of God in creating and saving man.
Let a believer ponder over these thoughts and allow the work of God in fear and trembling.
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