Table of Contents Introduction.........................................................................................................................................
1. Commanded to Rule and Reign................................................................................................
1.1. Called to Dominion....................................................................................................................
1.2. Adam and Eve in Typology........................................................................................................
2. Do Not Despise Your Inheritance..............................................................................................
2.1 The Example of Israel.................................................................................................................
2.2 The Example of Esau..................................................................................................................
3. The Kingdom has been Personally Offered to You..................................................................
Conclusion...........................................................................................................................................
Works Cited.........................................................................................................................................
Introduction
Have you ever pondered over the most important question of all? What is the purpose for your existence after salvation? What is the ultimate goal of salvation in Christ Jesus? These are extremely profound and intrinsically deep questions that I will attempt to briefly answer in this thesis. Many believe that Christianity consists of just saying a “simple” prayer and then conscientiously continue down their chosen path in life. This is not the purpose for your existence.
I firmly believe the topic we are about to journey through is the most important and pivotal subject-matter an individually saved person must grapple with. God’s main plan for saved man is to rule and reign in the earth—crowned and seated on Thrones. Through this unfathomable vision, a new government of King-Priests will be ushered in at the appointed time during the Millennium. Only those that attain to the status of a “First-Born-Son” (chosen out of many sons) at the Judgement Seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:10-11) will be permitted to rule and reign with Christ in the coming dispensation (Rev 20:6). This is a trumpet call for you to take your “born-again” life seriously. It is a Kingdom cry for you to run the race set before you with all diligence and with the hope of great reward—a crown/throne at the end (1 Cor 9:24-27; Heb 12:1). This is also a dire warning to the consequences of failure and ultimate sorrow of forfeiture of inheritance for Christians who are found to be unfaithful (Matt 22:1-14; Matt 25:14-30).
1. Commanded to Rule and Reign
1.1. Called to Dominion
God’s first words spoken over man through the law of “first mention” are the most visionary and invigorating words you could ever hope to hear, “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth’” (Gen 1:26 NKJV). This is the most defining statement that God has spoken over man. This is His vision, His will and His plan for man. There is nothing in heaven or on earth that can stop what He has set in motion. This will be established. It will come to pass as soon as the allotted 6000 years of the restitution of all things have taken place (Num 23:19; 2 Tim 2:13; Acts 3:21). This is the foundational ideology of God.
Brown-Driver-Briggs (1996) states that the word “dominion” used in Genesis 1:26 is the Hebrew word râdâh which means, “to rule, have dominion, dominate, tread down or subjugate”. This sets forth the idea that God will have a man and a woman ruling in absolute power in the earth. However, this is currently not the case due to the rebellion of an incumbent ruler (2 Cor 4:4; Jn 12:31; Acts 26:18). Today we have fallen angels ruling the earth through political machinations (Dan chap 7 & 10). Satan will be dealt with at the return of Jesus and His Bride/Companions/First-born-sons when He righteously puts all chaos and rebellion of the fallen angel and disobedient men to bed (Rev 20).
1.2. Adam and Eve in Typology
All of scripture is ‘God-breathed’. It has been given to us for instruction, and enlightenment and as a compass to discern the signs of the times (2 Tim 3:16-17). Adam and Eve form the perfect picture of what God desires for man before their fall. They were to rule and reign with absolute dominion over all the earth. They were to be crowned “king and queen” over all of God’s creation. This, once again is the “law of first mention” on full display for all to see, who have the ability to spiritually comprehend what God is revealing (1 Cor 2:9-14). This is one of the greatest mysteries of God’s unsearchable brilliance. Take a look at what the Apostle Paul unveils to us about the mystery of marriage and its prophetic implications for a future dispensation (the Millennium), “22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. 24 Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. 31 “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church (Eph. 5:22-32, NKJV). Today, this scripture has been butchered, completely taken out of context, and wrongly interpreted to mean that the patriarchy and the order of the hierarchy of God are a curse and have been removed through the “finished work” of Jesus. This couldn’t be further from the truth. God’s rightful order of things is not tyrannical but just and perfect. Each of us, individually and corporately have a designated role to play within the superstructure of God’s Kingdom. Unfortunately, I cannot delve into great detail regarding the “feminist” agenda that is invading the 21st century church through the demonic spirit of Jezebel.
However, Paul highlights the vital aspect of an incredible Kingdom mystery that is unfolding before our very eyes. Marriage has been given to us to understand and discern the ultimate will of God for our lives. It is only through a divine marriage that man and woman can ascend the Throne. It is only through marriage that a man and woman can be crowned with the scepter of dominion firmly within their grasp. It is through the process of understanding why marriage has been given to us that we come into a spiritual epiphany of its importance regarding a future inheritance (Matt 5:5).
The earth is the “inheritance” of those that have been called by God to rule and reign as kings-priests forever (Rev 1:6). Without delving into much detail about Paul’s dissertation on marriage, we can deduce that marriage has been given to us in typology to understand God’s ultimate will and vision for man. Both chosen (qualified) men and women are destined to sit on appointed Thrones, with anointed power ruling and reigning in the earth. Marriage has been given to us as training wheels for what is really to come. The mystery surrounding marriage is to train and disciple us into the vision that God has for Jesus and the Church (man and wife). A man can never ascend the Throne without his consort queen. A king can never hold a scepter until his wife has been coronated alongside him. This is a principle that has been set up in the beginning that cannot be altered. This is what Genesis 2:15-25 says, “Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’ 18 And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.’ 19 Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. 20 So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. 21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. 22 Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. 23 And Adam said: ‘This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.’ 24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.”
There are a number of amazing things Moses reveals to us in this most defining portion of scripture:
Man’s destiny is to tend and keep the earth in total dominion.
Man was supposed to eat of the Tree of Life which leads to the Throne.
Man was to be given a helper comparable to him in order to ascend the Throne.
God would bring a wife supernaturally to Adam (ruling and reigning on a throne is by sovereign elected grace).
The man and woman are destined to become one entity.
(Click here to get our book, “Living a Supernatural Life on The Road Less Traveled” about how God puts a man and a woman together for a divine Kingdom purpose.)
God puts a man and a woman together to teach them through the anointing (Holy Spirit) how they are to prepare for a coronation ceremony that is going to take place in the near future (1 John 2:27). A wedding is going to take place in the near future! At this wedding a Man (Jesus - the second Adam) and His Bride (the Church - the anti-type of Eve) will ascend with all dominion to a pre-ordained Throne that will usher in God’s age of ages.
Read in absolute awe of what Peter writes in 1 Peter 3:1-7, “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear. 3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 5 For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. 7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.”
There is so much teaching that needs to be correctly understood regarding appointed biblical marriage but I want to single out a most amazing revelation that Peter shares with those that have been illuminated by the Holy Spirit regarding the Millennium that’s about to break forth upon mankind. This will usher in a new dispensation of God’s majestic order. He sees marriage as the precursor to a couple ruling and reigning with Jesus in His soon coming Kingdom. Peter has a great understanding that marriage has been given to us as a learning instrument and a preparation for what is to come. The husband and wife are to sojourn on a road less traveled in the teaching of the Holy Spirit, that they might learn how to have dominion over the earth in God’s coming government and that they come to the realization that Thrones need to be occupied. This is how an elect couple prepare themselves for becoming heirs together in the “grace of life” (the thousand-year rule with Christ which extends into the age of ages.) It’s high time that you appreciate and cherish your God appointed spouse. It’s through this amazing learning curve (marriage) that God puts you through together as a couple that you begin to understand the severity, purpose and deep meaning of Kingdom marriage. You and I have been called to ascend the Throne with Christ but you have to qualify first.
God has graciously given you a marriage to prepare you for a successful outcome at the Judgement Seat of Christ. Adam and Eve are a scary reminder of how a marriage can fail. They are an example for all of us to fearfully ponder. So many marriages are failing today because they have no idea why marriage exists. Marriage is part of the test to see if you are worthy to ascend the Throne with the King (Jesus) in the coming age of His glory. Your marriage is the benchmark of your success in life. Marriage is your first ministry which will either qualify or disqualify you for rulership in the Millennial Kingdom. Your marriage has been sanctioned by God to prepare you for ruling and reigning with Christ. It has been authorized by Heaven to test your worthiness of ascending into a governing position with Jesus on His appointed Throne (Rev 3:21).
You have two options today as a married couple:
Eat of the Tree of Life (in a metaphorical sense) and ascend the Throne with Jesus, or
Eat of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and forfeit your inheritance.
The purpose for your existence is to ascend the Throne with Jesus as His consort Queen. Jesus cannot ascend to the Throne unless He is given a Bride by the Father. You and I are in the process of being tested to see if we are worthy of being a comparable helpmeet for the King of kings.
2. Do Not Despise Your Inheritance
2.1. Called to Dominion
The Kingdom of our God has been graciously offered to you in the “finished work” of Jesus. You have been called to rule and reign with Him in the not too distant future. Unfortunately, many have been called but very few will be chosen (Matt 22:14). This is a stark reality check for all of those that desire to ascend the Throne (achieve a governmental position in His coming Kingdom). The Apostle Paul gives us the harrowing words found in 1 Corinthians 10:1-12, “Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. 6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, ‘The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.’ 8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
Paul tells us in no uncertain terms that we are just like the Israelites in the Old Testament. They were the “church” in the wilderness. They found themselves saved out of bondage under the blood, baptized in water and called to receive an inheritance in a foreign land. These Old Testament saints are a type and example for us to follow. They were called to a land that flowed with “milk and honey” (Ex 3:8). They were married to God in covenant and were to have dominion over all the nations of the world (Gen 12:1-3). Through their union with God they were supposed to have dominion over the earth in a Theocracy. The Israelites were to ascend the Throne with God, stepping into both a heavenly and earthy inheritance (Gen 22:17-18). They had been called to rule the world but instead their bones were scattered in the wilderness. They forfeited their inheritance and the opportunity to have dominion in the earth. Israel despised their inheritance in such a way that God announces this is in Jeremiah 3:8, “Then I saw that for all the causes for which backsliding Israel had committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a certificate of divorce.”
Many in the Church of Jesus Christ find themselves in a similar place today and despise their position of opportunity and inheritance that has been offered to them. You and I have been called to ascend the Throne with Jesus when He comes in glory but many will not be chosen or found worthy of a governmental position in His coming Kingdom because they shunned what was being offered to them. I don’t know if you appreciate what is being presented to you by Jesus, I don’t know if you are able to comprehend the value of ruling and reigning with Him in the coming inheritance of God but I admonish you with everything that’s in me to warn you not to take your offered inheritance lightly. Don’t have your bones scattered in the wilderness and don’t despise your inheritance like Israel. (Click here to read my article, “The Divine Experiment”.)
2.2. The Example of Esau
There is another harrowing Old Testament narrative that needs to be brought into its proper light. This is what Paul writes in Romans 9:12-13, “that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), 12 it was said to her, ‘The older shall serve the younger.’ 13 As it is written, ‘Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.’” You have to answer a serious question, “Why did God hate Esau?”
If you have a good scriptural grasp on the “purpose for your existence” you will be able to easily identify why God detested Esau. Esau is another type in scripture that we can learn from. Unfortunately, many in this “Dispensation of Grace” have also gone in the way of this loathsome individual. This is what Genesis 25:29-34 reveals to us about this man God abhorred, “29 Now Jacob cooked a stew; and Esau came in from the field, and he was weary. 30 And Esau said to Jacob, ‘Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am weary.’ Therefore his name was called Edom. 31 But Jacob said, ‘Sell me your birthright as of this day.’ 32 And Esau said, ‘Look, I am about to die; so what is this birthright to me?’ 33 Then Jacob said, ‘Swear to me as of this day.’ So he swore to him, and sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 And Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils; then he ate and drank, arose, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.” In Old Testament culture, the first-born son held the rights of primogeniture. He had the right to a double portion of his father’s inheritance; he was to be the king-priest to his family and was to oversee the spiritual and physical wellbeing of his mother and sisters once his father had died. It was a great honour to have the status as the “First-Born-Son”. It entitled you to rule and reign. It gave you God-given dominion in the earth. Esau, sold all of that for a pot of hot stew! His blatant disregard for his inheritance, the bringing forth of the prophesied Messiah through his linage and his absolute disdain for God is the reason why God hated him. There are many today despising their birth-right, their inheritance in the coming age and the possibility of ascending to a Throne with Jesus. Many within the church are selling their coveted “First-Born-Son” status for the things of this world. Money, political power and everything this world-system has to offer has the potential of robbing you of your purpose for existence. God is going to test your allegiance to His Kingdom.
Jesus faced a similar test when He walked the earth, “8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, ‘All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.’ 10 Then Jesus said to him, ‘Away with you, Satan! For it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.” You and I are no different. Our allegiance will be tested. Your very character must be put through the “ringer” to ascertain your worthiness of ascending the Throne with the King of kings. I counsel you not to sell your birth-right and a position in Jesus’ coming government for a brief moment of pleasure. Can you imagine selling all of that for a measly bowl of stew? Can you comprehend giving away a kinship for some earthly pleasure?
This is what Paul tells us in Romans 8:18-25, “18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.” We are in the process of being made ready for the adoption from sons into “First-Born-Son” status. Only a little while longer and we will behold the glory we have been called to. This whole portion of scripture has to do with inheritance and only those that qualify will be given the privilege of ruling and reigning with Christ in His Kingdom. Paul continues to teach this, “26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”
This is the “Good News”, those that have been predestined to ascend the Throne with Jesus will inherit a Kingdom. Those blessed enough to be chosen on that day will rule with Him in absolute dominion. He is in the process of bringing many sons into inheritance and glory with Him (Heb 2:10-12). I profoundly counsel you not to treat your offered inheritance like Esau did. Don’t despise what God is offering you today.
3. The Kingdom has been Personally Offered to You
When Jesus walked the earth, He preached a radical concept to Israel. He came preaching, “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt 4:17, NKJV) I firmly believe if the Israelites and those placed in the “Seat of Moses” had repented, God would have ushered in the Millennial Kingdom right there and then. Suffice to say, the leadership of Israel rejected their Messiah with dire consequences to follow. This is what Jesus tragically uttered in Luke 19:41-44, “41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, ‘If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, 44 and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.’”
Let’s break this down:
Jesus wept over Israel’s rejection of His Lordship.
If Israel had only grasped the importance of their inheritance they could have ruled with Christ in dominion over the earth.
A supernatural blindness had been imparted toward Israel that remains to this day. (This will be removed at the end of the Great Tribulation.)
The whole Jewish economy and its Temple were destroyed.
They wholeheartedly missed their Day of divine visitation.
All of this happened because they didn’t understand the importance of their existence.
This is one of the most tragic scriptures and occurrences in all the Bible. A whole people group forfeited the Kingdom of God. It was taken away from them and given to another. This should be a huge eye-opener for us. Jesus is not to be played with! Do not risk losing the purpose for your existence or your future inheritance today. Right throughout the scriptures multiple people forfeited their God-given purpose and inheritance.
This is what Jesus prophetically stated in Matthew 21:42-44, “Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the Scriptures: “The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes”? 43 ‘Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. 44 And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.’”
We are that nation, those that are “born-again” have the possibility of ascending the Throne with Jesus if we overcome the world, the flesh and the devil (Rev 2-3). This coming Kingdom will be ruled by Jesus and all those who qualify to be His Bride at the Judgement Seat of Christ. The Holy Spirit is offering you a governmental position of rulership and power with Jesus in the coming Millennial age. There are so many nuances to the doctrine of inheritance and reward that I simply cannot address in this brief dissertation but suffice to say—you have been offered a Kingdom position in the coming government of our King. There is an inheritance waiting for you to claim through a lifetime of obedience to Him.
This what the Apostle Paul says about a governmental position in Jesus’ Kingdom, his purpose for existence and an inheritance that needs to be earned, “24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.”
Was Paul concerned that he could possibly lose his salvation? No! A resounding no! However, he was petrified of losing his purpose for existing and his inheritance at the Bema-Seat of Christ. He was absolutely aware that he could lose his crown and a place on a governmental Throne in the Son’s coming reign. Therefore, he encourages us to run our race with all diligence, not looking to the left or to the right. We have been exhorted to fight the good fight of faith until the prize of “primogeniture” has been procured for all eternity. I echo the apostle’s words—Don’t become disqualified like so many others before you! Live to win. Understand this: The Kingdom has been offered to you personally! Many have been called, few will be chosen!
Conclusion
All the way through scripture the theme of ruling and reigning with dominion can be seen. God has promised through the “law of first mention” that a man and woman will rule this earth with absolute power and dominion. Jesus will be seated on the Throne and He will ascend the Throne with His Bride, the Church, comprised of individuals that have qualified to inherit with Him. There is a search going on today for His Bride. When the search is complete, our glorious King will return and will bring about the restitution of all things. The age of promised ages will be ushered in. This is the purpose for your existence—to ascend the Throne with Him. Let the Elect say, “Amen!”.
Works Cited
Brown, Francis, 1849-1916. The Brown, Driver, Briggs Hebrew And English Lexicon: with an
Appendix Containing the Biblical Aramaic: Coded with the Numbering System from
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson Publishers,
1996.
New King James Version. 1982. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson