Difficulties reconciling clear verses of scripture calling for justice and judgment, with “judge not lest ye be judged”, have their roots in false doctrine propagated by literalists who have not responsibly studied The Word! Such are less subtle, presenting their version in a dogmatic manner, and therefore, easy to recognise! There are others much more subtle, who have purposefully withheld the truth to implement their hidden agenda! Romans 1 verses 18 and 19. False doctrine, built around single statements or verses in scripture, with no backdrop of the greater message of scripture, have misled many into error!
When referring to “literalism”, it means to teach doctrine from one verse of scripture taken out of the framework of the context of the rest of scripture. When Jesus said “my kingdom is not yet”, He had not yet completed the work on the cross. There is another fact that surrounds our Lord’s statement, “My Kingdom is not yet”, and it is that the “many days” of Daniel, had to be fulfilled! The consummation has to take place before Earth experiences the age of the Kingdom of God. In short, this present evil age must first end, and the new age of Messiah can begin. This does not mean those who seek first the Kingdom of God cannot find it within themselves. The Kingdom of God was among men when Lord Jesus began to minister, saying “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”, and the Kingdom of God has been with us ever since. We may not have seen it, and will not see it until we seek it with all our heart, to hopefully experience spiritual rebirth!
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God! John 3:3.
The scriptures certainly teach we are to “be changed in the twinkling of an eye”, and the scriptures teach “render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s”, however, the scriptures also teach there is a “first resurrection”, and the Scriptures teach “render unto God what is God’s”!
Highlighting our individual love of the truth to search and discover the true meaning hidden in these verses, should be our joy and pleasure to attend on. It is the law of less effort that deprives many from deeper, more meaningful revelation, simply through lack of study!
Scripture teaches us to depart from men when we perceive not the words of knowledge and wisdom! Proverbs 14:7. The scriptures have all the answers for those who truly delve into The Word! Those too lazy to study, thinking study is listening to a “teacher’s” podcast, need to be cautioned! There is no substitute for Scripture, where we spend time listening to The Holy Spirit as TEACHER!
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing, by The Word of God! Romans 10:17.
Lester Oliver Thomas Flock © 2021