The Daily Word of Righteousness

The Inner and Outer Kingdom of God, #3

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: (Ephesians 1:10)

The people who live on the new earth will not be of the race of Adam as we know it today. They will be a new creation, having been raised from the dead. The most important benefit of all is that God in Christ will be governing them from within their personalities. They will be transformed into the likeness of God and no longer be warring against God. They will become totally reconciled to God. God will become All in all in them (I Corinthians 15:28). God will gather all saved personalities into His Christ for the creation of one new Man. This is the Kingdom of God.

The design of the Tabernacle of the Congregation plus many passages of the Old and New Testaments suggest that the inhabitants of the new earth will consist of three domains of glory, of authority, of nearness to God.

The first domain is that of the "mighty men," the firstfruits of the Church—those who attain the first resurrection from the dead (Philippians 3:11; Revelation 14:1; 20:4-6).

The second domain is that of the balance of the Church. The principal purpose of the thousand-year Kingdom Age, as we understand it, is the perfecting of Israel, of the elect, the Church, the Wife of the Lamb, the Body of Christ (Hosea 6:2; Luke 13:32).

The first and second domains of glory are portrayed by the Most Holy and Holy places of the Tabernacle of the Congregation. The two places make one Tabernacle. The Most Holy and Holy places form a picture of the holy Jerusalem, the glorified Church.

Some types in the Scripture point toward a temporary separating of the Church into a militant vanguard of "mighty men," a "Zion," and then a body that will take part in the victory won by the more aggressive company.

One of these types is the separating of the Ark of the Covenant from the remainder of the Tabernacle of the Congregation. This division speaks of the selecting out from the Church of the Lord's "firstfruits"—those who are typified by the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle.

These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. (Revelation 14:4)

The remainder of the Tabernacle (as we understand the symbolism) represents those of the Church who are not of the same election and maturity as the firstfruits. King David placed the Ark (representing the firstfruits) in his city of Zion within the larger city of Jerusalem (II Samuel 6:17). The remainder of the Tabernacle remained at the high place in Gibeon (I Chronicles 16:39).

Another type of the temporary division of the Church is the rule of David over Judah for seven and one-half years before he became king over all Israel (II Samuel 2:11).

The one Church of Christ will be divided into these two domains of glory, of which we have spoken, in order to aid the establishing of the Kingdom of God. The "mighty men" of the Lord Jesus will be the first to regain their bodies, their "white robes" of incorruptible, righteous conduct. They will return to earth with the Lord and govern the nations.

To be continued.