Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "Foundation of God's Rule" is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting the divine order and authority established by God over creation. This foundation is characterized by God's sovereignty, justice, righteousness, and love, which are consistently revealed throughout Scripture.Sovereignty of God The sovereignty of God is a central theme in understanding the foundation of His rule. God's sovereignty implies His supreme power and authority over all creation. In Isaiah 46:10, God declares, "I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’" This verse underscores God's ultimate control and the certainty of His divine plan. Justice and Righteousness Justice and righteousness are integral to the foundation of God's rule. Psalm 89:14 states, "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and truth go before You." This passage highlights that God's governance is established on principles of fairness and moral integrity. His judgments are always right and just, reflecting His holy nature. The Law and Commandments The law given to Israel serves as a tangible expression of God's righteous rule. In Deuteronomy 4:8, Moses proclaims, "And what nation is so great as to have righteous statutes and ordinances like this entire law I set before you today?" The law was intended to guide the Israelites in living according to God's standards, thereby reflecting His character and maintaining order within the community. The Kingdom of God The New Testament further develops the concept of God's rule through the proclamation of the Kingdom of God. Jesus Christ, in His earthly ministry, announced the arrival of this kingdom, which is both a present reality and a future hope. In Matthew 4:17, Jesus begins His ministry with the call, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." The Kingdom of God represents the reign of God through Christ, where His will is perfectly enacted. Christ as the Cornerstone Christ is depicted as the cornerstone of God's rule, the essential foundation upon which the spiritual edifice is built. In Ephesians 2:19-20, Paul writes, "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone." This metaphor emphasizes the centrality of Christ in God's redemptive plan and His role in establishing the church. Love and Mercy God's rule is also characterized by love and mercy, which are foundational to His interactions with humanity. In 1 John 4:8, it is declared, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." This love is manifest in the sacrificial work of Christ, as seen in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." God's love and mercy are pivotal in drawing people into His kingdom and sustaining them within it. Eternal Nature of God's Rule The eternal nature of God's rule is affirmed throughout Scripture. In Psalm 145:13, it is proclaimed, "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures through all generations." This eternal aspect assures believers of the unchanging and perpetual nature of God's authority and governance. The foundation of God's rule, as revealed in the Bible, is a multifaceted concept encompassing His sovereignty, justice, righteousness, love, and eternal dominion. These attributes collectively define the divine order established by God and provide a framework for understanding His interaction with creation and His ultimate purpose for humanity. Subtopics Foundation: Decrees and Purposes of God Foundation: Doctrines of the Apostles Foundation: Figuratively Applied to Kingdoms Foundation: Figuratively Applied to The Earth Foundation: Figuratively Applied to The Heavens Foundation: Figuratively Applied to The Mountains Foundation: Figuratively Applied to The Ocean Foundation: Figuratively Applied to The World Foundation: First Principles of the Gospel Foundation: Joined Together by Corner Stones Foundation: Security Afforded By Foundation: Security of Saints' Inheritance Foundation: The Lowest Part of a Building, and on Which It Rests Related Terms |