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The fact that the NT uses a political term, "kingdom of God," to describe the salvation that Jesus achieves is puzzling to moderns. Part of the resolution to that problem is to recognize, as I've argued elsewhere, that the Bible treats "salvation" as a political issue. The other part of the issue is to recognize the central importance of issues of authority, the question of "who's in charge." If we go with "reign of God" as a translation of BASILEIA TOU THEOU, the point is clearer: What brings salvation is a change of authority, an overthrow of a ruler whose reign brings nothing but destruction and pain and his replacement of a ruler whose rule is like green grass after rain. We are all democrats, and so we don't recognize just how much our flourishing, health, and prosperity depends on who's in charge. But democracy is a delusion. EVERYTHING depends on who's in charge.
posted by Peter J. Leithart on Wednesday, February 04, 2004 at 10:29 AM
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1 & 2 Kings
Brazos Theological Commentary
The Promise Of His Appearing: An Exposition Of Second Peter
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Ascent to Love: A Guide to Dante's Divine Comedy
Blessed Are the Hungry: Meditations on the Lord's Supper
A House For My Name: A Survey of the Old Testament
Heroes of the City of Man: A Christian Guide to Select Ancient Literature
Brightest Heaven of Invention: A Christian Guide To Six Shakespeare Plays
Wise Words: Family Stories That Bring the Proverbs to Life
The Kingdom and the Power: Rediscovering the Centrality of the Church
