Christ & the Restoring of Rulership.

This topic is a key, I believe, to understanding what the Lord is doing in the end-times. Too often we focus on what the Lord is doing for us, when in fact every realm is part of God`s end-time purpose – all rulership to come under the Lordship of Christ.


`(The Lord Jesus Christ) He is the image of the invisible God,..... by Him all things were created that are in heaven & that are on earth, visible & invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him & for Him.` (Col. 1: 16)

When Christ created everything, authority positions were put in place & these were all perfect. They were created `for Him.`

However as we know sin entered in to every realm & thus there is a need for restitution.

Restitution – Gk. word `apokatastasis,` - to restore again. It conveys the essential idea of a reverting to a previous state from one of confusion.



Thrones & Dominions (3rd heaven) – Rulership to come under Christ.

Principalities & Powers (Universe) – Rulership to come under Christ.

Earth – Rulership to come under Christ.



God`s word tells us when this will happen -

`Jesus Christ....whom heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things,...` (Acts 3: 21)



Question: What do you know from God`s word concerning the `times of restitution?`
 
Thrones & Dominions –

Lucifer was given an authority position there. However he sinned & was cast out.

`How you have fallen from heaven O Lucifer,....For you have said in your heart;.... I will exalt my throne above the stars of God...` (Isa. 14: 12 & 13)

`You (Lucifer) became filled with violence within, & you sinned; therefore I cast you as a profane thing out of the mountain of God.`(Ez. 28: 16)

The authority position is still there as `all things were created....for Him.` (Col. 1: 16)


Principalities & Powers –

`For we do not wrestle against flesh & blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.` (Eph. 6: 12)

These positions of authority were usurped by Satan (formerly Lucifer) & his fallen angels. However those positions of authority will come under Christ`s rulership when He has puts `an end to all rule & all authority & power.` (1 Cor. 15: 24) For `all things were created through Him & for Him.` (Col. 1: 16)


Earth –

` We know that .....the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.` (1 John 5: 19)`The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord & of His Christ.` (Rev. 11: 15)

And eventually the kingdoms of the world will come under the Lordship of Christ.

Thus every realm will come under Christ`s rulership, each in God`s timing.
 
This topic is a key, I believe, to understanding what the Lord is doing in the end-times. Too often we focus on what the Lord is doing for us, when in fact every realm is part of God`s end-time purpose – all rulership to come under the Lordship of Christ.


`(The Lord Jesus Christ) He is the image of the invisible God,..... by Him all things were created that are in heaven & that are on earth, visible & invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him & for Him.` (Col. 1: 16)

When Christ created everything, authority positions were put in place & these were all perfect. They were created `for Him.`

However as we know sin entered in to every realm & thus there is a need for restitution.

Restitution – Gk. word `apokatastasis,` - to restore again. It conveys the essential idea of a reverting to a previous state from one of confusion.



Thrones & Dominions (3rd heaven) – Rulership to come under Christ.

Principalities & Powers (Universe) – Rulership to come under Christ.

Earth – Rulership to come under Christ.



God`s word tells us when this will happen -

`Jesus Christ....whom heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things,...` (Acts 3: 21)



Question: What do you know from God`s word concerning the `times of restitution?`



For my part of the discussion, I will bring up the 75-Day interval. I am sharing my learning material. As I learn from your studies and those of Pastor Armstrong's and as I have joy Jesus is worthy to open the seals, I reflect on Jesus' prophecies he has already fulfilled. When I consider Jesus in His temple, I recall the fulfillment of Isaiah 50:8-10 with John 11:7-10, the fulfillment of Isaiah 11:4 with Mark 12:41-44, and the fulfillment of Isaiah 22:22 with Revelation 3:7.


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May be copied and distributed provided the document is reproduced in its entirety, including this copyright statement, and no fee is collected.

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Learning from Pastor Stephen Armstrong's Verse by Verse study material, covering sections Revelation 20:1-6 (the 75-Day Interval), 20:6-7 (The Kingdom, Part I) and The Kingdom Part II, I understand Jesus will reign in the Temple during the Millennial Kingdom and how His Kingdom differs from the Eternal Order, which is covered in Pastor Armstrong's bible study of Revelation Chapter 21 and 22.

In reference to the last half of the 7 years tribulation, Pastor Armstrong began the study with Daniel 9:27. Bringing attention to the timeline and the 75-Day interval, Pastor Armstrong referred to Daniel 12:11-12.

Before the Millennial Kingdom begins, the Temple must be cleansed of the abomination, which will take 30 days after Jesus returns. Pastor Armstrong referred to Isaiah 2:2-3 about how Jesus will occupy this Temple. Occupy!!!!

During this 30-day timeframe and including the 75-Day Interval, Pastor Armstrong discussed what will happen to the Antichrist, the false prophet, the evil armies, the binding of satan and how the damage done by the judgments will be restored on earth. Pastor Armstrong also taught what will happen to the saved Jews and Gentile believers and unbelievers.

Pastor Armstrong discussed Jeremiah 31:31-34, concerning the new covenant with Israel, as the Gentiles are grafted in. Specifically, how Israel will not sin anymore because they have given their whole heart to Jesus!

I am not a seasoned student of Revelation. This study material is where I began. Now I have added your bible study to my collection.
 
Hi @ozarks,

Nice to hear from you & that you are studying God`s word. It was good to look up those scriptures you wrote & see how they related. There are so many prophetic words concerning Christ, who He is, what His offices are, His purposes. All these help us to understand somewhat of His greatness & majesty. Great that you are thinking on these things.

Now concerning the `times of restitution of all things,` the setting up of the Millennial kingdom on earth is definitely part of that. Restored rulership to Israel under Christ. It is not the first realm to be restored but comes as Christ brings all rulership under His feet.

`For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.` (1 Cor. 15: 25)
 
Hi @ozarks,

Nice to hear from you & that you are studying God`s word. It was good to look up those scriptures you wrote & see how they related. There are so many prophetic words concerning Christ, who He is, what His offices are, His purposes. All these help us to understand somewhat of His greatness & majesty. Great that you are thinking on these things.

Now concerning the `times of restitution of all things,` the setting up of the Millennial kingdom on earth is definitely part of that. Restored rulership to Israel under Christ. It is not the first realm to be restored but comes as Christ brings all rulership under His feet.

`For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.` (1 Cor. 15: 25)

Thank you for your kind statements.

Unless you are referring to the Tribulation Period as the first realm to be restored, I am back at square one. Which is perfectly fine. And because others may offer discussions about Acts 3:21, I do not expect you to say either way if the Tribulation Period is the first realm to be restored.

Pastor Armstrong directed students' attention to the Millennial Kingdom in his Acts 3:21 bible study. In his Acts of the Apostles sermon, Pastor Smith directed members of his Church to the Tribulation Period.

I look forward to discussions offered by other members and your feedback.
 
Thank you for your kind statements.

Unless you are referring to the Tribulation Period as the first realm to be restored, I am back at square one. Which is perfectly fine. And because others may offer discussions about Acts 3:21, I do not expect you to say either way if the Tribulation Period is the first realm to be restored.

Pastor Armstrong directed students' attention to the Millennial Kingdom in his Acts 3:21 bible study. In his Acts of the Apostles sermon, Pastor Smith directed members of his Church to the Tribulation Period.

I look forward to discussions offered by other members and your feedback.

Hi @ozarks,

When I am referring to realms I mean - the earth, the Universe & the third heaven.

1. The Earth with its atmospheric heavens,
2. The Universe - outer space,
3. The third heaven - angelic realm.

Each of these areas, realms have been contaminated by sin & thus rulership need to be restored.


The Tribulation period, with Satan & his angels being cast down & then the Millennial kingdom are part of that restoration on earth. However that is not the first area, realm to be restored. Authority in the higher realm needs to be restored first.

Does that help? Marilyn.
 
Hi @ozarks,

When I am referring to realms I mean - the earth, the Universe & the third heaven.

1. The Earth with its atmospheric heavens,
2. The Universe - outer space,
3. The third heaven - angelic realm.

Each of these areas, realms have been contaminated by sin & thus rulership need to be restored.


The Tribulation period, with Satan & his angels being cast down & then the Millennial kingdom are part of that restoration on earth. However that is not the first area, realm to be restored. Authority in the higher realm needs to be restored first.

Does that help? Marilyn.

Yes, that helps. When Peter mentioned the restitution of all things of which the prophets spoke about, my bible study was/is directed to the restoration of Israel by two Pastors I esteem.

Your bible study is more in-depth. I will carefully search for scriptures that refer to restored authority in the higher realm, as well as the attributes of the Triune God, because I recall what Jesus told John in Revelation. And finally, a timeline of the father of lies.

Revelation 1:8

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Thanks, Marilyn C
 
Yes, that helps. When Peter mentioned the restitution of all things of which the prophets spoke about, my bible study was/is directed to the restoration of Israel by two Pastors I esteem.

Your bible study is more in-depth. I will carefully search for scriptures that refer to restored authority in the higher realm, as well as the attributes of the Triune God, because I recall what Jesus told John in Revelation. And finally, a timeline of the father of lies.

Revelation 1:8

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Thanks, Marilyn C

Hi @ozarks,

That`s good that you are going to look deeper. I will be interested to see what you find.

Marilyn.
 
The Godhead – (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) - far above all. The eternal Throne.

The third heaven – the angelic realm.

Lucifer on a throne – (sinned cast out) -> vacant rulership -> Jesus appointed ruler.



God`s eternal throne/ authority & power is beyond all created realms. This is the source & authority of all other rulership. When Jesus ascended in His glorified body He went to the Father`s right hand –

`far above all principality & power & might & dominion, & every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.` (Eph. 1: 21)

Then from there He is interceding & building up the Body of Christ. In God`s appointed time, however He will go to His own throne, the rulership position in the third heaven. Every realm has rulership positions placed there when God created `all things.`

God has in His infinite wisdom instituted delegated orders of Government. These were revealed to the Apostle Paul –

` For by Him all things were created that are in heaven & are on earth, visible & invisible, whether thrones & dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him & for Him.` (Col. 1: 16)

We know that Lucifer was given a throne, however when he sinned & was cast out of the third heaven, the rulership position of government was still there. God tells us that no angel will rule over the earth. (Heb. 2: 5) But that position is for a `worthy man.` (Rev. 5: 2)

Thus we realize that the Lord Jesus Christ is the worthy one who will receive this throne/authority in the third heaven.
 
So the big question is – when does Christ go to His own throne, which marks the beginning of the restitution of all things.

I believe the times of restitution starts, as God`s word tell us, WHEN Christ is sent by God the Father to begin the process of restitution of all things.

`God....may send Jesus Christ,...whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, ...`(Acts 3: 21)


Presently we know that Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father, far above all.

`God....seated Him (Christ) at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality & power & might & dominion....` (Eph. 1: 20 & 21)



However at God`s appointed time He will send Jesus to gather the believers.

`Now, we ask you brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ & our gathering together to Him.` (2 Thess. 2: 1)


The Body of Christ will `meet` the Lord & then escort Him to His own Throne.

`For the Lord will descend from heaven......then we who are alive & remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.` ( 1 Thess. 4: 16 & 17)

meet – Gk. `apantesis,` has the connotation of escorting a person to their destination.


Together with Christ the overcomers will be seated on His throne.

`To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with me on my throne,.....` (Rev. 3: 21)



This, I believe, is the first area of rulership to be restored in Christ & marks the beginning of the restoration of all other rulership under Christ.



 
The Godhead – (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) - far above all. The eternal Throne.

The third heaven – the angelic realm.

Lucifer on a throne – (sinned cast out) -> vacant rulership -> Jesus appointed ruler.



When Christ is sent by God to connect with His Body, (Head – Body) then they escort Him to His new rulership position in the third heaven. There amid heaven`s acclaim we read of Christ`s investiture with executive authority to rule over His enemies.

`The Lord (God) said to my Lord (Messiah), “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool. The Lord shall send the rod of your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of your enemies!” (Ps. 110: 1 & 2)



The Body of Christ as Kings & priests will also rule with Christ.

`To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with me on my throne, as I overcame & sat down with my Father on His throne.` (Rev. 3: 21)



We are told in God`s word that the Body of Christ will judge the world system & fallen angels.

`Do you not know that the saints will judge the world (system)?....Do you not know that we shall judge angels?` (1 Cor. 6: 2 & 3)



The prophet Daniel was given a vision of this judgment time. He saw the Lord, the High Court Judge with the heavenly court.

`I watched till thrones were put in place, & the Ancient of Days was seated;.....the court was seated.` (Dan. 7: 9 & 10)


Further on we are shown what is being judged – it is the final world ruler of the world system.

`...the Ancient of Days came, & judgment was made.....the court shall be seated, & they shall take away his dominion, to consume & destroy it forever.` (Dan. 7: 22 & 26)


It was not revealed to Daniel who this court was, but through the revelation to the Apostle Paul we realise the great inheritance we have as believers in the Body of Christ.
 
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