Why you should become a Bible-believing anarchist
who also believes the universe was created around 4004 B.C.
|
The vision of everyone dwelling peacefully under his own vine and fig tree is the original "American Dream." The “Vine & Fig Tree” verses were the most popular Bible verses in America three centuries ago. But do they work in the 21st century? Not only will they work, but it's never been more important to let these verses be our blueprint.
These verses contain 23 themes.
It's like a "Systematic Theology."
But it's also like the Unabomber's Manifesto, at least in the eyes of the government. According to ancient Jewish traditions, especially the Talmud and some apocryphal writings, Micah may have been killed by King Joram or other leaders because of his prophecies against political corruption and idolatry. The kings brought war and chaos. Governments didn't like the prophets. And yet the prophets brought "good news" to those who loved the LORD. The best news imaginable.
Micah's Big Picture: A Messiah is coming, this King will be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), and His Law is a path to world peace.
Let's look at the words of the text by way of introduction, then unpack some of the details. There's a lot here to uncover. We need to go through the passage twice just to get acquainted with it.
Our starting point:
This theme is called "Theme 0" because it's "Ground Zero." Or it's "Patient 0," sending Micah's "vector" all over the world. All the other themes spread from this initial vector. God communicates with human beings through the Bible.
|
Micah 1:1 Micah 4:4 Micah 4:6 |
Micah says
| 1 it shall come to pass, |
Question.: How does Micah know what will come to pass?
Answer.: God told him. (See Theme 0.) This is seen in verse 4:
| 4 for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it. |
Question.: How does God know what will come to pass?
Answer.: God is Sovereign. God is in control.
Next, Micah says,
| the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established |
Question.: When will this establishment of the reign of the Messiah come to pass?
Answer.:
| in the last days |
What is meant by the phrase "the last days?" Turn on the TV and the prophecy preachers will tell you we are now living in "the last days."
They are mistaken.
Perhaps Micah meant "in the distant future." But the writers of the New Testament consistently affirmed that they were living in "the last days," and the best interpretation of this phrase is that they were living in the last days of the Old Covenant. Either way ("last days of the Old Covenant," or "distant future") the New Testament writers said they were living in "the last days." They were also living in the first days of the New Covenant. We are not living in the last days of the Old Covenant.
Again, Micah says,
| the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established |
Let's look at three components of that phrase:
First of these three:
| that the mountain |
The original "mountain" was the Garden of Eden, from which flowed four rivers (downhill). The temple on Mt. Zion was a model of the Garden of Eden. The Bible treats the Garden of Eden as literal history.
| the house of the LORD |
The "house" of the LORD is the temple. The temple of the LORD: Where is it today? It was destroyed in A.D. 70 by the Romans. This definitively ended the Old Covenant. The New Testament writers say that the new temple is made up of God's People. This is Theme 21, down below.
| shall be established |
This "establishment" has already happened. The new temple (God's People) was being built even before the old temple had been destroyed. The virgin-born Jesus of Nazareth was seated in His new temple as the Messiah of Israel (Acts 2:36). The word Messiah = King. This Kingdom was established in the past, and we are not waiting for a second coming of the King in our future. This was Theme 2, above.
Next, Micah says the Messiah's Kingdom has rightful jurisdiction over all other kingdoms. It will be established
| in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; |
The nations around Israel built their own "high places" in an attempt to imitate God's Mountain-Garden. The neo-conservative woke regime in Washington D.C., as well as the UK, UN, EU, NWO, WEF, the "former" USSR, etc. are all rival "mountains." Christ has a superior jurisdiction over them all. This is
| and people shall flow unto it. 2 And many nations shall come, and say, |
This began happening in Acts 2, and has continued since, with ups and downs through history. "The People" and "the nations" are more likely to flow to Christ's Kingdom when they can see it being practiced.
God's Law is better than man's law. The people of all nations will agree (Deuteronomy 4:6).
| Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for the Law shall go forth of Zion, and the Word of the LORD from Jerusalem. |
Too many Christians today think there is a conflict between "Law" and "Gospel." Micah didn't think so. God's Law is "good news' because it is a light on our path (Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 4:18; Isaiah 42:16).
Notice the words of exhortation and education: "Let us go!" That's our job today: teach and encourage (Matthew 5:19; Mathew 28:18-20). Persuasion, not coercion.
Notice the words of confidence and freedom: "We will walk in His paths."
| 3 And He shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; |
Who is "He?" It is clearly Jesus the Messiah. The first nation He judged/rebuked was the nation of Israel, who murdered their King. This took place in "the last days" of the Old Covenant. Perhaps Jesus is about to judge the U.S.A., a once-Christian nation.
| and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. |
Peace is a major theme in the Bible. Yes, there are many historical accounts of wars in the Bible, but what is the point of this history? What are we to learn from ancient Israel's faithless wars and gross idolatry?
Jesus is "The Prince of Peace." Many (if not most) Christians today claim that wars must increase until the "Second Coming" of Christ, sometime in our future. This is based on an erroneous interpretation of Matthew 24:6. There are fewer wars today than there were in Micah's day. Christians have enough financial and electoral power to end all the wars currently taking place in the world today. That sounds like a crazy claim until you prayerfully think it through.
I understand why it seems nuts to think this prophecy could be fulfilled in our day. During my lifetime, the federal government in Washington D.C. has murdered, maimed, or made homeless tens of millions of innocent, non-combatant civilians around the world. The Bible says "Thou shalt not kill," and "Thou shalt not steal." But theft and violence are the lifeblood of the government, which is why it will not allow teachers in your local public school to teach students "God says don't hurt people and don't take their stuff."
Q.: What would happen if Christians never voted for any politician who promised "Peace through Strength," that is, "peace" through killing millions of innocent people?
Q.: What would happen if Christians never voted for any politician who promised to use the power of the sword (the State) to engage in extortion ("taxation") to fund mass murder by the military?
Q.: What would happen if "the Law shall go forth" out of the New Temple of God's People, and they never voted for any politician who promised to violate God's commands against murder and theft?A.: All of today's politicians would have to resign from "the public sector" and get jobs in "the private sector."
The "Public Sector" ("the sword") would be abolished.
"Public Schools" exist to brainwash you into believing that beating swords into plowshares would be a terrible thing.
| and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: 4 But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: |
he is actually advocating a swordless or stateless society.
Q.: Who bears "the sword?"
A.: The ones who make other people afraid.
The great Jewish sociologist Franz Oppenheimer called them "Political Man."
Q.: Who uses the "plow?'
A.: People who raise our standard of living.
Franz Oppenheimer called them "Economic Man."
| “Private Sector” | “Public Sector” |
| Non-“Government” Sector | “Government” Sector |
| Competitive Sector | Monopoly Sector |
| Persuasive Sector | Coercive Sector |
| Peaceful Sector | Violent Sector |
| Productive Sector | Parasite Sector |
| Servant Sector | Archist Sector |
| "Economic Man" | "Political Man" |
We currently spend a trillion dollars a year on "swords." Three thousand dollars a year for every man, woman, and small child in America. Every year. It diminishes -- it does not raise -- your standard of living.
| 4 But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: |
This was the most popular Bible verse in America 300 years ago. This was the original "American Dream."
The Family is God's plan for human beings. Peace, personal property, and prosperity through service is God's vision for ordinary people like you.
| 4 But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: |
What does a vine and fig tree mean? They raise our neighbor's standard of living when we cultivate them and sell them. Our goal is service. Our neighbors find us useful because we work in a way that benefits others. This goes back to the first commandment Scripture records God giving man: Exercise dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:26-28).
Dominion = work = service
The land is cared for when it is owned. The word "property" means it's personal. Owning land makes one responsible. By taking care of land we secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.
| 4 But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: |
Why are there some people who make others afraid? The answer goes back again to the Garden of Eden, where Satan tempted Adam and Eve: "Ye shall be as gods." Descendants of the first Adam like to have power over other people. But if they are born again as descendants of the Last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45), they have a new nature, and want to serve other people.
The Hebrew word usually translated "salvation" or "save" includes the ideas of victory, security, prosperity, peace, health, welfare.
Throughout the Bible, the words "salvation," "save," and "savior" all point to deliverance: being delivered from those sword-bearers who make us afraid. If we will get on God's Path (Theme 5), God will deliver us from our enemies.
| 2 for the Law shall go forth of Zion, and the Word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 5 Although all people will walk |
There is a contrast between the people of "Jerusalem" and those outside. The early church father Tertullian (c. 155 AD – c. 220 AD) spoke of the outsiders as "Athens."
What indeed has Athens to do with Jerusalem? What concord is there between the Academy and the Church?... Our instructions come from “the porch of Solomon”.... Away with all attempts to produce a mottled Christianity of Stoic, Platonic, and dialectic composition! We want no curious disputation after possessing Christ Jesus...!
Tertullian, Prescription against Heretics (VII).
Perhaps in his day Christians were being told to "Listen to the Academy!" just as Christians in our day are told "Listen to the Science!" But Micah says the temple of the living God will not be corrupted by the temple of man the would-be god.
Augustine wrote about the conflict between "The City of God" and the city of man. Where is your "citizenship?" You are called to walk on Jerusalem path which leads to the “Vine & Fig Tree” world, not the Athens path which leads to meaninglessness, chaos, and war.
| 2 for the Law shall go forth of Zion, and the Word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 5 Although all people will walk |
We don't have to do this alone. Christ promises us a community of mutual support.
Next, Micah says,
| 6 In that day, saith the LORD, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted; 7 And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: |
God rebukes unbelieving nations, but then restores them and gives them faithful obedience.
God's People -- the Body of Christ -- are part of that process, by extending mercy to those God has rebuked (Matthew 25:31-46). The Christian home is a shelter.
| and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever. |
The word "gospel" means "good news."
What is the "good news" of the Bible?
First and foremost, it is a "gospel of the Kingdom" as the Bible repeatedly states, but seems to be ignored in our day.
The great dispute during the Protestant Reformation was over "Justification." Are we "justified by works" or are we "justified by faith." Both options are incomplete. When we consider that the Gospel is a "gospel of the Kingdom," then we see that we are justified by our allegiance to this kingdom and its King. This gives Biblically appropriate weight to our works and defines our faith.
In the Bible, the "church" is a community of believers, not select hierarchy of clergymen.
| we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever. and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion |
The Kingdom that Christ inaugurated in "the last days" of the Old Covenant lasts forever.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end
Isaiah 9:6-7
Many people have objection to this worldview. Let's just get an overview of some of these objections, which are answered in more detail on other pages
We can imagine today's governments -- and most clergymen -- raising the following objections to Micah's vision:
Theme 0. This is Bibliolatry: You worship the Bible, not God
Why pay more attention to the Bible than to the "experts" in the universities and capitols?
Answer: The universities teach that the universe is meaningless. There is no god; if there is, it is the god of deism who does not answer prayer or get involved in the creation or interfere with "the natural course of history."
The Bible says God communicates with human beings through the Bible. This is the source of meaning and purpose. The universe is ultimately personal, and God is love.
Google Gemini defines "bibliolatry":
Bibliolatry (the excessive veneration or "worship" of a sacred book) faces several major criticisms, primarily centered on the argument that it mistakes the written text for God, leading to a form of idolatry and potentially harmful interpretations. Major criticisms include:
1. Idolatry: Critics argue that bibliolatry breaches the commandment against idol worship by treating a physical object (the book, its pages, and ink) or a human construct (the text as a concept) as divine, rather than reserving worship for God alone.2. Replacement of relationship with God: An extreme focus on the written word is criticized for replacing a direct, personal relationship with God or following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, which opponents argue is the true intent of faith.
3. Stifled theological development and interpretation:4. Justification of harmful practices: Critics point out that strict, uncritical adherence to certain biblical passages has been used to justify morally questionable actions throughout history, such as slavery, misogyny, violence, and intolerance, which they argue contradicts core tenets of love and justice.
- An insistence on absolute inerrancy and a strict, literal interpretation, even of poetic or metaphorical passages, is seen as precluding necessary theological innovation, historical context, and evolving moral understanding.
- This rigid approach may lead believers to ignore the fact that the Bible is a collection of books written by various human authors over time, each with their own cultural context and potential for human error or textual variation.
5. Selective application and dogmatism: Accusations of bibliolatry often target groups that use the Bible as an unquestionable, sole source of authority (sola scriptura) to promote specific, often politically conservative, agendas while ignoring other parts of the text or the broader message of compassion and justice.
6. Creation of a "foreign" god: By defining God solely within the rigid confines of their interpretation of the text, critics argue that bibliolaters create a limited, man-made version of God that is "foreign to the scripture" itself.7. Focus on the text over action: Adherents may focus excessively on studying and glorifying the text itself rather than on living out its principles, such as caring for the oppressed and demonstrating the "fruit of the Spirit".
Quick Answers:
1. Nobody is talking about worshiping the paper and ink. John 1:1 says the WORD was with God and was God, not paper and ink.
2. The objective Word of God takes precedence over a subjective "relationship" with God.
3. All theological "innovation" is heresy. Truly understanding the text is legitimate, writing off the text as a product of less-evolved races is not.
4. Misuse of the Bible does not rule out proper use of the Bible.
5. Same argument: Misuse of the Bible does not rule out proper use of the Bible.
6. Note the phrase "their interpretation." Nobody is defending a bogus interpretation "they" come up with (whoever "they" is). (Notice: this is a left-wing "conspiracy theory" -- "they" -- "often politically conservative" -- are conspiring to mis-use the Bible.)
7. Caring for the oppressed is what the text of the Bible requires. Ignoring the requirements of the Bible is not the correct way to worship the Bible.
Better than answering objections is getting to know the vision in more detail.
|
The vision of everyone dwelling peacefully under his own vine and fig tree is the original "American Dream." The “Vine & Fig Tree” verses were the most popular Bible verses in America three centuries ago. But do they work in the 21st century? Not only will they work, but it's never been more important to let these verses be our blueprint.
These verses contain 23 themes.
It's like a "Systematic Theology."
But it's also like the Unabomber's Manifesto, at least in the eyes of the government. According to ancient Jewish traditions, especially the Talmud and some apocryphal writings, Micah may have been killed by King Joram or other leaders because of his prophecies against political corruption and idolatry. The kings brought war and chaos. Governments didn't like the prophets. And yet the prophets brought "good news" to those who loved the LORD. The best news imaginable.
Micah's Big Picture: A Messiah is coming, this King will be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), and His Law is a path to world peace.
Let's look at the words of the text by way of introduction, then unpack some of the details. There's a lot here to uncover. We need to go through the passage twice just to get acquainted with it.
Our starting point:
This theme is called "Theme 0" because it's "Ground Zero." Or it's "Patient 0," sending Micah's "vector" all over the world. All the other themes spread from this initial vector. God communicates with human beings through the Bible.
|
Micah 1:1 Micah 4:4 Micah 4:6 |
Micah says
| 1 it shall come to pass, |
Question.: How does Micah know what will come to pass?
Answer.: God told him. (See Theme 0.) This is seen in verse 4:
| 4 for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it. |
Question.: How does God know what will come to pass?
Answer.: God is Sovereign. God is in control.
Next, Micah says,
| the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established |
Question.: When will this establishment of the reign of the Messiah come to pass?
Answer.:
| in the last days |
What is meant by the phrase "the last days?" Turn on the TV and the prophecy preachers will tell you we are now living in "the last days."
They are mistaken.
Perhaps Micah meant "in the distant future." But the writers of the New Testament consistently affirmed that they were living in "the last days," and the best interpretation of this phrase is that they were living in the last days of the Old Covenant. Either way ("last days of the Old Covenant," or "distant future") the New Testament writers said they were living in "the last days." They were also living in the first days of the New Covenant. We are not living in the last days of the Old Covenant.
Again, Micah says,
| the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established |
Let's look at three components of that phrase:
First of these three:
| that the mountain |
The original "mountain" was the Garden of Eden, from which flowed four rivers (downhill). The temple on Mt. Zion was a model of the Garden of Eden. The Bible treats the Garden of Eden as literal history.
| the house of the LORD |
The "house" of the LORD is the temple. The temple of the LORD: Where is it today? It was destroyed in A.D. 70 by the Romans. This definitively ended the Old Covenant. The New Testament writers say that the new temple is made up of God's People. This is Theme 21, down below.
| shall be established |
This "establishment" has already happened. The new temple (God's People) was being built even before the old temple had been destroyed. The virgin-born Jesus of Nazareth was seated in His new temple as the Messiah of Israel (Acts 2:36). The word Messiah = King. This Kingdom was established in the past, and we are not waiting for a second coming of the King in our future. This was Theme 2, above.
Next, Micah says the Messiah's Kingdom has rightful jurisdiction over all other kingdoms. It will be established
| in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; |
The nations around Israel built their own "high places" in an attempt to imitate God's Mountain-Garden. The neo-conservative woke regime in Washington D.C., as well as the UK, UN, EU, NWO, WEF, the "former" USSR, etc. are all rival "mountains." Christ has a superior jurisdiction over them all. This is
| and people shall flow unto it. 2 And many nations shall come, and say, |
This began happening in Acts 2, and has continued since, with ups and downs through history. "The People" and "the nations" are more likely to flow to Christ's Kingdom when they can see it being practiced.
God's Law is better than man's law. The people of all nations will agree (Deuteronomy 4:6).
| Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths: for the Law shall go forth of Zion, and the Word of the LORD from Jerusalem. |
Too many Christians today think there is a conflict between "Law" and "Gospel." Micah didn't think so. God's Law is "good news' because it is a light on our path (Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 4:18; Isaiah 42:16).
Notice the words of exhortation and education: "Let us go!" That's our job today: teach and encourage (Matthew 5:19; Mathew 28:18-20). Persuasion, not coercion.
Notice the words of confidence and freedom: "We will walk in His paths."
| 3 And He shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; |
Who is "He?" It is clearly Jesus the Messiah. The first nation He judged/rebuked was the nation of Israel, who murdered their King. This took place in "the last days" of the Old Covenant. Perhaps Jesus is about to judge the U.S.A., a once-Christian nation.
| and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. |
Peace is a major theme in the Bible. Yes, there are many historical accounts of wars in the Bible, but what is the point of this history? What are we to learn from ancient Israel's faithless wars and gross idolatry?
Jesus is "The Prince of Peace." Many (if not most) Christians today claim that wars must increase until the "Second Coming" of Christ, sometime in our future. This is based on an erroneous interpretation of Matthew 24:6. There are fewer wars today than there were in Micah's day. Christians have enough financial and electoral power to end all the wars currently taking place in the world today. That sounds like a crazy claim until you prayerfully think it through.
I understand why it seems nuts to think this prophecy could be fulfilled in our day. During my lifetime, the federal government in Washington D.C. has murdered, maimed, or made homeless tens of millions of innocent, non-combatant civilians around the world. The Bible says "Thou shalt not kill," and "Thou shalt not steal." But theft and violence are the lifeblood of the government, which is why it will not allow teachers in your local public school to teach students "God says don't hurt people and don't take their stuff."
Q.: What would happen if Christians never voted for any politician who promised "Peace through Strength," that is, "peace" through killing millions of innocent people?
Q.: What would happen if Christians never voted for any politician who promised to use the power of the sword (the State) to engage in extortion ("taxation") to fund mass murder by the military?
Q.: What would happen if "the Law shall go forth" out of the New Temple of God's People, and they never voted for any politician who promised to violate God's commands against murder and theft?A.: All of today's politicians would have to resign from "the public sector" and get jobs in "the private sector."
The "Public Sector" ("the sword") would be abolished.
"Public Schools" exist to brainwash you into believing that beating swords into plowshares would be a terrible thing.
| and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: 4 But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: |
he is actually advocating a swordless or stateless society.
Q.: Who bears "the sword?"
A.: The ones who make other people afraid.
The great Jewish sociologist Franz Oppenheimer called them "Political Man."
Q.: Who uses the "plow?'
A.: People who raise our standard of living.
Franz Oppenheimer called them "Economic Man."
| “Private Sector” | “Public Sector” |
| Non-“Government” Sector | “Government” Sector |
| Competitive Sector | Monopoly Sector |
| Persuasive Sector | Coercive Sector |
| Peaceful Sector | Violent Sector |
| Productive Sector | Parasite Sector |
| Servant Sector | Archist Sector |
| "Economic Man" | "Political Man" |
We currently spend a trillion dollars a year on "swords." Three thousand dollars a year for every man, woman, and small child in America. Every year. It diminishes -- it does not raise -- your standard of living.
| 4 But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: |
This was the most popular Bible verse in America 300 years ago. This was the original "American Dream."
The Family is God's plan for human beings. Peace, personal property, and prosperity through service is God's vision for ordinary people like you.
| 4 But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: |
What does a vine and fig tree mean? They raise our neighbor's standard of living when we cultivate them and sell them. Our goal is service. Our neighbors find us useful because we work in a way that benefits others. This goes back to the first commandment Scripture records God giving man: Exercise dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:26-28).
Dominion = work = service
The land is cared for when it is owned. The word "property" means it's personal. Owning land makes one responsible. By taking care of land we secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.
| 4 But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: |
Why are there some people who make others afraid? The answer goes back again to the Garden of Eden, where Satan tempted Adam and Eve: "Ye shall be as gods." Descendants of the first Adam like to have power over other people. But if they are born again as descendants of the Last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45), they have a new nature, and want to serve other people.
The Hebrew word usually translated "salvation" or "save" includes the ideas of victory, security, prosperity, peace, health, welfare.
Throughout the Bible, the words "salvation," "save," and "savior" all point to deliverance: being delivered from those sword-bearers who make us afraid. If we will get on God's Path (Theme 5), God will deliver us from our enemies.
| 2 for the Law shall go forth of Zion, and the Word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 5 Although all people will walk |
There is a contrast between the people of "Jerusalem" and those outside. The early church father Tertullian (c. 155 AD – c. 220 AD) spoke of the outsiders as "Athens."
What indeed has Athens to do with Jerusalem? What concord is there between the Academy and the Church?... Our instructions come from “the porch of Solomon”.... Away with all attempts to produce a mottled Christianity of Stoic, Platonic, and dialectic composition! We want no curious disputation after possessing Christ Jesus...!
Tertullian, Prescription against Heretics (VII).
Perhaps in his day Christians were being told to "Listen to the Academy!" just as Christians in our day are told "Listen to the Science!" But Micah says the temple of the living God will not be corrupted by the temple of man the would-be god.
Augustine wrote about the conflict between "The City of God" and the city of man. Where is your "citizenship?" You are called to walk on Jerusalem path which leads to the “Vine & Fig Tree” world, not the Athens path which leads to meaninglessness, chaos, and war.
| 2 for the Law shall go forth of Zion, and the Word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 5 Although all people will walk |
We don't have to do this alone. Christ promises us a community of mutual support.
Next, Micah says,
| 6 In that day, saith the LORD, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted; 7 And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: |
God rebukes unbelieving nations, but then restores them and gives them faithful obedience.
God's People -- the Body of Christ -- are part of that process, by extending mercy to those God has rebuked (Matthew 25:31-46). The Christian home is a shelter.
| and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever. |
The word "gospel" means "good news."
What is the "good news" of the Bible?
First and foremost, it is a "gospel of the Kingdom" as the Bible repeatedly states, but seems to be ignored in our day.
The great dispute during the Protestant Reformation was over "Justification." Are we "justified by works" or are we "justified by faith." Both options are incomplete. When we consider that the Gospel is a "gospel of the Kingdom," then we see that we are justified by our allegiance to this kingdom and its King. This gives Biblically appropriate weight to our works and defines our faith.
In the Bible, the "church" is a community of believers, not select hierarchy of clergymen.
| we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever. and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion |
The Kingdom that Christ inaugurated in "the last days" of the Old Covenant lasts forever.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end
Isaiah 9:6-7
Theme 0. The Bible is the Word of God:
Theme 1. God is Sovereign:
Theme 2. The Reign of Christ Began in the Past:
Theme 3. The Mountain is Eden:
Theme 4. Global Conversion
Theme 5. God's Law
Theme 6: Education
Theme 7: Spontaneous Obedience
Theme 8: The Messiah Reigns:
Theme 9: Peace
Theme 10: No Fear of Violent Sword-Bearers
Theme 11: The Family
Theme 12: Service
Theme 13: The Garden
Theme 14: The Fall of Man
Theme 15: Salvation
Theme 16: Jerusalem versus Athens
Theme 17: Community
Theme 18: Charity
Theme 19: The Gospel of the Kingdom
Theme 20: Justification
Theme 21: The Church
Theme 22: Eternity
That's the 30,000-foot view. I would like to dive down and look at Micah's prophecy in a little more detail.
We can imagine today's governments -- and most clergymen -- raising the following objections to Micah's vision:
Why pay more attention to the Bible than to the "experts" in the universities and capitols?
Answer: The universities teach that the universe is meaningless. There is no god; if there is, it is the god of deism who does not answer prayer or get involved in the creation or interfere with "the natural course of history."
The Bible says God communicates with human beings through the Bible. This is the source of meaning and purpose. The universe is ultimately personal, and God is love.
Google Gemini defines "bibliolatry":
Bibliolatry (the excessive veneration or "worship" of a sacred book) faces several major criticisms, primarily centered on the argument that it mistakes the written text for God, leading to a form of idolatry and potentially harmful interpretations. Major criticisms include:
1. Idolatry: Critics argue that bibliolatry breaches the commandment against idol worship by treating a physical object (the book, its pages, and ink) or a human construct (the text as a concept) as divine, rather than reserving worship for God alone.2. Replacement of relationship with God: An extreme focus on the written word is criticized for replacing a direct, personal relationship with God or following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, which opponents argue is the true intent of faith.
3. Stifled theological development and interpretation:4. Justification of harmful practices: Critics point out that strict, uncritical adherence to certain biblical passages has been used to justify morally questionable actions throughout history, such as slavery, misogyny, violence, and intolerance, which they argue contradicts core tenets of love and justice.
- An insistence on absolute inerrancy and a strict, literal interpretation, even of poetic or metaphorical passages, is seen as precluding necessary theological innovation, historical context, and evolving moral understanding.
- This rigid approach may lead believers to ignore the fact that the Bible is a collection of books written by various human authors over time, each with their own cultural context and potential for human error or textual variation.
5. Selective application and dogmatism: Accusations of bibliolatry often target groups that use the Bible as an unquestionable, sole source of authority (sola scriptura) to promote specific, often politically conservative, agendas while ignoring other parts of the text or the broader message of compassion and justice.
6. Creation of a "foreign" god: By defining God solely within the rigid confines of their interpretation of the text, critics argue that bibliolaters create a limited, man-made version of God that is "foreign to the scripture" itself.7. Focus on the text over action: Adherents may focus excessively on studying and glorifying the text itself rather than on living out its principles, such as caring for the oppressed and demonstrating the "fruit of the Spirit".
1. Nobody is talking about worshiping the paper and ink. John 1:1 says the WORD was with God and was God, not the paper and ink.
2. The objective Word of God takes precedence over a subjective "relationship" with God.
3. All theological "innovation" is heresy. Truly understanding the text is legitimate, writing off the text as a product of less-evolved races is not.
4. Misuse of the Bible does not rule out proper use of the Bible.
5. Same argument: Misuse of the Bible does not rule out proper use of the Bible.
6. Note the phrase "their interpretation." Nobody is defending a bogus interpretation "they" come up with (whoever "they" is). (Notice: this is a left-wing "conspiracy theory" -- "they" -- "often politically conservative" -- are conspiring to mis-use the Bible.)
7. Caring for the oppressed is what the text of the Bible requires. Ignoring the requirements of the Bible is not the correct way to worship the Bible.
> Don't let God violate your free will!
Solution: In a meaningless universe, where we are the products of impersonal evolution, with no design and no purpose, there is no "free will." Purpose is an illusion. Celebrity evolutionist Richard Dawkins says There’s No Such Thing as Free Will
The universe we observe has … no design, no purpose, no evil and no good, nothing but blind, pitiless indifference. … DNA neither knows nor cares. DNA just is. And we dance to its music [emphasis added].
If the phrase "free will" means that God cannot cause Judas to betray Christ because that would "violate the free will" of Judas, then there certainly is no such thing as "free will." The Bible affirms that God is sovereign, but we are created in the Image of God. God communicates to us, we understand, and we can be held accountable for our choices. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that God is just and we are responsible.
The Bible affirms that God is sovereign, but we are created in the Image of God. God communicates to us, we understand, and we can be held accountable for our choices. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that God is just and we are responsible.
> This is not a time for peace, but a time for war. Don't you know things get worse and worse until the second coming. This age is a "parenthesis."
> Nothing important happened in the past. The really good stuff is in the future. And it's about to happen any moment now.
Solution: Every Christian is a preterist on at least one prophecy in the Bible. The question is whether there are any prophecies which were intended by the author and understood by the original audience to be predicting an event of historical discontinuity thousands or millions of years after the closing of the Canon.
- Objection: Scientists have proven that the earth is billions of years old, there never was a Garden of Eden, and there never will be. The Bible has been disproven.
Nothing of the sort has been "proven." Ask Isaac Newton, a young-earth creationist.
Objection The church fathers were premillennial. In these "last days" people are going to show their depravity, not their faith. Few will believe the "good news." The nations will not be Christianized.
Google Gemini:
The "Great Tribulation" was the Roman siege of Jerusalem in A.D. 66-70, which were "the last days" of the Old Covenant. The destruction of the temple and termination of the Old Covenant is a major theme in the New Testament, and verses that are directed to "this generation" are erroneously applied to a generation thousands or millions of years in the future, but almost always "MY generation."
The Bible is optimistic about the future of peace on earth.
I prefer the term Optimillennialism, to be contrasted with Pessimillennialism
Objection: Besides, why should Christianity dominate the globe? All religions are just different ways up the same mountain to the same god. Nothing special about Christianity. That's bigotry.
At least one religion wants to blow up the mountain with all the other religions on it. They are not the same. Christianity leads to civilization. The others lead to chaos.
> We're not under law, we're under grace!
Objection This is the heresy of Theonomy: We're not under law, we're under grace!
Answer: Jesus said that attitude makes one "least in the Kingdom" (Matthew 5:17-20)
- 1. Flawed Hermeneutics and New Testament Priority: Critics argue Theonomy uses a flawed interpretive method, asserting that Old Testament laws remain binding unless explicitly abrogated in the New Testament. The mainstream Reformed position, by contrast, holds that later revelation (the New Testament) has interpretive priority over earlier revelation (the Old Testament), and the Old Covenant as a whole has been fulfilled and abolished in Christ.
- 2. Misapplication of Judicial Law: Theonomy aims to apply the judicial laws given specifically to the nation of Israel as the universal standard for civil governments everywhere. Critics argue these laws were unique to the historical, cultural, and geographical context of ancient Israel and its specific covenant with God in the land of Canaan.
- 3. Abolition of the Old Covenant: Numerous New Testament passages (e.g., in the book of Hebrews) teach that the Old Covenant, including its specific laws and penalties, has been made obsolete and set aside in the New Covenant established by Christ.
- 4. Confusion of Moral and Positive Law: Theonomy is criticized for failing to adequately distinguish between enduring moral or natural laws (such as the Ten Commandments, which are universally binding) and positive, time-bound, covenantal laws (like dietary regulations, civil penalties, or specific land-use rules). The judicial laws are seen as positive laws, not perpetually binding moral norms for all nations.
- 5. The Problem of Severe Penalties: The application of Old Testament death penalties for sins like idolatry, blasphemy, and homosexuality is a point of significant contention. Critics argue these severe penalties were tied to Israel's unique status as a holy nation and a type of the coming Kingdom, not a perpetual model for all civil governments.
- 6. Rejection of Natural Law: Theonomy tends to minimize or reject the role of natural law and human reason in developing just civil laws for modern societies, insisting on Scripture as the sole, specific guide for statecraft.
- 7. Conflating Church and State: Critics argue Theonomy risks confusing the mission of the church (spiritual transformation through the gospel) with the role of civil government (punishing wickedness and maintaining public order), potentially leading to a "statist theology" or a triumphalist approach to culture.
Ultimately, these criticisms lead many mainstream Christian traditions and confessions to reject Theonomy as an unbiblical or novel approach that departs from historical Reformed theology.
Quick Answers:
1. I think it's debatable that "The mainstream Reformed position" is effectively dispensationalism. If that's the "mainstream Reformed position," then it, along with Dispensationalism, is wrong. The New Testament tells us that "the Scriptures" (the Old Testament) is God's Word, with full authority.
2. God's Law given to Israel was "unique," compared to law codes invented by pagans, but Deuteronomy 4:6 says the nations outside Israel would recognize God's Law as the best standard. Issue #1 above says that we should follow the text if it requires a law to applied differently outside the land allocated to the 12 tribes, etc. But that's obeying God's Law, not rejecting it.
3. Hebrews 8 and 10, quoting Jeremiah, says that the laws of the Old Covenant will be written on the hearts of those in the New Covenant. The law, while binding, may be applied differently in different circumstances (see #1 above), but it is still obligatory. It is still the Word of our Sovereign God.
4. Again, this is the same argument: if the law requires us to apply it differently outside of Israel than inside, then we should obey the requirement of the law, not throw out the law.
5. We are the nation of Israel today, and Jesus is our King. Israel is a very big nation because all the other nations/gentiles are being added into it.
6. This is true, but it is a feature, not a bug. "Natural law" is human-invented law. It is an excuse for ignoring God's Law. The Myth of "Natural Law" | Theonomy vs. Autonomy
7. "The Church" should equip believers for obedience in every area of life, including "government." Christ should "triumph" over the culture created by Satan.
> We pay for the government's schools with our tax dollars. Our children will be "missionaries" in these atheistic indoctrination centers.
- 1. Social Development Concerns The most common criticism is the worry that homeschooled children have fewer opportunities for social interaction with a diverse group of peers their own age, which might hinder their ability to develop essential social skills, learn to "read a room," and negotiate with others in the "real world".
- 2. Educational Quality and Parental Qualifications Critics express concern about the quality control of education, pointing out that in many US states, parents are not required to have specific educational qualifications to teach their children. This leads to fears that parents may lack expertise in advanced subjects, resulting in potential knowledge gaps in the child's learning.
- 3. Lack of Structure and Accountability The absence of an external, mandated structure (like set schedules, assignments, and standardized assessments overseen by professional administrators) can lead to a lack of accountability, potentially causing children to fall behind academically if parents are not diligent in creating a rigorous plan.
- 4. Ideological Isolation and Democratic Values Some critics argue that homeschooling can enable parents to raise children within extreme or "illiberal" belief systems, isolated from diverse societal influences and alternative views. This raises concerns that children may not be exposed to essential democratic values, like tolerance, or have the chance to make meaningful choices about their own future lives.
- 5. Access to Resources and Extracurricular Activities Homeschoolers often lack access to the facilities found in traditional schools, such as science labs, libraries, computer labs, art studios, and organized sports teams.
- 6. Risk of Child Maltreatment Child welfare experts have raised concerns that homeschooling can be used as a cover to conceal child abuse or neglect, as homeschooled children have far less contact with "mandated reporters" (like teachers and school nurses) who are legally obligated to report suspected cases to authorities.
- 7. Parental Burden and Financial Strain Homeschooling requires an enormous investment of time, energy, and money. One parent often has to forego paid employment, creating a significant financial burden, and the constant demands can lead to parental burnout and stress.
Law School professor says there may be a dark side of homeschooling — Harvard Gazette
Quick Answers:
1. "Socialization" comes from instruction in God's Law, and practice working this out in every area of life, such as real-world business, not just a classroom full of 30 other kids your same age. How to Socialize Young Children
2. If a parent needs help, help. Don't shut the parent down. At the level of childhood, "expertise" is not needed. The child needs to become as adept as the parent. If the parent isn't adept, it's because the parent went to government schools, A "knowledge gap" is a tiny sliver of the entire process of living life and getting educated. The gap -- if it actually exists -- can be filled.
3. Schooling vs. unschooling is a matter of parental choice. Bureaucrats in the Education Department should not be allowed to force children into adopting a bureaucratic lifestyle after enduring 13 years of bureaucrat-style education.
4. Bureaucrats with "democratic" values should not be allowed to force their social vales onto other parents' children. The “Vine & Fig Tree” worldview is not the same as a state-centric "democratic" worldview. "Democracy" means 51% of the people elect an oligarchy to impose their views on the 49%.
5. Homeschoolers have their resources taxed by government to buy chemistry labs in government schools because Walmart employees have to know how to dissect a frog almost every day on the job.
6. What percent of government school teachers have sex with their students, and what percent of parents do? "Power corrupts."
7. Public schools require an enormous investment of time, energy, and money: much greater than the costs of homeschooling. Government diverts resources from families to bureaucrats.
> You can't expect people to obey God's Law and become more like Jesus. We're in the last days.
> You can't be a "perfectionist"
> Jesus is not currently reigning as the Christ/Messiah/King.
> Governments should not obey this King. That would violate the "separation of Church and State." To say that Jesus should be our King is to try to impose a Theocracy on America.
Answer: To say that Jesus is not the Christ (our King) is to be anti-christ. Literally. Jesus is a better governor than Trump, Biden, Putin or Xi Jinping.
> Abolishing West Point and the Pentagon would be suicide. Commies and Muslims would enslave us. Be practical. Be reasonable. Don't be utopian.
Answer: If you're going to call yourself a Christian, you should follow Christ and be a peacemaker (Matthew 5:9). Love your enemies, not nuke them (Matthew 5:39-44).
We currently spend a trillion dollars a year on "swords." Three thousand dollars a year for every man, woman, and small child in America. Every year. It diminishes -- it does not raise -- your standard of living.
> Beating swords into plowshares would leave us with no effective government at all. You obviously want anarchy: chaos, lawlessness, crime running wild.
Answer: We have more crime when we dethrone Jesus (Theonomy) and enthrone self (autonomy).
> "Family values" are regressive. Secular Governments are ensuring a world of homosexuality, single mothers, transgenders, and pedophiles. Smash the patriarchy!
Answer: Human beings deserve a mother and a father. This is how the human race avoids sociopathy.
Objection: This is Dominionism. This is straight out of the "Robber Barons." "Dominion" is code for raping the environment. "Work" is code for denying welfare benefits.
Answer: Refusal to follow the "dominion mandate" leads to primitivism and human extinction.
Objection: The days of the family farm are over. The Government's Department of Agriculture will bring about the worker's industrial paradise. Stalinist collectivization is equality and progress.
Answer: The government is killing us with glyphosate and empty carbs.
Objection: This is the outdated idea of "original sin." It is unfair for God to allow the mistake of Adam to affect future generations. Besides, who believes in Adam anyway?
Objection: We don't need Hebrew salvation, we need Administration. Government technocrats will bring order to society, take care of us, giving us victory, security, prosperity, peace, health, welfare.
Answer: The Administrative State is tyrannical and anti-human.
- Objection: This is closed-minded, know-nothing fundamentalism. Classical civilization is better than "The Dark Ages." I believe in "classical education." Western Civilization is the product of Jerusalem AND Athens. But mostly Athens. In fact, we could do without Jerusalem altogether.
Answer: The Classical age was characterized by
It was Christianity that brought the human race out of the truly dark ages of the ancient world.
- Objection: This is communism
All this talk about "community." You're just a bunch of communists.
Answer: Community is the answer to rising rates of loneliness and suicide.
- Objection: This is Socialism. All this talk about caring for the poor. You're just a bunch of socialists. I gave at the office.
Answer: James 1:27 says caring for the weak is true religion. This makes us more like Jesus. Ignoring the oppression of the weak makes us less human.
Objection: This is a false gospel. The true gospel is "only believe." The true Gospel has nothing to do with caring for the weak. That's the "social gospel." The gospel (= "good news") is that everything is getting worse and worse before the second coming, No hope for peace, security, prosperity, health, and welfare. It's only about where you go when you die.
Answer: Gospel = Gospel of Kingdom, not gospel of self.
- Objection: If you believe you're going to heaven when you die, then you have believed the gospel, and you're saved. Nothing else matters.
Answer: Jesus told us to pray "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." If you don't want God's will to be done on earth, will you want to spend eternity in a place where doing God's will is all everybody thinks about?
Objection: You can't be saved if you reject the authority of Christ's under-shepherds.Your ideas are heretical. You need to join a church so we can excommunicate you.
Answer: churches were in homes, where living stones were built up ("edified"). The "ekklesia" is where the Kingdom begins.
- Objection: This is the heresy of hyper-preterism. This planet is going to burn up. Any day now. Just be ready to be raptured.
Answer: name one verse which says Christ's kingdom (which began when Micah predicted it would: in the last days of the Old Covenant) would come to an end. There is no such verse.