John 18:36 “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.”
Romans 14:17 “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
Before I became a Christian, my understanding about the Kingdom of God mirrored Brigham’s. It never occurred to me God’s Kingdom has a broader meaning than the smash and grab theory taught by the LDS Church. Let’s look at what our Lord said!
In the literal sense we can see how God established His rule through creating the universe — Psalm 103:19. We also know that every authority on earth today was given to man through God — Romans 13:1.
In the future, Jesus will indeed have sovereign rule over the earth, but that doesn’t take place until the millennium — Daniel 2:44 is one example from OT prophets of how/when this takes place.
For Christians, God’s Kingdom is a spiritual one, as noted in the bible verses above. Furthermore, it’s not ruled by anyone but Him, nor is it handed down by succession, or conquest. Rather, God’s Kingdom reigns within believers — 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19.
Unfortunately, Brigham bought into Joe Smith’s theory of everything being run by a governmental type of system. If he had stuck to what God said in His word he wouldn’t have been so confused, and in turn, he wouldn’t have confused so many others.
Think about it: In the end times, why would there be other gods if God is the ruler?
When you have the opportunity, share the truth with a Mormon you know!
With Love in Christ;
Michelle