Two Kingdoms

I’m tired – tired of the political ads that always seem to be playing on people’s fears about the future.  I’ll be so glad when the upcoming election is over.  But I’m also convinced that, no matter the result of this (or any) government election, it won’t make those fears about the future go away.

For as long as we remain here in this world, we live under two kingdoms (or governments). God has established both of these kingdoms. One kingdom, which goes by various names (the left-hand kingdom, the kingdom of the sword, etc.), includes all earthly governments, including those of the United States and the state of Nebraska.  So, when you put your early ballot in the mailbox or step into a voting booth on election day, you are operating in this left-hand kingdom. 

The way we vote matters.  You should vote in the way that you believe best meets the needs of your neighbor, especially those in your family and community.  However, no matter how you vote, you can be certain of this: your vote will not make you righteous before God.  The governments of this world are temporary; they cannot provide you with a future that lasts.

The other kingdom under which we Christians live also goes by various names: the right-hand kingdom or the kingdom of the Spirit.  As Martin Luther writes, “This one is spiritual; it has no sword, but it has the Word, by means of which men are to be good and righteous, so that with this righteousness they may attain everlasting life.  This righteousness [God] administers through the Word.” 

The right-hand kingdom comes when the Word of Christ is preached to you for the forgiveness of your sin.  By this promise, you are made completely justified in God’s sight, and that justification is by faith alone.  When this kingdom comes, you have the unbreakable promise that your eternal future is completely secure in Christ.  Freed from having to trust your vote (or anything you do) to secure a future for you, you can actually cast your vote for the good of your neighbor.

Christ’s grace and peace to you,

Pastor Raleigh