Kingdom Now Theology

[goinghome]

I'm just wondering if any on this board are familiar with Kingdom Now Theology. It can have many names:

The most prominent of these movements are:

Latter Rain
Identity
Manifest Sons of God
Restoration
Reconstruction

Charismatic Renewal
Shepherding/Discipleship
Kingdom Message
Positive Confession

Some info.:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_Now_theology

http://www.apologeticsindex.org/l04.html

The basic premise of Kingdom Theology is that man lost dominion over the earth when Adam and Eve succumbed to Satan's temptation in the Garden of Eden. God "lost control" of the earth to Satan at that time, and has since been looking for a "covenant people" who will be His "extension," or "expression," in the earth and take dominion back from Satan. This is to be accomplished through certain "overcomers" who, by yielding themselves to the authority of God's apostles and prophets for the Kingdom Age, will take control of the kingdoms of this world. These kingdoms are defined as all social institutions, such as the "kingdom" of education, the "kingdom" of science, the "kingdom" of the arts, and so on.

Most especially there is the "kingdom" of politics or government. This naturally implies the concentration of military and police power in the hands of those in control during the Kingdom Age. They are referred to as the "many-membered man child," whom Kingdom Theology adherents believe will be the fulfillment of Revelation 12:1-5: "And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars....And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron."

...........

The rationale that the many-membered man child will put God's enemies under 'its' feet is that Jesus is the head of Christ and the Church is the body of Christ. And where are the feet but in the body? Many in the Kingdom Theology movements insist that when this Scripture refers to Christ it is really referring to the Church who is the Body of Christ. Therefore it is necessary for them to establish within the minds of Christians the idea that, as the Body of Christ, we are Christ. In other words, we have His divine nature.

Notice that this idea, similar to that of mind science and other false religions, separates the anointing of "Christ" from Jesus and bestows it upon all who come into a place of certain knowledge and spiritual attainment. This is a heresy that is as old as the Church. It is rooted in the Greek school of philosophy known as Gnosticism.

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I'm asking because I see some of these beliefs floating around and becoming more popular. Possibly even on this board. I am not knowledgeable enough to help these people so are there any books or reading material anybody could suggest. This is one of those dangerous things which should be nipped in the bud and I'd like to be able to help with the cause and possibly bring some of these people over to the right side. Any suggestions would help. Thanks!

[lisa]

The best way to know a counterfeit is to be an expert in the real thing. Dig deep into God's Word, this is the best book to read. Knowing what the Bible says and being grounded in that is better than fighting the tide of a faith movement with their own dogma. :hug

[Tron4JC]

I'm just wondering if any on this board are familiar with Kingdom Now Theology. It can have many names:

The most prominent of these movements are:

Latter Rain
Identity
Manifest Sons of God
Restoration
Reconstruction

Charismatic Renewal
Shepherding/Discipleship
Kingdom Message
Positive Confession

Some info.:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_Now_theology

http://www.apologeticsindex.org/l04.html

The basic premise of Kingdom Theology is that man lost dominion over the earth when Adam and Eve succumbed to Satan's temptation in the Garden of Eden. God "lost control" of the earth to Satan at that time, and has since been looking for a "covenant people" who will be His "extension," or "expression," in the earth and take dominion back from Satan. This is to be accomplished through certain "overcomers" who, by yielding themselves to the authority of God's apostles and prophets for the Kingdom Age, will take control of the kingdoms of this world. These kingdoms are defined as all social institutions, such as the "kingdom" of education, the "kingdom" of science, the "kingdom" of the arts, and so on.

Most especially there is the "kingdom" of politics or government. This naturally implies the concentration of military and police power in the hands of those in control during the Kingdom Age. They are referred to as the "many-membered man child," whom Kingdom Theology adherents believe will be the fulfillment of Revelation 12:1-5: "And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars....And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron."

...........

The rationale that the many-membered man child will put God's enemies under 'its' feet is that Jesus is the head of Christ and the Church is the body of Christ. And where are the feet but in the body? Many in the Kingdom Theology movements insist that when this Scripture refers to Christ it is really referring to the Church who is the Body of Christ. Therefore it is necessary for them to establish within the minds of Christians the idea that, as the Body of Christ, we are Christ. In other words, we have His divine nature.

Notice that this idea, similar to that of mind science and other false religions, separates the anointing of "Christ" from Jesus and bestows it upon all who come into a place of certain knowledge and spiritual attainment. This is a heresy that is as old as the Church. It is rooted in the Greek school of philosophy known as Gnosticism.

-------------
I'm asking because I see some of these beliefs floating around and becoming more popular. Possibly even on this board. I am not knowledgeable enough to help these people so are there any books or reading material anybody could suggest. This is one of those dangerous things which should be nipped in the bud and I'd like to be able to help with the cause and possibly bring some of these people over to the right side. Any suggestions would help. Thanks!

Actually, certain groups like Latter Rain (and other names mentioned like Manifest Sons) and Reconstructionism bear little, if any resemblance to each other, other than they believe Jesus is Lord and died on the cross for us, among other essentials.

Latter Rain adherents are largely premil, even pretribbers, while Reconstructionists are mainly postmils (though historically postmils are NOT Reconstructionists, and many of them still are not Reconstructionists, but hold to views far closer to RC Sproul SR).

Latter Rain folks hold to Arminianism meaning they hold to man's freewill is involved in conversion when God's grace is given. Reconstructionists hold to Calvinism, meaning they strongly hold to if the kingdom of God is to be expanded, it is done fully by the sovereignty of God in how He bring people to Christ and in how He affects change in the nations and its laws. In other words, Reconstructionists don't believe God ever lost control of the earth, ever, ever. God remains in control, over the eternal destination of those who will be saved and those He reprobated. And the kingdom of God in their eyes started when Christ ascended into heaven to right hand of God the Father and all authority was given to Him on earth as it is in heaven. Reconstructionists don't hold to they usher in the kingdom of God by their own efforts at all.

Latter Rain folks are charismatics. Reconstructionists are strictly cessasionists, meaning they would disagree with the view of gifts like apostles and prophets (as charismatics define that) are for today.

And Reconstructionists also hold to all who are Christians, Reconstructionists or not, are guided by the Holy Spirit in sanctification, and the fact God's divine choice would bring about many souls saved in all nations would inherently have an effect on who would run the governments of those countries and what kind of laws are being made (especially when Christians are making the policies). They do believe in some form of "seperation of church and state" in that the government makes biblical laws in regards to dealing with crimes, and the church preaches the gospel and carries out its functions in having baptismal services and distributing the Lord's supper, and neither state nor church can do each other's roles, ever.

Finally, Reconstructionists tend to pro-Confederates especially in their passion for promoting states' rights. (Don't know the breakdown on the Latter Rain group on Civil War and states' issue.)

[goinghome]

The best way to know a counterfeit is to be an expert in the real thing. Dig deep into God's Word, this is the best book to read. Knowing what the Bible says and being grounded in that is better than fighting the tide of a faith movement with their own dogma. :hug

Recognizing the counterfeit is the easy part, at least for me. Reasoning with them and understanding their "hot buttons" is more difficult. I agree God's word is the best book (for anything), but when you have a memory like a seive it helps to be able to focus point to counterpoint. And to be able to keep them focused by being well versed in their favorite arguments is a help. This set of beliefs is a new one for me, haven't had to deal with these guys before.

[goinghome]

Actually, certain groups like Latter Rain (and other names mentioned like Manifest Sons) and Reconstructionism bear little, if any resemblance to each other, other than they believe Jesus is Lord and died on the cross for us, among other essentials.

Latter Rain adherents are largely premil, even pretribbers, while Reconstructionists are mainly postmils (though historically postmils are NOT Reconstructionists, and many of them still are not Reconstructionists, but hold to views far closer to RC Sproul SR).

Latter Rain folks hold to Arminianism meaning they hold to man's freewill is involved in conversion when God's grace is given. Reconstructionists hold to Calvinism, meaning they strongly hold to if the kingdom of God is to be expanded, it is done fully by the sovereignty of God in how He bring people to Christ and in how He affects change in the nations and its laws. In other words, Reconstructionists don't believe God ever lost control of the earth, ever, ever. God remains in control, over the eternal destination of those who will be saved and those He reprobated. And the kingdom of God in their eyes started when Christ ascended into heaven to right hand of God the Father and all authority was given to Him on earth as it is in heaven. Reconstructionists don't hold to they usher in the kingdom of God by their own efforts at all.

Latter Rain folks are charismatics. Reconstructionists are strictly cessasionists, meaning they would disagree with the view of gifts like apostles and prophets (as charismatics define that) are for today.

And Reconstructionists also hold to all who are Christians, Reconstructionists or not, are guided by the Holy Spirit in sanctification, and the fact God's divine choice would bring about many souls saved in all nations would inheremntly have an effect on who would run the governments of those countries and what kind of laws are being made (especially when Christians are making the policies). They do believe in some form of "seperation of church and state" in that the government makes biblical laws in regards to dealing with crimes, and the church preaches the gospel and carries out its functions in having baptismal services and distributing the Lord's supper, and neither state nor church can do each other's roles, ever.

Finally, Reconstructionists tend to pro-Confederates especially in their passion for promoting states' rights. (Don't know the breakdown on the Latter Rain group on Civil War and states' issue.)



Thanks for all the info., but this is way more technical than what I need to start with, and somewhat more liberal/generous than I'd be with this heretical theology. Guess I need a dumbed down version.

[Tron4JC]

For info on Reconstructionism (a view I disagreed with btw since I am Lutheran amil):


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Reconstructionism

Christian Reconstructionists describe their view of public ethics by the term, "Theonomy" (the Law of God governs); while their critics tend to label them "Theocratic" (God governs). The notable differences are that "theocracy" is usually thought of as totalitarian and involving no distinction between church and state, while "theonomy" is broadly libertarian and maintains a distinction of sphere of authority between family, church, and state. For example, enforcement of moral sanctions under theonomy is done by family and church government, and sanctions for moral offenses is outside the authority of civil government (which is limited to criminal matters, courts and national defense.)

The founders of the movement have all been Calvinists, and they believe that their view of the law is a faithful extension of the Reformed Christian view of the continuing validity of Biblical Law in a modern context. This is sometimes bitterly contested in the conservative Reformed churches where their influence first began to appear. Some Reformed denominations have crafted official statements rejecting theonomy as a heresy, but others tolerate some forms of it on the grounds that as a Biblical theology it can appeal to historical and doctrinal precedent within the Puritan and Reformed tradition.

Christian Reconstructionism was originally formulated as a practical expression of Postmillennial Christian Eschatology, though the distinctive tenets of the school of thought (generally referred to as Theonomic Ethics) are purported to be compatible with other eschatological viewpoints within conservative Christianity. The "second generation" of theonomists includes some premillennial evangelical and fundamentalist movements.

[Tron4JC]

Thanks for all the info., but this is way more technical than what I need to start with, and somewhat more liberal/generous than I'd be with this heretical theology. Guess I need a dumbed down version.


Not liberal or generous, but showing distinctions between groups that are lumped together. Reconstructionists won't recognize claims of them holding to, for example, roles of prophets and apostles (a view that extreme charismatics hold to). Nor to the claim they hold to God lost control at the time of the fall, since many of them are Calvinists who either hold to God permitted the fall or God ordained the fall. and that God is almighty over all in His divine predestination of the elect.

Reconstructionists themselves btw see Latter Rain and its like as heresy also on many levels, especially on the extreme charismatic aspects of those groups. And they have no love lost either for the Latter Rain and its types on issues of predestination vs. freewill.

If you are going to challenge their views, I would advise you know what they believe beforehand, or they don't take you seriously. Just a friendly advice from one who don't agree with some of their views.

Just as we would not take atheistic claims about our beliefs seriously if they get them wrong.

Or at least, stay grounded on the Bible and just challenged their beliefs as they present them to you, with biblical verses you cite to them, without assuming anything about their beliefs before you debate them.

In other words, as Boy Scouts like to say, "be prepare."

[Tron4JC]

Oh, I can't believe I forgot to mention one other thing for those who wish to deal with Reconstructionists- they tend to be big on presuppositionalist apologetics.

[goinghome]

Oh, I can't believe I forgot to mention one other thing for those who wish to deal with Reconstructionists- they tend to be big on presuppositionalist apologetics.

Tron4, you've certainly helped me see that I've bitten off more than I care to chew. I'll just stick to helping the WOFers. I can understand them and refute them without imploding my brain. :lol2 But hopefully this will help others in their pursuits. On this board, it's ask and you shall receive for sure. Thank you Thank you, thank you! And Lisa Thank you as well. :hug