There are those who believe the constitution prescribes the ‘separation of church and state.’ In reality that premise is based solely on a phrase used by Thomas Jefferson in a letter to the Danbury Baptist Association on January 1, 1802 to assure them that government would not intrude into their affairs. Not only is that premise not included anywhere in this nation’s founding documentation, neither is it found in the Bible.
When one hears the terms ‘Bah! Humbug!’ it connotes something phony, i.e. a hoax or fraud. Therefore, the validity of the premise of the separation of church and state is questionable at best.
In recent weeks as Christians celebrated the birth of Christ, several Old Testament prophecies were highlighted that pointed to the future birth of the coming King and to His future eternal throne.
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given…” Isaiah 9:6
But we need to place that scripture in proper context by considering the remainder of that verse and the one immediately following.
“…And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever…” Isaiah 9:6-7
Several key and revealing words in the above are government, throne, and kingdom. All three of these words refer to dominion, sovereignty, royal rule, and reign.
“But you, Bethlehem…Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel…” Micah 5:2
This verse not only reveals where Christ would be born, but that He would be the ultimate ruler over Israel.
More than 1,000 years before Christ was born God spoke to King David through the prophet Nathan.
“When your days are fulfilled…I will set up your seed after you…and I will establish his kingdom…and the throne of his kingdom forever…”
2 Samuel 7:12-13
This promise was reiterated in more detail to the prophet Ezekiel approximately 500 years later.
“Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Surely I will take the children of Israel from among the nations…and I will make them one nation in the land…and one king shall be…over them…they shall no longer be two nations, nor shall they ever be divided into two kingdoms again…David My servant shall be king over them…they, their children, and their children’s children, forever…’” Ezekiel 37:21-25
And 500 years after the above announcement the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary.
“…And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son and shall call His name JESUS. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” Luke 3:31-33
Notice again the confirmation of the throne, reign, and kingdom. And as we look forward in scriptures to the prophecy in the Revelation it is noted that not only will Jesus rule over Israel forever, but also over all of the nations.
“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war…Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations, And He Himself will rule them with a rod or iron.” Revelation 19:11-15
This scripture will be the fulfillment of another 1,000 year old prophecy.
“Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession…You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.” Psalm 2:8-9
The Bible states clearly that Christ will be the sovereign ruler and king of all nations including Israel beginning with the millennial kingdom. And let it not be forgotten His authority as head of the church.
“…as also Christ is head of the church…therefore…the church is subject to Christ…” Ephesians 5:23-24
The unity of the governance of church and state is fulfilled and exemplified in the description of New Jerusalem.
“But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple…And the Nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.” Revelation 21:22-24
Therefore, the future unification of the church and state is as sure as the demise of democracy as a form of government.