At http://christian-civilization.org/philosophy.html one can read another example of the new kingdom theology. The wording at this webpage is a bit more blatant than usual, underscoring some key points made in the article posted at http://www.discernment-ministries.org entitled “Dominionism and the Rise of Christian Imperialism.”
This website, The International Institute for Christian Culture, calls for the “Next Reformation.” This call is identical to Rick Warren’s call for a “Second Reformation” and C. Peter Wagner’s call for a “New Apostolic Reformation.” The website reiterates the dominionist emphasis placed on the Great Commission, and links it to Genesis 1, calling it a “Cultural Mandate”:
“The Church is the bride of Christ, the divine organization given authority to disciple the nations. . . . “
“It is no accident that when Christians abandoned the Cultural Mandate of Genesis 1:28, (reiterated in Matthew 28:19-20) and retreated into a privatized, personal religion, that both the Church and the culture were lost to Humanism.”
In language resembling the Coalition on Revival letter authored by Jay Grimstead (posted on Herescope, 9/19/2005), the website calls for the enforcement of “true discipleship”:
“Regardless of one’s views about when the world will end, all Christians are required to press the Crown Rights of King Jesus. Jesus must be Lord of all, or He is not Lord at all. Thus, Christians must rediscover the mark of true discipleship, that every knee must bow, and every tongue confess, that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God the Father.”
The website further reiterates its own perceived dominionist mandate, mentioning Africa as a model:
“The International Institute for Christian Culture is providentially placed to impact whole nations with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Politicians, economists, academics and pastors in many developing nations are hungry for a consistent, coherent and thoroughly Biblical worldview. . . .
“As nations in Africa adopt and put into practice the principles we have forgotten, it provides a model, and encouragement to the West to rediscover their own Christian heritage. God’s will, will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. And His will is that all men bend the knee to King Jesus, acknowledging Him as Lord. If men will not submit to King Jesus, then the societies, in which they live, will be judged (cf. Romans 1:18ff).” [all emphases above are added]
This begs the questions — based on the dominionist assumption that the church is given “divine authority” to institute dominionism (as quoted above). Who defines “submit” and how is it going to be measured? Who is going to identify this “King Jesus” to whom every knee must bow? Who will be doing this judging? By what criteria? By what standards? And what will be the penalties for noncompliance?
When leaders begin to talk about implementing the kingdom of God on Earth, then it behooves believers with discernment to begin to ask the hard questions and challenge just how they intend to do this!
The Truth:
“Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there, believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (Matthew 24:23-24)