The second foundation to a Kingdom Reset is to revisit whether we are operating in accordance with King Jesus’ Constitution. If you’re not sure what that is, please keep reading to find out!
Oaths of allegiance to the Crown are common in British public life. They are similar to a declaration of loyalty to the state. Members of both Houses of Parliament are required by law to take an oath of allegiance to the Crown.
Oaths are also taken to support and defend the constitution. The term ‘constitution’ refers to the principles, rules and laws that establish and underpin a political system.
God’s Will, Desires & Purposes
Every kingdom has a constitution or body of laws and ordinances that express the will of the king and how the kingdom operates and is governed. In God’s Kingdom this sets out God’s will, His principles, values and practices for living, not only for every individual Kingdom citizen, but also as societies and nations.
Furthermore, God’s Kingdom Constitution outlines His desires and purposes for mankind and the whole of His creation. In other words, for the whole domain over which the King rules.
God’s Kingdom Constitution is codified and set out in His Word, the Bible. As the Word of God, this constitutes the highest authority which exists. Everything should be submitted to God’s written Word which should not be added to or taken from.
The Law of Christ our King
Whereas under the Old Covenant constitution, citizenship was based on circumcision of the flesh and outward adherence to the Law, in the New Kingdom Constitution, citizenship is based upon circumcision of the heart. When a person makes Jesus their Lord (their oath of allegiance) they become a citizen of God’s Kingdom.
While some like to think we are no longer under any law, the truth is that while living in the grace of God, we are now called to live under the ‘law of Christ’ (Galatians 6:2). This is NOT legalism or earning one’s salvation. It’s about loving Jesus, who made it clear, “If you love Me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). It’s the law of love – for God, oneself, and one’s neighbour (James 2:8) – which is written on our hearts. “This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). Out of our love for our King, we want to please Him and see His will done and His Kingdom come on Earth. We’re able to do this by the power of His Holy Spirit dwelling within us.
Do We Know the Commands of Jesus?
So if we are to express our love for Jesus by obeying His commands, as well as teaching others to obey all that He commanded (Matthew 28:20), we should know what He has commanded.
Many people have compiled lists of the commands of Jesus. These can vary from 7 commands to 50, 75 or almost 100. There are actually a lot of ‘judgment calls’ that are required. For example, was Jesus making a generalised command or one that was only applicable to the specific person in the specific situation (and even if it’s clearly specific, is there evidence from other scriptures for a broader application?).
Kingdom Manifesto
As Jesus’ preaching and teaching explains the way of the Kingdom, the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7) begins with the Beatitudes which highlight how to enter the Kingdom.
With this ‘manifesto’ Jesus announces a new Constitution and new world order, the beginnings of a new movement and the characteristics that will shape the community of those who decide to live for Him as King. This new ethical framework of operating principles will guide those who seek to bring Kingdom influence within society as part of the Great Commission mandate. (1)
Kingdom Values & Characteristics
Sandwiched in-between those who enter the Kingdom and who will be persecuted as a result, are the characteristics and values that the amended Kingdom Constitution represents:
- Compassion & concern – “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
- Controlled & directed strength and action – “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
- Truth & justice – “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”
- Forgiveness & mercy in relationships – “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”
- Purity of motive & wholeheartedness – “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
- Reconciliation & restoration – “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
This Kingdom Manifesto is further spelt out when Jesus selected Isaiah 61 to launch His public ministry and to announce His coming as the Messiah King (Luke 4:18-19). It would be good news to the poor, healing for the broken-hearted, liberty to the captives and those oppressed, recovery of sight to the blind, and a nationwide release from debts!
Discipled in the Constitution
To be equipped for effective Kingdom service, every citizen should be trained and discipled in the Constitution of God’s Kingdom. We could say that this is what it means to seek first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33).
As we’ve already seen, as Kingdom citizens we are to live out His righteous ‘law’ by obeying all the commands of Christ, and teach others the benefits of also obeying the King’s ways. In commissioning His disciples, Jesus said, “…teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20). This will not only empower our own lives but will also be for the blessing of our families, our societies, our nation, and the world.
Some Important Questions
Is there a need to RESET the legality of the Kingdom of God in our lives, both individually and corporately?
Do we know the Constitution of the Kingdom of God? Do we know the commands of Jesus?
Are we defending our King’s Constitution, or are we allowing it to be eroded and compromised by being squeezed into the world’s mould of acceptability and political correctness?
Are we announcing an alternative new world order launched two thousand years ago called the Kingdom of God?
1 Within this Kingdom Manifesto, Jesus announces a number of constitutional amendments. In referring to the previous constitution recorded by Moses, ‘You have heard that it was said…’ He updates it with the words, ‘But I say to you…’ With six specific examples of how His teaching fulfils the Law and the Prophets – the old constitution – Jesus demonstrates a higher righteousness of the new constitution, a righteousness of the heart and only possible through the personal reign of the King in a person’s life (Matthew 5:17-48).
For more on the Kingdom Constitution, please see Kingdom Mission Vol. 1 – Recovering the Vision by Peter J. Farmer & Stuart Simpson