Dr. Couch, Revelation 1:6 says God "made us to be a kingdom, priests to
His God and Father." Is this not saying that the church is the promised
kingdom found in the OT?
ANSWER:
About 90% of the references in Scripture to a kingdom would be referring
to the Messianic reign of Christ at the end of history known as the
Millennium in the book of Revelation. Other references may speak of
God's reign over His creation "kingdom," or as in the case of this
passage, "a" kingdom of priests, but not "the" (definite article)
Messianic reign!
There is nothing wrong with calling the church in this dispensation a
collection of priests who represent man to God and God to man! CONTEXT
is most important when dealing with such issues. The Messianic kingdom
is not in view here. But there is more to consider in Revelation 1:6:
1. The definite article "the" is not in the passage. If "the" was used
some may think that it might point to the Messianic kingdom reign but it
is not in the text.
2. While there is good manuscript evidence for the word "kingdom"
(basileian) here in this verse, there are some texts that do not have
the word. In those texts it simply reads, "He made us priests to His
God."
3. Notice the word "made." Church believers are created to be priests
during this church era. In the Millennial kingdom, the Levitical priests
of the house of Zadok will come to fore and will minister in the
Millennial temple as mentioned in Ezekiel 40:46; 43:19; 44:15; 48:11.
They will not have "to be made" priests! The priests of Zadok certainly
do not mean the church!
4. In no way can Revelation 1:6 be speaking of the 1000 year Millennial temple by any stretch of the imagination!
Thomas says:
Even old amillennial scholars such as Justin Smith do not try to make
the connection that this passage is now saying the church has replaced
Israel as the kingdom!
Thanks for asking!
Dr. Mal Couch
