Justice, Righteousness, and the Steady Growth of His Reign
God’s sovereignty is absolute, and His Kingdom is founded upon justice, righteousness, and perfect knowledge. From generation to generation, His reign remains unshaken, steadily expanding like leaven permeating dough. As Jesus described in Matthew 13:33, “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.” This imagery offers profound insight into the nature of God’s Kingdom—a slow but powerful transformation that grows steadily and influences everything it touches. Similarly, Galatians 5:9 reminds us, “A little leaven leavens the whole lump,” emphasizing how even the smallest elements of God’s Kingdom have the power to transform the world entirely.
Redemption and Righteousness
God’s plan to redeem the world does not imply perfection on earth. Just as humanity was once dead in sin, redemption through Christ has brought life and hope, yet we still wrestle with imperfections. Judicially, as sinners, we are declared righteous before God because Christ’s perfection has been imputed to us. Romans 3:21-26 underscores this truth: “But now apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been made known…all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Similarly, Colossians 1:13-14 proclaims, “For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
This righteousness is not a reflection of our own merits but of the righteousness of Christ credited to us. Galatians 3:13 speaks of this profound exchange: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” Judicially, we stand perfect before God, but on the path of sanctification, we are called to grow and conform our lives to the image of Christ, reflecting His glory more and more.
The Process of Sanctification
Through sanctification, Christians are transformed to embody the character of Jesus Christ, shedding the effects of their sin nature. This journey, though challenging, leads to ultimate victory when believers are raised imperishable, as described in 1 Corinthians 15:42: “The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable.” Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit within us, refining our hearts and minds to align with God’s will and purpose. It is a process that requires diligence, faith, and reliance on divine grace.
Christians as Agents of Change
As redeemed Christians, we are not merely passive recipients of grace but active agents of change in the world. Jesus called His followers to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14), a reminder of our responsibility to influence society and reflect God’s truth. In a world filled with spiritual darkness, the Church is called to shine ever brighter, embodying hope and righteousness. Isaiah 60:1-2 encourages, “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you…The Lord will arise upon you, and His glory will be seen upon you.”
Christians must not resign themselves to the heightened demonic activity or moral decay of our time as signs of impending doom. Instead, we are called to stand firm, knowing that the darker the world becomes, the more distinct the Church must shine as a beacon of hope and truth. We are overcomers, as 1 John 4:4 declares: “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
God’s Authority Over Satan
While Satan possesses power, it is limited by God’s sovereignty. During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He demonstrated His authority over demonic forces, granting His disciples the power to cast out demons and proclaim the Kingdom of God. Luke 10:19 captures this authority vividly: “I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” This divine supremacy reassures us that no matter how fierce opposition may seem, God’s power is infinitely greater.
The ultimate victory belongs to Christ, and through Him, believers are empowered to confront evil and advance the Kingdom. As agents of God’s reign, Christians are called to live courageously, bearing witness to His justice, righteousness, and steadfast love.
The Hope of Glory
At the heart of the Christian faith is the hope of glory—the assurance that God’s plan will prevail and His Kingdom will be fully realized. This hope is not rooted in human efforts or fleeting circumstances but in the truth of Christ dwelling within us. Colossians 1:27 affirms, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” This promise energizes and strengthens believers to persevere, even in the face of trials and uncertainties.
As God’s Kingdom continues to grow and replace the divided realms of darkness, His justice and righteousness shine brightly. The redeemed Christian plays a crucial role in this divine plan, embodying the transformative power of grace and reflecting the light of Christ to the world. With unwavering faith and reliance on God’s sovereignty, we move forward, proclaiming His reign and awaiting the ultimate fulfillment of His promises.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 