Will heaven be a democracy?
Isaiah 9:6-7
Every four years, America faces the prospect of another presidential campaign by which imperfect people elect an imperfect person to lead a deeply flawed nation for four years. In 1947, Winston Churchill said in a speech to the House of Commons, “It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” This sardonic statement seems to imply that democracy is deeply flawed, but it’s better than absolute monarchy, dictatorship, communism, or anarchy. What Abraham Lincoln called government “of the people, by the people, and for the people” is only as good as the people. And the Bible reveals that “the people” are deeply sinful. It is true that the separation of powers established in the U.S. Constitution greatly mitigates the corruption that one man’s heart can inflict on the nation. But it is right for Christians to yearn for something far better.
The coming kingship of Jesus Christ is exactly that and infinitely more than anything we could ask for or imagine. Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would have perfect character, a blending of the supernatural with the natural, resulting in the incarnate Son of God as also the Son of David, sitting forever on David’s throne. He will have miracle-working power, perfect wisdom, eternal lifespan, and an absolute commitment to peace. He will reign with exact justice and righteousness, and his kingdom will never end. The weight of authority will be greater than any man has ever known, but his shoulders will be infinitely strong to bear that yoke.
“The glories of Christ’s kingdom will eternally grow in the minds and hearts of his people as they increasingly understand the infinite majesty of Christ.”
Best of all, the “increase of his government” will never end. The Hebrew word translated “increase” gives a sense of richness, blessedness, wealth, prosperity… but also multiplication. Christ’s kingdom will eternally GROW! How will that be possible, given the fact that procreation will end with this present age, and in heaven the redeemed will neither marry nor be given in marriage? I believe the answer is that the glories of Christ’s kingdom will eternally grow in the minds and hearts of his people as they increasingly understand the infinite majesty of Christ. We will study the great works of Christ that he achieved in redeeming his elect from every nation on earth and every era of history. And as we continue to learn those great achievements, we will glorify Christ more and more and more and more… forever.
Psalm 111:2-4 holds the key to this insight. “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wonders to be remembered…” What that means is that for all eternity, Christ will teach us his great works in and through the lives of his countless redeemed in this present evil age. We will learn and learn and learn… and delight in everything Christ ever did. And therefore his glory will increase forever!
So, what an amazing government he will have in heaven, a kingdom of perfect righteousness and radiant glory in which his subjects will delight forever in submitting to his rule.
