Do I really believe that, prior to the return of Christ, the earth will be as full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea? Do I really believe that all the nations of men will stream to their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ? Do I really believe that Jesus Christ is the desire of nations? I really do. And I hope by the time we are done with this short book, the unconvinced reader will at least be able to say, ‘One hopes.’
This is the introduction to Douglas Wilson’s new book, Heaven Misplaced: Christ’s Kingdom on Earth. Avoiding the really poor joke, and excuse, that everything pans out in the end, Wilson makes a convincing case for what he calls “Historical Optimism. “ Others call it Post-Millenialism. I didn’t have all my hermeneutical guns cocked whilst reading this book, but he seemed to make a good biblical argument for this view. Using many Old and New Testament Scriptures he reasoned that the gospel would win the
world. For example commenting on 1 John 4:14 , “And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Saviour of the world,” he says this:
Jesus did not come in order to try and save the world if the uncooperative world would only let him…the fact that Christ will save the world does not mean that He will save every last individual who ever lived in it . But it does mean that He will save the world and we need to take the word world in such a way that encompasses more than a tiny huddled band of the elect, consisting of no more than thirteen or fourteen people.
But even if you are not convinced by Historic Optimism, you will still find this book encouraging. Wilson evocatively reminds us of what Jesus’ death and resurrection actually accomplished. He really is the Lord of all nations. He really has been given authority over all powers. All we have to do is declare the authority and power that Jesus already has. If you are serving in what looks like a fruitless situation, these reminders are timely and life-giving.
There are two weaknesses in this book, in my opinion. Firstly, it was sometimes unclear where each chapter was heading until it ended. This is unlike Wilson’s other books, which I have found to be very easy to follow. Secondly, he mainly quotes from the AV, which in South Africa is pretty challenging for most people to understand. Otherwise I think you should read it. Even if it’s just to remind yourself that
Christ is not the Lord of some invisible heavenly place; He is the Lord and Master of the town where you live – and of course everywhere else. He purchased this world and it’s inhabitants with His blood and no impudent magistrate is going to successfully deny Him. He will have it. Fix it in your minds: Christ rules here.
Reviewer: Sarah Groves
