I agree our glorification occurs in the future and is accomplished by the past work of Christ.
However, it's only logical that men's sanctification itself has a beneficial effect on the earth itself -- the more God's grace shows itself throughout the world by the increasing number of Christians, the better off the world is.
I don't believe the Gospel is defeated in this life. I believe Christ overcomes the world, "on earth as it is in heaven."
It wasn't Paul or Peter who gave the Great Commission; it was Jesus Christ. Did He task us with failure or success?
Looking back at history, it seems as if the pacifism and withdrawal of the Anabaptists has carried over to a lot of today's eschatology. Calvin certainly believed that a growing and vigorous Christianity would positively influence the planet.
To believe the world is going to get worse and worse is to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
Cui bono?
“Cui bono?”
Did you just use a naughty word?
We are not talking about sanctification and its present effects, we were talking about presently, “reigning”, “enthroned”, “ruling” and that is future. We are footsoldiers now in the battle that has already been won, but is still being played out; like our sanctification.
When I was a kid, I used to take a shotgun to school...The Principal would hold if for me till school was over...
Never needed to lock the doors at home...
Church doors were open 24/7...
Used to hitch hike everywhere...Always got a ride...
Used to say the Lords prayer at school, led by the teachers...
Most of the teachers you’d see on Sunday at church...
Everybody turned out for the 4th of July and Veteran’s Parades...
Fights at school never involved weapons...
You did drugs when you were sick...
I could go on and on and on...
And you think things are getting better and you are bringing in the Kindgom for God, eh???