The Christian life is often perceived as a journey of deepening our relationship with Jesus Christ, the King of Kings. However, a crucial aspect that is sometimes overlooked is the importance of not only connecting with the King but also aligning ourselves with His Kingdom principles. This distinction can explain why two Christians, both of whom love the Lord and actively participate in church life, might experience vastly different levels of blessing and prosperity. While one flourishes, the other might stagnate. How can this be, when both profess the same faith and serve the same God who shows no partiality?
The King and His Kingdom: Jesus and His Commands
The answer lies in understanding that the Christian walk involves both the Person of Jesus and the principles of His Kingdom. Acts 28:31 captures this balance perfectly, as the apostles were “preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence.” The focus was not solely on the person of Jesus but also on the Kingdom principles He established.
Jesus is the King, and as believers, we are called into a personal relationship with Him. However, this relationship is meant to be lived out within the framework of His Kingdom, which operates on principles that govern every aspect of life. These principles are not burdensome laws but divine guidelines that, when applied in faith, unlock the manifest blessings of God in our lives.
The Role of Kingdom Principles in Manifesting Blessings
John 15 emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ’s Word to bear fruit. It is not enough to simply love Jesus; we must also adhere to His teachings. The Word of God contains principles that, when faithfully applied, bridge the gap between spiritual truth and physical reality. For instance, the truth is that through Christ’s stripes, we are healed, yet the manifestation of that healing may require an act of faith—such as seeking prayer from the elders, as instructed in James 5:14-15.
This principle extends to every area of life, including finances. The Bible provides clear instructions on tithing, sowing, working diligently, maintaining integrity, and caring for the poor. These are not merely suggestions but Kingdom principles that, when followed, position us to receive the blessings already secured for us through Christ.
Grace and Application: Receiving, Not Earning
It is crucial to understand that applying God’s Word is not a matter of earning His favor or blessings. Grace is the foundation of our salvation, and it is by grace that we have been saved and brought into a position of peace with God. However, grace is also the starting point for a life of obedience and application of His Word. As we live out these principles, we are not striving to earn God’s blessings but to receive them by positioning ourselves according to His divine order.
Romans 12:2 urges believers to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. This transformation involves not only an inward renewal through the Holy Spirit but also an outward manifestation of God’s will in every area of life. As we bring our lives under the authority of God’s Word, we align ourselves with His Kingdom principles, which leads to a life of fruitfulness and blessing.
The Kingdom on Earth: Living as Kings
The apostles understood the importance of preaching not only about the Lord Jesus but also about His Kingdom. Through Jesus we reign in heavenly places but it is His principles that enable us to reign in ‘earthly places. As new creations in Christ, we have been renewed on the inside, but it is through the application of His Word that this renewal becomes evident on the outside.
This concept is especially relevant in the area of finances, where many Christians struggle. The Bible offers specific principles regarding money—principles that, when followed, lead to financial freedom and blessing. Yet, without applying these principles, believers may find themselves stuck, despite their love for Jesus.
Embracing Both the Person and the Principles
The Christian life is about more than just knowing the King; it is also about living according to His Kingdom. It is not enough to love Jesus; we must also apply His Word in every area of our lives. Grace is not only the end—securing our salvation—but also the beginning, empowering us to live in alignment with God’s will.
As believers, we are called to embrace both the Person of Jesus and the principles of His Kingdom. This dual focus ensures that we not only secure our eternal destiny but also experience the fullness of God’s blessings in our daily lives. It is by applying the Word of God in faith, out of a place of grace, that we bridge the gap between spiritual truth and physical reality, allowing the Kingdom of God to be manifest in our lives.
Loving Jesus is not enough to be fruitful and successful; we must also apply His Word.
It is both the King and His Kingdom, the Person of God and the Principles of God.
