A Change of Government (CA)

Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. Jn 12:31

Jesus declared in this statement that the prince of this world has been defeated. Jesus defeated him in his death, burial and resurrection, no more could Satan lay claim to all men. Because of Adam's sin and abdication of his responsibility to dress and keep the garden, Satan had dominated men and held them in bondage. As in Adam all died, so in Jesus all who believe are made alive! The change of government casts Satan out and he cannot rule as he did in times past.

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Eph 2:1-3

Everyone, whosoever will, has been called out of the darkness of the former days and given opportunity to come into the light. This change is one more reason for understanding the catching away.

How do we go from here to the catching away? Because this major change in government is what keeps the world from being as bad as it otherwise would be.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:
and the government shall be upon his shoulder:
and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God,
The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end,
upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom,
to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice
from henceforth even for ever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (Isa 9:6-7)

The ruler spoken of is Jesus, and his government is now active. The kingdom of Heaven is at hand. (Matt 3:2; 4:17; 10:7) Jesus rules and there is no end to his government. Saul made havoc against the church and Jesus asked him why are you persecuting me? The church is Jesus' representative on earth, and it is also the hinderer of lawlessness. (2 Thess 2:5-8)

When the church is removed there will be an increase of lawlessness such that we would be shocked, we see its description in the Revelation as the wrath of God is poured out upon it. But thankfully today we live in the Government of the Prince of Peace, and that complete acceptance into his beloved body, the church, is available to all who would call upon him. The love of God calls out to whosoever would hear to come into this kingdom and be free from the wrath that is to come, but more importantly to receive all the fulness of what God has freely given in Jesus.