Introduction

The concept of universal obedience to God in the latter days is a theme that resonates throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan for humanity. This entry explores the biblical basis for the expectation that all nations and peoples will one day submit to God's authority and live in accordance with His will.

Biblical Foundation

The prophetic literature of the Old Testament frequently anticipates a time when God's sovereignty will be universally acknowledged. Isaiah 2:2-3 declares, "In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. And many peoples will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.' For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem."

Similarly, Micah 4:1-2 echoes this vision, emphasizing the global reach of God's instruction and the eagerness of the nations to learn His ways. These passages highlight a future where divine instruction is sought after and adhered to by all, signifying a universal obedience to God.

The Role of the Messiah

The coming of the Messiah is central to the realization of universal obedience. Isaiah 11:9 prophesies, "They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the sea is full of water." The Messiah, as the righteous ruler, will establish justice and peace, leading to a world where God's knowledge and commandments are universally embraced.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is identified as the fulfillment of these messianic prophecies. Philippians 2:10-11 states, "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This passage underscores the ultimate submission of all creation to Christ's lordship, reflecting the universal obedience anticipated in the latter days.

The Kingdom of God

The establishment of God's kingdom is intrinsically linked to the concept of universal obedience. Daniel 7:14 describes the dominion given to the Son of Man: "And to Him was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." This eternal kingdom is characterized by the willing service and obedience of all peoples.

Revelation 11:15 further affirms this vision: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever." The consummation of God's kingdom involves the complete alignment of earthly governance with divine authority, resulting in universal obedience.

The Role of the Church

The Church plays a pivotal role in preparing for the latter days by proclaiming the gospel and teaching obedience to God's commandments. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 instructs believers to "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." The Church's mission is to spread the knowledge of God and cultivate obedience among all nations, anticipating the day when such obedience will be universal.

Conclusion

The expectation of universal obedience to God in the latter days is a profound biblical theme that underscores the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Through the prophetic visions of the Old Testament, the messianic work of Jesus Christ, the establishment of God's kingdom, and the mission of the Church, Scripture presents a future where all creation acknowledges and submits to God's sovereign authority.Daniel 7:27
And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Christ Foreseeing his Passion
... and puts Himself in contrast to the universal human experience ... of Christ's love to
God, and loving obedience to the ... love to man is His love to the Father, God. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/christ foreseeing his passion.htm

The Unity of Revelation. 1 "Known unto God are all his Works from ...
... prophecies in which the glory and universal dominion of ... their good works, but solely
by God's free grace ... clearness that without repentance and obedience to the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvi the unity of.htm

The Decalogue: I --Man and God
... The especial difficulty of obedience to this commandment ... referring to Israel's relations
with God is distinctly ... side with these absolutely universal and first ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the decalogue iman and god.htm

Dwight -- the Sovereignty of God
... unto life, the obedience to the two great commands of the gospel, with supreme love
to God and universal good-will to men, the obedience to the two ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/dwight the sovereignty of.htm

The Greater Prophets.
... soul, where inward faith, love, and obedience are wanting ... present interpositions
in behalf of Zion, God mirrored forth ... to give her a final and universal victory ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxii the greater prophets.htm

The Eternal Punishment of the Wicked Reconciled with the Goodness ...
... to decide such a point in relation to the universal and eternal government of God. ...
men, as well as to preserve unfallen creatures in their obedience. ...
/.../chapter iv the eternal punishment.htm

The Savoy Declaration of the Congregational Churches. AD 1658.
... Church, which is also catholic or universal under the ... and by their profession and
walking) their Obedience unto that ... in them by the power of God, declared by ...
/.../the savoy declaration of the.htm

A Summary of Israel's Faithlessness and God's Patience
... and which should have inspired them to glad obedience. ... has lived through some great
epoch, when God's arm has ... Israel's experience was an all but universal one. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/a summary of israels faithlessness.htm

The Righteousness of Faith
... want of observing, that the latter as well ... of the law, namely, that this universal
obedience, this perfect ... intermission, from the moment wherein God created man ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 6 the righteousness of.htm

'Clear Shining after Rain'
... Genesis is the Hebrew version of the universal tradition, and ... 'God spake unto Noah,
saying, Go forth ... and Noah went forth.' Thus prompt must be our obedience. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/clear shining after rain.htm

Does God reward us for being obedient to His Word? | GotQuestions.org

Why does Christ's righteousness need to be imputed to us? | GotQuestions.org

Why is faith without works dead? | GotQuestions.org

Obedience: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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