The fourth article, which is written under the title, “The Kingdom of Christ,” will address: “A Mass of Land.” Of course, these words are from a physical kingdom point of view and we are addressing a spiritual kingdom. Therefore, the question comes before us; what equals “a mass of land” in the spiritual kingdom? Jesus said in answer to Pilate’s question: “Art thou the King of the Jews?” Do you remember Jesus’ answer? Jesus said: “Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?” (John 18:33-34). Pilate clearly understood Jesus’ answer, therefore, Jesus said: “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence” (verse 36). Therefore, the kingdom of which Jesus serves as King is not physical but spiritual.
This brings us to the question, now that we know that Jesus’ kingdom is not physical but spiritual, just what is “the mass of his kingdom?” There is a thought that runs through the Bible and it is: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Pro. 4:23). Whatever we may be, it is first in the heart/mind, then, it produces the outward actions. Here is a good place to look at one of the “Beautiful Attitudes;” where Jesus said: “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8). Now, just what do these words mean? A “pure” heart is a single “heart,” a heart that is singularly devoted. The idea being singularly devoted to the will of God! Jesus expressed this type of heart in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” Mark 14:32) and then Jesus “nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). Within the words of Jesus’ prayer we find a heart that is singular; devoted to one will, the will of God, the Father! Where else would we go to find a “pure,” singularly devoted heart than to Jesus?
Now that we know, it is the heart, the singularly devoted heart, that is the “mass of land” which the kingdom of Christ is made of; it is time to see how this works. On that great day of Pentecost, Peter preached and there the question was put forth by some of those who heard: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). The word, “pricked” is the Greek, “katanusso” and Strong says this: “to pierce thoroughly, that is, (figuratively) to agitate violently.” The “pricked” heart was a violently agitated heart; and it produced the question: “what shall we do?” They knew their heart was wrong, separated from God and that a change was necessary. They knew they had been wrong, and they were ready to make the necessary change of heart!
Paul addressed our subject, when he wrote: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom. 12:2). Paul used a most interesting word, “transformed” which is the Greek, “metamorphoo” and means: “to change into another form.” But this does not reveal the complete action of the change. This word may best be seen in the change, the metamorphosis of a caterpillar, which radically transforms its body, into a beautiful butterfly! It may be noted just here, if you look at the butterfly, you would have no knowledge that it was once a caterpillar! This is what Paul is saying, when he wrote: “by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” This change, the metamorphosis, cannot be done without the gospel of Christ, an honest heart, willing to obey the gospel. Notice Paul’s words, as he gives one reason for “renewing your mind:” “that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Without the “metamorphosis,” we would have little to no interest in proving “what is that good, acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
It is the heart, which is the same as the mind, that must be “pricked,” agitated violently; to cry out for salvation, the forgiveness of sins! Remember Paul’s words: “Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Rom. 8:7). Therefore, the “mass of land,” figuratively speaking, is the hearts, that have been agitated violently, brought to repentance, and obedience to the gospel. There is the kingdom of Christ!
Frank R. Williams