The Future Transformation of the World
David Dickson (c.1583–1662) was a Professor of Theology at the University of Glasgow and Edinburgh who wrote commentaries on many different books of Scripture. He opposed the unbiblical worship and church government foisted on the Church in Scotland by Charles II and this cost him his position.
3 Jul, 2015

Psalm 22 ends with a prophecy of the increased glory of the kingdom of Christ in this world. It will encompass “all ends of the earth” (v27). A previous post looked at these words. In his Commentary on the Psalms, David Dickson comments upon verses 29-31 also showing the full extent of this transformation.

1. Kings, rulers, and magistrates will have no reason to be jealous of Christ’s kingdom and His governing nations. Those who embrace Jesus Christ retain their places, honours, riches, and all the lawful benefits of their welfare in this world (or “fatness”).  They will also partake of the delicacies of the Lord’s house. They will satisfy their souls so much that they will esteem His gospel their most choice feast. They will bless God for His consolations. This is promised to all Christ’s true subjects who are in high place. “All they that be fat upon earth shall eat and worship”.

 

2. The highest condition in this world will not be hindered by obeying Christ but rather helped for the benefit of the true believer. Believers will find relief even if they are in the lowest condition in which they can possibly be on earth. They will also find comfort and that Jesus Christ makes up for all that they lack.  They will  fall down and worship their rich and bountiful Lord. “All that go down to the dust shall bow before Him”.

 

3. Whoever will not come to Christ to be saved by Him will perish. Those that come to Him must have their salvation maintained by Him. For “none can keep alive his own soul”.  This is the proper work of Jesus who is the only Saviour.

 

4. Not every individual in every nation and kingdom will be converted to Christ. Yet so many people  from all ranks and all nations will be converted that it will make Christ’s power and sovereignty evident. He is able to conquer subjects to himself as He pleases. He will have enough to continue His kingdom and a succession of His worshippers from one generation to another. For “a seed shall serve Him, it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation”. He will take little account of the rest, i.e. such as He does not convert.

 

5. There may seem to be little evidence from age to age of these prophecies and promises being fulfilled. Yet the promise and prophecy of Christ’s kingdom being multiplied will be fulfilled. Those who will receive the doctrine of Christ’s righteousness by faith in Him will come. They will declare this righteousness which is by faith. They will declare God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises to another generation. “Unto a people that shall be born”.

 

6. God’s glory is manifested by the whole work of redemption. It is also manifested in converting souls, comforting souls and spreading the doctrine of righteousness. From age to age this will be declared to be the work of God Himself. He does this work by the people and means that He uses. They will declare to their children and successors that God has done this. That is that He has done all that is spoken of here or elsewhere in His Word. “They shall come, and shall declare His righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that He hath done this”.

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