The Unifying Power of God’s Kingdom
At the heart of Francis Grimké’s doctrine of the church lies the concept of the kingdom of God, which serves as the linchpin connecting Christ’s mission to the mission of God’s people. This understanding of the kingdom not only underscores the importance of church unity but also fuels hope for racial equality. To grasp the significance of Grimké’s vision, it’s essential to explore his principles regarding the church as the visible kingdom of God and the spiritual nature of God’s kingdom.
The Church as the Visible Kingdom
Grimké, following the Reformed Protestant tradition, identifies the church with the visible kingdom of God. He views the church as an “organization” governed by certain rules and regulations, emphasizing the importance of Christian holiness in this corporate body. The strength of the church’s ministry, therefore, depends on the collective holiness of its people. Grimké believes that the church’s calling is to live in accordance with its lofty vocation as the visible representation of the kingdom of God on earth.
Advancing the Kingdom
The primary purpose of the church is to extend God’s kingdom, drawing people out of the world and into the image and likeness of Jesus Christ. Evangelism, ethical formation, and worship are the means by which the church achieves this goal. The power to do this kingdom work is a spiritual power, and every service in the church should be a step towards advancing God’s kingdom. The edification of believers in worship prepares them to influence others in the right direction, ultimately serving to advance the kingdom.
The Importance of Corporate Worship
Grimké emphasizes the role of individual Christians in the corporate body of the church, highlighting the need for believers to be part of the church’s collective work. He teaches that the great mission of the Christian church is to see that the prayer “Thy kingdom come” is answered, requiring all Christians to throw themselves wholeheartedly into the church’s corporate work.
A Call to Self-Examination
While Grimké holds a high view of the church’s mission, he does not succumb to arrogance or Christian pride. Instead, he calls for self-examination and reform, recognizing the need for a great awakening throughout the Christian church. The failure to advance God’s kingdom is often due to the failure of existing church members to follow God’s commandments, pushing people away from God’s kingdom rather than drawing them towards it.
The Spiritual Nature of the Kingdom
Grimké’s teaching on the kingdom also emphasizes its spiritual nature. The establishment of God’s kingdom begins in the hearts of people, moving beyond the heart to the community, state, nation, and world. The fundamental location of the kingdom is the heart, where imaginations and high thoughts are cast down, and every thought is brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Material effects are secondary consequences of the establishment of God’s kingdom in human hearts.
The Pursuit of God’s Kingdom
For Grimké, the pursuit of God’s kingdom is synonymous with the pursuit of personal salvation. The spiritual unity of believers has direct implications for the unity of the church, and the church must devote itself to its spiritual mission, avoiding distractions and focusing on its ultimate goal. According to Grimké, God’s kingdom can come on earth, and we can all help to hasten its coming – but only by recognizing the precise location of the establishment of God’s kingdom in the present age: the human heart.
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