His Dominion Will Be Vast

by Terry Wane Benton

Isaiah 9:7 is interesting. Some brethren use it to teach that the kingdom on earth will keep "increasing" and never have an earth-ending moment and a transferal to heaven. But the "increase" is about the "prosperity" experienced rather than the kingdom growing on earth forever. The NET (New English Translation) says, "His dominion will be vast, and He will bring immeasurable prosperity."

Ephesians, written before AD 70, shows how this played out. Ephesians 1:3-7 speak of the "riches of His grace" supplied in Christ at the time He was raised and seated at the right hand "far above all principality and power and might and dominion" (Ephesians 1:20-23). See! Long before AD 70, His dominion was "vast" and "far above" all dominions known among men on earth. He was made "head" over all things to the church. His dominion was vast, and He was bringing "immeasurable prosperity," "every spiritual blessing," and "exceeding riches of His grace" (Ephesians 2:7). There is "immeasurable prosperity" for the soul in Christ. Paul was already preaching among the Gentiles "the unsearchable riches of Christ" (Ephesians 3:8). He says the "eternal purpose was accomplished in Christ" (Ephesians 3:11). He speaks of the vastness of the love of Christ (Ephesians 3:16-19) "which passes knowledge."

That is the increase of His government and peace that has no end. That is the dominion that is so vast, and that is the "immeasurable prosperity" that we can have in our hearts. It will not stop because it will keep increasing in our minds and hearts through the knowledge of Him into eternity when we take on immortality. The earth and all its lust will pass away, but those who do the will of God will last forever (I John 2:15-17). They have a treasure inside that is vast and immeasurable that never ends. Is it ever increasing in your heart?