The Endless Increase of Messiah's Kingdom and Peace

"Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end" (Isaiah 9:7). The missionary work comprises two dimensions: first, the proclamation of Messiah as King of kings and Lord of lords throughout the universe; second, the establishment of peace among men through the blood of His Cross. The zeal of the Lord of hosts accomplishes this work through an unlikely instrument—believers themselves, who are subjects of the kingdom they extend and adorers of the name they exalt. These instruments maintain fellowship with Christ's original disciples, to whom He commanded, "Go ye," and promised, "Lo, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world." Our duty flows from threefold obligation: as Britons, from our country; as Christians, from our profession; as churchmen, from our prayers. We cannot implore the Lord to gather the infidel, the heretic, and the idolater without preparing "the way of the Lord, and making in the desert a highway for our God." Yet neither nationality, faith, nor ecclesiastical standing teaches this duty save God's Word, nor accomplishes it save God's Spirit. The missionary work, being work of faith, proves acceptable to God and profitable to ourselves—it awakens brotherly affections, kindles holy zeal, expands Christian charity, and cements our fellowship with Christ and each other, anticipating the brotherhood of heaven when nations "shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God."