We have covered various types of evidence as defined by the constitutional laws of evidence used in the judicial system in the United States. I am using these evidence types and evidentiary rules as metaphors to encourage us in our presentation of spiritual evidence concerning the Kingdom of God (KoG). As Disciples of Christ we are yoked with the responsibility to reveal heaven or the Kingdom to those that are blind to its existence. The metaphor index of this site will link you to the evidentiary topics already covered in this blog thus far.
Today I want to begin a conversation about the rules that cause the exclusion of evidence. In order for a system of law to render justice, all evidence must be based in truth, all evidence must be handled impartially and the system must incorporate a sense of mercy when rendering its verdict in the name of justice. If all of these are met then people who interact with the system of justice will be more likely to recognize and accept its authority.
John 10:37-38 If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; 38 but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.”
The works of God Kingdom are the manifested evidence of His spiritual Kingdom. From the big picture point of view, all that we see in this material world is a manifestation of spiritual reality and truth of His Kingdom. However on a personal level we still need proof of that spiritual reality. This is what we Children of God or Disciples of Christ are supposed to be doing. We bring that evidence into this material world and into the personal lives of the people around us. If successful we make disciples of them who in turn likewise do the same to the people around them (Discipleship 101).
The goal of our transformative journey is that of becoming like Christ who is one with God our Father. Jesus the Master when in his earthly body was the first fruit and we are now joint heirs with him for all eternity. We have been adopted into God’s invisible spiritual Kingdom for this purpose. When a prince or princess is born to a king they are immediately heirs but they must learn how to rule effectively and justly. In time people will observe them, give them trust and finally submit giving deference and respect to the authority resident in that individual. Just because one is heir to the throne does not mean that everyone under the authority of that kingdom will freely give their hearts to the throne or its joint-heirs.
Jesus says do not believe me, but believe the works as evidence of God and His Kingdom. So by faith we received His works of forgiveness, mercy, adoption, sanctification, righteousness and His very presence which provides us with the authority and power to present the same evidence to others. In turn others by faith may freely receive from the spiritual realm that which we have by faith been freely given.
Under the Exclusionary Rule, evidence collected or analyzed in violation of the defendant’s constitutional rights is sometimes in admissible for a criminal prosecution in a court of law if illegally obtained. In American justice system there is a presumption of innocence but in the kingdom of God, God Himself provided right standing with Himself through Jesus. Earthly judicial systems are biased and can be corrupted for various reasons. In God’s Kingdom He is the Judge and Jury and Jesus is our advocate.
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
John 20:21-23 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
The evidence we present has one purpose and that is to reconcile those who are blind to the reality of our Father’s love and His Kingdom. We as disciples are have been given the task of reconciliation. As we learn to present spiritual evidence to the people in our lives we provide the prof that establishes the fact of God’s love for them and the reality of His Kingdom.
Master Jesus was sent by God our Father and now we are the ones sent to complete the task. We are the plan of God and Master Jesus is the example of how we can get the job done. If we are able to renew our minds to the fact that we are one with God we can begin to have the necessary faith to allow the very presence of God that is inside of us to work through us.
If we continue to believe we are separated from God then we will fail to avail ourselves of the authority and power that God has made available through us. God’s Holy Spirit is resident inside of us so we can present spiritual evidence that is authentic having a chain of evidence that will ensure that it will not be excluded. As disciples we are learning to do what Christ did. As Children of God we have the heart of our Father toward all men and women needing a sense of reconciliation.
The Kingdom of God is inside of us and we have an understanding of the spiritual realm as ones that live there. We are sent here in that authority and we have been given the responsibility to demonstrate the existence of the Kingdom. So we must remain faithful and go in the name of the one that sent us.
Luke 6:40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.
John 14:12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
Matthew 10:7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
EVidence LOCKER 