“Here to Take Over?” Thoughts on Biblical Dominion

We are here to take over, not here to take sides. We are here to take over, no room for compromise!

Taking authority, we’re taking over
Kingdom authority, oh yeah! ¹

The above lyrics are from a song by Pastor Gary Oliver entitled “Takin’ Authority.” I first heard it years ago at a church I had previously attended. While the song is rightfully a reminder that Christians play a vital role in transforming society (more on that in a moment), the “taking over” rhetoric always made me uneasy. Given the increasing debates regarding Christian Nationalism, I felt this was a good time to address the topic.

Right wing Christian patriot movements are nothing new, stemming from the efforts led by men such as Jerry Falwell in the late twentieth century. These movements have evolved in many different directions. For example, some Evangelical and Charismatic believers now advocate a strategy known as the Seven Mountain Mandate. Some within the Reformed tradition call for Christian Reconstructionism or Theonomy.

As I analyze the song, let me state that I have no personal animosity toward Pastor Oliver and I certainly do not wish to misrepresent him. I have reached out to his church for clarification but as of yet have received no response. If he or anyone in his circle reads this and wishes to have further dialogue, I would be happy to do so.

One of my concerns is that the song’s message is very ambiguous. Exactly what does he want to “take over?” What methods would be involved in the “takeover” attempt? How would the governing be carried out once said “takeover” is complete? Such language could easily be misconstrued by those not familiar with the terminology. After all, history teaches us that attempts by religious groups to “take over” has a tendency to get people burned at the stake.

Before we proceed, it would be helpful to look at how we got here It is interesting to note that after Cain killed Abel he wandered to the land of Nod. But it literally says he wandered. He had left God’s presence (Genesis 4:16). It could easily be said that this was the beginning of the secular world. Over the centuries this developed into the world as we know it today which, as we can easily see is a very dark place. And yes, we are absolutely called to bring light into this darkness, but how?

Jesus never told His disciples to “take over” the Roman Empire, although that was what many expected Him to do. Rather, He gave them instructions to live as sheep in the midst of wolves (Matthew 10:16). Later, the epistles were largely written to believers who were living under severe persecution, yet again, no call to “take over.” The great faith heroes in Hebrews 11 did not see their mission on earth as being “here to take over.” Rather, they saw themselves as “strangers and pilgrims” in the earth (v 13).

Rather, Jesus compared the influence of His Kingdom to leaven. Just like yeast in a loaf of bread, God’s Kingdom brings change gradually from the inside out. It starts small but eventually will be manifested on a worldwide scale!

The song also references, although again somewhat vaguely, the notion of “kingdom authority.” Yes, this is certainly a biblical concept (Luke 10:19). At the same time, “kingdom authority” presupposes kingdom authorization. When it comes to asserting our dominion, exactly what are we authorized by God to do?

Acting in the authority Jesus gives us means to act according to His will, character, and authority (Col. 3:17; John 14:13). It’s not a license for self-willed declarations. The sons of Sceva learned this the hard way (Acts 19:13–16)!

So we should certainly be about faithfully spreading the Gospel and trust God to do the transformational work that only He can do. Ultimately, however, the takeover will only happen when Jesus returns and we rule and reign with Him:

Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 ESV
…if we endure, we will also reign with him…2 Timothy 2:12 ESV

If we will one day reign with Christ, we must live as His ambassadors now. Our lives today are preparation for eternity. The choices we make, the way we endure trials, the love we show—these things matter in light of eternity.

Keep It Real,

James

1. From the album More Than Enough by Gary Oliver – 2000. ‎Columbia Records.
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