The purpose of this article is to prop up the first core doctrine of the NAR. That we are responsible for conquering this world as we know it to facilitate the second coming of Christ. To this end Sheets asks what seems like a fair and pious question -- who is ruling your world? If this was proffered because far too many Christians pay lip service to Christ while dabbling in the world it would be a completely legitimate query. That is not where Sheets is going with it however. Instead he is tying it to this concept of "authority in prayer"; which is addressed nowhere in Scripture. Just as the devil likes to mix some truth with deception so as to more easily deceive, we see the real gambit here is in the final sentence. According to Sheets, because we have been called to live under the rule of Christ we consequently are called to rule and reign over the earth in partnership with Him? Say what? That does not seem to be what my Bible says in the key verse today. No beloved. This earth is passing away. We are not called to reign and rule over it but to pilgrims and sojourners through it. To point as many people as possible to the cross of Jesus Christ that they might be saved from this world before it is too late. The NAR is obsessed with this world. Saving this world. Reviving this world. This is contrary to the teachings of Scripture. We are not of this world. Our citizenship is found only in heaven.
"This principle is a governmental issue. To govern means "to influence, to exercise authority, to stand in superiority". This means when we pray with authority, we are interceding in a governmental capacity. And this idea of governmental authority is found throughout the Bible. From before the Garden of Eden, the question of "Who will rule?" has been an integral part of the conversation. Lucifer asked this question when he tried to exercise authority over God, and it was the beginning of a struggle that we still face today -- good or evil, life or death, truth or deception." -- Dutch Sheets
This principle is created within the mind of Dutch Sheets. There is no "governmental issue" associated with praying with authority. We are actually called to pray for everyone in authority, not to pray in some realm of superiority over them. The Bible actually says we are to submit to authority. Yes there was the initial desire of Lucifer to usurp the throne of God and THAT has been playing out ever since but Sheets misses the actual point. When he espouses his NAR theology he is in fact trying to usurp the throne of God as well. God has already decreed that only the Gospel will save people out from this world. The issue is not who will rule but rather who will submit? Who will lower themselves? Who will repent? In his pursuit of ruling the world, Sheets cannot see how he damages the true cause of Christ, which is the advancement of the Gospel -- not the advancement of conquering this world.
"While we know God is ultimately victorious over satan, He has still given us the opportunity to triumph over evil on a personal basis, so that we can partner with Him, governing the earth in truth and righteousness. You were created with a nature to do just this. We are called to reign in life through Jesus Christ. In Romans 5:17, the word "reign" speaks of ruling as a king or queen."
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, NASB). We have been chosen to reign with Him. It is our responsibility to learn to have authority in prayer and to exercise governmental intercession." -- Dutch Sheets
Wow. There is so much wrong here it is staggering. Has God given us the opportunity to triumph over evil on a personal basis? Do we triumph or does Christ? This is not really nitpicky beloved because it forces us to examine where our emphasis is. Is it on Christ or on us? Even if you allow this, what is the actual reason for God giving us this great opportunity? Is it not to reconcile us back to Him and provide eternal life? Is it not to avoid spending an eternity in hell? Not in the NAR warped theological mind. No Dutch Sheets actually believes that the cross was provided so that we can partner with God, governing the earth in truth and righteousness. That sure is not in the Bible! This is the second time Dutch has referred to partnering with God and therein lies the truth. He does not view Christ as a Lord and Savior as much as a partner. He fancies himself teaming up with Christ to rule and reign over this earth but that is simply unsupported in Scripture, as already been displayed. We were not created for this beloved. That is absurd. He scours the Bible and finds a verse he thinks supports his wild claim of partnership and reigning with Christ but in doing so he only reveals he cannot rightly handle the Word of God. Romans 5:17 is not about reigning in this temporal world.
"Shall reign - The word "reign" is often applied to the condition of saints in heaven, 2 Timothy 2:12, "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him;" Revelation 5:10; Revelation 20:6; Revelation 22:5. It means that they shall be exalted to a glorious state of happiness in heaven; that they shall be triumphant over all their enemies; shall gain an ultimate victory; and shall partake with the Captain of their salvation in the splendors of his dominion above, Revelation 3:21; Luke 22:30.
In life - This stands opposed to the death that reigned as the consequence of the sin of Adam. It denotes complete freedom from condemnation; from temporal death; from sickness, pain, and sin. It is the usual expression to denote the complete bliss of the saints in glory; Note, John 3:36. -- Barnes Notes on the Bible"
