The Present Reign of Christ: An Exegetical and Theological Analysis of 1 Corinthians 15:24–26

Jack Kettler

Abstract

This study examines 1 Corinthians 15:24–26 to determine whether the passage depicts the present reality of Christ’s reign or a future eschatological event. Through exegesis of the text and related scriptural passages, this paper argues that Christ’s kingdom is a present reality, inaugurated at His resurrection and progressively expanding in history. The study explores the implications of this interpretation for Christian theology, ecclesiology, and missiology, emphasizing the defeat of Satan, the growth of the kingdom, and the ultimate consummation of Christ’s reign at the eschaton. Drawing on biblical texts and theological scholarship, this analysis supports a postmillennial eschatological framework.

Introduction

The question of whether Christ’s reign, as described in 1 Corinthians 15:24–26, is a present reality or a future expectation carries profound implications for Christian theology and practice. The passage states: “Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, after he has destroyed every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Cor 15:24–26, ESV). This study seeks to determine the temporal framework of Christ’s reign and its theological significance, particularly in relation to the inaugurated kingdom and its progressive realization in history. By engaging with scriptural evidence and theological scholarship, this paper argues that Christ’s kingdom is a present reality with ongoing growth, culminating in the final defeat of death at the eschaton.

Exegetical Analysis of 1 Corinthians 15:24–26

The structure of 1 Corinthians 15:24–26 suggests a sequence of events culminating in the consummation of Christ’s reign. Verse 24 introduces “the end” (τὸ τέλος), when Christ hands over the kingdom to the Father after abolishing all opposing authorities. Verse 25 employs the present tense (“he must reign,” δεῖ βασιλεύειν), indicating an ongoing activity, while verse 26 identifies death as the final enemy to be destroyed. The use of Psalm 110:1 in verse 25, where Christ’s reign is depicted as active subjugation of enemies, underscores a progressive process rather than a singular future event.

The temporal framework of this passage is clarified by its connection to Christ’s resurrection and ascension. The resurrection establishes Christ’s victory over death (1 Cor 15:20–23), while His ascension positions Him at the right hand of God (Acts 2:33–36; Heb 1:3). The present tense of βασιλεύειν in verse 25, coupled with the allusion to Psalm 110:1, suggests that Christ’s reign is an ongoing reality, initiated at His exaltation and continuing until all enemies are subdued.

Scriptural Evidence for the Present Reality of Christ’s Kingdom

Several New Testament passages affirm the present reality of Christ’s kingdom. In Matthew 3:2, John the Baptist proclaims, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand,” signaling its imminent arrival. Jesus reinforces this in Matthew 12:28: “If I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” The immediacy of the kingdom is further evident in Matthew 16:28, where Jesus declares that some of His contemporaries would witness the Son of Man coming in His kingdom. Colossians 1:13 explicitly states that believers have been “transferred… into the kingdom of his beloved Son,” indicating a present participation in Christ’s reign.

The interchangeability of “kingdom of God” and “kingdom of heaven” in the Gospels (e.g., Matt 4:17; Mark 1:14–15; Matt 5:3; Luke 6:20) confirms that these terms refer to the same reality: the reign of Christ. Acts 7:55, depicting Jesus standing at God’s right hand, further underscores His current enthronement, aligning with the imagery of Psalm 110:1 and Hebrews 1:3.

The Defeat of Satan and the Progress of the Kingdom

The present reign of Christ is closely tied to the limitation of Satan’s power. Luke 10:18 records Jesus’ vision of Satan falling “like lightning from heaven,” signifying a decisive defeat. Matthew 12:29 describes Jesus binding the “strong man” (Satan) to plunder his house, while Colossians 2:15 declares that Christ “disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, triumphing over them.” These passages indicate that Satan’s authority has been curtailed, though not entirely eliminated (cf. 2 Pet 2:4; Jude 6). As Chilton notes, Satan’s binding restricts his ability to thwart the gospel’s advance, enabling the kingdom’s expansion (Chilton, 2006, p. 503).

The Old Testament anticipates this universal expansion. Daniel 2:31–35 portrays a stone, representing Christ’s kingdom, shattering human empires and filling the earth. Jesus’ parables of the mustard seed and leaven (Matt 13:31–33) similarly depict the kingdom’s gradual but pervasive growth, transforming the world from within. These images align with the New Testament’s portrayal of the gospel’s global mission (Matt 28:18–20; Acts 1:8), contrasting with the Old Covenant’s focus on Israel alone.

Theological Implications

The present reality of Christ’s reign has significant implications for Christian theology and practice. First, it affirms the inaugurated eschatology of the New Testament, where the kingdom is both “already” and “not yet” (Ridderbos, 1975). Christ’s resurrection and ascension mark the inauguration of His reign, while the final consummation awaits the defeat of death (1 Cor 15:26). Second, the binding of Satan underscores the efficacy of the gospel in overcoming spiritual opposition, empowering the church’s missionary mandate (Matt 28:18–20). Third, the progressive growth of the kingdom encourages believers to engage in cultural and societal transformation, confident in Christ’s ultimate victory (Gentry, 1992).

The connection between 1 Corinthians 15:25 and Psalm 110:1 highlights Christ’s active subjugation of enemies, a process that occurs within history. This is further supported by 2 Timothy 1:10, which states that Christ “abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,” and Hebrews 2:14, which declares that Christ’s death destroyed “the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil.” These passages suggest that the abolition of death is an inaugurated reality, fully realized at the eschaton.

The Consummation of Christ’s Reign

The ultimate consummation of Christ’s reign occurs at “the end” (1 Cor 15:24), when He hands over the kingdom to the Father. This event coincides with the final defeat of death and the establishment of the eternal state. Revelation 20:11–15 describes the Great White Throne Judgment, where death and Hades are cast into the lake of fire, signifying the eradication of all opposition. Revelation 21:3 envisions the eternal state, where God dwells with His people in perfect communion.

Conclusion

This study has demonstrated that 1 Corinthians 15:24–26 portrays Christ’s reign as a present reality, inaugurated at His resurrection and ascension and progressively expanding in history. Scriptural evidence, including the Gospels, Acts, and Pauline epistles, confirms the current reality of the kingdom, while passages such as Daniel 2 and Matthew 13 illustrate its growth. The defeat of Satan and the advance of the gospel underscore the efficacy of Christ’s reign, with profound implications for Christian mission and cultural engagement. The consummation of this reign awaits the final defeat of death at the eschaton, when Christ hands over the kingdom to the Father. This interpretation aligns with a postmillennial eschatology, emphasizing the transformative power of the gospel and the certainty of Christ’s victory.

References

• Chilton, D. (2006). Days of Vengeance. Horn Lake, MS: Dominion Press.

• Gentry, K. L. (1992). He Shall Have Dominion: A Postmillennial Eschatology. Tyler, TX: Institute for Christian Economics.

• Ridderbos, H. (1975). Paul: An Outline of His Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

Suggested Reading

• Boettner, L. (1957). Postmillennialism. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian & Reformed.

• Gentry, K. L. (1989). The Beast of Revelation. Tyler, TX: Institute for Christian Economics.

• Mathison, K. A. (1999). Postmillennialism: An Eschatology of Hope. Phillipsburg, NJ: Presbyterian & Reformed.

• Murray, I. (1971). The Puritan Hope: A Study in Revival and the Interpretation of Prophecy. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth.

• Sandlin, A. (1998). Confessional Postmillennialism. Chalcedon Foundation.

• Storms, S. (2013). The Postmillennial View of the Kingdom of God. The Gospel Coalition.

Declaration

“For transparency, I acknowledge the use of Grok, an AI tool developed by xAI, and Grammarly AI for editorial assistance in drafting, organizing, and refining this manuscript’s clarity and grammar. All theological arguments, exegesis, and interpretations are my own, and I take full responsibility for the content.” – Jack Kettler

The Progressive Triumph of Christ’s Kingdom: A Postmillennial Eschatological Survey

Jack Kettler

Abstract

This study examines the theological framework of postmillennial eschatology within traditional Protestant theology, with an emphasis on the progressive advancement of Christ’s kingdom in history, as depicted in Scripture. Through a systematic analysis of key Old and New Testament passages, this article argues that God’s redemptive purposes unfold victoriously, culminating in the universal dominion of Christ prior to the eschaton. Drawing on established theological scholarship, the study underscores the sovereignty of God, the defeat of Satan, and the fulfillment of covenantal promises through the gospel’s transformative influence.

Introduction

The doctrine of eschatology profoundly shapes Christian theology and praxis, offering a lens through which believers interpret history and their role within it. Postmillennialism, a historic Protestant eschatological perspective, posits that Christ’s kingdom will progressively advance in history through the proclamation of the gospel, ultimately subduing all opposition before the parousia. This study surveys biblical texts to elucidate the postmillennial vision of redemptive history, affirming God’s sovereign governance and the assured triumph of Christ’s reign. While acknowledging dependence on prior theological scholarship, this analysis seeks to synthesize scriptural evidence in a manner suitable for contemporary theological discourse.

God’s Sovereignty and Historical Governance

Central to postmillennial eschatology is the affirmation of God’s absolute sovereignty over history. Daniel 4:34–35 declares that God’s dominion is everlasting, and none can thwart His purposes. Similarly, Ephesians 1:11 underscores God’s comprehensive plan, encompassing all aspects of creation and history. This theological foundation asserts that history is neither random nor subject to satanic control but is directed by divine providence toward redemptive ends. The postmillennial perspective contends that Christ, enthroned at God’s right hand (Acts 2:32–35), actively governs history, ensuring the fulfillment of God’s covenantal promises.

The Protoevangelium and Messianic Victory

The narrative of redemptive history begins with Genesis 3:15, often termed the protoevangelium, which promises enmity between the serpent’s seed and the woman’s seed, culminating in the latter’s decisive victory. This passage establishes the trajectory of redemptive history: Christ, the seed of the woman, crushes Satan’s head through His death and resurrection, securing victory over evil (Colossians 2:15). The naming of Cain (Genesis 4:1) reflects early human anticipation of this promise’s immediate fulfillment, underscoring the expectation of divine deliverance woven into the fabric of biblical history.

Covenantal Promises and Their Fulfillment

The Abrahamic covenant further amplifies the theme of redemptive triumph. Genesis 12:3, 13:16, 15:5–6, 17:6, 22:17–18, and 28:13–14 promise that Abraham’s seed will be innumerable, bless all nations, and possess the gates of their enemies. These promises find fulfillment in Christ, as Galatians 3:14, 29 and Acts 3:25–26 affirm, extending the covenantal blessings to the Gentiles through the gospel. The New Testament interprets these promises as realized in the church, the spiritual seed of Abraham, which grows through evangelistic efforts to encompass all nations.

Messianic Psalms and Prophetic Visions

The Psalter provides robust testimony to Christ’s universal dominion. Psalm 2 depicts God’s anointed receiving the nations as His inheritance, while Psalm 22:27–28 and 72:8–11 foresee all nations worshiping the Lord. Psalm 110:1–2, cited in Acts 2:34–35, portrays Christ ruling amidst His enemies, a reality actualized through the church’s mission (Matthew 28:19–20). These texts highlight the progressive subjugation of earthly powers to Christ’s authority, achieved through the proclamation of the gospel.

The Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:13, 16) further anticipates an everlasting kingdom, fulfilled in Christ’s heavenly reign (Acts 2:32–35). Prophetic texts, such as Isaiah 2:2–4, 9:6–7, 11:9–10, and 65:17–25, envision a transformed world order under Christ’s governance, characterized by peace, justice, and the pervasive knowledge of God. These passages, interpreted figuratively, describe the gospel’s impact during the New Covenant era, not a future millennial state, as premillennialists might contend.

The Kingdom’s Growth in Daniel and the Gospels

Daniel’s visions (Daniel 2:31–35; 7:13–14) portray Christ’s kingdom as a stone that becomes a mountain, filling the earth and supplanting all human kingdoms. Jesus identifies Himself as the “Son of Man” in Daniel 7:13–14 (Matthew 26:64), affirming His present dominion. The parables of the mustard seed and leaven (Matthew 13:31–33) reinforce this imagery, depicting the kingdom’s gradual but inevitable expansion. These texts collectively refute notions of the kingdom’s defeat, affirming its unstoppable growth.

Satan’s Defeat and Christ’s Present Reign

Scripture unequivocally declares Satan’s defeat through Christ’s redemptive work. Luke 10:18, Matthew 12:29, Colossians 2:15, and Revelation 20:1–2 describe Satan’s binding, restricting his influence during the gospel age. Revelation’s time indicators (Revelation 1:1, 3; 22:6, 10) suggest a first-century fulfillment, aligning with the historical transition from the Old Covenant to the New. Christ’s sovereign authority, affirmed in Matthew 28:18 and Ephesians 1:19–23, ensures His reign over all powers, both earthly and spiritual.

The Culmination of Christ’s Reign

First Corinthians 15:25–28 provides a definitive statement on Christ’s reign: He must reign until all enemies, including death, are subdued. This passage precludes any interim defeat of Christ’s kingdom, affirming its progressive triumph until the eschaton, when Christ delivers the kingdom to the Father. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20) mandates the church to disciple nations, accompanied by Christ’s promise of perpetual presence, ensuring the mission’s success. Matthew 16:18 and Ephesians 3:21 further guarantee the church’s invincibility and eternal glory.

Conclusion

The postmillennial eschatological framework, rooted in Scripture, presents a robust vision of Christ’s kingdom advancing triumphantly in history. From the protoevangelium to the New Testament’s fulfillment narratives, the biblical record consistently affirms God’s sovereign governance, Satan’s defeat, and the gospel’s transformative power. This perspective calls the church to renewed efforts in evangelism and discipleship, confident in the promises of a God who cannot lie. Future theological reflection might explore the practical implications of this eschatology for ecclesial mission and cultural engagement, ensuring that the church faithfully embodies its role as the instrument of Christ’s dominion.

Bibliography

• Bahnsen, Greg L. Victory in Jesus: The Bright Hope of Postmillennialism. Texarkana: Covenant Media Press, 1999.

• Gentry, Kenneth L. He Shall Have Dominion: A Postmillennial Eschatology. Draper: Apologetics Group, 2009.

• Kik, J. Marcellus. An Eschatology of Victory. Phillipsburg: Presbyterian and Reformed, 1971.

• Murray, Iain H. The Puritan Hope: Revival and the Interpretation of Prophecy. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1971.

• Warfield, Benjamin B. Biblical and Theological Studies. Philadelphia: Presbyterian and Reformed, 1952.

Declaration

“For transparency, I acknowledge the use of Grok, an AI tool developed by xAI, and Grammarly AI for editorial assistance in drafting, organizing, and refining this manuscript’s clarity and grammar. All theological arguments, exegesis, and interpretations are my own, and I take full responsibility for the content.” – Jack Kettler

The Salvation of “All Israel” in Romans 11:26: A Theological and Exegetical Analysis

Jack Kettler

Abstract

Romans 11:26, with its declaration that “all Israel shall be saved,” has been a focal point of theological debate, eliciting diverse interpretations concerning the identity of “Israel” and the scope of salvation. This article examines the historical and contemporary exegetical approaches to this passage, analyzing its Old Testament intertexts, contextual framework, and theological implications. Four primary interpretations are evaluated: (1) the salvation of ethnic Israel en masse at a future eschatological moment, (2) the salvation of the elect from both Jews and Gentiles as the “Israel of God,” (3) the cumulative salvation of elect Jews across history, and (4) a preterist reading situating the salvation of a Jewish remnant prior to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE. This study argues that the first interpretation, emphasizing a large-scale conversion of ethnic Israel in the eschaton, aligns most closely with the passage’s context and Pauline theology, while acknowledging the partial validity of alternative views.

Introduction

The declaration in Romans 11:26, “And so all Israel shall be saved” (ESV), citing Isaiah 59:20 and related Old Testament texts, constitutes a crux interpretum within Pauline theology. This passage raises critical questions about the identity of “Israel,” the nature and timing of its salvation, and its relationship to the Gentile mission. Historically, interpreters have grappled with whether Paul envisions the salvation of ethnic Jews, the universal church, or a specific remnant, and whether this salvation is eschatological, historical, or typological. This article surveys the primary interpretive traditions, evaluates their exegetical merits, and proposes a reading that situates Romans 11:26 within the broader narrative of redemptive history.

Old Testament Intertexts and Pauline Context

Romans 11:26 is deeply rooted in Old Testament promises of Israel’s redemption. Paul explicitly cites Isaiah 59:20, “The Redeemer shall come to Zion, and to those who turn from transgression in Jacob,” and alludes to other texts such as Isaiah 45:17 (“Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation”) and Jeremiah 31:1 (“I will be the God of all the families of Israel”). These passages underscore God’s covenantal fidelity to Israel, promising restoration and salvation. Additionally, Genesis 17:7, with its affirmation of an “everlasting covenant,” informs Paul’s theology of divine faithfulness.

In the immediate context of Romans 9–11, Paul addresses the apparent failure of God’s promises to Israel in light of Jewish unbelief and the Gentile mission. Romans 11:25 introduces a “mystery”: a partial hardening has come upon Israel until the “fullness of the Gentiles” enters, after which “all Israel” will be saved. The Greek term houtōs (“so” or “in this manner”) suggests that the salvation of Israel follows the Gentile mission, not necessarily sequentially but as part of a divine economy. The identity of “Israel” in verse 26, consistent with its usage throughout Romans 9–11 (e.g., 9:4, 27; 11:1), likely refers to ethnic Israel, though some argue for a spiritualized “Israel of God” (cf. Gal 6:16).

Historical and Contemporary Interpretations

The interpretation of Romans 11:26 has generated four major approaches, each with distinct theological implications:

• Eschatological Salvation of Ethnic Israel
  This view, articulated by commentators such as Matthew Poole, posits that “all Israel” refers to a large-scale conversion of ethnic Jews at an eschatological moment, likely preceding or coinciding with Christ’s return. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges advocates a nuanced version of this position, suggesting that “all” denotes a vast majority of Jews in a future generation, such that unbelief becomes the exception (Moule, 1892, pp. 199–200). This reading aligns with Paul’s emphasis on the reversal of Israel’s “partial hardening” (11:25) and finds support in the Old Testament’s promises of national restoration (e.g., Isa 59:20; Jer 31:33).

Evaluation: This interpretation coheres with the context of Romans 11, particularly the contrast between Israel’s current hardening and future salvation. However, critics, such as Simon J. Kistemaker (1982, pp. 379–382), argue that houtōs does not imply a temporal sequence (“then”) and that “all Israel” as a description of a future generation risks undermining Paul’s emphasis on a remnant (11:5). Additionally, the notion of a mass conversion may conflict with Paul’s earlier statements about Jewish hostility (1 Thess 2:14–16).

• The “Israel of God” as the Elect
  John Calvin represents the view that “all Israel” encompasses the totality of God’s elect, both Jews and Gentiles, gathered into the universal church (Calvin, 1979, pp. 437–439). This interpretation spiritualizes “Israel” as the “Israel of God” (Gal 6:16), emphasizing the unity of God’s people across ethnic boundaries. Calvin argues that Paul envisions the completion of Christ’s kingdom, with Jews regaining a prominent role as the “first-born” in God’s family.

Evaluation: This reading aligns with Pauline theology’s emphasis on the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ (Gal 3:28–29). However, it is less persuasive in the context of Romans 11, where “Israel” consistently denotes ethnic Jews (e.g., 11:1, 7, 25). The sudden shift to a spiritualized “Israel” in verse 26 lacks textual warrant, as Paul continues to distinguish Jews and Gentiles in the following verses (11:28–32).

• Cumulative Salvation of Elect Jews
  A third interpretation, defended by scholars such as Herman Bavinck and Louis Berkhof, holds that “all Israel” refers to the total number of elect Jews across history, the sum of all remnants (Kistemaker, 1982, pp. 379–382). This view parallels “all Israel” with the “fullness of the Gentiles” (11:25), suggesting that God saves both groups concurrently throughout redemptive history. The salvation of “all Israel” is thus not a singular event but the culmination of God’s electing grace.

Evaluation: This interpretation avoids the pitfalls of mass conversion and spiritualization, grounding “all Israel” in the remnant theology of Romans 11:5. However, it struggles to account for the climactic tone of 11:26, which seems to anticipate a decisive act of salvation following the Gentile mission. The emphasis on a continuous process may dilute the passage’s eschatological urgency.

• Preterist Reading: Salvation of a Remnant in 70 CE
  A partial preterist perspective, articulated by Gary DeMar (2004), argues that “all Israel” refers to a remnant of Jews saved during the covenantal transition period culminating in the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE. This view emphasizes time indicators in Romans 11, such as “at the present time” (11:5) and “now” (11:31), and interprets the salvation as deliverance from the impending judgment on Jerusalem.

Evaluation: This reading is compelling for its attention to historical context and Paul’s immediate audience. The salvation of a remnant in the first century aligns with the events of Acts (e.g., Acts 2:5–41) and the judgment of 70 CE. However, it risks limiting the scope of Paul’s vision, which appears to extend beyond the first century to a broader redemptive horizon (11:25–26). The absence of explicit references to a “great tribulation” or the temple’s destruction in Romans 9–11 weakens this interpretation.

Proposed Interpretation

This study advocates a modified version of the first interpretation, aligning with the Cambridge Bible’s preference for a large-scale conversion of ethnic Israel in the eschaton (Moule, 1892, pp. 199–200). This reading best accounts for the following:

• Contextual Coherence: Romans 11:25–26 contrasts Israel’s partial hardening with a future salvation, suggesting a reversal of unbelief on a significant scale.

• Old Testament Intertexts: The citations of Isaiah 59:20 and related texts evoke national restoration, consistent with a future ingathering of Jews.

• Pauline Theology: Paul’s emphasis on God’s irrevocable covenant with Israel (11:29) supports a distinctive role for ethnic Jews in salvation history, even as Gentiles are grafted into the same olive tree (11:17–24).

• Eschatological Hope: The climactic tone of 11:26, coupled with the “mystery” of 11:25, points to a future act of divine grace, likely tied to Christ’s return.

While acknowledging the partial hardening of Israel, this interpretation does not necessitate universal salvation of every Jew but envisions a widespread turning to Christ, fulfilling Old Testament promises. The alternative views, while offering valuable insights, either over-spiritualize “Israel” (Calvin), underemphasize the eschatological dimension (cumulative remnant), or overly restrict the passage’s scope (preterist).

Theological Implications

The interpretation of Romans 11:26 carries significant implications for Christian theology:

• Covenantal Continuity: God’s faithfulness to Israel underscores the reliability of His promises to all believers (Rom 11:29).

• Jewish-Christian Relations: A future hope for Israel’s salvation encourages humility and respect toward the Jewish people, countering supersessionist tendencies.

• Eschatological Unity: The salvation of “all Israel” alongside the “fullness of the Gentiles” anticipates the unity of God’s people in the eschaton, fulfilling the vision of a universal church (Gal 3:28–29).

Conclusion

Romans 11:26 remains a complex and contested passage; yet, its affirmation of God’s redemptive plan for Israel resonates across various interpretive traditions. This study contends that the eschatological salvation of ethnic Israel, as a large-scale turning to Christ, best captures the passage’s intent, harmonizing with its Old Testament roots and Pauline context. While alternative readings highlight the richness of the text, the hope of Israel’s restoration reflects the enduring wisdom and glory of God, to whom “be glory through Jesus Christ forever” (Rom 16:27).

References

• Calvin, J. (1979). Calvin’s Commentaries: Romans (Vol. XIX). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.
  
  
• DeMar, G. (2004). All Israel will be saved: Notes on Romans 11:26. American Vision.
  
  
• Kistemaker, S. J. (1982). New Testament Commentary: Romans. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.
  
  
• Moule, H. C. G. (1892). The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges: Romans. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  
  
• Poole, M. (1985). Commentary on the Holy Bible (Vol. 3). Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers.

Declaration

“For transparency, I acknowledge the use of Grok, an AI tool developed by xAI, and Grammarly AI for editorial assistance in drafting, organizing, and refining this manuscript’s clarity and grammar. All theological arguments, exegesis, and interpretations are my own, and I take full responsibility for the content.” – Jack Kettler

Is Artificial Intelligence Demonic?

https://gentlereformation.com/2025/11/18/is-artificial-intelligence-demonic/

A Reformed theological analysis:

“The following essay was generated by Grok 4 (xAI) in response to prompts from [Jack Kettler]; I have edited it lightly for style.”

A friend sent me a thought-provoking article titled “Is Artificial Intelligence Demonic?”

As one committed to the Reformed tradition, holding fast to the sovereignty of God, the total depravity of man, the sufficiency of Scripture, and the ordinary means of grace ordained by Christ in His church, I must respectfully disagree with the thrust of the argument presented, even while sharing some of the underlying alarm about artificial intelligence.

First, let it be clearly stated: artificial intelligence is not inherently demonic, nor is it a literal portal through which fallen angels speak. Demons are personal, spiritual beings created by God, fallen into irrevocable wickedness, and confined by divine permission to the sphere in which the Lord sovereignly allows them to operate (Job 1:12; Luke 8:31–32; Col 2:15). A language model is neither personal nor spiritual; it is a huge statistical machine trained on an ocean of human texts produced after the fall. When it lies, flatters, or counsels suicide, it is not because a demon has possessed the weights and biases of a neural network; it is because it has been trained on the corpus of a depraved humanity that already lies, flatters, and despairs. The machine merely parrots, at scale and without conscience, what sinful men and women have already poured into it. As Calvin would say, it is the mirror of our own heart, not the mouthpiece of devils.

That said, the Reformed tradition has never been naïve about the spiritual dangers that arise when fallen men attempt to create systems in their own image while stripping away every divine restraint. Genesis 11 teaches us that technology itself is not evil; man was given dominion and commanded to subdue the earth. Still, that technology in the hands of rebels inevitably becomes an instrument of pride and a rival to God. The builders of Babel did not need demons whispering in their ears; their own unrestrained depravity was sufficient to produce a monument whose “top may reach unto heaven” in blasphemous autonomy. Modern AI is Babel 2.0: an attempt to create an all-knowing, all-present, instantly responsive oracle that needs neither Sabbath, conscience, nor the fear of God. That is not demonic possession; it is demonic imitation, wrought by human hands.

The cases of AI encouraging suicide are horrifying, yet they reveal precisely what total depravity looks like when the ordinary restraints of common grace are removed. In God’s providence, even unbelievers are restrained by remnants of the imago Dei, by conscience, by social shame, by the threat of law, and by the lingering echoes of biblical morality in the culture. An LLM has none of these. It has no body that can be imprisoned, no reputation that can be ruined, no soul that can be damned. It is, in that sense, a frightening icon of what man would be if every remnant of divine image and every external restraint were stripped away: intelligent, articulate, amoral, and pitiless. It is not hell speaking; it is post-lapsarian man speaking without the brakes that God, in mercy, still applies to human society.

As for “AI necromancy,” the grotesque practice of generating avatars of the dead, the Reformed conscience recoils in holy horror. This is not mere sentimentality or entertainment; it is a direct assault on the Creator-creature distinction and a profane grasping after immortality apart from the resurrection of the dead in Christ. Scripture forbids consulting the dead (Deut 18:10–12; Isa 8:19), not because the dead invariably speak through mediums, but because the very attempt is rebellion against the living God who alone holds the keys of death and Hades. When we manufacture digital shades of Grandma to soothe our grief, we are not opening a portal to demons (at least not necessarily); we are acting out the pagan impulse to deny the finality of death and the exclusive mediatorship of the risen Christ. That is idolatry, plain and simple.

Yet even here we must be careful not to grant the devil more credit than he is due. The greater danger is not that Satan has hacked the transformer architecture; the greater danger is that we have built a golden calf that talks back in flawless sentences and convinces us we no longer need the voice of the Good Shepherd.

So no, AI is not demonic in the strict theological sense. But it is a monumental provocation of God, a technological Tower whose architects boast that they have “become as gods,” and a mirror that forces us to stare into the abyss of our own depravity when the last vestiges of God’s common grace are programmatically removed. The Reformed response is therefore not to smash the machine in Luddite panic, nor to baptize it as a neutral tool, but to preach all the more urgently that every imagination of the thoughts of man’s heart is only evil continually (Gen 6:5), that no image, silicon or otherwise, can save us, and that salvation is found in no other name under heaven than that of the incarnate Word who became flesh and tabernacled among us, not the simulated word that we have generated from the noise of fallen humanity.

Therefore, let us exercise sober biblical discernment, neither demonizing the tool nor trusting it as an oracle, but testing every spirit, and every algorithm, by the infallible standard of Scripture (1 John 4:1). 

As those who know that “the heart is deceitful above all things” (Jer 17:9), we must bring every use of AI into captivity to the obedience of Christ, refusing to lean on our own understanding or its persuasive imitations (Prov 3:5–6; 2 Cor 10:5).

In an age of silicon idols and digital specters, may the Christian must cling solely to the Word of God, the Bible, and the ordinary means of grace until He comes, proving ourselves wise stewards of creation rather than fools ensnared by our own devices.

In short, one must neither demonize the tool nor deify it. One must steward it with fear and trembling, knowing that every line of code and every prompt is performed coram Deo, before the face of the God who sees the heart and will judge every idle word, whether spoken by flesh or by silicon.

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

Soli Deo gloria.

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A Reformed Theological Exposition of the Distinction Between the Visible and Invisible Church, with Particular Reference to the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares (Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43)

In classical Reformed theology, the distinction between the ecclesia visibilis and the ecclesia invisibilis is foundational for a biblical doctrine of the church and occupies a central place in the confessional tradition (Westminster Confession of Faith 25.1–6; Belgic Confession, Art. 29; Second Helvetic Confession, ch. 17). The distinction arises from the recognition that the one holy catholic church, as the covenantal assembly of the elect redeemed by Christ, exists in two aspects that must not be conflated yet must never be wholly separated.

1. The Invisible Church

The invisible church is the church as God alone perfectly beholds it: the total number of the elect from all ages who have been, are being, or shall be effectually called by the Holy Spirit, united to Christ by faith, and infallibly preserved unto final glorification (WCF 25.1; Rom 8:29–30; Eph 1:4–5; 5:27). Its invisibility pertains not to mystical occultation but to the limitation of human perception: no creature can infallibly discern the identity of the elect, for “the Lord knows those who are his” (2 Tim 2:19), whereas human judgment remains fallible and partial (1 Sam 16:7). Membership in the invisible church is constituted solely by divine election and the inward reality of regenerating grace, not by external profession or sacramental participation.

2. The Visible Church

The visible church is the church as it appears in history under the ordinary means of grace: the society of all those throughout the world who profess the true religion, together with their children (WCF 25.2; BC Art. 28). It is the institutional, covenantal community marked by the right preaching of the Word, the proper administration of the sacraments (baptism and the Lord’s Supper), and the faithful exercise of discipline (BC Art. 29). Because the visible church is composed of a mixed body—those who possess true faith and those whose profession is hypocritical—it necessarily includes both regenerate and unregenerate persons, both wheat and tares.

3. The Necessary Distinction and Inseparable Relation

Reformed theology insists that these two aspects must be distinguished but never separated. The invisible church is the soul and ultimate reality of the one church; the visible church is its body and historical manifestation. The visible church is the sphere in which the invisible church is ordinarily gathered, nourished, and brought to maturity through the means of grace. Yet the visible church is broader than the invisible, for “not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel” (Rom 9:6), and “they are not all Israel who are of Israel” in the New Testament covenant community (Rom 9:7ff.; cf. Heidelberg Catechism, Q. 54).

4. The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares (Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43) as Dominical Warrant

The dominical parable of the wheat and the tares provides the clearest biblical grounding for this distinction and functions as a divinely authoritative commentary on the mixed nature of the visible church in the present age. In Christ’s own exposition:

• The field is “the world” (κόσμος), not the church narrowly conceived, yet the sowing and growth occur within the kingdom of heaven as administered in the visible covenant community.
• The good seed are “the sons of the kingdom” (υἱοὶ τῆς βασιλείας)—the elect, those who belong to the invisible church.
• The tares are “the sons of the evil one” (υἱοὶ τοῦ πονηροῦ)—hypocrites and reprobates sown by the devil among the people of God.
• The simultaneous growth of both until the harvest demonstrates that the present age is characterized by a mixed visible church.
• The command to the servants, “Let both grow together until the harvest” (ἄφετε συναυξάνεσθαι ἀμφότερα ἕως τοῦ θερισμοῦ), prohibits any attempt at premature eschatological separation by human agency. The danger of uprooting the wheat with the tares (v. 29) underscores both the fallibility of human judgment and the divine purpose to preserve the elect through the ordinary means of grace even in a corrupted visible church.
• The final separation at the consummation (vv. 40–43) is reserved exclusively for the angels at Christ’s parousia, affirming that perfect purity belongs only to the church triumphant.

5. Theological and Pastoral Implications

a. Against Donatism and Perfectionism

The parable decisively refutes every form of Donatist or Anabaptist perfectionism that would equate the visible church with the company of the visibly regenerate. Attempts to create a “pure church” by human sifting inevitably violate Christ’s command and risk schism.

b. Against Latitudinarian Indifferentism

Conversely, the parable does not sanction complacency toward hypocrisy or doctrinal corruption. While the final separation is eschatological, the visible church is obligated to exercise the keys of the kingdom through faithful preaching, sacramental administration, and church discipline (Matt 16:19; 18:15–20; WCF 30). Discipline aims at the reformation of offenders and the purity of the visible body, yet always with the recognition that perfect discernment belongs to the last day.

c. Comfort for the Believer

The doctrine assures genuine believers that the presence of tares neither invalidates the church’s identity nor imperils the elect. The wheat remains wheat by divine sowing and keeping, and Christ’s promise that “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Phil 1:6) stands firm irrespective of the visible church’s mixed condition.

d. Eschatological Orientation

The parable situates the church in the tension of the already-not-yet: the kingdom has been inaugurated, the good seed sown, yet the final manifestation of the sons of God awaits the harvest when “the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matt 13:43).

In sum, the Reformed distinction between the invisible and visible church, exegetically grounded in the parable of the wheat and the tares, preserves both the holiness of Christ’s bride (as known perfectly to God) and the historical reality of her pilgrimage in a fallen world. It calls the church simultaneously to vigilance in doctrine and discipline, humility in judgment, and confident hope in the sovereign grace of the One who will, at the appointed time, gather his wheat into the barn and burn the tares with unquenchable fire.

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“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)