The Christian faith has existed for 2,000 years. Nations, kingdoms, and empires have risen and fallen, but the kingdom of Jesus still stands. Not only does it stand, but it covers the earth—and this despite the fact that numerous attempts have been made down through the centuries to exterminate it.
How is this so?
I suppose there are many reasons for this. You would have to start with God’s watch and care over His people. We find examples of this throughout the biblical witness. We see it in His protection of Sarah when Abraham failed her (Genesis 12, 20). We hear it in the psalmist’s words that even though he walked through the valley of the shadow of death he would fear no evil. because God was with him.
There’s the truth of the church’s divine origin—it is built on Jesus (1 Corinthians 3:11) and built by Jesus. Nothing will prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). There’s also the Spirit’s sustaining influence. John tells us, “The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). So, any answer to the question of why Christ’s kingdom remains after two thousand years must begin by acknowledging these truths.
But there is more.
Somewhere on the list there should also be something about the depth, splendor, and richness of the Christian faith. It’s true—a quick, casual look at the Christian faith (especially as it presented by its opponents), will lead many people to reject it. But a deeper look, an informed interaction with the biblical witness and you will come to the conclusion that there is something else going on, for the deeper you go in the Christian faith (intellectually, attitudinally, behaviorally), the more glorious it becomes. It’s always been that way of course, but not everyone is willing to make the effort to find that out.
But down through the centuries, there have been men and women who have done just that. They have plumbed the depths of the faith and have stood tall when the winds of life raged against them because they were rooted deep. Christ received them; then they received Christ.
You can hear this in Peter’s voice after an occasion where Jesus shared a hard message about being the Bread of life (see John 6:48-58). Some of the disciples complained about what He has said but Christ doubled down on His words. As a result, “many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him” (v. 66). He then asked the Twelve if they wanted to leave as well. And Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that You are the Holy One of God” (v. 68-69).
Peter had reached the tipping point. He had gone far enough and deep enough long enough so that he knew there was nothing like Jesus. He might falter and stumble, but he would get up and keep going because he was rooted deep. Christ had received him; and he had received Christ.
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 