The Kinsman-Redeemer and the True Theocracy of Christ

A true theocracy is the moral government of God established upon the earth where He is recognized as the supreme King and Author of lawTDC May 10, 1889, page 4.1+1. This divine rule is characterized by the implanting of Christ’s nature in humanity through the Holy Spirit, rather than through the legislative assemblies or courts of men John 1:12-13CHPA 67.1.

The Law of the Kinsman-Redeemer

In the land of Israel, the law of the next of kin, or goel, served as a fundamental pillar of God's social and spiritual orderBHOTV3 165.1. This law ensured that an inheritance lost through poverty or death could be redeemed and that a family name would not be extinguished from the tribes of Israel Ruth 4:3-10BHOTV3 165.1.

• The Right of Redemption: To act as a redeemer, one had to be the nearest of kin among those who were related Ruth 2:1GCB/GCDB 1895, page 265.2. Boaz, a kinsman of Elimelech, could only step into this role once a closer relative declined the obligation Ruth 4:1-8GCB/GCDB 1895, page 265.2.

• The Avenger of Blood: The kinsman-redeemer also held the responsibility of being the "avenger of blood" in cases of murder Numbers 35:21ETI Kinsman.4. While the law protected those who committed accidental homicide through cities of refuge, the intentional murderer was to be executed by the redeemer Numbers 35:25+1SBD Murder.2.

• A Living Inheritance: The union of Ruth and Boaz under this law demonstrates the beauty of the theocratic system, as it ultimately led to the lineage of David and the birth of Jesus Christ Matthew 1:1-16BHOTV3 165.1.

Christ as the Ultimate Theocratic King

The earthly theocracy and its kinsman laws were shadows of the greater kingdom of Christ 2 Peter 1:16ARSH June 13, 1854, page 153.8. Jesus fulfills every aspect of the redeemer's role, from the restoration of our lost inheritance to the final execution of judgmentEVRR674+1.

• Mighty to Save: Christ is the Kinsman-Redeemer who became flesh to be near of kin to us, paying the price for our redemption through His own blood Revelation 5:9EVRR674+1. He is the seed of the woman promised from the beginning to bruise the serpent's head Genesis 3:15.

• The Kingly Avenger: At His second coming, Christ lays aside His priestly garments for those of a King and Avenger Revelation 19:11-16EVRR674. He is the one who treads the winepress of the wrath of God, His garments stained with the blood of the unsaved who have despised His authority Isaiah 63:1-6EVRR674.

• Internal Governance: Unlike human imitations of theocracy that use force or the inquisition to compel outward compliance, Christ’s true theocracy governs the mind and heartTDC May 10, 1889, page 4.1. It is not established by civil law but by the gospel, which converts men inwardly so that their outward actions naturally conform to the divine law Matthew 15:1-9TDC May 10, 1889, page 4.1.

Distinguishing Divine and Human Rule

Confusion often arises when human governments attempt to merge church and state, creating a "papal" version of a theocracy that leads to oppressionTDC May 10, 1889, page 4.1+1. True theocracy requires leaving institutions under God’s direct leadership rather than seeking to consolidate them under human control4MR 441.1+1. Civil governments should focus on maintaining "civility" and prohibiting "incivilities," while leaving "morality"—which is conformity to the Ten Commandments—to God aloneTDC May 10, 1889, page 4.1.

By recognizing Christ as our only Lawgiver and Redeemer, we enter into His kingdom where we are delivered from the power of the enemy and restored to our rightful inheritance Daniel 12:1+1EVRR674.