Kingdom Dominion: What Happens On Earth Depends On You
God does not intervene in earthly affairs without the cooperation of humans
God’s Word is the ultimate power in the universe. When He speaks, it becomes the perfect law (James 1:22-25). God’s Word is eternal (Psalms 119:89), living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and endures forever (Isaiah 40:8).
God is committed to keeping His promises, using whatever means necessary to fulfill His Word (Isaiah 55:11). Through the Bible, God provides His Word, unveiling the purpose behind why He created us, why the earth exists, and what we’re supposed to do while we’re here.
Genesis 1:26 marks the unfolding of God’s big plan for both the earth and humans.
Genesis 1:26 NKJV: Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
Three key points emerge from this verse:
- The Hebrew word for man is ‘āḏām, and refers to the entire human species, inclusive of both males and females. Regardless of religious affiliation, political status, or financial power, God designed all human beings to have dominion, power, authority and rulership. This is a universal rule set by God.
- When God made us in His image and likeness, it was not only about physical appearance. The Hebrew words ṣelem (image) and dᵊmûṯ (likeness) refer to our resemblance to God, reflecting His moral character and spiritual nature. We mirror God’s goodness, righteousness, and ethical standards. We have the ability to reason, discern right from wrong, and make moral choices. Our intellectual and creative capacities echo God’s wisdom and creativity. Just as God is spirit (John 4:24), we are also spiritual beings with the ability to be in relationship with both God and each other. As the only species made in His image and likeness, we are set apart from the rest of creation.
- In Hebrew, the word for dominion is rāḏâ, meaning to rule, reign, or have authority. God, the ultimate Ruler, granted us power and control over His earthly kingdom. When God said, “let them have dominion,” it was a purposeful transfer of rulership to us, emphasizing our authority over the earth. While God has the ultimate power, He has entrusted us with the responsibility to care for and manage the created world, all to fulfill His plan of bringing His heavenly kingdom to Earth.
However, even after being granted full authority and power over the earth, Adam and Eve deviated from God’s plan by disobeying His Word in the Garden of Eden—resulting in the loss of dominion to Satan (Genesis 3). God chose not to interfere in Adam and Eve’s decision to disobey Him because He respected the authority and rulership that He granted them when He stated, “let them have dominion.”
After losing dominion, the Old Testament tells a story of humans trying to regain authority and struggling to fulfill God’s plan of bringing the kingdom of heaven to Earth. What could have resulted in an eternal tragedy was combated by God’s unfailing love through His Word when He promised to come into the earth to restore our dominion (Genesis 3:15).
Prophecies like Isaiah 7:14 and Isaiah 9:6 predicted the miraculous arrival of God in human form. Jesus fulfilled this promise, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of heaven on earth ruled by humans (Matthew 4:23). Through Jesus, God not only proclaimed our dominion but also provided the Holy Spirit, enabling us to exercise our authority (Acts 1:8, John 14:26).
Our bodies serve as temples for God’s Holy Spirit, empowering us to reign on earth (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). In our faith walk, the focus isn’t on leaving earth for heaven; rather, it involves using our dominion by allowing God’s Spirit to guide us, influencing every aspect of our lives—our homes, families, jobs, schools, businesses, and communities.
God has the power, but we have the authority
Moses parted the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22), Joshua made the sun stand still (Joshua 10:12-14), Elijah summoned fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:36-38), Peter and John brought healing (Acts 3:6-8), Paul and Silas caused an earthquake in prison (Acts 16:25-26), and the early church consistently performed miraculous acts. All of these powerful events were only possible because each person chose to collaborate with God.
We were designed to be co-workers with God, allowing Him to use us to reign while we rely on His Holy Spirit for provision in every area of our lives. Through the gifts that the Holy Spirit provides, we are equipped with the power of God to rule in every situation or challenge we experience. It’s up to us to deepen our relationship with Him, allowing His power to guide our hearts. In doing so, we can successfully take charge of our lives, living out His original plan of bringing His heavenly kingdom to Earth.
