The Increase of His Government

To us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.

And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

—Isaiah 9:6-7
How good is this news, that government increases forever?

To answer that question, it helps to look at the purposes of government as described in the Bible: (1) punish the evildoers, and (2) praise the virtuous.

We know that there are no evildoers in heaven (Revelation 21:27). Only those who are saved go to heaven. (And anyone can be saved!)

That means there is only one purpose for government in heaven: to praise the righteous—those who are saved who are righteous in Jesus Christ.

Think about that. The purpose of government in heaven is to praise others. Yes, Jesus will be praising us throughout time in heaven!

How is that for an amazing thought? That's how much He loves us!

Other Scriptures speak to this as well. Our praise "is not from men but from God" (Romans 2:29). That means our praise is from God!

We will be praising Him, and He will be praising us. It is a two-way relationship.

This is also consistent with other Scriptures that describe how in the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, "He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power" (1 Corinthians 15:24).

May the good news of His government and peace increase forever!