William McCants’ new book, The ISIS Apocalypse, shows that through radical beheadings and crucifixions, Isis believes they are preparing the way for the end of the world and the arrival of the Kingdom of God. Christians believe that the Kingdom has arrived in Jesus the Messiah and will come fully when He returns to this earth. Jesus rejected violence to establish His peaceful kingdom, rather choosing deeds of compassion to advance the work of God. ISIS seeks to establish it by violence. Two different visions! Two different theologies! We cannot force the Kingdom of God by our actions; we surrender to its presence by surrendering to Messiah, King of Kingdom of God and using the methods He did.
“As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons.” Matthew 10:7-8a (NRSV)
