What Biblical Dominion and Kingdom principle entails

Kingdom dominion

Genesis 1:26, God declares, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

The concept of dominion is a powerful and significant theme throughout the Bible. It refers to the authority and responsibility that God has entrusted to humanity over His creation. In Genesis 1:26, God declares, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

As humans, we are called to exercise dominion in a way that reflects God's character and purposes. It is not a license to exploit or harm creation, but a divine invitation to steward and care for it with love and wisdom. Psalm 8:6-8 beautifully captures this truth, saying, "You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas."

However, it is important to recognize that our dominion is not absolute or autonomous. We are called to exercise it in accordance with God's will, guided by His wisdom and love. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." We are called to submit our plans and desires to God's sovereignty, acknowledging that He is the ultimate authority and source of wisdom.

Jesus, the perfect example of dominion, demonstrated a different approach than the world expects. In Mark 10:42-45, He says, "You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

True dominion is not about exerting power and control over others, but about serving others selflessly and sacrificially. It is about using our influence and resources to bring about God's purposes and to bless those around us. Jesus' example challenges us to approach dominion with humility, compassion, and a servant's heart.