Citizens and Exiles: Christian Faithfulness in God's Two Kingdoms

by Scott Aniol

Christians have always wrestled with how they should respond to the cultures around them. On the one hand, we recognize the goodness of God’s creation and his common grace upon all people. On the other hand, we recognize that people are sinful and that the world is hostile to God and to Christians. So what are we to do?As tensions rise between church and state, some of the loudest voices articulating answers to the question do not match what Scripture commands for the church today. Some answers threatens to undermine the pilgrim character of New Testament Christianity and the spiritual mission given to the church of making disciples. Others advocate for a more privatized faith in conflict with the more holistic emphasis of Scripture.In this easy-to-read book, Scott Aniol demonstrates that Scripture teaches contrary to both of these postures. Aniol shows that the New Testament portrays Christians as citizens of the common kingdoms of this earth, but they are ultimately exiles since they are more profoundly citizens of Christ's redemptive kingdom. Understanding the biblical relationship between these two provides a very clear framework for preventing churches from losing their biblical mission while at the same time discipling Christians to actively engage in society around them.What the Bible prescribes for Christians in this present age is Christian faithfulness in both realms of God's sovereign rule.Scott Aniol, PhD, is Executive Vice President and Editor-in-chief of G3 Ministries and Professor of Pastoral Theology at Grace Bible Theological Seminary.

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2023

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this last year (2023). As someone who finds themself on the opposite side of this topic of Aniol, I try and read the opposition's stuff to ensure I understand what they are saying are why. The main reason why I have given it a 1 is because Aniol flirts with a trinitarian heresy because of his theological system, which is out of step with his trinitarian belief.

[Simao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aniol provides a much-needed critique to much of the modern church!

When the church loses sight of its mission it loses sight of its message. When the church places its focus and hope on cultural or societal change it has replaced the hope in Christ and the kingdom that God has given with human institutions that serve a different purpose in God's providence than eternal expansion and the glory and excellencies of Christ.

Aniol raises our view from failing hope to eternal hope. He upholds God's Sovereignty over all creation and all affairs of men. Instead of seeking to get in the news to change the perspective of the world, the church ought to proclaim the news of Christ crucified to save sinners.

[Jon Cheek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aniol provides a helpful book explaining Two Kingdoms theology and contrasting it with both transformationalism and efforts towards Christian nationalism. Aniol's presentation of Two Kingdoms theology is sound and is (in my opinion) the best way to understand the church's role in culture. This book does a good job explaining the role of Christians and the church in both kingdoms.

[Josh Peglow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I would recommend this first for those trying to navigate the reconstructionism-theonomy-two-kingdom debate from a biblical perspective. Aniol is clear, biblically compelling, and responsible in his review of Wilson’s book in the appendix.

One of the better books I have read recently.

[Stefenie McCallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical

This book is biblical, practical and enlightening. He explains the two kingdoms so well.
It's not in the book, but the theological pushback against two kingdoms is very interesting also.

[Kindra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for class. Found confusing and unsure what I was reading.