A Record of Democratic Policy Positions

By Stan Feldsine / www.tojesusbeallglory.com

This article in it's entirety was created on 11/6/2026 by Google's Gemini, presumably an unbiased third party. The purpose of the article is to bring light to the spurious claims of both Democrat and Republican commentators regarding various policy differences. The commentary in this article resulted from asking Gemini to answer questions that start with “Can you provide evidence that the Democratic Party members support …....”

… Men in Women’s Sports

The terminology used in this context often reflects the ongoing political debate surrounding sex, gender identity, and sports participation. Critics of allowing transgender women—who were assigned male at birth—to participate in women's sports often phrase the issue as "men competing in women's sports." Proponents frame it as supporting the right of transgender women to participate according to their gender identity, viewing inclusion as a fundamental civil rights and anti-discrimination issue.

Evidence regarding the Democratic Party’s position on transgender women participating in female sports categories comes from legislative voting records, party platforms, and executive policy:

1. Legislative Voting Records

In federal legislation addressing sports participation based on biological sex, the vast majority of congressional Democrats have voted against federal bans:

• Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act: In federal legislative votes (such as the House vote on H.R. 734 / H.R. 28), almost all Democratic House members voted against federal legislation that would amend Title IX to define sex strictly by biological sex at birth for athletics. The overwhelming majority of House Democrats opposed restricting transgender girls and women from female sports categories, arguing that such bans lead to discrimination and exclusion of LGBTQ+ youth. (A small minority of moderate or conservative Democrats, such as Reps. Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez, voted with Republicans in favor of restrictions).

  The Texas Tribune+ 1

• The Equality Act: Most Democratic lawmakers support the Equality Act, which would explicitly add gender identity to federal civil rights legislation. Opponents argue this would legally protect transgender women's access to women-only categories, including sports, while supporters argue it protects against discrimination in public accommodations and federally funded programs.

2. Executive Branch Policies

Under Democratic presidential administrations, federal agencies have pursued policies emphasizing transgender inclusion under Title IX protections:

• Title IX Regulations: The Biden-Harris administration proposed Title IX rule changes clarifying that broad categorical bans on transgender athletes participating according to their gender identity violate federal law. The regulation sought to limit blanket prohibitions, while allowing schools to establish sport-specific or level-specific regulations where fair competition or safety requires it.

3. Party Platform and Statements

• Democratic National Platform: The party's platform emphasizes civil rights and inclusion for transgender individuals, supporting non-discrimination policies in education, healthcare, and athletics.

  iSideWith

• Arguments for Inclusion: Democratic officials and advocates generally state that participation in sports provides physical and mental health benefits to youth, and excluding transgender girls causes harm to a vulnerable group. They also often cite policies from athletic governing bodies (like the NCAA or International Olympic Committee) that regulate eligibility based on sport-specific metrics (such as hormone testing) rather than total exclusion.

Internal Nuance and Evolving Debates

While the dominant position within the Democratic leadership and legislative caucus favors inclusion under non-discrimination principles, there is internal debate:

• Nuance on Regulation: Some members of the party advocate for reliance on elite sports governing bodies to set eligibility rules based on physiological parameters (e.g., testosterone levels or post-puberty rules) rather than blanket inclusion or blanket exclusion.

  (iSideWith)

• Re-evaluations Following Elections: Following recent election cycles, a growing subset of moderate Democrats has publicly questioned whether the party's standard messaging on transgender athletes aligns with broad public opinion, leading to ongoing discussions within the party about how to balance inclusivity with fairness in competitive athletics.

… Children Undergoing Trans Sex Change Without the Parent’s Consent

The claim that Democratic Party members support "sex change surgeries for children without parental consent" is a frequent point of debate in political discussions, but it mixes several distinct policy areas, medical standards, and legislative efforts.

Examining the actual positions, legislation, and medical frameworks reveals how Democratic lawmakers approach gender-affirming care for minors and parental involvement.

1. Medical Standards and Surgical Care for Minors

Major U.S. medical organizations (such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association) and major Democratic figures—including the Biden-Harris administration—distinguish clearly between non-surgical care (social transition, mental health therapy, puberty blockers, hormone therapy) and surgical interventions:

• Surgeries on Minors Are Extremely Rare: Surgical procedures for minors under 18 with gender dysphoria are extremely rare and generally reserved for older adolescents in unique cases after long-term multi-disciplinary evaluations.

• Parental Consent is Standard Medical Practice: Standard medical guidelines in the United States require informed consent from parents or legal guardians for any pediatric medical treatments, including hormone therapy or surgical interventions for minors.

2. State Legislation and Shield Laws (Where the Debate Arises)

Critics often cite specific legislation passed in Democratic-led states (such as Washington, California, or Oregon) as evidence of bypassing parental consent. These bills, however, deal primarily with runaway youth shelters, mental health, or out-of-state medical protections rather than overriding parental consent for medical procedures:

(Third Way)

• Washington State (SB 5599): Passed by Democrats in 2023, this law allows licensed youth shelters to contact state child protective services or social services instead of parents only when notifying parents would create a clear risk of abuse or neglect, such as when a youth flees home seeking protected health care (including reproductive or gender-affirming care). The law did not change state laws regarding parental consent for medical treatments or surgeries, which still require legal consent.

  (Third Way)

• California and "Shield Laws": Democratic-backed "sanctuary" or shield laws prohibit state agencies and courts from assisting out-of-state subpoenas or child custody warrants from states that ban gender-affirming care. Opponents argue these laws weaken parental rights in custody disputes across state lines; supporters emphasize that they protect families and clinicians from out-of-state legal prosecution.

• School Notification Policies: At the federal and state level, many Democratic lawmakers have opposed mandatory school policies requiring teachers to automatically notify parents if a student uses a different name, pronoun, or gender presentation at school without the student's consent. Opponents of these mandatory disclosure laws argue they protect vulnerable youth from potential domestic abuse, while critics frame opposing parental notification as removing parents' rights to oversee their children.

3. Broad Democratic Party Positions

The core position among mainstream Democratic leadership is to support access to age-appropriate, evidence-based gender-affirming medical care for youth in consultation with their parents and doctors:

• Support for Clinical Discretion: Mainstream Democrats generally oppose state-level bans on pediatric gender-affirming care, arguing that medical decisions for youth should be made by parents, patients, and their healthcare providers without state government interference.

• Diverse Views Within the Party: A growing number of moderate Democratic lawmakers and candidates support age restrictions or state regulations on surgical interventions for minors, or advocate for relying on updated clinical frameworks.

Summary

There is no major legislative record or official Democratic Party platform that advocates for permitting medical or surgical "sex changes" on minors without parental consent.

Where political conflict occurs is primarily over school transparency policies (whether schools must report a child's social transition to parents) and shelter/runaway laws (whether state shelters can temporarily host vulnerable youth without immediate parent notification if abuse is alleged).

… Special Protections for LGBTQ+ People

Yes, extensive evidence demonstrates that members of the Democratic Party broadly support statutory civil rights protections and non-discrimination guarantees for LGBTQ+ individuals. This support is documented across federal and state voting records, party platforms, executive actions, and judicial appointments.

(Advocate.com)

1. Key Legislative Record

• The Equality Act: The primary federal legislative vehicle for LGBTQ+ protections is the Equality Act, which seeks to explicitly amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity across housing, employment, public accommodations, jury service, credit, and federal programs.

  Advocate.com)

  • The House passed the bill with unanimous or near-unanimous Democratic voting records.

    (PBS)

  • The bill forms a core plank of congressional Democratic priorities and has been continuously championed by the Congressional Equality Caucus.

    (Congressional Equality Caucus | - House.gov)

• Respect for Marriage Act (2022): Federal legislation codifying statutory protections for same-sex and interracial marriages into federal law was introduced, championed, and passed by Democratic-led majorities in both the House and Senate, subsequently signed into law by President Joe Biden.

• State-Level Non-Discrimination Laws: State legislatures with Democratic majorities (such as California, New York, Washington, Minnesota, and Illinois) have consistently enacted state-level statutes extending non-discrimination protections, banning conversion therapy for minors, and creating shield protections for LGBTQ+ healthcare.

2. Executive Branch & Administrative Policies

Under Democratic administrations (notably the Obama-Biden and Biden-Harris administrations), executive authority has been routinely deployed to strengthen protections:

• Title IX and Title VII Enforcement: Democratic administrations issued regulations enforcing broad interpretations of civil rights statutes—clarifying that federal sex-discrimination prohibitions under Title IX (education) and Title VII (employment) include sexual orientation and gender identity.

• Military Service Regulations: Democratic executives repealed the policy known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (enabling open military service for gay, lesbian, and bisexual service members) and lifted executive bans on open service for transgender military personnel.

• Federal Contracting: Executive orders prohibit federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

3. Judicial Appointments & Legal Advocacy

• Supreme Court Jurisprudence: Democratic leadership backed landmark Supreme Court decisions protecting LGBTQ+ rights, including Obergefell v. Hodges (2015, establishing marriage equality) and Bostock v. Clayton County (2020, establishing that Title VII prohibits workplace discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals).

  (Center for American Progress)

• Judicial Nominations: Democratic presidents prioritize nominating federal judges with records supporting anti-discrimination protections and constitutional privacy rights for LGBTQ+ citizens.

4. Official Democratic Party Platform

The national platform of the Democratic Party explicitly outlines commitments to LGBTQ+ equality, including:

• Passing federal legislation to ban discrimination in housing, health care, public accommodations, and financial services.

  Advocate.com

• Expanding federal hate-crime enforcement and resources to address violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender women of color.

• Opposing state and federal measures aimed at restricting access to gender-affirming care or limiting LGBTQ+ inclusion in public schools and public life.

… The Abolition of the 2nd Amendment

The question of whether members of the Democratic Party support abolishing the Second Amendment requires distinguishing between official party platform positions, specific statutory proposals, and isolated commentary from individual members.

1. Mainstream Democratic Party Platform and Official Positions

The official platform of the Democratic Party and its primary national leaders (including presidential candidates and congressional leadership) explicitly frame their proposals as consistent with the Second Amendment, rather than an attempt to repeal or abolish it:

• Support for Regulation Within Constitutional Limits: Mainstream Democrats advocate for regulations targeting firearm access and types of weapons while asserting support for legal gun ownership. Common policies include universal background checks, bans on semi-automatic "assault weapons" and high-capacity magazines, safe storage laws, and "red flag" laws.

  (Ballotpedia)

• Rejection of Total Bans: Party leadership routinely rejects claims that they seek total gun confiscation or the outright repeal of the Second Amendment. Prominent Democratic candidates—including Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz during their national campaigns—emphasized their support for lawful firearm ownership and noted their status as gun owners.

  (Center for American Progress Action)

2. High-Profile Calls for Repeal by Individual Figures

While the party structure and platform do not support abolishing the Second Amendment, a small number of prominent individual figures affiliated with or formerly serving in the Democratic Party have publicly called for its repeal:

• John Paul Stevens (Former Supreme Court Justice): In a widely cited 2018 op-ed for The New York Times, retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens (appointed by Republican President Gerald Ford, though aligned with the Court's liberal wing) explicitly called for a constitutional amendment to repeal the Second Amendment, arguing that doing so would allow lawmakers to pass gun control legislation without constitutional limits.

• Beto O'Rourke (Former Congressman): During the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, former Texas Representative Beto O'Rourke famously advocated for a mandatory buyback program for specific firearms, stating, "Hell yes, we're going to take your AR-15, your AK-47." While O'Rourke did not advocate repealing the Second Amendment itself, critics cited mandatory buybacks of popular rifles as tantamount to infringing upon Second Amendment protections.

3. Arguments from Critics and Gun Rights Advocates

Critics of the Democratic Party, including Republican lawmakers and advocacy groups like the National Rifle Association (NRA) and Gun Owners of America (GOA), contend that the party's proposed policies effectively undermine or nullify the Second Amendment in practice, even if they do not explicitly call for its outright repeal:

(LifeZette)

• Infringement Arguments: Opponents argue that sweeping bans on broad classes of semi-automatic firearms, mandatory registries, high-capacity magazine limits, and stringent licensing requirements severely restrict the core constitutional right to keep and bear arms established in landmark Supreme Court rulings (District of Columbia v. Heller and New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen).

• Incremental Steps: Critics often assert that incremental restrictions are intended to pave the way toward eventual confiscation or broad disarmament.

Summary

There is no evidence that the Democratic Party as an organization, or its platform, supports abolishing the Second Amendment. The official party stance favors enacting stricter gun safety regulations while recognizing constitutional protections for gun ownership.

However, explicit calls to repeal the amendment have been raised by a minority of individual commentators and figures, and critics maintain that Democratic legislative agendas severely restrict Second Amendment rights in practice.

(House.gov)

… Abortion up to Birth

The claim that Democratic Party members support "abortion up to birth" (often referred to in political debates as elective late-term or third-trimester abortion) mixes party platform goals, legislative proposals, and political rhetoric.

The mainstream Democratic position centers on restoring the legal standard established under Roe v. Wade, which allows state regulation or bans on abortions in the third trimester while requiring exceptions to protect the life or health of the mother.

(AP News)

1. The Official Democratic Platform and Legislative Record

Democratic party platforms and major federal legislation do not advocate for unrestricted, elective abortion up until birth. Instead, party legislative efforts focus on codifying the standards of Roe v. Wade into federal law:

(AP News)

• The Women's Health Protection Act (WHPA): Sponsored and supported by the overwhelming majority of congressional Democrats, this federal bill aims to establish a national right to abortion access. The text of the legislation explicitly aligns with Roe v. Wade, allowing states to restrict or prohibit abortion after fetal viability (generally considered 23 to 24 weeks of gestation), provided there are exceptions when a physician deems the procedure necessary to protect the life or health of the patient.

• State Constitutional Amendments: State-level constitutional amendments championed by Democrats (such as those passed in Michigan, Ohio, or California) similarly permit state regulation or prohibitions on third-trimester abortions after fetal viability, provided health and life exceptions for the pregnant woman remain intact.

2. Where the Political Controversy Arises

Opponents of the Democratic platform—including Republican lawmakers and anti-abortion advocacy groups—argue that Democratic policies effectively permit abortion up to birth. Their arguments rely on two primary points:

• Broad Interpretation of "Health" Exceptions: Critics argue that statutory language protecting a mother's "health" after fetal viability can be interpreted broadly by healthcare providers to encompass mental, emotional, or financial distress, thereby effectively allowing late-term abortions for reasons beyond immediate medical emergencies.

• Opposition to Gestational Age Limits: Most national Democratic leaders oppose mandatory statutory gestational cutoffs (such as 6-week, 15-week, or 20-week bans) without health exceptions, arguing that complex late-pregnancy medical decisions should be made by patients and their physicians rather than state legislatures. Critics frame the rejection of fixed gestational cutoffs as support for unrestricted abortion at any stage.

3. Medical Context and Third-Trimester Abortions

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), abortions occurring late in pregnancy are extremely rare:

(AP News)

• Over 93% of all abortions in the United States occur during the first trimester (at or before 13 weeks of gestation).

  (AP News)

• Fewer than 1% occur at 21 weeks or later.

  (AP News)

Medical professionals note that procedures performed late in pregnancy or in the third trimester typically involve severe fetal abnormalities, severe risks to maternal health or life, or cases where a pregnancy has unexpectedly become unviable.

(AP News)

Summary

There is no evidence in the official Democratic Party platform or key federal legislation showing support for elective, unrestricted abortion up to birth. Mainstream Democrats support codifying Roe v. Wade, which permits states to restrict post-viability abortions as long as exceptions exist to preserve the life and health of the pregnant individual.

(AP News)

The characterization that Democrats support abortion up to birth comes primarily from political opponents who contend that broad health exceptions and opposition to fixed gestational caps create a framework for late-term procedures.

… The Democratic Party Moving Ideologically Towards Communism

The mainstream Democratic Party does not support communism, nor does its official platform align with communist ideology.

Political scientists define communism as a system that advocates for the total elimination of private property, the abolition of free markets, and complete state or collective ownership of the means of production. The Democratic Party is explicitly capitalist and social-democratic in its economic framework, supporting private property rights, regulated market competition, and social safety nets.

However, the perception or argument that the Democratic Party is moving toward communism often stems from specific ideological shifts, political rhetoric, and conservative critiques:

1. Arguments Cited by Critics

Those who argue that the party is moving leftward point to specific policy trends within its progressive wing:

• Expanding the Role of Government: Proponents of this argument point to policies such as universal single-payer healthcare ("Medicare for All"), wealth taxes, student loan cancellation, and state-directed industrial policies (like the Green New Deal or the CHIPS and Science Act). Critics view the expansion of government regulation, subsidies, and social spending as steps toward government control of key economic sectors.

• Growth of the Progressive/Democratic Socialist Caucus: Figures such as Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez self-identify as "democratic socialists". While democratic socialism differs fundamentally from Soviet-style communism (emphasizing democratic elections and regulated welfare states rather than authoritarian single-party state planning), critics argue that the growing influence of this wing pushes the broader party further leftward along the economic spectrum.

• Focus on Systemic Equity: Some critics argue that modern progressive rhetoric around systemic inequality and wealth redistribution borrows structural concepts from Marxist analysis (focusing on class conflicts and power dynamics), even if the policy solutions remain within a capitalist framework.

2. Evidence Countering the Claim

Political analysts and ideological data indicate that the Democratic Party operates firmly within mainstream capitalist democracy:

• Official Platform: The Democratic Party platform advocates for "regulated capitalism," which relies on market incentives, private enterprise, and small business growth while using government tax and regulatory powers to support healthcare, education, and labor protections.

• Rejection of Property Abolition: Unlike communism, no mainstream Democratic policy proposal seeks to abolish private property, nationalize major private industries (such as tech, auto, or consumer retail), or establish state-run command economies.

• Party Leadership: Mainstream party leadership (including former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and major congressional leaders) has repeatedly explicitly affirmed support for capitalism and rejected socialism and communism in national speeches.

• International Comparison: In Western European democracies, standard Democratic Party economic policies—such as subsidized higher education, universal healthcare models, and paid parental leave—are considered standard center-left or moderate social-democratic policies within capitalist systems, rather than communist proposals.

Summary

While the Democratic Party's progressive faction has increased its political influence over recent years—advocating for a larger welfare state and greater economic regulation—there is no evidence that the party as a whole supports or is moving toward communism. The debate centers on how much government intervention is appropriate within a market-based, capitalist society.

(Khan Academy)

… Climate Change Legislation

Evidence of Democratic Party support for climate change legislation is documented through legislative voting records, major signed statutes, party platform commitments, and executive actions.

1. Key Legislative Accomplishments and Voting Records

• The Inflation Reduction Act (2022): The most significant climate legislation in U.S. history, dedicating roughly $369 billion to clean energy incentives, electric vehicle tax credits, green manufacturing, and greenhouse gas reduction. The bill passed the Senate 51–50 (with all 50 Senate Democrats voting in favor and Vice President Kamala Harris breaking the tie) and passed the House 220–207 with unanimous Democratic support.

  (PBS+ 1)

• The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021): Passed under Democratic leadership, allocating tens of billions toward clean energy transmission, electric vehicle charging networks, public transit expansion, and climate resilience projects.

• The American Clean Energy and Security Act (Waxman-Markey, 2009): The House passed a nationwide cap-and-trade bill aimed at curbing carbon emissions, driven by a 219–212 vote composed almost entirely of House Democrats.

2. Executive Branch Policies

• International Climate Commitments: Democratic presidential administrations have consistently prioritized global climate agreements, including signing and re-entering the Paris Climate Agreement.

• EPA and Department of Energy Regulations: Democratic administrations have implemented federal regulatory standards via the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to limit carbon emissions from power plants, strengthen vehicle fuel economy standards, and restrict methane emissions from oil and gas operations.

  (Ballotpedia)

3. Democratic National Platform & Proposals

• Party Platform: The official Democratic Party platform frames climate change as an existential threat, establishing goals to achieve 100% clean electricity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% below 2005 levels by 2030, and attain net-zero emissions no later than 2050.

• Support for the Green New Deal: While not enacted into law, non-binding resolutions like the Green New Deal—championed by progressive Democrats—have gathered broad co-sponsorship within the party to push for large-scale federal investment in renewable energy and green jobs.

… Gay Marriage

Evidence demonstrating that members of the Democratic Party support same-sex marriage is documented through statutory enactment, federal roll-call votes, executive actions, official party platforms, and judicial advocacy.

(iSideWith)

1. Statutory Codification: The Respect for Marriage Act (2022)

The clearest statutory proof of party-wide support occurred with the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act, which repealed the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and codified federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages into federal statute:

• House of Representatives: Introduced by Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), the bill passed the House with the unanimous support of all voting House Democrats.

• Senate: Spearheaded in bipartisan negotiations by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)—the first openly gay U.S. Senator—the bill passed the Senate with all participating members of the Democratic caucus voting in favor.

  (Wikipedia)

• Presidential Signature: President Joe Biden signed the bill into law on December 13, 2022, declaring nationwide statutory protections for same-sex unions.

2. National Party Platform

• 2012 Platform Amendment: At the 2012 Democratic National Convention, the party formally added a plank to its national platform explicitly endorsing marriage equality—making it the first major U.S. political party to include same-sex marriage rights in its official platform.

  (iSideWith)

• Subsequent Platforms: Every national platform since 2012 has reaffirmed support for full legal recognition and non-discrimination guarantees for same-sex couples across federal, state, and local law.

3. Executive Branch Leadership and Policy Shift

• Endorsements by Party Leaders: In May 2012, then-Vice President Joe Biden publicly endorsed same-sex marriage, followed shortly by President Barack Obama, marking a historic shift in executive endorsement of marriage equality.

• Repeal of DOMA Defense: Under President Obama, the Department of Justice announced in 2011 that it would no longer defend the constitutionality of Section 3 of DOMA in federal court, paving the way for the Supreme Court's ruling in United States v. Windsor (2013).

  (Ballotpedia)

4. Amicus Curiae Briefs and Judicial Support

• Supreme Court Briefs: During landmark Supreme Court cases—such as Hollingsworth v. Perry (2013) and Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)—hundreds of Democratic members of Congress, governors, and state lawmakers filed joint amicus curiae (friend-of-the-court) briefs urging the Court to recognize a constitutional right to same-sex marriage under the Fourteenth Amendment.

Starting with Democrats and Transgender Athletes in Sports and continuing till here, please summarize the questions I asked and your answers.

Here is a summary of the topics you asked about, along with the key points from each answer:

1. Democrats and Transgender Athletes in Sports

   • Question: Evidence that Democratic Party members support transgender women competing in women’s sports.

   • Summary: Democrats generally support inclusive policies based on anti-discrimination principles and civil rights frameworks. Evidence includes near-unanimous Democratic opposition to federal legislation (like the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act) that would restrict sports participation strictly to biological sex at birth, support for the Equality Act, and Biden-Harris administration Title IX rule proposals prioritizing inclusion while allowing sports governing bodies to set sport-specific rules.

2. Democratic Party and Minor Gender-Affirming Care

   • Question: Evidence that Democratic Party members support children undergoing trans sex changes without parental consent.

   • Summary: Official platforms and major medical guidelines require parental consent for medical or surgical gender-affirming care for minors, and surgeries on minors are extremely rare. Political debates center instead on specific state shield laws regarding runaway youth shelters (e.g., Washington SB 5599) and mandatory school notification policies regarding a student's social transition.

3. Special Protections for LGBTQ+ People

   • Question: Evidence that Democratic Party members support special protections for LGBTQ+ people.

   • Summary: Strong structural support exists across legislative, executive, and judicial actions. Key evidence includes championing and passing the Respect for Marriage Act (2022), legislative backing of the Equality Act, executive orders enforcing anti-discrimination under Title VII and Title IX, and lifting bans on open military service.

4. The Second Amendment

   • Question: Evidence that Democratic Party members support the abolition of the Second Amendment.

   • Summary: The official party platform and national leadership do not support abolishing the Second Amendment, framing their proposals instead around regulated gun ownership within constitutional bounds (e.g., universal background checks, assault weapon bans, red flag laws). While isolated calls for repeal have come from specific individuals (such as retired Justice John Paul Stevens), critics argue that strict regulatory proposals severely infringe on Second Amendment rights in practice.

5. Abortion Policy

   • Question: Evidence that Democratic Party members support abortion up to birth.

   • Summary: Official party proposals focus on codifying the legal framework of Roe v. Wade, which permits states to regulate or ban post-viability abortions provided exceptions exist for the life and health of the pregnant individual. Opposition to fixed gestational cutoffs without health exceptions leads critics to argue the framework permits late-term procedures, though third-trimester abortions are medically rare and typically involve severe health risks or fatal fetal anomalies.

6. Ideological Movement Regarding Communism

   • Question: Evidence that the Democratic Party is moving ideologically towards communism.

   • Summary: The Democratic Party operates firmly within market capitalism and social democracy, advocating for a regulated economy rather than state ownership or the abolition of private property. Critics cite the growing influence of progressive/democratic socialist caucus members and expanded government spending as evidence of a leftward shift, but party leadership consistently re-affirms support for private enterprise and market-based systems.

7. Climate Change Legislation

   • Question: Evidence that Democratic Party members support climate change legislation.

   • Summary: High support is documented through landmark legislation, including near-unanimous passage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 ($369 billion for clean energy), the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, re-entry into the Paris Climate Agreement under Democratic presidents, and EPA regulatory measures to curb carbon and methane emissions.

8. Same-Sex Marriage

   • Question: Evidence that Democratic Party members support gay marriage.

   • Summary: Clear party-wide support is demonstrated by the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act in 2022 with full Democratic legislative support, the formal inclusion of marriage equality in the national party platform since 2012, amicus briefs submitted by Democratic lawmakers in landmark Supreme Court cases (Obergefell v. Hodges), and executive branch advocacy.

Matt 24:31 - Restoration of Israel

  by Stan Feldsine (www.tojesusbeallglory.com)

  Introduction

 Jesus, in Mat 24:31 is quoting from Isaiah. The passage is speaking of the regathering of the Jewish people to the land promised them in the Abrahamic Covenant.

Gen 12:7 The LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your offspring I will give this land." So he built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.

This restoration of Israel is prophesied to take place at or near the end of the Tribulation period as they finally come to understand that they crucified their Messiah and mourn that transgression. Following the Tribulation, Israel will be gathered to their land in preparation for the Messianic Kingdom at the second coming of Christ. It is a quote from Isa 27:12-13.

Isa 27:12-13 In that day the LORD will thresh from the flowing Euphrates to the Wadi of Egypt, and you, Israel, will be gathered up one by one. (13) And in that day a great trumpet will sound. Those who were perishing in Assyria and those who were exiled in Egypt will come and worship the LORD on the holy mountain in Jerusalem.

Compare this with Mat 24:31 as both passages speak of the regathering of Israel from the nations and the sounding of a great trumpet. The trumpet in Mat 24:31 and Isa 27:12-13 is the same trumpet.

Mat 24:31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

The people of Israel would have been very familiar with the Old Testament prophecies relating to the gathering of Israel to their land. Passages in the Hebrew scriptures speaking of Israel's return to the land are spread throughout the scriptures and are a major topic. Mat 24:31 speaks of the same event in the same language and directly corresponds to them, as the following passages show. Mat 24:31 is not a Rapture passage, it is referring to the restoration of Israel at the second coming.

Physical Restoration Passages

The following is a sampling from the Hebrew Scriptures dealing with Israel's restoration to their land.

Deu 30:1-5 When all these blessings and curses I have set before you come on you and you take them to heart wherever the LORD your God disperses you among the nations, (2) and when you and your children return to the LORD your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, (3) then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you. (4) Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the LORD your God will gather you and bring you back. (5) He will bring you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will take possession of it. He will make you more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors.

Isa 43:5-7 Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. (6) I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.' Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth-- (7) everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."

Jer 23:3-4 "I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. (4) I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing," declares the LORD.

Jer 31:7-8 This is what the LORD says: "Sing with joy for Jacob; shout for the foremost of the nations. Make your praises heard, and say, 'LORD, save your people, the remnant of Israel.' ( 8 See, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the ends of the earth. Among them will be the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor; a great throng will return.

Eze 11:14-18 The word of the LORD came to me: (15) "Son of man, the people of Jerusalem have said of your fellow exiles and all the other Israelites, 'They are far away from the LORD; this land was given to us as our possession.' (16) "Therefore say: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Although I sent them far away among the nations and scattered them among the countries, yet for a little while I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone.' (17) "Therefore say: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will gather you from the nations and bring you back from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you back the land of Israel again.' (18) "They will return to it and remove all its vile images and detestable idols.

Eze 36:24-28 "'For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. (25) I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. (26) I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. (27) And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. (28) Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God.

Hos 3:4-5 For the Israelites will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred stones, without ephod or household gods. (5) Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the LORD their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the LORD and to his blessings in the last days.

Amo 9:14-15 and I will bring my people Israel back from exile. "They will rebuild the ruined cities and live in them. They will plant vineyards and drink their wine; they will make gardens and eat their fruit. (15) I will plant Israel in their own land, never again to be uprooted from the land I have given them," says the LORD your God.

Zep 3:18-20 "I will remove from you all who mourn over the loss of your appointed festivals, which is a burden and reproach for you. (19) At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you. I will rescue the lame; I will gather the exiles. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they have suffered shame. (20) At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth when I restore your fortunes before your very eyes," says the LORD.

Zec 10:8-12 I will signal for them and gather them in. Surely I will redeem them; they will be as numerous as before. (9) Though I scatter them among the peoples, yet in distant lands they will remember me. They and their children will survive, and they will return. (10) I will bring them back from Egypt and gather them from Assyria. I will bring them to Gilead and Lebanon, and there will not be room enough for them. (11) They will pass through the sea of trouble; the surging sea will be subdued and all the depths of the Nile will dry up. Assyria's pride will be brought down and Egypt's scepter will pass away. (12) I will strengthen them in the LORD and in his name they will live securely," declares the LORD.

Mar 13:24-27 "But in those days, following that distress, "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; (25) the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' (26) "At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. (27) And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

Conclusion

The context of Mat 24:31 is the restoration of Israel, the regathering to their land. Forcing the context of Mat 24:31 into a Rapture context is a misuse of the passage to support a Post-Trib viewpoint.

Kingdoms and Kingdom Authority

By Stan Feldsine - www.tojesusbeallglory.com

Introduction

This article will show that Satan is currently the "ruler of the kingdom of the air" and the "god of this world" ruling on the earth according to God's permissive will. Secondly, while Jesus is the ruler of the eternal spiritual kingdom upholding all things and in the heart of the man submitted to Him, He is not yet ruling in the Messianic Kingdom (the Millennium or 1000 year reign), but that at some point in the future He will take up this reign.

A-Millennialism teaches that Jesus is currently at this time reigning over the Messianic Kingdom spiritually while Pre-Millennialism teaches that the Messianic Kingdom will not be established until the future second return of Christ. When referring to the Messianic Kingdom, A-Millennial's say Jesus IS reigning, and Pre-Millennials say Jesus is NOT reigning. This article will clear this up who is reigning over what and when.

Satan's Reign

Satan Begins His Reign of Death

From the time of Adam and Eve's original sin, Satan has assumed rulership over the planet and brought death where ever he is able.

Rom 5:17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!

Ruler of the Kingdom of the Air

Scripture clearly indicates that Satan is the present "ruler of the Kingdom of the air", and is the motivating spirit in those who are disobedient. This is not due to any limitation on the part of Jesus, but is in accordance with His permissive will.

Eph 2:1-2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, (2) in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.

We should not think it strange that God would permit Satan limited authority and rulership on the planet. God's permissive will is illustrated in the story of Job (Job 1:6-12).

Job 1:6-12 One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. (7) The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it." (8) Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." (9) "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. (10) "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. (11) But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face." (12) The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger." Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

The Control of the Evil One

Here we have a quite explicit statement declaring that Satan is in fact in control of the whole world. Some claim that Satan is presently in the Abyss (A-Millennials), but this is clearly contradictory with the plain statement that Satan is in fact in control of the whole world.

1Jn 5:19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.

Paul tells us that we wrestle with principalities and powers and spiritual forces. But while these forces control the whole world, the believer has access to armor to stand against evil.

Eph 6:10-12 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (11) Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. (12) For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

The purpose of confining Satan into the abyss is to remove his ability to control the world. If he is not yet in the abyss, then he still has the authority to control the world.

Rev 20:2-3 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. (3) He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.

The God of This Age

Here is another explicit statement referring to Satan as "the god of this age", and his work to blind minds.

2Co 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Satan Offers All The Kingdoms to Jesus

If Satan was not permitted authority over all the kingdoms of the world, then he would not have been able to use this as a temptation. The offer of the kingdoms to Jesus would have been a false offer, and the lesson the passage is teaching would have been invalid. Satan did have the authority as permitted and limited by Almighty God to offer Jesus the kingdoms of earth.

Luk 4:5-6 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. (6) And he said to him, "I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to.

Jesus did not deny that Satan had the authority to offer the world to Him, but redirected him to where worship was to be directed. In response to Satan's offer of all the kingdom if Jesus would worship Him, Jesus directed Him to the worship of God.

Luk 4:7-8 If you worship me, it will all be yours." (08) Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.'"

Jesus Calls Satan the Prince of This World

The context of "is coming" in this passage refers to the imminent arrival of Satan to fulfill the crucifixion of Christ. It is not saying that Satan is only then coming to the world, for that would conflict with the preceding passages.

The point of this passage is that even at this time, Jesus recognized Satan reigning as the prince of the world.

Joh 14:30 I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me,

Authority of the Beast

This passage is speaking of the authority of the Antichrist and the False Prophet. It is explicitly stated that the False Prophet exercises authority such that he "made the earth and its inhabitants worship the beast" (Antichrist). These two could only have this power if Satan delegated it to them out of the authority that he had. This shows Satan's authority as the prince of the power of the air, reigning on earth and influencing people, again, within the confines that Almighty God permits.

Rev 13:11-12 Then I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. (12) It exercised all the authority of the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed.

Joh 19:11 Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."

As is shown in these passages, Satan is still very much active in the world to day. His authority and rule is still present, and will not be removed until he is cast into the abyss.

The Kingdoms

For the purpose of this discussion, realm's that God reign's over will be referred to as "kingdoms". The reign of Christ encompasses several kingdoms. In order to get a good understanding of the context in which each is mentioned we will briefly examine each of them. If we keep the various kingdoms in context when reading the Bible, kingdoms such as the universal spiritual kingdom and the Messianic Kingdom are distinguished and come into focus.

The goal here is to enable the reader to distinguish in scripture between those passages speaking of the earthly Messianic Kingdom (aka Millennial Kingdom) and those passages speaking of spiritual kingdoms.

The Universal or Eternal Kingdom

This kingdom refers to God's rule over all the universe for all time. It includes the angelic realm, and has always existed. This is the kingdom the believer enters upon death (1Co 15:50, 2Ti 4:18).

Psa 93:2 Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity.

Psa 103:19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.

1Ch 29:11-12 Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. (12) Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.

Additional scriptural references: Psa 10:16, Psa 29:10, Psa 74:12, Psa 90:1-6, Psa 93:1-5, Psa 103:19-22, Psa 145:1-21, Psa 148:8, Jer 10:10, Lam 5:19, Dan 4:17, Dan 6:27, Act 17:24).

The Spiritual Kingdom

This is God's rule in the heart of a believer. This kingdom is comprised of all who have been born again by the Holy Spirit.

Joh 3:3 Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again."

1Co 6:9-10 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men (10) nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

Additional scriptural references: Mat 6:33, Mat 19:16, Joh 3:3-5, Act 8:12, Act 14:22, Act 19:8, Act 20:25, Act 28:23, 1Co 4:20, 1Co 6:9-10, Gal 5:21, Eph 5:5, Col 1:13-14, Col 4:11, 1Th 2:12, and 2Th 1:5.

The Theocratic Kingdom

This is the rule of God by means of a theocracy over the nation of Israel. This kingdom started when the Law of Moses was established and served as the constitution of the nation of Israel. This kingdom ended with the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon in 586BC. This kingdom is documented from Exo 19:1 to 2Ch 36:23.

Exo 20:22-23 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites this: 'You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven: (23) Do not make any gods to be alongside me; do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gods of gold.

The Mystery Kingdom

Following the rejection of the Messianic Kingdom, Jesus's focus switches to the "mystery" kingdom. This is a kingdom that Jesus revealed on the day of Israel's rejection of Himself (Mat 13:11, Mat 13:35). This kingdom covers the period of time between the first and second coming of Jesus.

Col 1:25-27 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness-- (26) the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord's people. (27) To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Eph 3:6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

Eph 3:8-11 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, (9) and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. (10) His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, (11) according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Messianic / Millennial Kingdom

This is the future kingdom during which time Jesus will rule over saved Israel and all the earth from David's throne in Jerusalem for 1000 years. This kingdom is the subject of a great deal of OT prophecy as well as being the kingdom that was declared to be "at hand" by John the Baptist and Jesus (Mat 3:2, Mat 4:17) and rejected by Jewish authorities.

Mat 3:1-2 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea (2) and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."

Psa 2:4-6 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. (5) He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, (6) "I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain."

Additional scriptural references: Psa 2:1-12, Psa 72:1-20, Isa 9:6-7, Isa 11:1-16, Jer 23:5-6, Jer 32:14-17, Eze 34:23, Eze 37:24, Hos 3:4-5, Mic 4:6-8, Mic 5:2, Mal 3:1-4.

Additional detail regarding the Messianic Kingdom can be found at: (https://www.tojesusbeallglory.com/2022/02/a-study-of-prophecy-messianic-kingdom.html)

Jesus's Reign

Jesus is indeed the ruler of the universe and spiritual realm. There is no limit to His eternally great power. As mentioned earlier in this paper, God will at times permit Satan certain powers and authorities, as he is presently the "ruler of the kingdom of this world" and "he god of this age". This reflects the permissive will of God, in which Satan has power only because God allows it.

Yahweh was the ruler over Israel's theocratic kingdom. His rule was carried out through judges and kings from Jerusalem. The theocratic reign ended during the Babylonian Captivity.

The remainder of this article will explore the rulership and timing of the Messianic Kingdom.

The Messianic Kingdom Presentation

Jesus does not yet exercise His reign over the Messianic Kingdom, because the Messianic Kingdom is not yet here. The Messianic Kingdom was presented to the Israelites by John and Jesus as they claimed the "kingdom was at hand". Jesus clearly has the ultimate authority over Satan's activities, but allows him limited rulership to accomplish His purposes.

Mat 4:17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."

Mat 4:23 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.

The Messianic Kingdom Rejection

This kingdom was rejected when Israel's religious leaders publicly accused Jesus of works by the power of Beelzebub.

Mat 12:23-24 All the people were astonished and said, "Could this be the Son of David?" (24) But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, "It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons."

This was blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, and resulted in Jerusalem's destruction in 70AD and Jesus's instruction that the Kingdom would not be established until He returned after the repentance of national Israel and their cry for His return.

Mat 24:1-2 Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples came up to him to call his attention to its buildings. (2) "Do you see all these things?" he asked. "Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."

Mat 23:37-39 "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. (38) Look, your house is left to you desolate. (39) For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

Zec 12:10 "And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.

The Messianic Kingdom Postponed

Since the King and Kingdom were rejected, the kingdom's arrival was postponed from the point of view of the people. God, however, was not surprised by this rejection. The events surrounding Israel's rejection of the King and Kingdom opened the way for God to bring salvation to the Gentiles.

Rom 11:11-12 Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious. (12) But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring!

The Messianic Kingdom would not arrive until the return of Jesus.

Mat 23:37-39 "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. (38) Look, your house is left to you desolate. (39) For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

Rev 20:4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

The People Still Anticipated the Kingdom

After the rejection of the King and Kingdom, the crowds who followed Jesus everywhere were still expecting Him to establish the Messianic Kingdom and begin His reign immediately. But it was not to be. The Parable of the 10 Minas in Luk 19:11-27 provides a detailed account of the rejection, interim period, and the later day return of the king.

Luk 19:11 While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once.

Act 1:6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"

Act 3:17-21 "Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. (18) But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. (19) Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, (20) and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you--even Jesus. (21) Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.

Jesus's Messianic Reign Begins

The Revelation is quite explicit about just when Jesus will exercise the authority He has and begin His reign via the Messianic Kingdom. This explicit passage is Rev 11:15-17, which describes the events of the 7th Trumpet judgment of the Revelation.

Rev 11:15-17 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever." (16) And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, (17) saying: "We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.

In verse 17, it is clearly and explicitly stated that it is at this time that Jesus will have "taken your great power and ... begun to reign". This clearly indicates that Jesus does not begin His reign over what will shortly be the Messianic Kingdom on earth until after this event occurs.

A-Millennials have great difficulty with the explicit nature of this verse, as it clearly refutes the idea that Jesus is reigning in the Messianic Kingdom presently.

Another passage that explicitly refers to a future beginning of the reign of Jesus is found in Mat 25:31. This passage clearly states that Jesus will reign from His glorious throne "When the Son of Man comes in His glory" at the second advent, which is the same event as Rev 11:17. Mat 25:31 and Rev 11:15-17 are each describing the same event between the end of the Tribulation and the start of the Messianic Kingdom.

Mat 25:31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne.

Another passage that is explicit in the timing of Jesus's beginning His reign is Mat 19:28, which states that Jesus will sit on his glorious throne "at the renewal of all things", a reference to the Messianic Kingdom. Those who will rule over the 12 tribes are the 12 disciples.

Mat 19:28 Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Jesus's Reign on Earth

Zechariah and Ezekiel provide details regarding the Messianic Kingdom showing it is an earthly kingdom and that Jesus will be present on earth with His people. He tells then "I will live among you" and He will "return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem". Zechariah makes it quite clear that the Messianic Kingdom will be a physical kingdom in a physical location, Jerusalem.

Zec 2:10-11 "Shout and be glad, Daughter Zion. For I am coming, and I will live among you," declares the LORD. (11) "Many nations will be joined with the LORD in that day and will become my people. I will live among you and you will know that the LORD Almighty has sent me to you.

Zec 8:3 This is what the LORD says: "I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the Faithful City, and the mountain of the LORD Almighty will be called the Holy Mountain."

Zec 14:9 The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one LORD, and his name the only name.

Ezekiel and Zechariah make it clear that Jesus's throne is a place for the "soles of His feet", a physical reference, which other passages clearly identify as earthly Jerusalem.

Eze 43:7 He said: "Son of man, this is the place of my throne and the place for the soles of my feet. This is where I will live among the Israelites forever. The people of Israel will never again defile my holy name--neither they nor their kings--by their prostitution and the funeral offerings for their kings at their death.

Zec 14:4 On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south.

Jesus's Reign Will be From "sea to sea" and "to the ends of the earth".

Here are a number of passages that describe the Messianic Kingdom as an earthly reign over an earthly population organized into nations on earth.

Psa 72:8 May he rule from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.

Zec 9:10 I will take away the chariots from Ephraim and the warhorses from Jerusalem, and the battle bow will be broken. He will proclaim peace to the nations. His rule will extend from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.

Psa 67:4-7 May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth. (5) May the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you. (6) The land yields its harvest; God, our God, blesses us. (7) May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.

Jesus's People Will "reign on the earth".

Additional detail regarding the rule of Christ in the Messianic Kingdom from Jerusalem shows that those who have been faithful will rule with Him on the earth.

Rev 5:10 You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."

Rev 3:21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.

2Ti 2:12 if we endure, we will also reign with him.

Conclusion

God has all power and authority, and rules sovereignly over the universe and spiritually in the submitted believers heart. However for a time, He has permitted Satan to reign on earth as "ruler of the kingdom of the air", "the evil one" and the "prince of the world", where he influences mankind to sin and brings about death. Satan has had this power and authority since the sin of Adam.

At the first advent, Jesus came and offered His Messianic Kingdom rule over the earth to the Jews, which if accepted would have brought about a "renewal of all things" and the banishment of Satan to the abyss. But the Jewish leadership rejected Jesus and His kingdom, and as a result, Jerusalem was destroyed in 70AD. Satan would rule a while longer, and according to the sovereign will of the Lord, salvation was opened to the Gentiles.

The permissive will of God permitting Satan's rule on earth will not last forever. The end of Satan's reign and the start of Jesus' reign is also clearly and explicitly identified as the time of the seventh of the Revelation trumpets. This is the time in which Jesus leaves the right side of the Father's throne and sits on His own throne. From here will Jesus reign until all His enemies are under His feet.