Will Christ's rule with a rod of iron be cruel or benevolent?
Christ's rule with a rod of iron will be benevolent, not cruel. The rod of iron depicts His absolute rule, but His reign will be absolutely just, fair, and benevolent. There will be no funny business in His rule and reign. The Beatitudes are the constitution of His government.
Les explains that the rod of iron does not mean a cruel rule; it is going to be a benevolent one. The rod of iron depicts Christ's absolute rule, so His rule and reign will have no funny business but will be absolutely just and fair. After He smites the nations and finishes His destruction with the spoken Word, the curse is lifted and the kingdom comes in; then He rules the nations. The Beatitudes are the constitution of His government, and they will come into their full definition in the kingdom. They are always affiliated with the kingdom rule, where there will be no unhappiness.