What does the Bible teach about the Kingdom of God? Has it already been established? Or is it coming at some future time?
Through the ages, people have misunderstood, misrepresented, and misapplied the Kingdom and Kingship of Christ. Many Jews in Jesus’ day rejected Him. “He came unto his own, and his own received him not” (Jn. 1:11). So, it’s little wonder that Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor presiding over His trial, was confused regarding Jesus’ work and role.
“Are you the King of the Jews?” Pilate asked. “What have you done?” he wondered.
To this, Jesus responded, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here” (Jn. 18:36).
Many Jews were hoping for a Messiah to reestablish the physical kingdom of Israel. The religious leaders were concerned about their prominent positions. Before Pilate, Jesus’ Kingship became a political accusation. And so, Christ was crucified.
But their plan to rid themselves of Jesus played into God’s eternal plan to establish His Kingdom.
What was misunderstood then is also missed today. Christ, the King, rules over His Kingdom. Here and now. Not merely at some future time.
John, the forerunner of Jesus, preached, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matt. 3:2).
Jesus also began His ministry preaching that the “kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 4:17). Later He proclaimed, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power” (Mk. 9:1).
Later, the apostle Paul would testify regarding the existence of God’s Kingdom (Acts 28:23). The Hebrew writer spoke of receiving it (Heb. 12:28). The Colossian Christians were in it (Col. 1:13). Jesus Christ was already ruling and reigning (1 Cor. 15:25). And at the end of time He will deliver the Kingdom to the Father (1 Cor. 15:24).
The Kingdom emphasizes Christ’s rule over His people—the church. Jesus connected the two when He told Peter, “I will build my church…” and promised, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 16:18–19). On the day of Pentecost (Acts 2), Peter preached the gospel of the risen Christ and opened the door for people to come into the church—the Kingdom of God.
So what does this mean to all of us?
When Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world,” he meant it is a spiritual Kingdom. It was not founded on worldly principles. It is not carnal in its nature. Its purpose is not secular. Nor are its means, methods, and message political.
His Kingdom does not originate in this world or depend on worldly power. Yet His rule reaches into every part of our lives. Our homes. Our work. Our relationships. And our conduct.
Too often churches today forget their message, abandon their mission, and engage in a ministry foreign to the true purpose of God’s Kingdom. The Good News of salvation is the Kingdom’s main focus. Those who receive the gospel are “born of water and the Spirit” and enter the Kingdom, as Jesus taught Nicodemus (Jn. 3:1–8).
The country-club, carnival atmosphere of many modern-day churches is inconsistent with the spiritual nature of the Kingdom. When addressing disputes about food, Paul reminded Christians what truly characterizes God’s Kingdom: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17).
As Kingdom citizens, we’re admonished to consider ourselves as pilgrims and aliens in a foreign country. “For our citizenship is in heaven” (Phil. 3:20). As such, our sojourn is to be characterized by holiness. Our conduct is to be honorable. Our desires ought to be fueled by the Spirit, not the flesh (1 Pet. 2:11–12).
It is also good to remember, in our politically polarized climate, that the world’s hope is not in a politician, political party, or even the greatness of America. It is in Jesus Christ. And in leading sinners into the citizenship of His Kingdom.
The familiar hymn challenges all of us.
This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue;
The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door
And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.
Christ is King. His Kingdom is here. The question is: Are we living under His rule?
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
