The concept of the Kingdom of God is a central theme in Christianity. It represents the rule, reign, and sovereignty of God over all creation. The Kingdom of God was not a novel idea that emerged with the advent of Jesus Christ; rather, it was foretold in the Old Testament scriptures and came to fruition with the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This article will delve into the significance of the Kingdom of God, its proclamation by Jesus and His disciples, and its ongoing relevance in the lives of believers today.
It Was Foretold
The anticipation of the Kingdom of God finds its roots in the prophecies of the Old Testament. One such prophecy is found in Isaiah 9:6-7, which states:
"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace, There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this."
This scripture clearly refers to the birth of Jesus Christ as the prophesied King. The government, symbolizing His rule and reign, is placed upon His shoulder. It is an everlasting kingdom, with its foundation rooted in the lineage of David. Jeremiah 23:5-6 further emphasizes this, proclaiming that a righteous Branch will be raised to David, executing judgment and righteousness in the earth. This Branch, known as “THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS,” is none other than Jesus Christ, the King of Kings.
The birth of Jesus marked the fulfillment of these prophecies. The powers of darkness could not prevent the coming of the King, for it was foretold and ordained by God Himself.
The Birth of The King and His Kingdom
In Luke 1:30-33, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, declaring, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
The angelic proclamation confirmed that Jesus, the promised Messiah, would be born and receive the throne of David. His kingdom would be eternal, encompassing the house of Jacob. However, the disciples initially perceived this kingdom as a physical one, anticipating the redemption of Israel. They failed to grasp the spiritual nature of the Kingdom of God, which transcends physical boundaries and encompasses the entire universe.
The Kingdom of Heaven Is “At Hand” (Near)
The ministry of Jesus and His disciples marked the actualization of the Kingdom of God on earth. John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, proclaimed in Matthew 3:1-2, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” This statement signified the arrival of the long-awaited Kingdom. Subsequently, Jesus Himself preached, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:14-15).
The phrase “at hand” indicates that the Kingdom had drawn near, becoming a present reality. The prophecies had come to pass, and the King had arrived. John the Baptist’s proclamation served as a resounding call to repentance, urging people to prepare their hearts for the coming Kingdom.
Jesus Taught About The Kingdom of God
Jesus extensively taught about the Kingdom of God during His earthly ministry. Through parables, sermons, and interactions with His disciples, He imparted wisdom and understanding regarding the nature and principles of the Kingdom.
The Parables of the Kingdom
One of the primary ways Jesus communicated the truths of the Kingdom was through parables. These were simple stories with profound spiritual insights. One such parable is the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32), where Jesus likened the Kingdom to a tiny mustard seed that grows into a large tree. This parable highlights the exponential growth and impact of the Kingdom in the world.
In the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3-9), Jesus illustrated the different responses people have to the message of the Kingdom. Some hearts receive it and bear fruit, while others reject it or allow worldly distractions to hinder its growth. This parable emphasizes the importance of cultivating a receptive heart to fully embrace the Kingdom of God.
The Sermon on the Mount
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is a comprehensive teaching by Jesus on various aspects of the Kingdom. In this sermon, Jesus outlined the values and principles that characterize citizens of the Kingdom of God. He taught about humility, righteousness, forgiveness, love for enemies, prayer, fasting, and many other topics. The Sermon on the Mount serves as a foundational guide for believers, illustrating how to live in alignment with the Kingdom’s standards.
The Kingdom and Childlike Faith
In Matthew 18:1-4, Jesus used the example of a child to teach His disciples about the Kingdom. He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus emphasized the importance of childlike faith, humility, and dependence on God to enter and experience the Kingdom.
The Kingdom’s Impact and Transformation
The Kingdom of God brings about a radical transformation in the lives of believers. It ushers in a new order, where God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven. The arrival of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ has far-reaching implications for individuals, communities, and society as a whole.
Personal Transformation
When individuals embrace the Kingdom of God, they experience a personal transformation. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are renewed in their minds, hearts, and actions. They are freed from the power of sin and empowered to live righteous lives. The Kingdom brings about a change in priorities, values, and desires, leading to a life that reflects the character of Christ.
Communal Transformation
The Kingdom of God not only impacts individuals but also transforms communities and societies. As believers live out the principles of the Kingdom, they become agents of change in their spheres of influence. The Kingdom’s values of justice, mercy, compassion, and love influence social structures, leading to the pursuit of equality, the eradication of poverty, the promotion of peace, and the establishment of righteousness.
Spiritual Warfare and the Kingdom
The establishment of the Kingdom of God involves spiritual warfare against the forces of darkness. Satan, the ruler of this world, opposes the Kingdom’s advancement. However, Jesus’ victory over sin and death through His crucifixion and resurrection secured the ultimate triumph of the Kingdom. Believers are called to engage in spiritual warfare, armed with the authority and power of the Kingdom, to overcome the enemy’s schemes and expand the Kingdom’s influence.
The Kingdom’s Impact and Transformation
The Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. Through Jesus’ ministry, the Kingdom was inaugurated, and believers currently experience its blessings and benefits. However, the Kingdom is not yet fully consummated. There is a future fulfillment when Jesus Christ returns, establishing a new heaven and a new earth, where the Kingdom will be fully realized.
The Kingdom’s Present Reality
In the present age, the Kingdom of God operates in the hearts of believers and manifests through the Church. The Church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, continues Jesus’ ministry on earth, proclaiming the Gospel, making disciples, and advancing the Kingdom’s principles. Believers are citizens of the Kingdom, called to live as ambassadors of Christ in the world, representing the values and purposes of the Kingdom.
The Kingdom’s Future Fulfillment
While the Kingdom is present, its ultimate fulfillment awaits the second coming of Jesus Christ. When Christ returns, He will establish His Kingdom in its fullness, eliminating all evil, and reigning in righteousness. This future reality gives believers hope and assurance that the sufferings of the present time will be outweighed by the glory of the Kingdom to come.
The Kingdom of God is a central theme in the teachings of Jesus and holds significant implications for believers. It encompasses God’s rule and reign, transforming individuals, communities, and societies. The Kingdom was prophesied in the Old Testament, inaugurated by Jesus’ ministry, and continues to advance through the Church. As citizens of the Kingdom, believers are called to live according to its principles, bringing the light of God’s Kingdom into a world in need. The Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope, assuring believers of the ultimate victory and eternal reign of Jesus Christ. May we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, living as faithful stewards of His Kingdom in every area of life.