Understanding the Kingdom of God: Now and Not Yet
The Kingdom of God, often referred to as the Kingdom of Heaven in the Gospel of Matthew, is a central theme in the teachings of Jesus. It represents the reign and rule of God over all creation, a reality that has both present and future implications. While the terms "Kingdom of God" and "Kingdom of Heaven" are sometimes used interchangeably in Scripture, there is no theological difference between them. Matthew’s use of "Kingdom of Heaven" likely reflects a cultural preference, as Jews often refrained from speaking the name of God directly, preferring the term "Heaven" as a more respectful reference. Despite the difference in wording, the Kingdom described in both terms is the same—God’s sovereign authority and rule, both now and in the future.
The Kingdom of God can be understood in three primary dimensions: as a present reality, as a spiritual reign within the lives of believers, and as a future fulfillment to be fully realized at the return of Christ.
First, the Kingdom of God is a present reality. Jesus proclaimed that the Kingdom had already come with His arrival. In Mark 1:14-15, Jesus begins His ministry with the declaration, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." This statement indicates that the Kingdom of God is not something merely to be hoped for in the future, but something that has already broken into human history through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ healings, exorcisms, and miracles were tangible demonstrations of God's rule invading the world in real time. In Luke 17:21, when asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus responded, "The kingdom of God is in the midst of you." This suggests that the Kingdom is present not in an outward, visible form, but in the very person of Jesus, who is the King. His ministry marked the inbreaking of God's reign, which began to take shape with His incarnation and continues through the presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
Second, the Kingdom of God is a spiritual reign that is established in the hearts of those who submit to God’s will. It is not a physical kingdom like those of this world, but a spiritual realm where God rules over the lives of His people. The Kingdom of God is experienced inwardly as the believer’s life is transformed by the gospel. Paul explains in Romans 14:17, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." The Kingdom is thus realized in the lives of believers as they live according to God's will, experiencing peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, and manifesting righteousness in their actions. In Matthew 6:10, in the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches His followers to pray, "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." This prayer reflects the desire for God's Kingdom to be established not just in heaven, but also on earth, particularly in the hearts and lives of believers. The Kingdom is also seen as a treasure of incomparable worth, as Jesus explains in the parables in Matthew 13:44-46, where the Kingdom is compared to a treasure hidden in a field or a pearl of great value—both worth giving up everything to obtain.
Lastly, the Kingdom of God has a future aspect, one that will be fully realized when Christ returns in glory to establish His eternal reign. While believers experience the Kingdom in part now, through the rule of God in their hearts and lives, the full manifestation of the Kingdom is still to come. This future aspect is emphasized in passages such as Matthew 25:31-34, where Jesus speaks of His return as the time when He will sit on His glorious throne and separate the righteous from the wicked. He will say to the righteous, "Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." This reflects the ultimate fulfillment of God’s Kingdom when Christ will reign over a new heaven and a new earth. Revelation 11:15 also speaks of this future consummation, where it says, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign for ever and ever." This is the time when God’s rule will be fully realized, and all things will be made new, with evil defeated and all of creation restored.
In summary, the Kingdom of God is the reign of God that has already been inaugurated through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but will only be fully realized at His second coming. It is a present spiritual reality where God rules in the hearts of His people, and a future hope where His reign will be established in all its fullness. Jesus' ministry was a proclamation of the Kingdom’s arrival, and through His death and resurrection, believers are now able to enter this Kingdom, experiencing its blessings of righteousness, peace, and joy. While the Kingdom is already present in part, we still eagerly await its final, glorious fulfillment when Christ returns to establish His eternal reign over all things.
Fifty years ago, I committed my life to serving the Lord. I hold an associate degree in Christian Education and a bachelor’s degree in Christian Counseling. I live by 1 Corinthians 9:16, Ephesians 3:7-8, and Colossians 1:28-29. In my retirement, I focus on studying and teaching God’s Word. Besides writing this Blog I maintain 3 Facebook pages dedicated to spreading the Word of God. Email: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com
I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.