When there is talk about the “Kingdom” it may seem unreal or fantasy. Many fictional books refer to various kingdoms and this may cause some to think of kingdoms as a fictional realm. However, all people are subject to some kind of kingdom. The U.S. citizen is subject to the United States of America “kingdom.” While the U.S. and many other countries do not have a king, all people are subject to some kind of ruling authority in the physical realm.
What about the spiritual realm, however? The Bible teaches about spiritual things and it should be the authority concerning spiritual kingdoms. How many spiritual kingdoms are there? The Bible teaches this as well as what the Kingdom is, when the Kingdom began, and where to find the Kingdom. So, what is the Kingdom of God?
Points to Ponder:
- Which spiritual kingdom do you serve?
- Can you choose the kingdom you are in?
- How much does it cost to be in the Kingdom?
So many wrong concepts float around today in our religious world concerning the Kingdom of God. Some say it has not come yet. Some say it will be an earthly reign for 1,000 or so years. What does the Bible say?
First, it says that the Kingdom is in existence today (Colossians 1:13, Revelation 1:6,9). The Kingdom would come during the lifetime of some of the apostles (Mark 9:1) and in fact came with power on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2. The Apostles would possess the “keys of the Kingdom” (Matthew 16:19, Matthew 18:18) and would guide others in Jesus’ teachings about the Kingdom.
That Kingdom is the same as the Church! Jesus spoke of the Kingdom being the same as the Church (Matthew 16:18). It has the same membership requirements (John 3: 5, Acts 2:38) and the Kingdom/Church are ultimately a spiritual kingdom. Jesus declared in John 18:36 that His Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. It has a very special “territory” (Luke 17:20,21) and is spiritual in emphasis, righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit.
As such it has only one ruler— Jesus! He never denied being a King (Luke 23:3, John 18:37) and He has all authority in His Kingdom (Matthew 28:18, Romans 14:9). Since we have established that the Kingdom is the Church, given the other scriptures mentioned, Jesus is also the head of the church.
The Kingdom is for all people (Isaiah 2:2-3, Micah 4:2) and there is a place for everyone in the Kingdom of God (Acts 10:34-35). It has great value (Matthew 13:44-46) and is precious. To be part of the Kingdom you must be willing to lay down your life of sin and accept the gift of God’s grace and mercy that has been extended to all (Romans 6:23). You must surrender your life to Christ and become one of his soldiers!
