The Kingdom of God

As John the Baptist began preaching in the wilderness of Judea, his message was simple and direct: “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He was sent to announce the imminent appearance of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and the ushering in of a new dispensation. Later, after John was cast in prison, Jesus began His earthly ministry by proclaiming much the same message as John’s. He said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” The “time” that Jesus mentions being fulfilled here is the time, or dispensation, of the law and the prophets. This we know because He says in Luke 16:16, “The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.”

That the preaching of the kingdom of heaven was to take center stage is evident because it is mentioned 118 times in the gospels and another 31 in the Book of Acts whereas “church” is only mentioned twice in the gospels. It was the focus of John’s teaching, of Jesus’ ministry, and of the Apostles’ also. It was only intensified when the kingdom of God came with power and great anointing on the day of Pentecost as the Spirit fell on the disciples that were gathered in the upper room.

The Jews’ expectation of the Messiah was that, when He appeared, He would establish His earthly throne in Jerusalem, and the kingdoms of this world would submit themselves to His glorious kingdom. Instead, Jesus made it clear to the Pharisees who demanded to know when the kingdom of God should come, that, “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” This was to be an invisible kingdom, a spiritual kingdom, whose citizens would be all of those who claimed Jesus Christ as their King and Savior, and accepted His ruler-ship over their entire lives.

Jesus said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Naturally speaking, being born of the flesh, we can only really comprehend the material things of this world. We can see the kingdoms of this world, and can easily grasp how they function and how they are ruled. We submit ourselves to their laws, principles, and beliefs; and, if need be, even give our lives in defense of them. We must, however, be born of the Spirit in order to see and understand the mysteries of the kingdom of God. The natural man cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God because they sound like foolishness to him. These truths are spiritually discerned, and only they who are born of the Spirit can begin to apply them to their lives and see the principles of godliness begin to transform their lives. St. Paul tells the Colossian church that God has, “translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.” The word “translated” used here means to remove from one place to another, or to be transposed. Being born again, we have been placed into the kingdom of God, and are now subject to the principles of that kingdom, which supersede all others. We now owe our lives and allegiance to the King Eternal.

When He was standing in the judgment hall before Pilate, Jesus said to him, “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” It was not intended to be a physical kingdom at this time, but a kingdom established in the hearts and minds of His servants and disciples. He said, “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” The real question, then, becomes, “Will we hear His voice and claim Him as our Sovereign and King in this life?” Is it any wonder that the normal reaction to this message in Biblical times was to drop everything to follow Jesus? It was a clear expectation to, “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Today, many think it is more like an activity, or a club, or hobby, that they fit into their lifestyle wherever there might be room left over. God is calling disciples today – servants - who will hear His voice and follow Him wherever He leads them. Will you be one of those, who, with a heart full of thankfulness for the gift of His life, consecrates yourself to the King of kings, and Lord of lords?

He will establish His kingdom on earth in the ages to come. In the fullness of time, He will return to execute judgment on all those who have rejected Him in this life. In that day, we will no longer have the opportunity to make a clear choice to serve Him – the dispensation of grace will have come to an end. It is today that the invitation is given to us: “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31, 32

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