The Kingdom of God on Earth

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “kingdom” and how would you describe a “kingdom”?  Perhaps an old or new movie comes to mind, perhaps an event related to living Kings or Queen or fictional characters from a movie.  Many countries are still kingdoms and are ruled, to an extent, by a monarch.

How does the Bible describe the Kingdom of God on earth?

In Mark 1:14-15, we see Jesus speak about the Kingdom of God.  These verses say: "After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.  “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!"

What was the good news?

The Kingdom of God had not arrived at this time, but it was near. 

The good news also told people how to get to this Kingdom of God.  In another place, Jesus said, in Matthew 16:28: “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”

People in the time of Jesus misunderstood Him.  They thought He was talking about an earthly Kingdom.  Even after Jesus died and was risen, His disciples asked whether now he was going to establish His Kingdom. Even today, people do not have a clear understanding of the Kingdom of God.  Some people think that Jesus will come and create a new Kingdom on earth that will last for 1,000 years or for a very long time.

In Luke 17:20-21 Jesus said: Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”

The kingdom of God was in their midst because Jesus was there.  And the Kingdom of God is not physical, but spiritual and it was within the people.  So, what was this “kingdom” that was in their midst or within them and that some of the people did not die before seeing the kingdom come?  Of course, this does not refer to Jesus’ second coming or any other physical kingdom.

What happened after Jesus died and was risen?

In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus gave His apostles a command: "Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

These people that believed and were baptized were added to the group of believers that followed the teachings of Jesus.  They continued to do this, to learn, and to teach others about how God had a plan to save them.  This group of believers were called Christians and the church is the Kingdom of God on earth.  This is what Jesus was talking about and what He actually established.

Now, the church is like an image of the Kingdom of God in Heaven, but not the same thing.  Like a photocopy, it is not quite exactly like the original.  Or like a hockey player in training that is not exactly a player yet.  The church tries to be as perfect as it can, but the Kingdom of God in Heaven will be utterly perfect.

How does one enter the church or the Kingdom of God on earth?

Jesus said in Matthew 18:3-4: "And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

What are the qualities that children have?  Why is it important for us to be like little children?

In John 3:5, Jesus told a man who asked Him about the Kingdom of God: "Jesus answered, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.'"

How is one born of the Spirit?  And of the water?  In Acts 2:37-41, we see Peter preaching to the people gathered in Jerusalem.  He tells them what they needed to do to be saved: "When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?'  Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.'  With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, 'Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.'  Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day."

By being baptized, we receive the Holy Spirit and the forgiveness of our sins, and the promise of eternal life with God in the Kingdom of God in Heaven.

Conclusions

The Kingdom of God is not like other kingdoms that have been or still exist in the world.  The Kingdom of God is the Church, albeit a blurry image of the true Kingdom of God in Heaven.  We can enter into this Kingdom by being baptized for the forgiveness of our sins and to receive the Holy Spirit and the promise of eternal life.