The Kingdom of God

During a Bible study recently, we briefly discussed the kingdom of God as a group.  There is a large amount of detail scattered throughout the pages of scripture that provide information about God's kingdom.  Some may assume it must include everything that is, similar to how Psalm 24:1 sums up creation:  "The earth is the LORD'S, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein."  Because God is the sovereign creator and ruler over all things, they view everything as His kingdom.  This is similar to saying, "We're all God's children."  Christians know this is only true to a point:  mankind has been created in God's image, yet the only way to become a child of God is by faith in Jesus Christ.  Jesus will say to many on the day of judgment and cast them out:  "Depart from me...I never knew you!"  God knows every child of God who knows Him by faith in Christ.

While God does rule over all things, it is important to maintain a distinction between what is physical and temporal (what is passing away) and what is spiritual and eternal.  When Jesus was grilled by Pontius Pilate concerning His kingdom, Jesus told Him it was not of this world (John 18:36).  Christ's kingdom is a spiritual kingdom where some are received into it, and others are unable to enter it.  Jesus revealed He is the Door to the kingdom of God, and it is possible for people to see and enter His kingdom by faith in Him as John 3:3 said to Nicodemus:  "Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."  It is difficult to enter into God's kingdom, but Jesus exhorted believers to greater faith in God in Luke 18:25-27:  "For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." ²⁶ And those who heard it said, "Who then can be saved?" ²⁷ But He said, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God."

The kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom which can be entered by faith in Jesus, and Jesus revealed knowledge of His spiritual and eternal kingdom to people who thought it was like an earthly kingdom in 

Luke 17:20-21:  "Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; ²¹ nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you."  Since Jesus was speaking with Pharisees who largely rejected Him as God and Messiah, Jesus explained how He brought God's kingdom near them--and entry into it was at hand and in their grasp through faith in Him.  In their case His kingdom being within them (as unbelievers) was theoretical, but Jesus is able to establish His kingdom in the hearts of all who trust Him.  Jesus brought the kingdom of God to people when He cast out demons, demonstrating the power of God over the rule of Satan (Matthew 12:28; Luke 11:20)

Many parables Jesus spoke concerned the "kingdom of heaven" and illustrated various aspects of it:  that it is inclusive (available to all people) but at the same time exclusive (reserved only for those who are born again by faith in Him), is most precious and valuable, starts small yet will increase exponentially, and what is hidden now will be revealed and declared.  The kingdom of God will take one form when Jesus Christ returns and establishes His throne in Jerusalem, and His kingdom will endure forever in the new heavens and new earth God will create where only righteousness dwells.  We are not told everything about God's kingdom, but Jesus has revealed enough to demonstrate it is the greatest, everlasting, most wonderful kingdom to be included in and to be citizens of by His grace.  The question is, are we willing to meet God's conditions to enter in His kingdom's narrow gate by faith in Jesus?

Knowing God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life, we sinners are wise to repent of sin and receive Jesus by faith.  Those who are poor in spirit God will make rich in faith, and He will also make us heirs of the kingdom He has promised to them who love Him (James 2:5)!  Rather than worrying and seeking things of this world to meet our needs, Jesus taught His disciples in Luke 12:31-32:  "But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. ³² Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."  Since the KING OF KINGS has given Himself for us, will any good thing of His kingdom be withheld from us?  Ought we not seek Him and give our lives to Him as His loyal, loving servants?