Unlocking the Meaning of God’s Kingdom
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray for God’s kingdom to come. But what does this mean? What is God’s kingdom, and how does it relate to our lives today?
Defining the Kingdom
The Greek word for kingdom, “basileia,” occurs 162 times in the New Testament. It refers to God’s reign and rule over His people. The kingdom of God is not just a future reality but a present one, where God’s redemptive presence breaks into our earthly existence.
The Church: An Outpost of the Kingdom
The church is not identical to the kingdom, but it is an outpost or embassy of the kingdom on earth. Just as an embassy represents a foreign country, the church represents the heavenly kingdom of God. The church is where we expect to see the values and rules of the kingdom honored and upheld.
The Kingdom: Present and Future
The kingdom of God is both present and future. In one sense, Jesus is already King, and His kingdom has broken into our world. However, the kingdom will not be fully realized until the age to come, when Jesus returns in glory. The kingdom is like the sun breaking through the clouds, but the rain has not fully passed, and the brightness of the sun is not yet experienced as it will be in the future.
Misunderstandings about the Kingdom
Many Christians misunderstand the nature of the kingdom. Some think it is a national kingdom for Israel, while others believe it can be brought about through elections, education, or humanitarian good works. However, the kingdom comes when and where the King is known, loved, and worshiped.
The Universal Kingdom
The kingdom of God is a universal kingdom, available to all who will enter by faith and repentance. Membership in this dominion is not limited to ethnic heritage or geography. The church is called to be a witness to the kingdom, proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth.
Conclusion
The kingdom of God is a complex and multifaceted concept, encompassing both present and future realities. As followers of Jesus, we are called to live out the values of the kingdom, seeking to advance its interests in our communities and beyond. By understanding the true nature of the kingdom, we can better fulfill our role as ambassadors of the heavenly kingdom on earth.
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