Month: March 2015

By Alfred Bouter

God is King: the true and living God and the eternal King (Jer. 10:10). It was God’s plan to put everything under the control of a man – ultimately, this will be Christ (Eph. 1:10). When God created all things He saw that they were “very good” (Gen. 1:31 NASB). God put Adam in charge of everything (2:19) as His representative, or king if you will. Genesis 3 records how the innocent Adam and Eve failed and thus the whole human race fell away from God (Rom. 5:12). God’s plan to put everything under the control of a man was postponed but not cancelled.

To realize His plans, in the fullness of time God sent His Son. Though born of a woman (the woman’s seed, Gen. 3:15) and through her a descendant of Adam (Lk. 3:38), in Him was no sin. He came to His own (Israel) and was born under the Law (Gal. 4:4), but they rejected Him (Jn. 1:10). Working together with the nations, they had Him crucified (Acts 2:23). God, however, raised His Son from the dead and exalted Him, giving Him a place of honor at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven (Acts 2:34,36; Heb. 1:3). Today Christ is crowned with glory and honor (Heb. 2:9) and soon, in “that day,” God will introduce Him in majestic splendor (2 Th. 1:10). In the meantime He has delegated His interests into the hands of His servants. 

Now it gets complicated because these servants, who confess to belong to Him, have failed and still fail. Some of them are not even born again, being God’s servants in name only – professing Him through baptism or other means without a real change of heart. The Lord had foreseen this development and announced it to His disciples (Mt. 24:43-51; Lk. 19:11-27), and the apostles elaborated on this teaching (Acts 20:29; 1 Jn. 4:1-3; 2 Pet. 2:2).

During the period of grace in which we live, a mixed condition and confusion exists. But God is pleased to have His interests taken care of by disciples, representing their Lord. He helps them as they acknowledge being a failing people – but with the desire to honor the rejected King in the same world that rejected Him. Such disciples need to put the Lord before the public. Even though He is physically absent from this scene, through His Spirit He is present with them: “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts” (1 Pet. 3:15). In other words, by giving Christ His rightful place in their hearts He may have full control – because from the heart are the issues of life (Prov. 4:23) – and believers can be His witnesses in a world which is not (yet) visibly under His control. Here our topic, “The kingdom of God in its significance today,” combines with true discipleship. In other words, genuine disciples are needed to work out in actual practice what the kingdom of God really means.

The Book Of Acts Provides Further Help 
When giving His answer the Lord Jesus did not say that the question posed by His disciples as to whether He would restore the kingdom to Israel was irrelevant. Instead, He explained to them what they needed to do while He would be absent (Acts 1:6-8) and spoke with them for forty days about the things pertaining to the kingdom of God (v.3). The Lord Jesus, the King, would be absent and His disciples – servants, representatives and witnesses – needed much teaching about what to do and how to do it. Led by God’s Spirit, the New Testament writers elaborated on these instructions in their writings. Therefore we have many Scriptures which address the topic of what to do for the honor of the King while He is absent from this world and at God’s right hand. 

Acts contains seven key verses about the kingdom of God and most of them, except for chapter 14:22 which refers to the future though linked with our present walk, are connected to our topic of the kingdom of God in its present significance. Generally speaking, a close connection exists between our role and actions in the kingdom of God today and our position in the kingdom’s future manifestation [presence or appearance]. The Lord explained it in some of His parables and it was further taught in the Epistles. 

The absent King’s interests are linked to the good news, the gospel. We read that as Philip the evangelist “preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized” (8:12 NKJV). In baptism these new disciples acknowledged the rights of the King, the Lord Jesus Christ. 

In addition to these passages just mentioned in Acts (1:3, 8:12, 14:22), we find the four others about the kingdom of God – all associated with the apostle Paul:

1. “He went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God” (19:8). This was a Jewish setting. Israel had rejected the Messiah and God’s claims through Him while He was with them on earth and when He spoke to them from heaven. Jewish people, including those living elsewhere in the world, needed to be taught to acknowledge Him and to submit to His interests. Saul of Tarsus had learned to do so and many other Jewish people before and after him (see Romans 1:16).
2. “I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more” (20:25). Here the setting is the assembly (church) at Ephesus, composed of men and women who were called out from among Jews and Gentiles. From Ephesus sometime before this speech, Paul had written to the believers at Corinth, “Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God” (1 Cor. 10:32). Thus the believers called out from among Jews and Gentiles form a new testimony linked to the kingdom of God.
3. “He explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning till evening” (28:23). The setting is a prison in Rome. Paul invited the Jewish leaders in Rome because, being in prison, he was not able to visit them as he would otherwise have done. He explained how the Scriptures relate to Jesus the Messiah and how each one is responsible before God to submit to His claims, even though the leaders at Jerusalem had rejected them.
4. “Preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him” (28:31). “Preaching” in this verse, meaning “proclaiming,” refers to a public witness testifying about God’s rights – as Paul was doing. Disciples today should follow Paul’s example. Furthermore, the kingdom of God centers on Christ, who is the King and whom believers own as Lord in faith and obedience. Paul had written some years earlier, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved” (Rom. 10:9 NASB).

The Book of Acts concludes with the important verse quoted at the beginning of the fourth point and it shows that no one can stop the work of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is now seated at God’s right hand. This verse implies a challenge: The things concerning His blessed person and the kingdom of God in its present meaning are to be proclaimed and taught on an ongoing basis, while those who do this place their trust in the Lord.

The Kingdom Of God Today And Its Link With The Future 
The future reign of Christ will be a rule marked by enforcement, when righteousness will publicly reign and every knee will bow before Him who will be acknowledged by “the name which is above every name” (Phil. 2:9-10). In the eternal state His rule will be marked by harmony and unity, when righteousness will dwell and enforcement will no longer be needed (2 Pet. 3:13).

However, the period of grace in which we live is marked by willing hearts who choose to submit to Christ’s claims because of love for Him – righteousness is reigning in grace (Rom. 5:21). On our side an ongoing exercise and a constantly renewed commitment to Him is needed, as we find ourselves in a world opposed to God and Christ and because we have the flesh (the sinful nature) still in us. Therefore, we need to “endure” and keep going while carrying a burden. A close link exists between this exercise and our future place in glory with the King: “If we endure, we shall also reign* with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us” (2 Tim. 2:12 NKJV). 

Among differences of opinion or convictions, and while surrounded by “strong” or “weak” believers, we need to remind ourselves of Paul’s teaching that “the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17). When God’s rights are maintained – not only in theory but also in practice, “for the kingdom of God is not in word only but in power” (1 Cor. 4:20) – peace and harmony will be enjoyed. The Holy Spirit will add joy as these things are being worked out under His control or sway. Even though we are in a wicked world, this control by the Holy Spirit is realized because God “has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love” (Col. 1:13). How precious it must be for our God and Father to have sons who are committed to His interests and those of His beloved Son during a time and in a world where His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, is still rejected. This must be special to our Lord Jesus, who is the King! That is why several Scriptures show the impossibility of mixing Christ’s interests with what belongs to this world. 

The Challenge Continues 
It is impossible to have entrance into His kingdom now or in the future while being under the control of this world, which is under Satan’s rule – “the god of this age” (2 Cor. 4:4). “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor. 6:9-10). Paul then says, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (v.11). We see the moral power of God’s kingdom and the work of the Holy Spirit operating in the name of the Lord Jesus (the King), though still rejected in this world. The two systems – this present evil age and the world to come under Christ’s rule – cannot go together, as Paul confirmed: 

• “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption” (1 Cor. 15:50).
• “Envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Gal. 5:21).
• “This you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God” (Eph. 5:5).

In Closing 
Do we see the apostle Paul as our spiritual father? We should (1 Cor. 11:1) as then we will learn from him just as the young believers at Thessalonica did. He wrote to them, “How we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory” (1 Th. 2:11-12).

As we are waiting for its manifestation in glory, we identify with Paul’s desire to “be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer” (2 Th. 1:5). The suffering is because of the fact that we identify with our Lord who is rejected in this world, and in so doing we prepare for the future aspect of His kingdom when He will reign in glory and the believers with Him. Praise God! GT

ENDNOTE 
*The verb reign is literally, “to reign as kings together.”

The Kingdom Of God
The kingdom of God is presented in three distinctive aspects that all run on together today. The first embraces only those who are born of water and of the Spirit, as seen in John 3:3-6. The second embraces all who profess Christ as Lord, as seen in Matthew 13:24-50, while the third embraces the whole universe – heaven and earth, as seen in Daniel 2 and 4. 

A place where these three circles are clearly seen is in Ephesians 4:5-6. “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling” (KJV) is connected with the first circle in line with John 3. “One Lord, one faith, one baptism” associates with the second circle found in Matthew 13. “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” is the third circle as seen in Daniel 2 and 4. It has often been pointed out that only believers are in all three circles. Lifeless professors are in circles two and three; while the rest, outside of professed Christianity, come only under the rule of God as the sovereign ruler of the universe.

—George Davison, Precious Things (adapted).

By Milton P. Jamieson

A kingdom is a territory, realm, dominion, country or sphere over which a king or a sovereign exercises rule and authority. The kingdom of God is one that is all-encompassing, having various aspects such as the “kingdom of heaven,” the “kingdom of the Son” and the “kingdom of the Father.” In this short paper my desire is to look at the kingdom of God and its significance for today as I understand it from Holy Scripture.

God’s Eternal Authority 
Scripture is full of references testifying that God is the king and governor of the whole world:

• “The LORD is King for ever and ever” (Ps. 10:16 KJV).
• “For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth” (Ps. 74:12).
• “For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods” (Ps. 95:3).

In addition to showing that God is king, these verses and many more show that the world is His kingdom. Therefore, the kingdom of God is universal in its scope (see illustration on left).

Past To Present 
From time to time God delegated the kingdom of the earth into the hands of men. He placed it first in the hands of Adam and Eve – and we know how that ended in utter failure (Gen. 1:28, 3:1-13). He gave to Noah the kingdom, or the government, of the world but he also failed and became unable even to govern himself for he was found drunk and uncovered in his tent (Gen. 9:1-7,20-23).

God then ruled over Israel as their king for many years, using several men as His representatives or prime ministers – such as Moses, Joshua and the judges. In speaking of Israel, Balaam said, “The shout of a king is among them” (Num. 23:21). Gideon understood very well that the LORD was their king so he flatly rejected the offer to rule over Israel, saying, “the LORD shall rule over you” (Jud. 8:22-23). This went on until Israel rebelled against the LORD, wanting a man to be king over them instead: “But the thing displeased Samuel, when they said; Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel prayed unto the LORD. And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them” (1 Sam. 8:6-7).

God gave them a man after their own heart in the person of Saul. He turned out to be a colossal failure. Afterward, God removed him and set David, a man after His own heart, upon the throne as king and shepherd over His people Israel. David had full understanding that the kingdom was God’s – just listen what he has to say about the kingdom: “He hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel” (1 Chr. 28:5). “Then Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king instead of David his father, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed him” (1 Chr. 29:23).

God is the king over all the earth. Whether men submit to His rule or rebel, it does not change the fact that He is king forever: “… to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will, and setteth up over it the basest [lowest] of men” (Dan. 4:17).

Present To Future 
The time will come when “the Son of Man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom [the earth] all things that offend, and them which do iniquity” (Mt. 13:41). Wickedness and wicked persons will be cleaned out of His kingdom and He will take His great power and reign for 1,000 years. But for the present He is allowing man to have his day, which will come to its peak in the Man of Sin – the Son of Perdition, the Antichrist. 

When we read the Gospels and the Epistles we see that the expressions “kingdom of heaven” and “kingdom of God” are sometimes interchangeable, but there are differences. The kingdom of God is going on now in the hearts and lives of men who are subject to Him. The kingdom of heaven is also going on, but in a mystery for the king is absent. Therefore today, Christendom [professing Christianity] is the kingdom of heaven in a mystery and is likened to a field with wheat and tares, a dragnet in the sea that encloses all kinds good and bad, and the ten virgins with five wise and five foolish (see Mt. 13 and 25). Within this mixture of wheat and tares, good and bad, wise and foolish we have that which is true to God. They who are truly born again are the wheat, the good and the wise in these parables. They are truly the kingdom of God within this period of Christian profession.

The time will come when the kingdom of heaven will be set up in power and glory over the entire earth. During those 1,000 years Jesus Christ will reign over the earth as Son of Man. “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp [cobra], and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ [viper’s] den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea” (Isa. 11:6-9). After this the Son will hand over the kingdom to God and God will be all in all (See 1 Cor. 15:24-28).

Kingdom Character Today 
Now, apart from the fact that He is ruling in the kingdom of men, God is also ruling in the hearts and lives of men and women, boys and girls who have accepted and are subject to His Son. The character of the kingdom of God in the hearts and lives of believers is of a moral nature, for in the power of the Spirit the believer exhibits the moral features of the King, our Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul listed some of these in Romans 14:17: “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” These are also listed in Galatians 5:22-23, among others, as the fruit of the Spirit. Being the moral features of Christ they should mark every child of the kingdom of God.

How To Be A Part 
There is only one way to enter this spiritual aspect of the kingdom and that is to be born into it. We were all born in the kingdom of darkness. But through sovereign grace we have been delivered from that kingdom and brought into the kingdom of God’s dear Son. This is through new birth – we must be born again in order to enter the kingdom of God! In John 3:3-7 the Lord Jesus told Nicodemus that it is a divine necessity: “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto Him, how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again.” It remains the same today – new birth is still a divine necessity to enter the kingdom of God.

Dear reader, I know that the moment I mention “born again” the first thing that comes to some people’s minds is water baptism. Baptism is not being born again, neither was the Lord telling Nicodemus to go and get baptized. Instead, He was telling Nicodemus that he needed the life of God in order to be a part of God’s kingdom. In John 1:13 we are told of those who are born again: they are “not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” This is something in which man has no part; it is altogether a work of God. Just like when one is being born into the world, the child being born has absolutely nothing to do with what takes place. No effort from the child is required nor can the baby give any help to his or her mother.

A person is born again when he hears the gospel and believes it. The Word enters into the heart and by God’s great power He imparts new, eternal life to that believing one. This is how one is born again, becomes a child of God and heir of the kingdom of God (See James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23).

For Believers Today 
What is expected of us, who are the children and true subjects of the kingdom today? The Bible says that we are to:

1. Exhibit the fruit of the Spirit – the moral features of Christ reproduced in our hearts by the Spirit of God. When the kingdom of heaven is set up over the earth the laws of the kingdom will also be such: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance …” (Gal. 5:22-23). One can see these features emerging as the Lord presented the principles of the kingdom in the Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5:1-7:29). We need not wait until the Millennium – these and other features of Christ should be seen in us right now!
2. Be loyal, faithful and true to Him in His absence, like Mephibosheth was toward David (2 Sam. 19:24).
3. Perform royal and priestly service: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9). Fellow believers, you and I have the high honor to speak of the wonders, glories and beauties of the King of Kings, our Lord Jesus Christ; and to serve Him with gladness as His messengers heralding the good news of God concerning His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. To be good, kind and merciful, sharing our worldly goods and the King’s words in the gospel, teaching young and old, and showing to all the way into the kingdom of God are just a few of the many opportunities that we have to serve the King in His absence. 

Indeed, “Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen” (Mt. 6:13).

By Colin Salter

The United Kingdom, where I live, is a green land of rolling hills, agricultural grasslands and trees – richly fruitful and surrounded by seas. It has a population of 63 million of whom I am one! The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where my foster daughter lived, is a very hot and dry desert region, irrigated to blossom in places where water can be made to reach. It has a population of 29 million. Both kingdoms have their rulers’ palaces and historical succession within their royal family.

The Kingdom Of God Is Unlike Earthly Kingdoms 
When the Roman governor, Pilate, asked our Lord Jesus Christ, “Are you the king of the Jews?” (Mt. 27:11; Mk. 15:2; Lk. 23:3; Jn. 18:33 NIV), our Savior replied, “My kingdom is not of this world” (Jn. 18:36). Since Jesus’ kingdom is not “of this world” in which we all live, it must be of somewhere else – of another world. It is different from the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia or any other human kingdom. Read the Lord’s full reply found only in John 18:36-37: “Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews. But now My kingdom is from another place.’ ‘You are a king, then!’ said Pilate. Jesus answered, ‘You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me.’”Five Key Points

1. The Lord Jesus owns His kingdom: “My kingdom” and “You are right in saying I am a king.” The Prisoner, Jesus, was about to be executed, but He possessed His special kingdom.
2. His kingdom is clearly different: “not of this world” and “from another place.” It has no geographical boundaries but it does have a King and His subjects.
3. The kingdom is not to be physically fought over: “If it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jews.” Guns and bombs cannot defend or extend this kingdom.
4. The kingdom was the purpose of His incarnation: “… for this reason I was born, and for this I came into this world.” Our Lord Jesus came to bear witness to this special kingdom. He said it was “near” and urged all people to “repent” (Mt. 4:17) because discovering the kingdom would mean adopting a complete change of understanding.
5. The Lord Jesus’ kingdom is the true kingdom: “I came … to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me” (Jn. 18:37). Facts are facts even if people don’t want to believe them. The kingdoms of the world and the kingdom of God are both real, but the kingdom of our Lord Jesus must always have the top place in the life of the believer.

Taking On The Focus Of Our Lord 
The third and fourth phrases of the Lord’s Prayer focus on this kingdom of God: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Mt. 6:10). Older translations conclude with “for Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen” (Mt. 6:13, a footnote in the NIV).

The Lord taught that we are to live in the character of His kingdom now: “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given you as well” (Mt. 6:33). Life for the Christian is much more than food and clothing, necessary as they are. Christians must pay more attention to our Lord’s kingdom than to anything else. To recognize the kingdom, promote it and witness of it must be top priorities for us, just as they were for Jesus Christ. 

“The Kingdom Of God” — What Does It Mean? 
The kingdom of God is the active rule of God over His creation. He establishes, redeems, judges and blesses. He works for and through His people, but all for His glory. Consider several points:

• God’s kingdom is partly a present reality on earth and a greater, future hope in heaven.
• God’s kingdom is a spiritual experience, available to anyone God calls into the body of Jesus Christ. This body is the true Church on earth, seen and known by its visible actions. 
• God’s kingdom embraces individual people rather than organized churches. They will have one clear understanding about Jesus Christ, His saving person and atoning work.
• God’s kingdom may be seen as subversive by human governments. They may feel threatened by watching the lives of true, pure and holy Christians. Daily Christlikeness has an influence!
• God’s kingdom includes Christian living that challenges and transforms local cultures by believers doing what God wants His people to do. This applies from the most remote tribal village to the most dangerous jail.

Where Does All This End? 
Eventually God will be seen to rule heaven and earth. John offers us a glimpse of this: “Grace and peace to you … from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth” (Rev. 1:4-5). We whose sins have been dealt with by the blood of Jesus Christ, bought from every tribe, language, people and nation are “a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and … will reign on the earth” (Rev. 5:9-10).

The majority of people today cannot choose the country where they live. Yet God gives everyone the opportunity to enter into His kingdom. Our Lord Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again … I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit” (Jn. 3:3-5).

Several Important Questions 
Here are a few vital questions I want to ask you.

1. Have you entered the kingdom of God? 
2. Are you born again? 
3. As a disciple, are you learning and able to discern God’s growing kingdom here and now? 
4. Are your actions telling others that you are of His kingdom – a Christian?

My passport says I am a citizen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and it is valid for five more years. If God calls me home to heaven before then, I know from the inner witness of God the Holy Spirit that I will be welcomed into an “inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you [and me!] since the creation of the world” (Mt. 25:34). I sincerely pray I will see you there.