Introduction
The Kingdom of God is first discussed in the Bible in some of the earliest books of the Old Testament, where it references both the physical, earthly kingdom that is established and the spiritual reign of God. More specifically, the Kingdom of God is described as being a reign and rule which is absolute, eternal, and divine. Ultimately, it is Heaven on Earth and a new way of life; it is one in which the power of God is exhibited and justice and righteousness reigns. It is an essential concept within Christianity and is a fundamental aspect of Jesus’s teachings.
God’s Reign on Earth
The Kingdom of God is ultimately a divine, spiritual rule of God on Earth, as signified through Jesus’s earthly ministry. The term ‘kingdom’ comes from a combination of two Greek words meaning “royal power” and “sphere of activity or influence”, reflecting both the idea of the rule of God and the manifestation of this power on Earth. In essence, it is the recognition that God is in control and that He is ruling over all aspects of humanity; He has authority over life, death, and all other circumstances. This is a belief system held by some Christians, particularly as described within the Bible.
The Kingdom of God is also understood as the way of life proposed by Jesus and the teachings of the Gospels. As Jesus stressed, the Kingdom of God is within us and not of this world, relating to the notion that it is a heavenly reality that should be embraced here on Earth. It is through the recognition and understanding of this heavenly authority and the following of God’s teachings that the Kingdom of God is established within our lives.
God’s Eternal Reign
The Kingdom of God existing in Heaven is significant in the Bible, and is also signified through Jesus’s resurrection. This eternal reign of God is where the blessed go, and which is described as being abundant with peace, love, and justice. It is a place where believers are free from the burdens of this world and the trials and tribulations that come with it. As Jesus explained to the rich young ruler in the Gospels of Mark and Luke, those who live within the Kingdom of God will gain no earthly treasures, but rather treasures in Heaven.
The Kingdom of God does not appear in the Bible’s writings as something that can be achieved or earned by humans. Adherence to the teachings of Jesus, being faithful and obedient to God, and living in a way that is in accordance to the commandments is certainly encouraged. However, entry into the Kingdom of Heaven is ultimately a privilege granted by God as an expression of divine grace and mercy. Indeed, this is a common theme throughout the Bible.
Demonstration of God’s Power
God’s power is a prevalent theme within the Bible, and the Kingdom of God introduces a much-needed element of justice and righteousness in a world that is filled with hardship and injustice. The Kingdom of God provides hope and inspiration to those in need, whether this need is related to physical or emotional matters. It also provides an opportunity for redemption, with topics such as forgiveness, love, and grace regularly occurring throughout the scriptures.
The Kingdom of God can also be seen in miracles such as healings and resurrections, as evidenced by Christ throughout the Gospels. This is a clear demonstration from Jesus that God is indeed powerful, and that He is controlling the events that occur in our lives. It is often only when we face struggles such as disease and death that we gain an appreciation of the power of the Kingdom of God.
Promotion of the Kingdom of God
Jesus promoted the Kingdom of God through His mission and message of love, forgiveness, and justice. Whether travelling around teaching and healing or speaking to crowds, Jesus actively shared the message of the Kingdom of Heaven and demonstrated its power on Earth. He used tangible examples of the Kingdom of God, such as healings, to illustrate that God is indeed powerful and that He is powerful enough to bring about justice and peace in our lives.
Jesus also charged His followers with the duty of spreading the word of the Kingdom of Heaven and of continuing the work that He started. Through the commissioning of His disciples, Jesus showed that the Kingdom of God is something that must be actively pursued and sought out, and that it is something that should not be taken for granted.
The Meaning of the Kingdom of God
Ultimately, meaning of the Kingdom of God is one of redemption, love, and grace. Believers are reminded through the scriptures of the power and authority of God, and of the transformational redemption that comes with faith in God and the recognition of His rule. Believers are encouraged to strive for the Kingdom of God, and to accept the teachings of Jesus and His mission as the ultimate way of life. Most importantly, they are to take solace and comfort in God’s promise of these blessings, both in this life and in the life to come.
The Teachings of Jesus and the Kingdom of God
The teachings of Jesus, particularly as relayed through the Gospels, are an essential source of understanding the Kingdom of God. Jesus stressed the importance of living in obedience to God, of living in faith and with conviction in the ultimate power of the Heavenly Kingdom. In His parables, Jesus showed the value of accepting divine grace and of understanding the principles of faith and justice. He reminded believers to be humble, tolerant, and patient in the face of hardship; that a righteous, generous, and loving life will ultimately lead to eternal freedom.
Living in the Kingdom of God on Earth
The Kingdom of God is a complex and mysterious concept, and one which is often difficult to understand. It is an expression of God’s power and His ultimate authority, of justice and redemption, and of the hope and safety that comes with faith. It is not something that can be achieved or earned, but rather something which is ultimately a gift granted by God’s grace. As such, believers strive to live a life conforming to the standards set by God, and to glorify His Kingdom on Earth by promoting His love and grace throughout their mortal life.
Jesus’s Role as Leader of the Kingdom of God
Jesus is the ultimate leader of the Kingdom of God, and his teachings and actions illustrate his divine authority. By performing miracles, by healing the sick, by boldly challenging the leaders of His day, and by preaching the importance of repenting and accepting the divine authority of God on Earth, Jesus showed that He would be the one to lead God’s Kingdom on Earth and in Heaven. Ultimately, it is He who will lead the faithful into the eternal reality of the heavenly Kingdom.
Gaining Entry into the Kingdom of Heaven
Entry into the Kingdom of Heaven is ultimately a divine blessing granted by God. As such, those who wish to enter Heaven must do so in accordance with God’s laws and according to the teachings of Jesus. This means living a life of humility, obedience, and faith, and understanding the power and authority of God. Jesus stressed the importance of forgiveness and mercy, and of understanding that entry into the Kingdom of Heaven is not something to be taken for granted.
The Eternal Nature of the Kingdom of God
The Kingdom of God is an eternal kingdom, where believers are granted eternal peace and comfort. There, the troubles and worries of this world will cease to exist, and those who enter are welcomed with open arms by God. The Kingdom of Heaven is both the ultimate destination for believers and an ultimate refuge for those in need, where hearts and minds are ultimately put at ease by the power, love, and grace of God.
