The Kingdom of God: Present and Future

"Father God, please guide me as I write this article based on Your Word. Help me to write this to glorify You, and let Your words bring clarity to those who seek You. May Your truth help people discern and embrace correct beliefs. I pray and seek everything in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen."

Hi there my Brothers and Sisters in Christ! Matthew 6:33 says  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. I always thought that Kingdom of  God had only one description. I was intrigued by a brother from Church who said about there are two kingdom of God. I tried to explore by reading Bible and understand. I am trying to cover my understanding. 

Diving in

The concept of the Kingdom of God is a central theme in Christian theology, encompassing both its present reality and future fulfillment. This duality reflects a profound and rich theological tapestry that is essential for understanding Christian faith and practice. This article aims to explore the nature of the Kingdom of God as both a present and future reality, supported by scriptural references, and to elucidate how these aspects are interconnected yet distinct.

The Present Kingdom of God

The present Kingdom of God refers to God's reign and influence in the world today, which began with Jesus' earthly ministry. In Luke 17:21, Jesus states, "The kingdom of God is within you," indicating that God's rule starts in the hearts of believers. This inward transformation is the foundation of the present Kingdom.

Jesus' proclamation in Matthew 4:17, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near," marks the inauguration of the Kingdom with His arrival. The miracles and teachings of Jesus demonstrated the present reality of the Kingdom. For instance, in Matthew 12:28, Jesus says, "But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." Here, Jesus highlights that His miraculous works are evidence of God's present reign breaking into the world.

The Lord's Prayer further emphasizes the present aspect of the Kingdom: "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). This prayer is a call for the realization of God's rule in our daily lives, aligning earthly realities with divine intentions. It implies that believers should live out the values of the Kingdom – love, justice, mercy, and righteousness – in their interactions and communities.

The present Kingdom is also manifested through the Church, the body of Christ. In Ephesians 1:22-23, Paul describes the Church as the fullness of Christ, who fills everything in every way. The Church, therefore, is an instrument through which the Kingdom of God is made visible in the world today. Acts of love, charity, and social justice are expressions of the Kingdom's present reality.

The Future Kingdom of God

While the Kingdom of God is present, it is also yet to come in its fullness. This future aspect refers to the ultimate realization of God's reign when Jesus returns. The Book of Revelation provides a vivid picture of this future Kingdom: "Then I saw 'a new heaven and a new earth,' for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away... 'Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death'” (Revelation 21:1-4).

Jesus alludes to the future Kingdom in Matthew 25:31-34, describing His return in glory to judge the nations and inaugurate an eternal Kingdom for the righteous. This future Kingdom is characterized by perfect justice, peace, and the absence of suffering and death.

Paul also speaks of this future Kingdom in 1 Corinthians 15:24-26, where he explains that Christ will hand over the Kingdom to God the Father after destroying all dominion, authority, and power. The final enemy to be destroyed is death, symbolizing the complete victory of God's Kingdom.

Connecting the Present and Future Kingdom

The present and future aspects of the Kingdom of God are deeply interconnected. The present Kingdom is a foretaste and a guarantee of the future Kingdom. While we live in a world marred by sin and suffering, we experience glimpses of God's perfect reign through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

Paul captures this tension in Romans 8:18-21, stating, "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed." This passage highlights the hope that sustains believers, acknowledging the present reality of suffering while pointing to the future glory.

The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of this hope. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep... For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive." The resurrection assures believers of their future resurrection and the ultimate fulfillment of the Kingdom.

Living in the Tension

Believers are called to live in the tension between the present and future Kingdoms. This means embracing the values and mission of the Kingdom now while longing for its complete realization. The call to discipleship involves participating in God’s redemptive work in the world, bringing healing, justice, and peace wherever possible.

In practical terms, this involves social justice, evangelism, and personal holiness. Acts of kindness, advocacy for the marginalized, and a life that reflects Christ's teachings are ways the present Kingdom is advanced. At the same time, Christians hold onto the hope of the future Kingdom, which motivates perseverance and faithfulness in the present struggles.

Wrapping up

The Kingdom of God is a complex yet beautiful reality that spans the present and future. It begins in the hearts of believers and is evidenced through acts of love and justice today. Yet, it also awaits its full manifestation when Christ returns, bringing complete restoration and peace. Understanding this duality helps believers live faithfully, with hope and purpose, as they participate in God’s ongoing redemptive mission. Let us continue to pray, "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven," as we live out the reality of God's Kingdom now and look forward to its glorious future. Amen.