Introduction to the Kingdom of God

The concept of the Kingdom of God stands as a cornerstone of biblical teaching, spanning both the Old and New Testaments. Rooted in divine sovereignty, the Kingdom of God refers to God’s supreme rule over all creation, yet also to His specific reign through His covenant people, culminating in the eternal establishment of His dominion. In conservative Evangelical theology, the Kingdom is neither a mere metaphor nor an abstract principle. It is a literal and tangible reality that intersects history, prophecy, and eternity. To understand the Kingdom of God is to grasp the trajectory of Scripture and the fulfillment of divine purposes.

This article will explore the theological significance, biblical evidence, and eschatological implications of the Kingdom of God as revealed in Scripture. It will adhere to a historical-grammatical approach to interpretation and reject subjective or critical methodologies.

The Sovereignty of God as the Foundation of the Kingdom

The Kingdom of God begins with an acknowledgment of Jehovah’s sovereignty over creation. The Scriptures declare, “The earth is Jehovah’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1). God’s reign is intrinsic to His nature as Creator, as He sustains and governs all life. Isaiah 46:9-10 affirms this absolute sovereignty:

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me; declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.”

Jehovah’s universal kingship is unchanging, yet the Bible also emphasizes His relational rule through His covenant people. The Old Testament sets forth the Kingdom in the context of Israel’s theocratic structure, while the New Testament reveals the Kingdom’s ultimate realization through Jesus Christ.

The Old Testament Kingdom: A Covenant Relationship

Theocratic Rule in Israel

The Kingdom of God first manifests in the Old Testament through Jehovah’s covenant relationship with Israel. When Jehovah delivered Israel from Egypt, He established a theocracy where He was both King and Lawgiver. In Exodus 19:5-6, God declared His covenant purpose:

“Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.”

This covenantal Kingdom was mediated through the Law, the priesthood, and the prophetic office. However, Israel’s repeated disobedience led to the conditional aspect of their enjoyment of God’s blessings under His rule. The warnings of Deuteronomy 28 and the historical accounts of the exile illustrate the consequences of rejecting God’s kingship.

Messianic Hope and the Davidic Covenant

The promise of a future, everlasting Kingdom is central to the Davidic Covenant. In 2 Samuel 7:12-13, Jehovah promised David:

“And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.”

The prophets later expanded upon this promise, linking it to the Messiah. Isaiah 9:6-7 foretells the reign of the Messiah:

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever.”

The Kingdom, therefore, was both a present reality in Israel’s theocracy and a future expectation tied to the Messiah’s coming.

The New Testament Fulfillment in Christ

The Inauguration of the Kingdom

The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of Old Testament Kingdom promises through Jesus Christ. At the onset of His ministry, Jesus proclaimed, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). This declaration signified the inauguration of the Kingdom, not as a political regime but as the spiritual reign of God through His Son.

Jesus described the nature of the Kingdom as both present and future. In Luke 17:20-21, He stated:

“The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”

The phrase “within you” is better understood as “in your midst,” referring to Christ’s presence as the embodiment of the Kingdom. The Kingdom was inaugurated in Christ’s earthly ministry but awaits its consummation in His return.

The Kingdom and the Church

While the Church is not synonymous with the Kingdom, it serves as the present expression of God’s rule on earth. Through the proclamation of the gospel, the Church advances the Kingdom’s reach. Colossians 1:13-14 affirms this reality:

“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”

Believers are citizens of the Kingdom (Philippians 3:20), called to live in submission to Christ’s authority.

The Eschatological Consummation of the Kingdom

The Return of Christ and the Millennial Kingdom

The ultimate fulfillment of the Kingdom awaits Christ’s return. Revelation 20:1-6 describes the millennial reign, during which Christ will rule on earth with His saints. This period reflects the culmination of Old Testament prophecies and the vindication of God’s sovereignty.

The Eternal Kingdom

Following the millennial reign, the Kingdom will transition into its eternal state. Revelation 21:1-4 portrays the new heavens and new earth:

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.”

In this eternal state, God’s Kingdom will encompass all creation, free from sin, death, and rebellion.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).