The Kingdom

 A.C.Pike

​
​The Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven

We can see from Scripture that the Kingdom of God is the same as the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 4:17 with Mark 1:15; Matthew 5:3 with Luke 6:20; Matthew 11:11 with Luke 7:28; Matthew 11:12 with Luke 16:16; Matthew 13:11 with Mark 4:11 with Luke 8:10; Matthew 13:31 with Mark 4:30,31; Matthew 19:14 with Mark 10:14; Matthew 19:23 with Luke 18:24). They are not two separate Kingdoms - as some Christians teach, but one Kingdom.


The Kingdom is Near

In the first century the Kingdom was there when Jesus and his Disciples were on earth. We can see this from Scripture. The Kingdom is: “at hand” (Matthew 3:2; 4:17; Mark 1:14,15). “Near” (Luke 10:9). “Come upon you” (Matthew 12:28); Luke 11:20). “Pressing toward it” (Luke 16:16). The Kingdom can be taken (Matthew 13:44-46). It's not far (Mark 12:34). The Kingdom would occur in their (the Disciples) lifetime (Mark 9:1).

Spiritual

The Kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36-37). It is not a part of the pagan earthly kingdoms (Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome). It is a spiritual Kingdom ruled by Jesus Christ from heaven.

This spiritual Kingdom is within us (Luke 17:21).

Earthly

The Kingdom is under the physical and spiritual heavens (Daniel 7:13,14,27). It does have a physical aspect, not a part of the corrupt earthly kingdoms. It has a King ruling over it and that King is Jesus. Jesus is reigning over the Gentiles (Romans 15:12). His reign will last until he has put all of his enemies under his feet (1 Corinthians 15:24-25).

Now!

Christians are 'NOW' living in the Kingdom (Romans 14:17; 1 Corinthians 4:19-20; Colossians 1:13-14; & Revelation 19:1). We are now reigning with Christ (Colossians 1:13;3:1 & Ephesians 2:4-6), as we are receiving (present tense) a Kingdom (Hebrews 12:28).

In this present world the wheat and the tares are growing together (Matthew 13:30, 49).

Kingdom Future...

One day Jesus will return to restore the Kingdom to Israel (Acts 1:3). The Kingdom will be on earth (Psalm 37:11 & Matthew 5:3) and God's people will reign on earth with Christ (Revelation 5:10).
​
After Christ's return, there will be a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness will dwell (2 Peter 3: 8-13 and Revelation 21:1-4).