The Kingdom of God is among the key elements of Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament. This topic is worth discussing since the Kingdom of God is often misunderstood. What many people want to know is what is the purpose of God’s kingdom?
Matthew 13:44-46 describes the kingdom of God as a treasure that is more valuable than worldly treasures. The Bible suggests that the kingdom of God represents the state of salvation. 2nd Timothy 2:10 implies that salvation can only be found in Christ, and those saved are part of God’s kingdom. The kingdom is the fulfillment of God’s will on earth.
Where is the Kingdom of God? What is the meaning of the Kingdom of God? What does Jesus teach about the Kingdom of God? These are some of the questions that this article will cover. By the end of it, one can also learn who the Kingdom of God is for. Read on to find out more!
Where is the Kingdom of God?
The Kingdom of God does not represent a physical place since it is the spiritual rule over the hearts of believers who submit to the authority of God. Jesus said that his kingdom is spiritual and was not of this world, as explained in John 18:36. This verse says, Jesus, answered, My Kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.
When the Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God would come, he said that the kingdom of God is within you. Luke 17:20-21 says, he answered to them the kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed, nor will they say, Look here it is, or There for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you. In Mark 1:14-15, Jesus says that the kingdom of God is at hand.
What is the meaning of the Kingdom of God?
The Kingdom of God refers to the rule of an eternal sovereign God over the universe. The Bible implies that God reigns over everything on earth. Psalms 24:1 says the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world and all who live in it.
The Synoptic Gospels suggest that the Kingdom of God is the kingdom of heaven. It has a dualistic meaning since it speaks of a future consummation and a present reality. Luke 17:20 shows the present reality of the Kingdom of God. This verse says, And when he was demanded of the Pharisees when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said the Kingdom of God cometh with no observation.
Jesus spoke of a heavenly reality of the kingdom of God when he said that it was within you. This means that it was viewable through faith and not by sight.
What does Jesus teach about the kingdom of God?
In his teachings, Jesus declared that he was designated king. He taught that he was the King that Daniel had seen in a vision and taught believers that one day he would sit on a glorious throne, as explained in Matthew 19:28.
Jesus also taught that the kingdom of God would promote true justice. He taught the kingdom would do away with injustice by sanctifying the name of Jehovah God. Additionally, Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is to be received like a small child. It was something that we were to accept humbly. This is explained in Mark 10:15, which says, Truly I tell you, anyone, who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.
Jesus also taught his followers to pray for the coming of the fullness of the kingdom of God. He taught this when his disciples asked him how they should pray. In Matthew 6:10, he said, Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Is the Kingdom of Heaven the same as the Kingdom of God?
Though some people believe that there is a difference between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven, Bible verses suggest that they refer to the same thing. For instance, Matthew 19:23 says, And Jesus said to his disciples, Truly I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Then Matthew 19:24 says, And again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.
Since Jesus did not distinguish between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven in this gospel, it shows that they are synonymous. Additionally, the phrases kingdom of God and kingdom of heaven are used in similar parables in different gospels. For instance, Matthew uses the kingdom of heaven, while Luke uses the kingdom of God.
Matthew 11:11 says, Truly I say to you, among those born of women, there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. On the other hand, Luke talks of the same parable but uses the phrase kingdom of God in Luke 7:28. This verse says, I tell you, among those born of women, none is greater than John, Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
What it means to seek the Kingdom of God first
Matthew 6:33, which talks about seeking God’s kingdom first, means that we should prioritize seeking the things of God. Jesus taught that God’s kingdom is of more value than the riches of this world. God promised that if Christians obeyed this, he would supply every need, as explained in Philippians 4:19.
Jesus urged people to seek salvation which is key to the kingdom of God. Seeking God’s kingdom first is to desire Jesus’ rule in our lives. It is seeking God’s righteousness and being different from the people of this world, as explained in Romans 12:2. It means that our habits on earth should reflect the kingdom of heaven. Though the Bible tells us to prioritize the things of the kingdom, it does not suggest that we should neglect everything else.
How can a Christian seek the Kingdom of God?
A Christian can seek the Kingdom of God by being prayerful, just as Jesus was. 1st Thessalonians 5:17 challenges Christians to pray continuously since this is prioritizing the things of God. The Bible also calls us to seek the kingdom of God by repenting. Even Christians are faced with temptations that can lead to sin.
A Christian can also seek the kingdom of God by reading the Bible frequently. Psalms 119:9 says, How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. The Bible is a Christian’s guide that can help overcome sin. Reading it is seeking God’s kingdom first since it helps Christians spend more time with God.
We can also seek the Kingdom of God through praise and worship. Psalms 100:4 explains that a Christian should praise His name and be thankful. We should also worship the Lord, recognizing him as God the Almighty.
Christians can also seek the Kingdom of God first by preaching the good news to unbelievers. The Bible urges Christians to do this in Mark 16:15. This verse says, He said to them, Go into the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
Who is the Kingdom of God for?
The Bible suggests that the Kingdom of God is for those who submit to God. It is for those who acknowledge the Lordship of Christ and surrender to his rule. People who do not submit to God or defy his authority are not part of the Kingdom of God.
Jesus taught that for one to be part of the kingdom of God, one must repent. This is explained in Matthew 4:17, which says, From that time Jesus began to preach saying, Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Jesus also taught that for one to enter the kingdom of God, one must be born again, as explained in John 3:5-7. Luke 19:14-27 suggests that those who reject citizenship to the Kingdom of God as the Lord’s enemies.
References
- What is the difference between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven?
- Kingdom of God
- Working as Citizens of God’s kingdom (Matthew 1-4)
- What is the kingdom of God, and when does it come?
- What is the kingdom of God?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
