At the end of this topic we should be able to:
- Know the meaning of the kingdom of God
- The constituents or elements of the kingdom of God
- Whether the kingdom is in existence or not
- Know the prophecies concerning the kingdom and its fulfillment
- Understand the message of the kingdom
THE MEANING OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Before one can understand what the kingdom of God is it is very necessary to know what the word kingdom means!What is a kingdom?
The Greek word for kingdom is “basileia” which means to rule or to reign it occurred 162 times in the KJV. The Webster’s dictionary defines a kingdom as a “territory or a country subject to a king: an undivided territory under the dominion of a king or a monarch”“A state govern by a king or a queen”- the Oxford dictionary.
The major components of a kingdom
- King or queen
- Citizenry
- Constitution
- Territory or domain
The king
The Greek word for king is “basileus” and it occurred 118 times in the KJV of the bible and it means sovereign.The king is the one invested with supreme authority over a nation or a country. The king is the picture of the kingdom, representing its splendor and nature. Authority flows from the king and his words are supreme.
Characteristics of a king
- A kingdom is the only form of administration where the ruler owns everything and everyone.
- A king chooses who will become a citizen.
- A king is not voted into power.
- His power is inherent from birth.
- A king cannot be voted out of power.
- A king’s last word is absolute. When the king speaks he speaks with absolute authority.
- A king’s word is the law. No one can countermand his orders, negate his pronouncements, set aside his decrees, or amend his statutes.
- A king’s ruling is unchanging.
- A king owns everything in his domain.
Jesus Christ is the king of the kingdom of God.
- The King of heaven owns everything, everywhere in both natural and supernatural realms.
- He rules with all authority (Matt. 28:18; Dan. 7:13-14 ;)
- He possesses all things :( John 3:35)
- He judges (John 5: 22)
- He is the Lord and Christ (Act. 2:36; 1Pet. 3:22; Rev. 17:14)
A Psalm by David. “The earth is the LORD'S, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.” (Psa 24:1-2)
“For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.” (Psa 47:2)
The kingdom Lordship Principles
- Kings can give their property to anyone they wish.
- Kings rule whatever is on their property or domain.
- Kings have total authority and control over their property.
- Every king has property or a domain over which they exercise authority.
- Another word for an owner is “Lord”.
- All kings are automatically Lords.
- Kings own all that is in their domain.
Duties of a king
- He makes laws and regulations.
- He defends the kingdom in times of war and violence.
- He must provide basic necessities of life to his citizenry.
- He must sacrifice everything for the good of the people.
- He must be of integrity.
- A king settles disputes or brings peace in his domain.
*Lord: a person who exercises authority, control or power over others; the word shows ownership.
Territory
A territory is the extent of land a king exercises authority over. The territory is the domain over which the king exercises total authority. The territory and its resources are the personal possessions of the king. The king by right owns all and therefore is considered Lord overall.The territory of the kingdom of God
The territory of the kingdom of God is not limited to a nation or a tongue but extends to wherever people subject to his rule.*All nations shall flow unto it (Act. 2:5-7)
*There is no Greek nor Jew (Gal. 3: 28; Col. 3: 11)
The constitution
The Greek word for a constitution is “politeia” which means conditions and rights of the citizens. The constitution is the royal agreement of a king with his citizenry and expresses the mind and will of the king for his citizens. The constitution is the documented words of the king. All citizens are required to abide by whatever the constitution entails. Citizens are protected under the constitution.
The constitution of the kingdom of God
The Bible serves as the constitution of the kingdom of God. The bible is the book of books written by inspired men of God which contains the will of God and informs us that we have eternal life if and only if we do according to what is written therein. (2Tim. 3:16)“Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?“
(Ecc 8:4)
“Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing:” (Ecc 8:5a)
The Citizens
The Greek word for citizen is “shaken”, which means inhabitant, resident or neighbor.The citizens are the people that live under the rule of the king. Citizenship in a kingdom is not a right but a privilege and is the result of the king’s choice. The number one goal of a citizen in a kingdom is to be subject to the king, seeking only to remain in right –standing with him. This is called righteousness.
The difference between right and privilege is that privilege is a special entitlement granted to a restricted group of people or persons, either by birth or on a conditional basis and can be revoked. By contrast, a right is irrevocable and inherently held by all human beings. It is self-evident and universal under the laws of nature. Rights are granted to you without you having to do anything.
The citizens of the kingdom of God
The church is the citizens of the kingdom of God. The Greek word for church is “eklessia” which means the “called out” This is made possible through the gospel message. The church represents Christians who are called out from many nations, different tribes and languages to serve God. Therefore God rules over the church as His citizens.Our citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3: 20)
We are fellow citizens with the saints (Eph. 2:18-19)
Duties of a citizen
Obedience
All citizens should obey the laws of the kingdom. Laws reflect the will of the king. There should be therefore no hesitation in the obedience of laws.Allegiance
Every citizen is expected to be loyal to the kingdom. His or her loyalty should not be divided. God expects total allegiance from His citizens.*Allegiance: the word means commitment and faithfulness.
Benevolence
The administration of a kingdom involves a certain amount of costs. These expenses cannot be met without raising certain resources. Citizens should, therefore, make contributions freely being in cash or kind. He should not seek his self-interest.Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.
We are to help one another.
”Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given an order to the churches of Galatia, even so, do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” (1Co 16:1-2)
We need to provide for the people who feed us on the word of God.
“Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things”. (Gal 6:6)
Help the leadership in the maintenance of law and order
It is the duty of every citizen to provide a hand of cooperation to the leadership in the discharge of their duties. Every citizen should remove evils and improper attitudes from the kingdom by rendering help to the entire leadership.Work
Every able-bodied citizen should work so that he can look after himself and his entire family and even others in the kingdoms that are weak. Able-bodied citizens who are Idle are parasites in the kingdom.“Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an example unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.” (2Th 3:8)
“And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing”. (1Th 4:11-12)
Toleration
Every citizen is expected to be tolerant of others. God loves everyone.Resistance
It is the duty of a good citizen to resist injustice from any neighborhood.Emulation
Kingdom citizens are to imitate the character of their king who is righteous, just, benevolent,
IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD IN EXISTENCE OR IS YET TO COME?
Many religious groups are divided over whether the kingdom of God is in existence or not. Many churches still use the prayer Jesus taught His disciples (Matt. 6:9-13). By the time Jesus taught that prayer He was not yet dead. The kingdom started after His death. (Hebrews 9:15-17)Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is at hand (Matt.4:17)
After He had chosen the twelve, He sent them to go and preach that the kingdom of Heaven is at hand (Matt. 10:7)
Some proofs that show that the kingdom of God is in existence
The early Christians were in the kingdom of God!John, the apostle, was in the kingdom of God as at the time he wrote the book of Revelation.
“ I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Rev.1:9).
The Christians at Colossae were in the kingdom of God
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” (Col.1:13).
Some of the apostles were promised that they would not die before they see the kingdom come with power.
“ And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power” (Mark 9:1)
The Hebrew writer wrote that the saints received a kingdom that cannot be moved.
“We should be grateful that we were given a kingdom that cannot be shaken. And in this kingdom, we please God by worshipping him and by showing him great honour and respect” (Heb.12:28)
Ironically the time people are expecting the kingdom is the time rather the kingdom would be delivered to the father.
“Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power” (1Cor. 15:24).
It is therefore clear from the above that the kingdom of God is in existence!!!.
SOME PROPHECIES CONCERNING THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND THEIR FULFILMENT
Prophecies
There are several prophecies concerning the kingdom but we shall limit it to three (3)
Mic. 4:1-4
Dan. 2:31-45
Dan. 7:1-28
MICAH 4:1-4
“It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and it shall be lifted up above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it, and many nations shall come, and say: "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." For out of Zion shall go forth the law and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem”. (MICAH 4:1-2)
Some explanations from Mic.4: 1- 2
In the last days - the end of the days, that is, of those days which are in the thoughts of the speaker. All-time, since man fell, is divided into two halves, the looking forward to Christ to come in humility; the looking forward to His coming in glory. These are the two events in which man’s history turns. To that former people, the whole period of Christ’s kingdom was one future, the fullness of all their own shadows, types, sacrifices, services, prophecies, longing, being. The “end of their days” was the beginning of the new Day of Christ: the coming of His Day was necessarily the close of the former days, the period of the dispensation which prepared for it.
The mountain- represents the kingdom of God
The house of God or the household of God - Refers to the church.
“But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1Tim. 3: 15).The dream of Nebuchadnezzar
DANIEL 2:31- 35
“Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. This image's head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, his legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay and brake them to pieces. Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing-floors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.” (Dan 2:31- 35).
FULFILLMENT OF THE PROPHECIES
Dan. 2:36- 45
The first kingdom
 |
| The Babylonian or Chaldean Empire |
“And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold” (Dan. 2:38)
The second kingdom
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| The Medo - Persian Empire is the second kingdom |
“Then was the part of the hand sent from him, and this writing was written.
And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.
This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom and finished it.
TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.
PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.” (Dan. 5:24-38).
The third kingdom
 |
| The Grecian Empire |
“Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come”. (Dan.10:20)
The fourth kingdom
 |
| The Roman Empire |
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that the entire world should be taxed.” (Luke 2: 1).
”Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.” (Luke 3:1- 2)
The stone cut out without hand and grew into a mountain and filled the entire world represents the kingdom of God
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| The stone cut out without hand is the kingdom of God |
Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.” (Dan. 2:44-45).
The apostles were asked to tarry at Jerusalem (Luke 24:47- 49) to receive the Holy Spirit
“And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49).
The apostles were in Jerusalem to receive the Holy Spirit
“And when the day of Pentecost fully came, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Act. 2:1- 4).
The Apostle Peter used the keys to open the kingdom by preaching the gospel (Matt. 16: 19; cf. Act. 2: 14)
All nations under the earth came to Jerusalem on day of Pentecost (Act. 2: 1-5; cf Micah 2:2)
They were baptized and added to the church (kingdom) (Act. 2: 41; 47)
The message of the kingdom
The message of the kingdom is the gospel – the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This unique message is to be obeyed through baptism (John 3: 1-6; Rom.6:3-4)
The differences between a worldly kingdom and that of God
Any kingdom in the world and that of God may be similar because they all have some features in common. But the kingdom of God is different and unique because:- The king does not die but lives forever
- There is no amendment to law
- The king does not collate ideas from its citizens because He is omniscient
- The kingdom does not make physical war but spiritual. It captures the heart of people through the spread of the gospel.
- The kingdom of God is forever
Conclusion
The kingdom of God can be said as the rule of God in the heart of Christians. The church is the manifestation of the kingdom of God here on earth. The kingdom is not a future kingdom but in existence. If one believes the gospel and is baptized, the person is added to the kingdom of God (the church) by God Himself.References:
The Holy Bible (KJV)
Webster’s dictionary of American English (1828)
Oxford dictionary
Thayer’s Greek Definitions
Vine’s Expository Dictionary
Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the whole Bible
Albert Barnes’s note on the Bible
Adam Clarke’s commentary on the Bible
Smith’s Bible dictionary
Easton’s Bible dictionary
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