What is the Kingdom of God/Heaven

    The Kingdom of God theme found in both the Old and the New Testaments, embodies the divine purpose of God for man on earth, and in heaven. This is why it is spoken of both as a present realized Kingdom and reign, and from the perspective of it being the future habitation where the Saints of this kingdom will spend eternity. By analogy, it's as if you receive an inheritance from one who has died. The Inheritance is yours from the moment of death, by law. But when you take possession of it (a day later, week, a year, whatever) that is also spoken of as you receiving the inheritance. Likewise, Christ died and left us the inheritance of the Kingdom. It is ours' right now by law. Yet it is reserved for us undefiled in heaven (1st Peter 1:4). So we both realized the kingdom, and shall receive it at the consummation. Let's take a practical Biblical example. The kingdom as a "present realized reign" can be seen in verses like,

    1st Corinthians 15:24

Here the Kingdom of God is represented in the body of Christ. We reign as Kings and Priests unto God on earth 'now' because he dwells within us. Therefore, the Kingdom is spiritually within each and every one of us who are Saved, and when the end comes, and we are caught up together to be with Him, that is the delivering up of the Kingdom to God that 1st Corinthians speaks of. There is no question but that we are kings and reign in Christ's kingdom now, and will reign with Him in eternity.

    Revelation 1:5-6

    Revelation 1:9

There is no question that we are companions in the kingdom of Christ, because the King, dwells within each and every one of us, and rules over us, and governs us. His dwelling within us is what makes us the body of Christ, the Kingdom of God on earth. Many have the misguided idea that the Kingdom of Christ will come as a earthly reign and will be established 'over there' in the middle eastern city of Jerusalem. But God has always made it clear that His Kingdom doesn't come that way, it is not of this world.

    Luke 17:21

It is not 'over there' in the middle east, nor could it be after the fulfillment of the shadow (type) by Christ, who is the true. Everyone who is Saved has a part in the Kingdom by being in Christ, and He in them. Which of course is what Jesus was talking about when He told the Apostles that He gives them the keys of the Kingdom, and whatsoever they loose "shall have been" loosed. It's the Kingdom where His will is done on earth, as in Heaven. That's the hallmark of the Church. They do God's will on earth by the gospel! It's their commission.

But also, as the received inheritance, the Kingdom of God is also spoken of from the perspective of consummation. This is because Christ (Thee Kingdom) returns just as He went away, and then shall we receive that which is already ours. This is the Consummation of the bride when we shall join Him and shall be like Him. The principle of the consummated Kingdom can be seen in verses such as:

    1st Corinthians 15:50

This is the Kingdom consummated! The Kingdom we are of now, will eventually be delivered up to God to be in it's final state. That is the Kingdom which flesh and blood (this state) cannot inherit! And so clearly we see that the Kingdom is both Now, and it is also the state which is after this life. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom which is future (yet another direct contradiction to premillennialism). For this future Kingdom is the consummation of what has already been done. The analogy is of a bride who is already a bride, but hasn't yet consummated the marriage. Or the actual receiving of an inheritance that is already legally ours. The Kingdom we reign in is now, and the consummated Kingdom is that final state of our reign. Likewise, we are already Saved, and yet we will be Saved at Christ's return. Just as we are now Redeemed, and yet also will be redeemed at Christ's return. In other words, His return is the consummation, the culmination or bringing to 'completion' the realized Kingdom. Christ's resurrection from the dead is what made the kingdom of God a reality, and His coming again is what will consummate it.

Critics excel in trying to create the false illusion of contradiction, when (as you can see) it is quite evident from scripture that we both reign in the Kingdom now, and flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom. We understand by scripture that the present Kingdom does not in any way contradict the future ultimate consummation or coming of the kingdom of God. To deny the present Kingdom is to deny the Word of God. To deny that the future Kingdom cannot have flesh and blood in it, is also to deny scripture. Therefore, the truth of this is self evident!

So we read of Christ's present Reign in the Kingdom, and we read of the state of the eternal, which flesh and blood cannot inherit. But there is not a single word in all of scripture about this 'in-between' Kingdom on earth, where Christ comes to earth to live in. There is only this one present Kingdom (explicitly spoken of), and there is the future consummation where the kingdom is delivered up to God. So again, Amillennialism triumphs scripturally because it is the witness of these things.

Most of those who speak against amillennialism either don't know what the word means, they don't want to know what it means, or they don't want others to know what the word means! Because anyone understanding the doctrine knows that it is simply the solid unadulterated testimony of what the Bible says about Christ's reign. I read one Premillennial publication which decried the fact, "..Amillennialists insist that the New Covenant with the Church was the Kingdom of Christ and that His kingdom had already started." ..honestly, who could actually disagree with this assessment? Yet they say it 'as if' it's untrue. I read another saying the same thing, but then proceeded to soundly condemn it as, "Augustine's Theory." But unless Augustine wrote the Bible, this isn't theory at all, and hardly Augustine's authorship. What book could they possibly be reading which denies that Messiah already has a Kingdom? It certainly is not the Bible. This isn't Augustine, it's not theory at all, nor is it private interpretation. It is a solid Biblical fact! Why so many choose to deride this truth 'as if' it was a lie or un-biblical, is a question that only they can answer. But Jesus Himself told us that the Kingdom was now and that He was sowing seed (Children of God) in this kingdom now. So unless Christ didn't know what He was talking about, or they do not believe what He stated, then His kingdom has come and the Children of His kingdom are those of the Church. There simply is no getting around what God says, unless we change His laws. The scriptures speak volumes on the matter, and speaks it so very clearly.

    Matthew 13:37-38

Again, clearly, this isn't Augustine's (supposed) theory, it's God's Word of truth. The Kingdom (according to God) is now! And we (believers) are all Children of this (His) kingdom, sown of God! From Pentecost until now, Christ has gathered children into this kingdom. Is that amillennialist rhetoric, or is that plain Biblical truth? That is the real question. And who can fight against it, claiming that it is untrue? The true Child of God can only confess that this is the unadulterated truth of scripture!

Isn't it amazing how Jesus spoke over and over again about the kingdom of heaven, and the kingdom of God, and the nature of His kingdom, and yet said not one solitary word about His (supposed) future kingdom or reign on earth at His second coming? If that doesn't tell us something, then what will? This is man's interpretation of Christ reigning on earth, not what God actually said. What God actually said was that the children of the Kingdom are now, and that His reign in the Kingdom is now, and that the future Kingdom is one which flesh and blood cannot inherit. That rules out any traditional view of a coming earthly reign!

Nevertheless, many Theologians still decry the fact that Amillennialism holds this theory that Christ is now reigning from His throne in heaven, and that we are now reigning with Him. This (they protest), is faulty exegesis. ..and they say this with a straight face! But the scriptures are unambiguous. They don't say it implicitly, they say it 'explicitly!' If we accept the Authority of scripture this point shouldn't even be a source for debate. Yet, because of Church tradition, it is!

    Colossians 1:13

If we accept the Authority of scripture alone, then why is this doctrine so hard for some to 'receive,' and so reviled, and so spoken evil of, and so vilified as error, when it is obviously Holy writ? This is God's Word of truth and yet (incredibly) theologians try and use this as some sort of proof text which they claim shows Amillennialists are not following scripture literally, or correctly. But truly, doesn't it show just the opposite? That, yes, we understand it spiritually, and that yes, that's the 'correct' way to understand it? God's Word precludes a worldly (literal or earthly) Kingdom to come. We could not have been translated into the Kingdom of Christ, if Christ has no Kingdom as yet, can we? That is confusion and foolish! Either this that is written of we being translated into Messiah's kingdom is the truth of God's Word, 'or' it is a lie. There is no in-between. Amillennialism triumphs scripturally.

The Kingdom of God has been present with us all throughout church history, as it is seen in the fulfillment of God's command that the gospel of the kingdom be declared to all the world. Are we preaching to the world of a Kingdom which is only for 1000 years near the end, or are we preaching the gospel of being translated into a present Kingdom. It is quite evident that the Kingdom has extended from the past, into the present, and also into the future.

    Matthew 24:14

The Kingdom, this kingdom, was to be preached from that time, until the end come, and there was no other kingdom mentioned in between. This 'end' is when the Kingdom shall be dilivered up unto the Father (1st Cor 15:24). If we're honest with ourselves, we understand that what is called Amillennialism, is nothing more than the Bible truth of this Kingdom being extended to the nations. And who will condemn man for believing what the Bible plainly and unambiguously says about Christ's present reign in this Kingdom?

Some Premillennial Theologians have come to understood this contradiction (their claiming that Christ has no kingdom as yet), and so they have begun splitting hairs by confessing, "Yes Christ is in a kingdom, but He does not yet Reign." In essence, they make Christ a refugee in heaven, just waiting to take rule of His Kingdom on earth. God Forbid! Christ is set on the right hand of God and now rules the destinies of nations and individuals, all for His own purpose and in the interest of the Elect who He has bought by His shed blood. The idea that He does not yet reign in His Kingdom is contrary to what scripture declares, and is clearly seen to be obvious error. Has Christ established His kingdom and is reigning right now in that kingdom? Has Christ brought the promised Peace, and are we translated into His kingdom with Him? Has He gone to the cross and redeemed Israel? All these questions are answered clearly by God's Word. And it alone (being the ultimate authority), is what Theologians should surrender to. Not to traditional views, but to the Authority of the Word. Sola Scriptura! For as Righteous Joseph said, do not interpretations belong to God? Indeed they do! And so the question is, "what saith God on the matter". Let us allow 'scripture alone' to be the Authority.

  Christ 'Has' established a Kingdom, not will..

    Colossians 1:13

    Luke 1:33

 

it's not a kingdom which lasts 'literally' a thousand years as some believe, for it's not an earthly kingdom. His kingdom is not of this world, and it lasts forever. A 'literal' 1000 year kingdom on earth just doesn't qualify! We were translated from the Kingdom of darkness, and into the Kingdom of Christ, a kingdom of Light. We are now as strangers and pilgrims here because our real home/kingdom is in Heaven. But when we are in Christ, we are in Heaven on earth, waiting the time when we'll possess the Kingdom which we have already received, which is reserved for us.

  Christ 'Is' a king right Now, not will be..

    Matthew 28:18

 

He is not going to be a king someday, and we going to be servants of the King someday; He is King now, in both heaven and earth, and will reign until He hath put all things under His feet, and we are now the servants of that king, and he has all rule. Note carefully that it says in both heaven, and earth! David's Son will forever be, "King of kings and Lord of lords." An earthly kingdom (which Christ rejected) has absolutely nothing to do with that fact (see acts 2:30-31). Christ "now" reigns on the throne of David. Again, that's not Amillennialist rhetoric, it's the Biblical facts which we can read ourselves.

  Christ 'Does' Reign in His Kingdom, not will..

    1st Corinthians 15:25

    Romans 15:12

 

Though many arrogantly deny this, what does the scriptures say? Christ is already reigning over His kingdom. He is our now our king, and we are now His servants worshipping and serving him in this kingdom. He will reign in this established Kingdom until He hath put all enemies under His foot, and then will be the consummation of the Kingdom. NOTE: the last enemy will be death. Which of course means, He must reign from now, until the white throne judgment. Once again, condemnation of postmillennialism and premillennialism. This reign 'obviously' must be now, started at the ascension, and 'must' last from the ascension to the throne, to the judgment when the last enemy death, is put under His feet. CLEARLY, to deny this is to deny what is written here.

  We 'Do' Reign with Christ in His Kingdom, not will..

    Ephesians 2:6

 

In our spirit we have been raised up with Christ, in our bodies we reign on the earth as Kings and Priests unto God (As prophesied and fulfilled; Ex. 19:16; 1st peter 2:9; Rev. 1:5-6; 5:9-10) because He redeemed us to God by His blood, and raised us to sit in heavenly places. Therefore are we kings and priests unto God and reign on earth. These aren't theories based on misunderstandings, this is not Augustins' words, this is the witnesses of scripture. We reign with him right now, according to God's Word alone. Else, He hasn't redeemed us and made us a Royal (king is the same Greek word) Priesthood as 1st Peter says.

  Christ 'Has' brought Peace to the earth, not will..

    Luke 1:79

    Luke 2:14

    John 14:27

 

Messiah already brought a kingdom, and brought peace to the earth. It's not a peace as the world defines it, or as Premillennialism defines it, or peace as the world gives peace (between two earthly nations), it's peace between God and man. Not peace between the Arabs and the Jews, but a peace wherein your heart will not be troubled, because the enmity between you and God is gone. It is the peace wherein you have no need to fear the wrath of God. This is The peace Christ brought to the earth, the peace that passeth understanding. Not a peace between the earthly nations. A peace which is far superior, which is far more precious and lasting. The unspeakable Gift of the Kingdom sent into all nations!

  Christ 'Has' redeemed Israel, not will..

    Luke 1:68

    Luke 24:21

    Galatians 3:13

 

Christ has redeemed Israel from the curse by dying on the cross and becoming cursed for them. Christ became sin for His People (2nd Cor. 5:21). Unfortunately, many Theologians are making the "exact" same mistake that the children of Israel did at Christ's first advent when they rejected Him. They didn't understand how the redemption of Israel takes place, or how the captivity of Israel must be set free! It's by the death of Christ at the cross, not some action or event in the future. They misapply, misunderstand, and misuse the scriptures to teach that these things are to be understood in a worldly fashion. Worldly peace, worldly government, worldly redemption, freedom from earthly prisons or literal earthly captivity, and worldly reigns, kingdoms and nations. This is the error of Israel, Premillennialism, and to some degree, Postmillennialism in their seeking to convert the world, and not the remnant 'out of' the world. The age old Judaic errors, wrapped up in New Testament clothing.

As we saw in the book of revelation, John speaks of being a "brother, and companion in tribulations, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ," (Rev. 1:9). How can he be, if Christ has not established His Kingdom as yet? It makes no sense! All the witness of scripture says the same thing. The Israel of God is Christ, and he whom is in Christ, is in the Kingdom of God. A Kingdom cannot not a Kingdom without a King! He who is servant of the Lord, must have a kingdom in which to serve, and a king to which they serve. This is simple everyday logic and common sense. We can't have Christ as our ruling King, without a Kingdom.