To understand the Lord Jesus Christ, His mission, and His message, we must understand the kingdom. The four biographers of the Lord record 104 references He made to the heavenly kingdom. The message of John, the forerunner of Christ, was, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" (Matthew 3:1-2). The Master Himself preached "the gospel of the kingdom" (Matthew 4:23,17). Furthermore, He sent His apostles "to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" to "preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand’" (Matthew 10:6-7). Righteous Israelites were anxiously awaiting the kingdom (Mark 15:43). But, because they misunderstood its nature, the Jewish leaders were shut out of the kingdom of God (Matthew 23:13). What, then, is the kingdom of God?

Definition

The word "kingdom" means primarily "sovereignty, royal power, dominion" but is used figuratively of "the territory or people over whom a king rules" (Vine. 2:294). Thus, the sons of Korah praised God: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom" (Psalm 45:6).

The psalmist uses three words interchangeably to denote the rule or dominion of God - "throne," "scepter," and "kingdom." All are associated with royal rule.

Everlasting and Universal

The rule or dominion of God is universal (Psalm 103:19). Thus, it may truly be said His kingdom is universal. "The Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses" (Daniel 4:17,25,32). Thus, the rise and fall of rulers and nations are under His control and guidance. Men may discuss and argue about why the Soviet Union collapsed or whether or not America and its allies should have overthrown Saddam Hussein, but ultimately these events were brought about by the hidden hand of the Almighty God. God is from "everlasting to everlasting" (Psalm 90:2), and "His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom" (Daniel 4:2). Thus, in the sense of the rule of the Almighty Creator over His creation, including the affairs of men, through "laws which never shall be broken," His kingdom is eternal.

Past

But, in times past God had a kingdom that was especially His. At Mt. Sinai, the Lord God promised Israel, "Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:5-6).

God was the true King of Israel (Psalm 89:19; 149:2; Zephaniah 3:15), and the throne of Israel was the throne of God (1 Kings 2:12; 1 Chronicles 29:23). This kingdom is now finished, for the Lord took the kingdom away from Israel when they killed His Son (Matthew 21:33-43).

Present

During the present age God rules through His Son, Christ Jesus. Daniel prophesied that during the time of the fourth empire from his day, the Roman Empire, "the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed" (Daniel 2:44). Isaiah earlier foretold:

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this (Isaiah 9:6-7).

Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus, the Son of David and the Son of God (Luke 1:30-33). Jesus Christ alone is now the Spokesman for God, and He rules upon His throne (Hebrews 1:1-4,8). When God raised Jesus from the dead, He "seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come" (Ephesians 1:15-23).

The kingdom of God, the kingdom of heaven, and the kingdom of Christ are one and the same in this age (Matthew 13:10-11; Luke 8:9-10; Ephesians 5:5).

The people who have submitted themselves to God through His Son Christ Jesus in faith and obedience constitute His spiritual kingdom in this present age (Hebrews 12:22-28). In this sense, the kingdom of Christ and the church (assembly) of Christ are the same (Matthew 16:18-19; 1 Peter 2:9-10). Christ rules in their hearts (Luke 17:20-21), and they are in His kingdom (Colossians 1:13; Revelation 1:9).

Future, Everlasting

These same people and all the faithful of ages past will inherit the kingdom when the struggles against the kingdom of Satan are past (Matthew 25:34,46; 8:11; Acts 14:21-22; 2 Peter 1:10-11). This is the one, blessed hope of all the people of God, eternal life with the redeemed of all ages in heaven (1 Corinthians 15:50-54; 1 Peter 1:3-5).

Conclusion

God has not promised a future time of earthly bliss. When Christ returns He will deliver the kingdom back to the Father (1 Corinthians 15:22-24), and the earth and the material universe will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:10). We have but one hope (Ephesians 4:4), eternal life in the kingdom of God in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-5). Those who reign with the Lamb forever are "called, chosen, and faithful" (Revelation 17:14). Will you be among them?