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Is God’s Kingdom Already Here on Earth: Yes/ No
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The idea of “already but not yet” says believers are part of the kingdom of God now, but it won’t be fully shown until later. We’re “already” in the kingdom, but we don’t yet see its full beauty. This view is linked to kingdom theology or inaugurated eschatology.
Gerhardus Vos and George Eldon Ladd, two theologians, explained this idea. They said the kingdom of God has two sides. It’s about God’s right to rule and the place where He rules. The Scripture talks about the kingdom as both now and in the future. This shows it’s both here and coming.
Key Takeaways
- The “already but not yet” theology says believers are part of the kingdom of God now, but its full form is coming.
- Kingdom theology or inaugurated eschatology looks at the kingdom’s dual nature as both now and future.
- The kingdom of God is about God’s authority and the place He rules.
- Scripture sees the kingdom as both a current reality and a future event.
- Understanding the “already but not yet” aspect of the kingdom helps us grasp God’s teachings and His plan for the world.
Defining the Kingdom of God
The kingdom of God is a key idea in Jesus’ teachings and the New Testament. It means God’s rule and authority over everything. The kingdom of God is where God is in charge.
The Kingdom as God’s Reign
When Jesus talks about the kingdom of God being near, He means His rule and reign are coming. People are called to repent and believe in the gospel. The kingdom of God isn’t a place but God’s sovereignty being shown on earth.
The Inaugurated but Unconsummated Kingdom
The kingdom of God is like spring arriving but not yet fully here. It has started but is still coming. We live in a time called the “already and not yet,” where God’s kingdom is here but not fully shown.
“The kingdom of God is the authority of God reigning, where His effective will is done.”
The kingdom of God is not like earthly kingdoms. It’s about love, humility, justice, and compassion. We’re told to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness first in life.
Manifestations of the Inaugurated Kingdom
The kingdom of God is not just a future dream, but it’s happening now. It’s being built through the proclamation of the gospel and the calling of disciples. Jesus showed us this through parables like the Parable of the Prodigal Son. He showed a Father who wants to be back with His children.
The call to discipleship is more than an event; it’s a journey with Jesus. He leads the way, making Himself the focus of the call. This call takes us beyond the church and into the world. We follow Jesus, not knowing where He will take us. The kingdom’s advancement grows as people answer the call and follow Jesus.
Proclamation of the Gospel
The gospel message is key to the kingdom’s work. Jesus taught about the kingdom in a way that called for action. His stories and teachings showed how the kingdom changes lives. He invited people to join and help spread the kingdom’s message.
The Calling of Disciples
- The call to follow Jesus is a shared journey, not just for one person.
- When we answer the call, we help spread the manifestations of the kingdom. We invite others to join us.
- Following Jesus means letting go of our plans and trusting Him fully.
The kingdom of God is real and active today, thanks to the gospel proclamation and the calling of disciples. When we say yes to Christ, we join the kingdom’s advancement. Together, we work with Him to bring His kingdom to earth.
Authoritative Teaching and Learning
The kingdom of God moves forward with powerful biblical teaching that changes lives. Jesus’ teaching was unique, not based on the Torah or old traditions. This is clear in His famous Sermon on the Mount and when He claimed to be the Good Shepherd. His words challenged people, stopping them from making God in their image.
Today, Christianity is still a topic of debate because it stands against the idea that we can make meaning in life. Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament can change lives. They help us understand God’s authority and living under His Kingdom.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” – Matthew 28:18
Jesus’ teaching and calling His followers are key to spreading God’s Kingdom on earth. For 2,000 years, the church has been living out this divine plan. The message of the Gospel and following Jesus have been crucial steps in this journey.
- Jesus’ teaching carried a unique authority, not derived from the Torah or traditions.
- His Sermon on the Mount and declaration of authority as the Good Shepherd demonstrate this primary authority.
- Jesus’ teaching has the power to challenge people’s preconceptions and push back against the notion of self-defined existence.
- The New Testament teachings of Jesus have the power to transform lives and lead to a deeper understanding of biblical authority.
Jesus’ teaching and calling His followers are key to advancing God’s Kingdom on earth. This leads to lives changed, living under God’s will.
Spiritual and Physical Healing
The kingdom of God grows through the proclamation of the gospel and the calling of disciples. It also grows through spiritual and physical healing. Jesus spent a lot of time healing people during his time on earth.
The Gospels tell stories of Jesus healing people. He restored sight, hearing, and mobility, and cured many illnesses. The early church believed in God’s healing power. They drew from Old Testament promises and saw healings with the Apostles.
The Tension of Healing in the Interim Period
There’s a tension of healing in the interim period between Jesus’ first and second coming. God might heal now, but we can’t be sure. Believers should pray with faith and healing. Yet, even the Apostle Paul wasn’t healed of his “thorn in the flesh.” The kingdom has started, but it’s not fully here yet.
“Out of the examples provided, there was a 100% healing success rate for the person with the pinched-nerve issue in the lower back. In the case of the friend with a damaged neck vertebrae, there was a 100% success rate in healing after prayer.”
Praying more with faith and praying for healing could lead to more healing. The data shows that healing can be achieved through prayer. But, we must understand the complex theology of suffering, sickness, and failure.
Spiritual and physical healing were big parts of Jesus’ work. The church is called to keep this up. Yet, believers must accept the “now and not yet” reality of the kingdom of God. We should pray for healing but also understand God’s plan might include suffering now.
The Kingdom of God Present on Earth: Yes Or No
For centuries, theologians have debated whether the kingdom of God is here now. The “already but not yet” view helps us understand this idea. It says the kingdom is active and believers join it, but it won’t be fully complete until later.
Charismatics often talk about this idea. But, we must be careful not to mix it with false teachings. The Bible tells us the kingdom is slowly moving towards its final goal, not just popping in to help us now.
The kingdom of God present on earth is real but not yet complete. It will be fully realized when Jesus comes back and rules the earth. This will bring about a restored and renewed creation.
“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.” (Luke 17:20-21)
This biblical interpretation of kingdom theology shows us the already but not yet nature of the kingdom. Jesus and believers live in the kingdom now, but its full completion is still ahead.
There are many views on the kingdom of God, making the debate complex. Yet, the main idea is clear: the kingdom is a real, unfolding reality. It waits for its completion when Jesus returns to rule the earth forever.
God’s Plan for the World
The Bible shows that God’s main goal is to fill the earth with His glory. This will happen in the kingdom of God on earth. It will be a real, physical world empire when Jesus Christ returns.
A Beautiful World Envisioned
The coming kingdom will be the most thrilling time the world has ever seen. It will bring peace, health, prosperity, and justice to all who believe in God and Jesus as their leaders. Many see the kingdom as just a dream, but the Bible says it will be a real place on earth, with Jerusalem as its center.
This new world will be a huge change, with new heavens and earth. It will be a place where everything is right, just like in the Garden of Eden. The whole world will turn into a paradise, free from sin and its effects.
“For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations.” (Isaiah 61:11)
This plan for the world is not just a dream. The Bible promises it will happen. As followers of Christ, we can look forward to the day when God’s kingdom is here, and the world is restored to its original beauty and purpose.
Jerusalem as the Capital of God’s Kingdom
The Bible says Jerusalem will be the capital of God’s future kingdom on earth. This city is very important in the Bible. It’s where God showed His purpose with the nations. Even though the kingdom of Israel failed, the Bible tells us it will be restored. Jesus Christ will be the rightful king. Jerusalem, known as the “joy of the whole earth,” will be the perfect place for Christ’s messianic rule when He sets up His kingdom on the earth.
The Bible talks a lot about Jerusalem being God’s chosen city and the place of messianic rule. In Psalm 2:6-8, Zechariah 14:1, 4-5, and 9-11, it says Jerusalem is key for God’s kingdom on Earth. Prophecies in the Bible, like Revelation 11:15, Daniel 7:27, and Revelation 20:4-5, talk about a kingdom under God and Christ. This shows the kingdom of God on Earth.
- The idea of a new heaven and earth is talked about in Revelation 21:1-3. It shows a big change from the old to the new.
- Isaiah 9:7 and Philippians 3:21 mention the growth and change of God’s kingdom.
- Revelation 5:10 and Revelation 20:4-5 talk about a time when saints and believers will rule with Christ for a thousand years. This shows a structured way of ruling.
The Bible’s prophecies and teachings about the kingdom of God on Earth, with Jerusalem as its capital, are very important. They give us a vision for the future. As God’s chosen city and the seat of messianic rule, Jerusalem will be at the heart of Christ’s eternal kingdom on Earth.
Conclusion
The idea of the kingdom of God on earth is a key theme in the Bible. It means a lot for believers, even though it’s not fully here yet. We already join the kingdom by spreading the gospel, calling others, and showing God’s rule. But, we’re still waiting for Christ’s kingdom to fully come to earth.
This “already but not yet” view helps us understand the kingdom’s now and future sides. But, we must use it wisely to avoid wrong teachings.
The Bible talks about a world made new, with Jerusalem at its heart, ruled by King Jesus. This vision gives us hope and encourages us to live for God’s kingdom now. The kingdom is both here now and a future promise. It calls us to help in God’s work and look forward to the day His rule is fully here.
As we think about the kingdom of God, let’s remember that the world has become God’s kingdom (Revelation 11:15). The idea of a new world and people living with the King gives us hope. It guides our lives as we wait for God’s plan to finish.
FAQ
What is the “already but not yet” theology regarding the kingdom of God?
This theology says believers are already part of the kingdom of God. Yet, the kingdom won’t be fully shown until later. We’re already in it, but we haven’t seen its full glory yet.
How is the kingdom of God defined biblically?
The kingdom of God is where God rules. When Jesus says the kingdom is near, He means His rule is coming. People are called to repent and believe in the gospel.
How does the kingdom of God advance?
The kingdom grows through sharing the gospel, calling disciples, and showing God’s rule in teaching, healing, and changing lives.
What is the significance of Jesus’ authoritative teaching?
Jesus taught with a unique authority. His teachings, like in the Sermon on the Mount, showed His power. They challenged people, not just comfort them.
How does the tension of healing in the interim period before Christ’s return play out?
God might heal now, but we can’t be sure. We must pray with faith, knowing healing isn’t guaranteed. Some might not be healed.
Is the kingdom of God present on earth or is it a future reality?
The kingdom of God is both here now and coming later. It’s active now, with believers taking part. But it will fully come when Jesus returns and rules on earth.
What is the biblical vision for the future kingdom of God on earth?
The Bible says a real, tangible world empire will come. It will be centered in Jerusalem, offering peace, health, prosperity, and justice to all who follow God and Jesus.
What is the significance of Jerusalem in the kingdom of God?
Jerusalem is important because it’s where God showed His purpose to the nations. The Bible says Jesus, as the rightful heir, will rule from there, making it the center of His kingdom.
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