Understanding the Kingdom of God: A Divine Rulership in Christianity

When the Kingdom of God comes, it will come with power, and yet, it can be rejected. This paradox lies at the heart of the Christian understanding of the Kingdom of God. As Christians, our focus should be on seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, for these things shall be added unto us (Matthew 6:33). This article explores what the Kingdom of God is, its present and future manifestations, and how it is both a promise and a challenge.

The Present and Future Kingdom of God

The Kingdom of God is not merely a future reality, but one that is already present among us. Jesus did not come to establish a kingdom by force or to coerce people to accept it, but rather, it is an invitation that must be received willingly. As St. Paul wrote, 'For to you it has been given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven' (Matthew 13:11).

The Bible depicts the Kingdom of God as a gift offered to humanity. It is a divine rulership over the Earth, guided by the will of Christ, God's son. It is a future promise for those who seek it, but also a present reality that can shape our lives today.

The Parable of the Tares (Weeds) Explained

To understand the Kingdom of God, we can look at the parable of the tares or weeds (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43). In this story, a man sowed wheat in his field, but an enemy sowed weeds. Initially, the servants wanted to pull out the weeds, but the master instructed them to let both grow until harvest time. Only then would the harvesters separate the wheat from the weeds.

This parable illustrates two important aspects of the Kingdom of God: it is present and growing, even amidst the weeds of evil and sin. While the Kingdom of God is growing, it is not yet brought to full realization in power and glory. The harvest, or the end times, will come when the angels will separate the wheat (the righteous) from the weeds (the wicked).

The Kingdom in the Lord's Prayer

The Kingdom of God is also referenced in the Lord's Prayer, where Jesus instructed His followers to pray, 'Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven' (Matthew 6:10). This prayer reflects the Christian hope for the full realization of the Kingdom of God on Earth—a government and rulership under Christ that aligns with the will of God.

The Government and Future Blessings

The government associated with the Kingdom of God is not just a metaphorical concept, but a future reality promised through the lineage of Abraham and King David. As scripture states, 'Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders, and of the increase of his government there shall be no end, on David’s throne, and in his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from now on and forever.' (Isaiah 9:6-7).

For those who have understood this future, it represents a divine, righteous rulership over the Earth under Christ's authority. The promises of the future blessings of this rulership are described in various passages of the Bible, such as Revelation 21:3-5, Psalm 37:9-11, 29, 34, and Isaiah 11:1-9, 2 Peter 3:13. These prophecies envision a world free from sickness, sorrow, pain, and death, where the Kingdom of God will be fully realized.

However, for those who do not understand or acknowledge the Kingdom of God, their understanding of biblical teachings is incomplete. The Bible does not describe the meek inheriting the Earth, life without sickness, sorrow, pain, or death, if the term "heaven" is used to describe the Kingdom of God without a clear understanding of its functions and promises. Thus, to truly understand and benefit from the Kingdom of God, it is essential to study and internalize its biblical basis.

Conclusion

Understanding the Kingdom of God involves recognizing both its present and future dimensions. It is a divine rulership over the Earth that is both a promise and a challenge. As Christians, we are called to seek and accept this rulership, allowing it to shape our lives and the world around us. The Kingdom of God is not just a heavenly reality, but a present invitation to participate in a future divine government that will bring righteousness and blessing to the world.