The Kingdom of God – Now or Later?
The kingdom of God is one of the most misunderstood subjects in
sectarian religion today. They are looking for a day and time in the
future when Jesus will set up a literal kingdom in Israel and sit on a
literal throne for a thousand years. It is our burden to take a biblical
look at this subject.
Matthew 3:1 (KJV) In those days came John the Baptist, preaching
in the wilderness of Judea, 2. And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of
heaven is at hand. If you will note that John came as a predecessor to
Christ preaching that the kingdom was at hand. Also in Matthew 4:17
(KJV) From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the
kingdom of heaven is at hand. Notice that Jesus also preached that it
was at hand. It has been two thousand years since they preached that
and if the kingdom is still not here then how could it be at hand. The
term “at hand” comes from the Greek word that means, “to make near”.
Let’s establish were Christ’s kingdom was not going to be. Luke
17:20 (KJV) And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the
kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom
of God cometh not with observation: 21. Neither shall they say, Lo
here! Or, lo there! For, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. If
you will notice He said it comes not with observation. Right away you
can rule out His kingdom being in the literal nation of Israel because no
one can deny the existence of that land. In other words, it can be
observed. Also note that He said, “The kingdom of God is within you.”
The kingdom of God is a present reality dwelling among God’s people.
In the Lord’s model prayer He prays for the kingdom to come IN
earth as it is IN heaven. Notice He did not say ON earth, whereby we
could see it but He said IN earth meaning within us. 2 Cor. 4:7 (KJV)
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the
power may be of God, and not of us. Paul calls us earthen vessels that
have a treasure within us. This is a fulfilling of Jesus’ prophecy of the
kingdom being within us.

When will it come? Matthew 16:28 (KJV) Verily I say unto you,
There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see
the Son of man coming in his kingdom. This scripture raises three very
important questions. He was talking to His disciples when He made that
statement. First question is “Do you know of any 2,000 year old men.”
Second, “Did Jesus lie about when His kingdom was coming?” Or
third, “Is His kingdom already here?” If some of those men would not
die before the kingdom I suggest that the kingdom is a present reality.
Matthew 26:29 (KJV) But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of
this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my
Father’s kingdom. At the last supper He said He would not drink the
fruit of the vine until He drinks it new in the kingdom. Acts 10:40
(KJV) Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly; 41.
Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to
us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
Notice He ate and drank with them. Either He was in the kingdom then
or He lied when He said He would not drink it again until He was in the
kingdom.
John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my
kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should
not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. In
the words of Jesus His kingdom is not of this world. Why then are
people still looking for Him to set up an earthly kingdom when He
Himself told us that it was not here on earth?
Col. 1:13 (KJV) Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness,
and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. In English the
word “hath” is a present tense word denoting a present state of being.
Notice Paul told the saints at Colosse that they were already translated
into the kingdom. Paul recognized that they possessed the kingdom in
his day.
Rev. 1:9 (KJV) 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. Notice John claimed to be your companion in tribulation
and in the kingdom. John knew that he we presently in the kingdom and
he was not looking for a future one.
Friends I pray that this short and scrambled attempt has brought
some light to this subject. Let’s begin to possess that which Jesus has
already entrusted with us and take this glorious truth to a lost and dying
world.