The Kingdom in Christ
Lloyd Gardner
June 24, 2019
In Christ we have a kingdom. When we hear the word “kingdom” many ideas come to mind as we consider the many references to the kingdom in God’s word. What is it we possess in Christ that is known as the kingdom? Is it the kingdom of Israel that will grow and flourish during the Millennium or is it something more far reaching that involves the culmination of God’s eternal purpose?
Let’s settle one thing from the beginning. God will have an earthly kingdom centered in Jerusalem and extending to the entire earth. Many passages present this promise in words that cannot be interpreted in any way other than an earthly kingdom centered in Israel with Christ seated on the throne of David. Consider the following passages: Rom. 11:24; Jer. 31:31-34; Ps. 14:7; Zeph. 3:20; Isa. 11:1, 6; Jer. 33:15-17. The millennium kingdom fulfills God’s promise to Israel but after the millennium the kingdom expressed for a thousand years will then enter eternity.
With that in mind, what is this eternal kingdom that Christ proclaimed and spoke of often and is a major theme throughout scripture? (see Matt. 3:2; 4:17; 5:3; 6:10; 6:33; 8:11; 12:28; 24:14; 14:25; Luke 9:2; Rom 14:17; 1 Cor. 15:24; Rev. 12:10; etc.).
The Greek word for kingdom is basileia. Digging deep into the meaning of the word we find its root to be the word basis (actually spelled that way in Greek) which speaks of the ground or foundation we walk on. A kingdom provides the foundation upon which a civilization is founded and functions. Even earthly kingdoms (countries) are built on some foundation that was laid at their inception. The United States, for example, is founded on or based on our Constitution which expresses the principles the founders saw as essential to the country’s existence. Sadly, we may be stepping off of that foundation and attempting to rebuild a different basis for our existence. But that’s another message.
The primary thing a kingdom must have is a king. The kingdom of God has an eternal Rock for its foundation and His name is Jesus (Deut. 32:4; 2 Sam. 22:47; Ps. 18:46; Matt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 3:11). The ultimate kingdom is all that issues from the King, the Rock foundation. The suffix “dom” speaks of a domain so the word means the domain of the King—hence a kingdom. The kingdom of God or heaven is the domain in which Jesus is King. To be king means that He rules completely and since He is the foundation, the Rock, He is the Founder who establishes the principles and laws that govern His kingdom. When Christ came forth to begin His earthly ministry He announced, “the kingdom is at hand.” Why was the kingdom at hand or eminent? Because the King was there. With the presence of the King the kingdom is at hand. When Christ is present the kingdom of Satan is ousted. When he is finally defeated the fullness of the kingdom will begin.
The second aspect of the kingdom is the realm of rule or the domain of rule. The rule of Christ begins in the human heart and that change of heart causes changes in the behavior of His followers resulting in a realm in which Christ rules through them. Jesus, responding to the Pharisees about when the kingdom would come said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you: (Luke 17:20, 21). In its beginning stages the kingdom of God is within us—within our hearts because Christ comes first to rule there. He makes it clear that one cannot even see the kingdom of God unless he is born again (John 3:3). The new birth is the beginning of the kingdom because as our spirits are made alive they are able to see the kingdom with spiritual eyes.
But Christ suggests that the kingdom will reach beyond our hearts as we allow His rule there. When the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan He replied, “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you” (Matt. 12:28). Obviously Jesus was implying that the kingdom reaches into areas where the satanic forces are cast out. The kingdom extends into the ground taken back from the enemy. Likewise, Paul says that we who believe have been delivered from the power of darkness and carried into the kingdom of Christ (Col. 1:13). If we are followers of Christ we dwell in the kingdom because the King is in us and with us wherever we go. Those who dwell in the kingdom extend the kingdom wherever they go in the name of the King. Do we believe this?
The kingdom of God has a new system of law. Every country has its own laws aimed at governing the behavior of its citizens. Without law there is only chaos because laws and penalties for breaking them help to control the people. Paul said, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” (Rom. 8:2). Instead of an outward code of behavior God provides His kingdom citizens with the Spirit of life as an inner guide and power. In the world we are governed by the law of sin and death which states that if you sin you must die. Every cemetery is evidence that humanity has not been able to live up to that old law system.
There is no condemnation from the King of this kingdom because He gave His life to pay the penalty demanded by the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:1). Then He provided the Holy Spirit to come into the hearts of kingdom citizens to lead them in God’s new law—the law of the Spirit of life. In this new realm citizens are led by the Spirit and are called the sons of God (Rom. 8:14).
As a result of this redemptive act the kingdom brings a completely new life. Jesus told Martha who was grieving over the death of her brother, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die” (John 11:25, 26). The greatest enemy humankind faces is death and Jesus defeated it and liberated from its clutches all who turn to Him. We may die a physical death but in Christ our spirit is alive forever. It’s a new life bringing a new outlook and hope. This is not mere temporary biological life but eternal life flowing from God into us through the Holy Spirit. It is “…a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Cor. 5:17).
The citizens of this kingdom are not mere compulsory servants of Christ the King. To the contrary the citizens are designated kings and priests unto the Lord (Rev. 1:6; 1 Peter 2:9). God’s original intention for His people was for them to rule on planet earth and function as priests and kings of the planet (Gen. 1:28; Ex. 19:6). All of history is moving toward the fulfillment of this divine purpose. In fact immediately after the casting down of Satan a loud voice will declare from heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down” (Rev. 12:10). At this point it will be revealed that it was the saints who “… overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death” (v. 11). The god of this rebellious world will be thrown down and it will be the citizens of the kingdom who overcome him.
Let us not forget the inheritance that comes with this kingdom. James wrote, “Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?” (James 2:5). Those who love the King are appointed heirs of the kingdom inheritance that God promises to His children. We have an inheritance because we are in Christ who inherits all things. Many Christians do not realize that they have spiritual riches in the inheritance God bequeathed to His heirs, the sons of God. Paul prayed this prayer for us: “the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” (Eph. 1:18). None of us can understand in this life the immense spiritual value of what God has in store for us but we can by revelation know that it is promised to us. That should bring hope to every believer.
After Satan is cast out of heaven, he begins his last efforts to destroy humanity. These attempts are recorded in Revelation 12:12-18:24. After his attempts fail, then begins the mop-up operation of the Christ when He comes in power with His saints and a shout from heaven "Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!” (19:1). A great multitude will utter a thunderous declaration that seals the fate of fallen humanity: "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!” (19:6). As He comes forth with His saints in battle it is written on His robe and thigh “King of kings and Lord of lords” (19:16).
Following this victory, the age of the kingdom will begin with its headquarters in Jerusalem where Christ will begin His millennial reign on the throne of David. Following that fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham and His descendants, there will be a new heavens and a new earth—a completely new start in God. Then the New Jerusalem will descend from heaven and the eternal kingdom will begin. Hallelujah!
Lloyd Gardner
June 24, 2019
In Christ we have a kingdom. When we hear the word “kingdom” many ideas come to mind as we consider the many references to the kingdom in God’s word. What is it we possess in Christ that is known as the kingdom? Is it the kingdom of Israel that will grow and flourish during the Millennium or is it something more far reaching that involves the culmination of God’s eternal purpose?
Let’s settle one thing from the beginning. God will have an earthly kingdom centered in Jerusalem and extending to the entire earth. Many passages present this promise in words that cannot be interpreted in any way other than an earthly kingdom centered in Israel with Christ seated on the throne of David. Consider the following passages: Rom. 11:24; Jer. 31:31-34; Ps. 14:7; Zeph. 3:20; Isa. 11:1, 6; Jer. 33:15-17. The millennium kingdom fulfills God’s promise to Israel but after the millennium the kingdom expressed for a thousand years will then enter eternity.
With that in mind, what is this eternal kingdom that Christ proclaimed and spoke of often and is a major theme throughout scripture? (see Matt. 3:2; 4:17; 5:3; 6:10; 6:33; 8:11; 12:28; 24:14; 14:25; Luke 9:2; Rom 14:17; 1 Cor. 15:24; Rev. 12:10; etc.).
The Greek word for kingdom is basileia. Digging deep into the meaning of the word we find its root to be the word basis (actually spelled that way in Greek) which speaks of the ground or foundation we walk on. A kingdom provides the foundation upon which a civilization is founded and functions. Even earthly kingdoms (countries) are built on some foundation that was laid at their inception. The United States, for example, is founded on or based on our Constitution which expresses the principles the founders saw as essential to the country’s existence. Sadly, we may be stepping off of that foundation and attempting to rebuild a different basis for our existence. But that’s another message.
The primary thing a kingdom must have is a king. The kingdom of God has an eternal Rock for its foundation and His name is Jesus (Deut. 32:4; 2 Sam. 22:47; Ps. 18:46; Matt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 3:11). The ultimate kingdom is all that issues from the King, the Rock foundation. The suffix “dom” speaks of a domain so the word means the domain of the King—hence a kingdom. The kingdom of God or heaven is the domain in which Jesus is King. To be king means that He rules completely and since He is the foundation, the Rock, He is the Founder who establishes the principles and laws that govern His kingdom. When Christ came forth to begin His earthly ministry He announced, “the kingdom is at hand.” Why was the kingdom at hand or eminent? Because the King was there. With the presence of the King the kingdom is at hand. When Christ is present the kingdom of Satan is ousted. When he is finally defeated the fullness of the kingdom will begin.
The second aspect of the kingdom is the realm of rule or the domain of rule. The rule of Christ begins in the human heart and that change of heart causes changes in the behavior of His followers resulting in a realm in which Christ rules through them. Jesus, responding to the Pharisees about when the kingdom would come said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you: (Luke 17:20, 21). In its beginning stages the kingdom of God is within us—within our hearts because Christ comes first to rule there. He makes it clear that one cannot even see the kingdom of God unless he is born again (John 3:3). The new birth is the beginning of the kingdom because as our spirits are made alive they are able to see the kingdom with spiritual eyes.
But Christ suggests that the kingdom will reach beyond our hearts as we allow His rule there. When the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Satan He replied, “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you” (Matt. 12:28). Obviously Jesus was implying that the kingdom reaches into areas where the satanic forces are cast out. The kingdom extends into the ground taken back from the enemy. Likewise, Paul says that we who believe have been delivered from the power of darkness and carried into the kingdom of Christ (Col. 1:13). If we are followers of Christ we dwell in the kingdom because the King is in us and with us wherever we go. Those who dwell in the kingdom extend the kingdom wherever they go in the name of the King. Do we believe this?
The kingdom of God has a new system of law. Every country has its own laws aimed at governing the behavior of its citizens. Without law there is only chaos because laws and penalties for breaking them help to control the people. Paul said, “For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death” (Rom. 8:2). Instead of an outward code of behavior God provides His kingdom citizens with the Spirit of life as an inner guide and power. In the world we are governed by the law of sin and death which states that if you sin you must die. Every cemetery is evidence that humanity has not been able to live up to that old law system.
There is no condemnation from the King of this kingdom because He gave His life to pay the penalty demanded by the law of sin and death (Rom. 8:1). Then He provided the Holy Spirit to come into the hearts of kingdom citizens to lead them in God’s new law—the law of the Spirit of life. In this new realm citizens are led by the Spirit and are called the sons of God (Rom. 8:14).
As a result of this redemptive act the kingdom brings a completely new life. Jesus told Martha who was grieving over the death of her brother, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die” (John 11:25, 26). The greatest enemy humankind faces is death and Jesus defeated it and liberated from its clutches all who turn to Him. We may die a physical death but in Christ our spirit is alive forever. It’s a new life bringing a new outlook and hope. This is not mere temporary biological life but eternal life flowing from God into us through the Holy Spirit. It is “…a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Cor. 5:17).
The citizens of this kingdom are not mere compulsory servants of Christ the King. To the contrary the citizens are designated kings and priests unto the Lord (Rev. 1:6; 1 Peter 2:9). God’s original intention for His people was for them to rule on planet earth and function as priests and kings of the planet (Gen. 1:28; Ex. 19:6). All of history is moving toward the fulfillment of this divine purpose. In fact immediately after the casting down of Satan a loud voice will declare from heaven, "Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down” (Rev. 12:10). At this point it will be revealed that it was the saints who “… overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death” (v. 11). The god of this rebellious world will be thrown down and it will be the citizens of the kingdom who overcome him.
Let us not forget the inheritance that comes with this kingdom. James wrote, “Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?” (James 2:5). Those who love the King are appointed heirs of the kingdom inheritance that God promises to His children. We have an inheritance because we are in Christ who inherits all things. Many Christians do not realize that they have spiritual riches in the inheritance God bequeathed to His heirs, the sons of God. Paul prayed this prayer for us: “the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints” (Eph. 1:18). None of us can understand in this life the immense spiritual value of what God has in store for us but we can by revelation know that it is promised to us. That should bring hope to every believer.
After Satan is cast out of heaven, he begins his last efforts to destroy humanity. These attempts are recorded in Revelation 12:12-18:24. After his attempts fail, then begins the mop-up operation of the Christ when He comes in power with His saints and a shout from heaven "Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God!” (19:1). A great multitude will utter a thunderous declaration that seals the fate of fallen humanity: "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!” (19:6). As He comes forth with His saints in battle it is written on His robe and thigh “King of kings and Lord of lords” (19:16).
Following this victory, the age of the kingdom will begin with its headquarters in Jerusalem where Christ will begin His millennial reign on the throne of David. Following that fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham and His descendants, there will be a new heavens and a new earth—a completely new start in God. Then the New Jerusalem will descend from heaven and the eternal kingdom will begin. Hallelujah!
