The kingdom of God refers to God’s sovereign rule and authority over all creation. It encompasses everything that is under His dominion. The Bible speaks extensively about the kingdom of God throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Here is an overview of some key things the Bible teaches about the kingdom of God:
God as King
The most fundamental aspect of the kingdom of God is that God is the supreme King over all. Many passages in Scripture present God as sitting on a throne ruling over all as King (Psalm 47:8, Isaiah 6:1, Revelation 4:2). As Creator of all things, God rightfully rules and reigns over all He has made (Psalm 24:1). His kingdom rule is eternal, universal, and absolute.
A Spiritual Kingdom
The kingdom of God is not a kingdom of this physical world, but a spiritual kingdom. Jesus said “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). It does not have physical borders or a political system like earthly kingdoms. Rather, God’s kingdom exists in the hearts and minds of those who by faith submit themselves to God’s sovereign reign. It is an invisible, internal kingdom that can only be seen and entered by those born again through faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:3, 5).
The Kingdom is Present but Not Yet Fulfilled
An interesting aspect of the kingdom of God is that it is both a present and future reality. In one sense, the kingdom of God arrived and was inaugurated when Jesus came to earth over 2,000 years ago. Jesus announced that the kingdom of God was “at hand” (Mark 1:15), and brought the power and blessings of God’s kingdom rule through His life, miracles, death on the cross, and resurrection. However, the kingdom has not yet come in its fullness and perfection. The Bible teaches that the kingdom will be fully realized in the future when Christ returns and establishes His kingdom on earth (Revelation 11:15).
So the kingdom of God is already here spiritually, but not yet here physically and visibly. Believers experience the blessings of the kingdom now by submitting to God’s rule and reign over their lives, but they also look forward to the day when God’s kingdom will reign unchallenged over all the earth.
Entering the Kingdom of God
Jesus taught that one must be born again in order to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3). To be born again means to repent of sin and place one’s faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. When one submits their life to the loving rule of Christ, they become part of God’s kingdom and begin to experience the blessings of being under His wise and benevolent reign. Entering God’s kingdom requires humility and childlike faith (Matthew 18:3-4). It is not achieved by human effort, good works or righteousness, but is received simply as an undeserved gift of God’s grace.
Righteousness, Peace and Joy
The kingdom of God is characterized by the righteousness, peace and joy found in submitting to God’s will and ways (Romans 14:17). Being under God’s authoritative reign brings the blessing of living according to God’s righteous standards, the peace of being reconciled with God through Christ, and deep joy in the presence of the King. The atmosphere of the kingdom is one of love, justice, mercy, hope and wholeness. Where God reigns, there is blessedness.
A Reversal of Worldly Standards
The values and standards of God’s kingdom are radically different from the values of this fallen world. In the kingdom of God, the first are last, the meek inherit the earth, the poor in spirit are blessed, and the mourners are comforted (Matthew 5:3-12). Jesus inaugurated an upside down kingdom where those who humble themselves will be exalted. The eternal perspective of the kingdom helps believers live wisely in the temporary world system.
A Hidden Treasure and a Priceless Pearl
Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is like a hidden treasure and a priceless pearl that a person sells all they have to possess (Matthew 13:44-46). Although invisible to the physical eye, the riches and glory of God’s kingdom are worth far more than any earthly wealth or comfort. They are of surpassing value and worth pursuing above anything this life can offer.
Advancing Through Preaching & Demonstration of Power
The kingdom of God advances in this world as believers preach the gospel message and demonstrate its power. The good news of the kingdom going forth in word and deed results in deliverance from the power of darkness and people entering the kingdom of light (Matthew 4:23, Colossians 1:13). Every act of service and message of hope by God’s people is a reflection of the advancing kingdom.
The Kingdom Will Grow to Fill the Earth
Like yeast permeating dough and a mustard seed growing into a large tree, the kingdom of God will continue spreading in influence and impact until it fills the entire earth (Matthew 13:31-33). Only when Christ returns to reign will the kingdom fully overtake and eliminate the rebellious kingdoms of this world (Revelation 11:15). God’s kingdom will one day rule over a restored and perfected new heavens and new earth (2 Peter 3:13).
Open to People From all Nations
The invitation into God’s kingdom is open to people from every tribe, tongue and nation. Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). The book of Revelation portrays people from every group worshiping King Jesus (Revelation 7:9). God welcomes all who turn to Him, not desiring anyone to perish outside His benevolent rule (2 Peter 3:9).
The Kingdom is Not Just In Word but In Power
The kingdom of God involves more than words, ideas or talk. Paul said that “the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power” (1 Corinthians 4:20). God manifests His kingdom rule through dynamic demonstrations of His power working in and through believers’ lives. As citizens of God’s kingdom, we have access to His authority and power to fulfill His will in our lives and expand His influence in the world.
Suffering Precedes Glory
Entering the kingdom of God involves tribulation and suffering. Believers are exhorted to continue in the faith despite various trials, knowing that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Following Christ requires bearing crosses of affliction and opposition (Matthew 10:38). But the Bible promises that after the suffering will come eternal glory (Romans 8:17-18). The path to the kingdom leads through difficult valleys before reaching the mountaintops of blessing.
The Kingdom Belongs to Children
When the disciples asked Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Jesus replied that unless one becomes like a little child, they shall not enter the kingdom (Matthew 18:3). The lowly status and simple trusting faith of children is a model for kingdom living. Status, wealth, accomplishment and pride have no value. Humility, sincerity and trust characterize true members of God’s kingdom.
Seeking the Kingdom First
Jesus taught believers to seek first God’s kingdom and righteousness before anything else they need will be provided (Matthew 6:33). When we seek the King and his kingdom reign in our lives, priorities and purposes, then material needs will fall into place. God promises to provide for those who give seeking His kingdom rule first place in their lives.
Citizens Are Transformed Into Christ’s Image
Those who belong to the kingdom of God are in the process of being conformed and transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ. God’s work of sanctifying believers involves reshaping them into the image of the King (Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18). The atmosphere of the kingdom transforms subjects into representatives and ambassadors of the King.
The kingdom of God encompasses far more than can be explained in one article! The Bible is filled with revelations about God’s marvelous kingdom that provide believers much food for thought, prayer, and discovery. Entering the kingdom starts at conversion but continues as an eternal unfolding of knowing God and advancing His loving rule. The glorious kingdom of God inspires all who belong to it to keep seeking the King and seeing His reign expand in their hearts and the world around them.