The kingdom of God is God's reign — present in part now wherever Christ rules and consummated fully at his return. Jesus' central message was 'the kingdom of God is at hand' (Mark 1:15). It is entered by being born again (John 3:3-5) and lived in obedience to the King.
The kingdom of God (or 'kingdom of heaven' in Matthew) is one of the central themes of Jesus' teaching. He spoke of it constantly. Several biblical truths. (1) The kingdom is God's reign. Not primarily a place but a rule. Wherever God reigns, there is his kingdom. (2) The kingdom has come and is coming. 'At hand' (Mark 1:15) — already inaugurated. 'Thy kingdom come' (Matthew 6:10) — not yet consummated. Christians live between the inauguration and consummation. (3) Jesus is the King. At the cross, the inscription read 'Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews.' He rules. (4) Entry is by new birth. John 3:3-5 — 'Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.' (5) The kingdom is more important than anything. Matthew 13:44-46 — the kingdom is the treasure hidden in the field, the pearl of great price; sell all to obtain it. Matthew 6:33 — 'seek ye first the kingdom of God.' (6) The kingdom is here in part. Wherever Christ is obeyed, the kingdom is present. The church is the embassy of the kingdom. (7) The kingdom will come fully. Revelation 11:15 — 'The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ.' Revelation 22:5 — the saints 'shall reign for ever and ever.' (8) The kingdom is for all nations. Daniel 7:14, Revelation 7:9.
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.”
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
“The kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.”
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
“The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.”
Submit to Christ as King. Seek the kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). Pray 'thy kingdom come.' Pursue kingdom priorities — righteousness, peace, joy in the Spirit (Romans 14:17). Live in hope of the consummation. Be the church — the embassy of the kingdom.
The kingdom of God is God's reign — present where God is obeyed, consummated when Christ returns. Jesus' central message was 'the kingdom of God is at hand' (Mark 1:15). Entered by being born again (John 3:3-5). Romans 14:17 — 'righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.'
John 3:3-5 — by being born again. Repent and trust Christ (Mark 1:15). Matthew 7:21 — only those who do 'the will of my Father which is in heaven' enter. Entry is by faith; abiding is by obedience.
At Christ's return. The kingdom is 'already' (inaugurated at his first coming) and 'not yet' (consummated at his second coming). Revelation 11:15 — 'The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord.' Until then, we live in the tension.
Not identical, but closely related. The church is the embassy of the kingdom — gathered citizens of the King. The kingdom is bigger than the church; the church serves it. The kingdom encompasses heaven and earth made new (Revelation 21).