In our previous study we considered the question: "The Church - What Is It?" We suggested that several terms were used in the New Testament to describe the church, or the people of God. One of those terms is "the Kingdom of God."

The words "church" and "kingdom" do not mean the same thing, but they do refer to the same thing or same people. To merely say "the church is the kingdom and the kingdom is the church" without proper explanation may lead to erroneous conclusions. "Kingdom" is certainly a legitimate term (Mk. 9:1; Matt. 20:1; Acts 8:12). But let it be properl understood. The word "kingdom" is from baseleia and always refers to "rule," and by extension it then may apply to the citizens of that kingdom; i.e. the people who are ruled. When we read or hear the word "kingdom" we shyould think "rule" - not necessarily "people." One might ask, "but are not God's people his kingdom?" Certainly so - but they are his people viewed from the angle of a governmental or "rule" standpoint and not from a "called" standpoint when the word "church" is used. The relationship in this kingdom is that of individuals (Christians) to Christ (King). And so the term "Kingdom of God" stresses the governmental or rule aspect of the people of God.

If God now has a people, he also has a kingdom, or those who are his subjects. Some deny that the Kingdom of God is in existence, erroneously concluding that when Christ came the first time he intended to establish his kingdom, but met such opposition from the Jews that he had to sort of put the establishment of his kingdom "on hold" until he comes the second time! This is a general view of those who hold the premillennial view. And so we nned to consider the question: "Is the Kingdom of God now in existence, or must we wait until he comes again?" Consider some passages.

When John came preparing the people for Christ he said, "repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matt. 3:2). Jesus came preaching the same message (Matt. 4:17). Jesus said there would be some that stood and heard him that would still be alive when the kingdom came (Mk. 9:1). And so either the kingdom is here or we have some people alive who are 2,000 years old and who could then refer to Methuselah as that "young whippersnapper!"

More than that, Paul wrote to Colosse and said that God had taken them out from the power of darkness and translated them into the kingdom of his dear Son (Col. 1:13). John wrote that he was in the kingdom (Rev. 1:9). How then may we conclude anything but that Christ has a kingdom over which he reigns now? Why then all the misunderstanding?

Generally it is because men misunderstand the nature of Christ's kingdom. They tend to look for one after the order of the old political kingdom ruled over by David, Solomon, etc.. But Christ's kingdom is "not of this world" (John 18:36). He rules a spiritual kingdom within the hearts of men. This was the very kingdom of which the prophets spoke and Jesus' 'own people misunderstood. When men learn that Christ's kingdom is spiritual in nature, it will go a long way to helping them see that Christ does indeed have a kingdom; a people who have submitted to his rule, which rule then governs their lives.

On the day of Pentecost Peter announced that God had made Jesus "both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36). The laws that govern his kingdom are from heaven; the people that compose this kingdom are "not of this world" (John 17:16). These things are so because his kingdom is "not of this world."

Are you a citizen of the "Kingdom of Heaven?" That is where all spiritual blessings are found; they are bestowed upon men by a benvolent king who wants them to reside in heaven with him when this life is over. Study carefully the "kingdom" aspect of the church! - Bill Moseley