The Kingdom of God and the World.
Suppose you have followed this series with me. We are now at the fourth part of this series on understanding the difference between religion and the kingdom of God as it relates to humanity.
We will now dig further into the relationship of the World as it relates to the Kingdom of God.
According to the New Testament. The entire world had been placed under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
The Christian’s hope is related to the completion of God’s purpose.
To bring all things in Heaven and on Earth together. Under Him as Lord and to liberate humanity from sin and death in His Kingdom.
The Christ whom the Church acknowledges as Lord is the Lord of the whole universe.
In the affirmation of his universal Lordship, the Church finds the basis for its mission.
Christ has been enthroned as King. And his sovereignty extends over the totality of Creation. As such, he commissions his disciples to make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28: 18-20).
The Church is the expression of the universal Lordship of Jesus Christ. The concrete manifestation of the Kingdom of God.
Jesus is Lord of all means sovereignty over all humanity.
But also, at present. He grants the blessings of the Kingdom of God. To all who call upon His name (Rom. 10: 12).
The fact that He is head over all things. It is essential because He has been granted dominion over the Church. It may be filled with His fullness (Eph. 1: 22).
As the exalted Lord whose authority extends to the whole universe, He has given His people gifts that enable them to grow into an organic unity.
That they can imitate the model of humanity perfectly realized in His person (Eph. 4: 10).
He is the ‘firstborn’ of the old Creation under His role. God’s wisdom is, at the same time, the ‘firstborn’ of the new Creation under His resurrection (Col. 1: 15, 18).
He who is ‘the head of all rule and authority (Col. 2: 10) is also ‘the head of the body, the Church (Col. 1:18; Eph. 5:23), the head from which the Church receives its life (Col. 2: 19).
By Christ’s death, God wanted ‘to reconcile to Himself to all things’ (Col. 1:20).
He reconciled the believers in His physical body to present them ‘holy and blameless. And irreproachable before him’ (Col. 1:22).
The fact that He is at the right hand of God. Not only affirms His preeminence as the one who mediates as King of all Creation.
But it is also a statement of His ministry of intercession on behalf of His people (Heb. 1:3; 10:12; Rom. 8:24).
This whole direction of the New Testament. This leads us to determine if the Church is to be correctly understood.
It must be seen in the context of God’s universal purpose in Christ Jesus.
God intends to bring all things in Heaven and Earth under one head, even Christ (Eph. 1: 10).
This ‘open secret’ is already taking shape in the Church. Whose confession of Jesus Christ expects the fulfillment of God’s purpose.
‘That at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow. In Heaven and on Earth and under the Earth, every tongue confesses that Jesus Christ is Lord. To the glory of God, the Father.
Because of that obedience, God lifted Him high and honored Him far beyond anyone or anything. So that all created beings are in Heaven and on Earth.
Even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in worship before this Jesus Christ. And call out in praise that He is the Master of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father. Philippians 2:10-11
To speak of the Kingdom of God is a universal gospel. A message centered on the Son who was sent by the Father to be the Savior of the world. 1 John 4: 14
The Son is God coming to earth through flesh to save His creation. He became human.
The word human comes from the Latin word “humus,” meaning earth or ground.
To give the ultimate sacrifice and make sure. God’s purpose of the Kingdom coming to earth as it is in heaven comes to pass.
The fact that God’s purpose includes the entire world. This does not mean that all people automatically belong to the Kingdom.
The Kingdom of God is an eschatological order. That one must enter. And this entry is impossible without fulfilling specific conditions (Matt. 5:20; 7:21; 18:3; 19:23; Mark 10:23; Romans 10:9-10).
Consequently, the mandate of the Kingdom of God is not only the declaration of an objective fact concerning which men and women should be informed.
It is at the same time a declaration of objective reality and a call to faith.
The God of redemption is also the Creator and Judge of all humanity. Who will give justice and reconciliation.
Therefore, His purpose for the Church cannot be separated from his intention for the world.
The Church is appropriately understood. Only when it is seen as the sign of God’s universal Kingdom. The first fruits of redeemed humanity.
Here and now, in anticipation of the end, in the Church. And through the Church.
The entire world is placed under the lordship of Jesus Christ and, therefore, under God’s promise of a new heaven and earth in the Kingdom of God.
One cannot read the New Testament. And still, try to understand the Church apart from God’s purpose for humanity and history. From which it originates its significance.
The universality of the gospel. However, it does not mean the participation of all people in the Kingdom of God.
But the Church’s declaration of the Kingdom to all people (Acts 1:8; 19:8; 28:23).
The Church is not a cult made of a few souls rescued from the turbulent sea of history.
But the universal manifestation of the manifold wisdom of God, who created all things (Eph. 3:9,10).
The new man in whom the image of the Second Adam is reproduced (Eph. 2: 15; 4: 13; 1 Cor. 15:45), the first fruits of new humanity (James 1: 18).
To speak of the Kingdom of God concerning the world is not simply to acknowledge God’s divine intervention. But rather to speak of the Mediator-King Jesus Christ.
His reign is made evident (although not yet in its fullness) in the community which confesses His name.
It also confirms that God has a goal for history. Providing meaning and direction for the mission of the Church at this point and currently.
God is at work to bring about his purpose for Creation. In the power of the Spirit, the Church proclaims salvation in Christ and plants signs of the Kingdom.
She is always giving herself entirely to the work of the Lord, knowing that her labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Cor. 15: 58).
Conclusions
From the preceding discussion, the following conclusions become apparent:
Both evangelism and social responsibility can only be understood in the light that in Jesus Christ, the Kingdom of God has invaded history and is now both a present reality and future hope, an ‘already’ and a ‘not yet.
So, the Kingdom of God is neither a developing social improvement of humanity.
At the same time, the task of the Church is to transform Earth-like into Heaven. And do it now!
God’s redemptive power was released in history. He is bringing good news to the poor.
Freedom for the prisoners, sight for the blind, and liberation for the oppressed. As is yet to come.
The most comprehensive examination and insightful human need is a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, through whom the Kingdom is reconciled.
Scripture reassures us, “No one who trusts God like this—heart and soul—will ever regret it.”
It’s the same, regardless of a person’s religious background. The same God for all of us, acting incredibly generous to everyone who calls out for help.
“Everyone who calls, ‘Help, God!’ gets help.” Romans 10:12-13 MSG
The same Lord is Lord and richly blesses all who call on him, for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
According to God’s will, the Church is called to manifest the Kingdom of God.
Here and now in what she is and in what she announces.
Because the Kingdom of God has already and is yet to come, ‘between the times, the Church is both an eschatological and historical reality.
If the Church does not fully manifest the Kingdom, that is not because God’s dynamic rule has occupied the present age. Without the authority or the power to transform it into the coming generation.
But because the ending has not yet arrived. The power active in the Church is like the working of God’s mighty strength.
Which he applied in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.
Far above all rule and authority. Power and dominion, and every title can be given in the present age and the one to come (Eph. 1:20,21).
The mission of the Church is a historical manifestation. Of that power through word and deed. In the power of the Holy Spirit.
Because of His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ has been crowned as Lord of the universe.
The universe, therefore, has been placed under His Lordship.
The Church believes in the destiny of all humanity. Between the times, therefore, the Church. The community which confesses Jesus Christ as Lord. Though she acknowledges God as ‘both the Creator and the Judge of all men.’
The Church is called to share His concern for justice. And reconciliation throughout human society. And for the liberation of humanity from every kind of oppression.
Commitment to Jesus Christ is a commitment to Him as the Lord of the universe. The King before whom every knee will bow, the final destiny of human history.
But the finale of God’s Kingdom is God’s work.
Man will not establish the Kingdom of God.
Humans are not to be exalted but humbled when they fall victim to misconceptions about their power.
My study of understanding the difference between religion and the kingdom as it relates to humanity. And how it affects the process of man’s search for the Kingdom.
This is what I have learned.
Because the power of religion lies in its ability to serve as a substitute for the Kingdom, it hinders humanity from pursuing the genuine answer to its dilemma.
Religion preoccupies humans until they find the Kingdom.
Religion is what humans do until they find the Kingdom.
Religion prepares humans to leave Earth; the Kingdom empowers humans to dominate Earth.
Religion focuses on Heaven; the Kingdom focuses on Earth.
Religion is reaching up to God; the Kingdom is God coming down to humanity.
Religion wants to escape Earth, and the Kingdom impacts, influences, and changes Earth.
Religion looks to take Earth to Heaven; the Kingdom wants to bring Heaven to Earth.
I hope this article inspires you to consider the Kingdom of God over religion.
May the Kingdom of God come into your life. And God’s will be done. In earth, just as it is in heaven.
What are your thoughts on The Kingdom of God and the World.?
Please leave them in the comment section.
Also, please subscribe to my email list if you haven’t.
And share this blog post. Please and thank you.
Have You Received Salvation?
This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.
God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.
Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it.
And why? Because that person failed to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him. John 3:16-18
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6
“I assure you and most solemnly say to you. Unless a person is born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified], he cannot [ever] see and experience the kingdom of God.” John 3:3
How Can Anyone Be Born Again Who Has Already Been Born and Grown Up?
“I assure you and most solemnly say to you unless one is born of water and the Spirit. He cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh [the physical is merely physical], and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit.” John 3:5-6
Born from Above
“Therefore, IF anyone is in Christ, he IS a NEW creation, old things have passed away, behold all things have become NEW.” 2 Cor 5:17
What does the Bible say about how you get salvation?
The ABCs of salvation is the acronym for admitting, believing, and confessing.
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and is justified; with your mouth, you confess and are saved.” Romans 10:9-10
Because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God]. And believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, and you will be saved.
With the heart, a person believes [in Christ as Savior]. Resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God].
With the mouth, he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation. Romans 10:9-10 (AMP)
We receive salvation in Christ through repentance and faith. This means changing our thinking, turning away from sinful ways (repentance) and, turning to God (faith), trusting in Christ.
Jesus will forgive our sins and set us on a path to life with Him. We cannot earn this right. It is His free gift.
It is a free gift because Jesus has already forgiven you. He is waiting on you to decide to choose Him in this very moment at this exact time in the present.
What If You Die Today?
Have you ever thought about that question? People die every day, and many of those deaths are totally unexpected. Have you ever considered your eternal destiny?
If so,…
Choose to receive the Kingdom of God by Confessing that Jesus is Lord.
Pray this Prayer
“Father God, Holy is your name. Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done in my life.
Come into my heart and my mind as my Lord and Savior.
Take complete control of my life and help me to walk in your Spirit and not in my flesh daily by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Father God, I welcome your word into my life and declare and decree that “Jesus is my Master .”
Embracing, my body, soul, and Spirit, I am calling out to you, God, trusting that you do it for your glory.
I believe God, you have set everything right between You and me!
Thank You, Lord, for saving me and for answering my prayer. In Jesus’ Name. It is so. Amen.”
That’s salvation. With your whole being, you embrace God setting things right, and then you say it right out loud: “God has set everything right between him and me!”
Donate to AUSTIN LONDON CLAY ENTERPRISES LLC
Donate by Credit Card/PayPal
You don’t need a PayPal account to donate. Click below to contribute with a debit card, credit card, or PayPal.
Set up a Monthly Donation
It’s easy to set up a recurring donation with a debit card, credit card, or PayPal (also easy to end at any time).
Donate by Mail
If you prefer to donate by check, money order, or cashier’s check, payable to Austin London Clay Enterprises LLC. PO Box 3627, Oak Park, IL 60303
RESOURCES
Munroe, M. (2004, November 1). Rediscovering the Kingdom: Ancient Hope for Our 21st Century World. Destiny Image Incorporated.
The Mission of The Church Is In Light Of The Kingdom Of God. C. Rene Padilla. –
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/026537888400100206
Religion vs. Kingdom. Advancing Kingdom. https://advancingkingdom.org/2018/11/03/religion-vs-kingdom/
Christianity. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/christianity/
