For a few days now, I’ve noticed one metochostouchristou commenting on a few posts—a very thoughtful blogger, I might add.
At any rate, I decided to check out his blog, and I really like his thoughts on What Is the Kingdom?:
Broadly speaking, the kingdom can be understood as God’s reign over creation (Psalm 103:19). In a more specific sense, however, the Scriptures speak of the kingdom as a type of new order established by God over all creation which he brings to his fallen world (Matthew 6:9-10; Hebrews 12:28).
Then,
In the fullest sense, the kingdom is the re-established and unchallenged reign of God over all creation (Matthew 6:9-10; Revelation 11:15). In a way, it is a return to Garden of Eden . . . only better. In this sense, the kingdom is yet future. It finds its fullest expression in the new heavens and new earth (2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:2).
He continues,
Yet the kingdom is not an entirely future reality. While the kingdom finds consummation in the age to come, it has broken into the present age because of the work of Christ and the power of the Spirit (Matthew 4:17; 12:28; the parables of Matthew 13; Luke 17:20-21; Romans 14:17). Those who believe in Christ are citizens of the kingdom because anyone who is in Christ has been made a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 1:13).
His conclusion:
So the kingdom can be spoken of as both present (particularly seen in the Church) and future (in the new heavens/new earth) . . . it is both now, and not yet.
Thanks Metochostouchristou for these thoughts on the Kingdom.
I believe you have already found your fine pearl.
. . . it is both now, and not yet.
Wonderful, another paradox…
Bryon,
The study of the Kingdom is so enriching.
A person in whom the Spirit dwells in already a person of the future though living in the present.
Thanks for the plug, TC!
Bryon,
I wouldn’t say the now/not yet nature of the kingdom is a paradox, per se. It is here in a certain sense, yet the fullness is yet to come.
In a sense, the kingdom is like pregnancy in comparison with the actual birth. The baby is here now during the pregnancy, but in the fullest sense the child has not yet arrived.
A helpful summary. I am familiar with the’ now and not yet’ picture. Also, some have used the analogy of D Day in 1944 anticipating VE Day in 1945. But I do like Meto’s pregnancy analogy – especially as 2nd grandchild is due in February!
It all underwrites part of my own message last Sunday morning. The lectionary readings for All Saints Day showed us:
a) the Christian hope, Rev 21
b) that hope breaking into the pesent , John 11, the raising of Lazarus.
Encouragement and assurance for the living saints.
But I do like Meto’s pregnancy analogy – especially as 2nd grandchild is due in February!
Colin, an echo of Romans 8:22.
All the best!