The Kingdom of God – Part 5
September 22, 2002
Dear Friends,
We will continue on our study of the Kingdom of God in its present manifestation, but we would like to digress briefly to answer a very valid question – “so what?” Although the question “so what” might seems a little crass, it is actually a wonderful question when you get into some of the more detailed studies in Scripture. Put a little more delicately, the question might be phrased “how is this new knowledge going to make be a better person, increase my faith or help me in God’s service?”
The present existence of the Kingdom of God has a powerful lesson for us. We get very excited when we think about the Kingdom of God that is coming on this earth. How much more excited should we be when we realize that membership in this Kingdom is ours today? It is amazing as a society how mesmerized we are with the British Royal family. So many people covet their money, fame and “blue blood.” We are, in a manner of speaking, part of THE royal family today! Jesus spoke of his disciples in this fashion when he “looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!” This is not a family whose lineage will die out, but one that is everlasting. The British Royal family is a family headed by a failing mortal creature. The royal family in Christ is headed by the only one and true God — creator and sustainer of the Universe. This is not a Kingdom whose days are numbered but one that will fill the whole earth with blessings untold forever and ever. If we can’t get excited about being in that royal family now, then nothing will get us excited.
Another change that comes about because of our new understanding is in how we pray. One of the frequent phrases heard in public prayers is something to the effect of “Lord, grant us a place in your kingdom” or even “grant us a small place in your kingdom.” Once the concept has been grasped that spiritually speaking our names are written in the Book of Life and we have a place in God’s Kingdom, this phrase becomes inappropriate. You should not ask for something that you have already been given. Your emphasis changes to give thanks for the gift God has given to you and to walk worthy of this exalted position.
Those that use this phrase (“grant us a place in your kingdom”) are obviously referring to the future Kingdom of God on earth. What they probably intend in their comment is to ask God to help us in our walk and to be merciful to us so that we will gain that future Kingdom. The choice of words to state those points is the issue. To have the appropriate balance in our thinking, we must never presume that entrance into the future Kingdom is unconditionally assured. As Paul said speaking of the resurrection, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” The conditional nature of future glorification in the Kingdom of God on earth is brought out again and again in the Bible. Perhaps, the biggest small word in the Bible is “if.” “If they shall enter into my rest.” “If we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.” “If a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.” Our focus as believers should be on the prize, the love, mercy and grace of God, the promises and on the fact that God is able to deliver what He has promised. Yet, we are not truly balanced when we forget the “if.”
Lord willing, next week we will consider some more of these confusing verses in light of our understanding of the spiritual existence of the Kingdom of God.
Have a great week!
