What is the Kingdom of God? ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba

The Jewish nation had long awaited the Day of the Lord. The time when God would establish final judgement upon individuals and nations, establish justice and redeem His people. The arrival of Jesus brought with it, the beginning of that truth. What the nation failed to understand fully was that Jesus would have to take upon Himself the sins of the world to provide the way of salvation. Despite Isaiah’s message pointing to that truth, they wanted Him to establish His Kingdom immediately. Jesus began His ministry, “saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Jesus speaks often of the Kingdom of God being at hand. The Kingdom of God refers to God’s reign, which is both future and present. As John Piper explains:

Since God’s purpose for the world is to save a people for himself and renew the world for that people, his kingly rule implies a saving and a redeeming activity on their behalf. This is why the coming of the kingdom in the New Testament is called good news.

In and through Jesus, God, the king, is coming in a way — a new way — into the world to establish his saving rule. First, in the hearts of his people and in their relationships by triumphing over sin, Satan, and death. Then by the exercise of his reign, gathering a people for himself in congregations that live as citizens of a new allegiance of the kingdom — not of this world. Then Christ comes a second time and completes the reign by establishing a new heaven and a new earth.[1]

The Kingdom of God is at Hand

Just came to fulfill the law and to provide a means of redemption. He would pay the price and penalty for sinners, that they might be redeemed. All of the sacrifices in the Old Testament pointed forward to His coming. Faith that God would send a redeemer was what saved men. The sacrifices merely presented a picture of the means by which God would provide a way of salvation through the sacrificial death of His Son paying the penalty of sin. Jesus arrival was good news; because, God was ushering in a new age. We do not know how long the church age will continue before Jesus returns to usher in His Kingdom. All those who do not accept His gift of salvation provided on the cross, will be judged and condemned; because, they refused to accept the only means of salvation.

Jesus Christ will return. He will call forth His church (all who know Him as Savior and Lord) in the rapture. Seven years will pass-three and a half with a counterfeit peace established by men; followed by three and a half of severe tribulation. Then, Jesus will return. Satan and his demons will be chained. And Jesus will establish His Kingdom on earth during the millennial reign of Christ. Despite Satan having no power and the full visibility of Christ’s presence, peace, and joy; some during this period will still not worship Him as Lord and Savior, proving mankind’s heart is evil on its own. Satan will be loosed once more at the end of the millennial reign to gather those together for one final battle after which final judgement will come. A new heaven and a new earth will be established then for all of eternity.

Today is the Day of Salvation

Just as Jesus proclaimed, “The Kingdom of God is at hand, repent ye and believe the gospel.” None of us know the day and the hour of Christ’s return. It could be today. Neither do we know the day and the hour of our death. Jesus came to provide a way of salvation. Come just as you are to the cross of Jesus Christ, that you may be washed in the blood. No one has sinned so great that he or she is outside of God’s ability to cover them with His Grace. If only, they will only come to foot of the cross, repent and believe.

Ephesian 1:

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.

4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.

5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.

OR ARE YOU IN OF NEED PRAYER?

If you have a prayer request email me by clicking here or comment here

JUST RELEASED

You can find this and all my books on Amazon.com, search Effie Darlene Barba or click this link to be taken there

Recently released Books Available

ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY

A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.

WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”

Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.

You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.

OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE

If you want to know more about other books I have written: You can read more about each one at: Book Resources.

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.