The phrase “kingdom of God” is not a strict synonym for heaven; its meaning depends on context. Many New Testament references—especially those involving inheritance—point not to heaven as God’s dwelling, but to the future, earthly Millennial Kingdom of Christ. It’s called the kingdom of God because it’s God’s rule—on earth. The authority is heavenly, but the reign is earthly. Jesus will bring divine government down to Jerusalem, fulfilling the prayer: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt 6:10). That kingdom will be a literal, thousand-year reign of Jesus Christ from Jerusalem (Rev 20:1-6), where He will rule the nations with righteousness and justice (Isa 2:2-4; Zech 14:9, 16-17; Luke 1:32-33).
At His first coming, Jesus offered the kingdom to Israel. His disciples expected His reign to begin soon. In Luke 19:11, Jesus gave a parable “because they supposed that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately.” They were not thinking about going to heaven; rather, they were anticipating Messiah’s earthly reign. Scripture reveals that God’s reign is universal (Psa 103:19; Dan 4:34); however, the New Testament also emphasizes an eschatological aspect that points forward to Christ’s literal rule on earth (Luke 1:32-33; Matt 19:28; Rev 20:1-6). This coming kingdom fulfills the unconditional covenants made with Israel, including the Abrahamic and Davidic promises (2 Sam 7:12-16; Isa 11; Jer 23:5-6). It is geopolitical, national, and physical, rooted in Jewish soil and guaranteed by divine decree.
Kingdom Postponed
The kingdom that Jesus offered at His first coming was rejected by Israel’s leadership, who accused Him of performing miracles by the power of Satan (Matt 12:24), marking a decisive turning point in His public offer. Jesus declared, “The kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruit” (Matt 21:43), signaling a delay in its establishment. Though He had offered the kingdom to that generation, He later wept over Jerusalem and said, “You will not see Me until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’” (Matt 23:39), pointing to a future national repentance. The kingdom was not annulled or redefined; rather, it was postponed until Israel is spiritually prepared to receive it. As a result, the focus of God’s program temporarily shifted to the Church (Rom 11:25). Jesus’s offer was genuine, but the rejection triggered a delay until His return, when Israel will welcome Him as King (Zech 12:10; Matt 23:37-39; Rom 10:9-10).
The Millennial Kingdom
The Millennial Kingdom refers to the literal, thousand-year reign of Jesus Christ on the earth, following His second advent (Rev 20:1–6). It is not heaven, but the establishment of heaven’s rule on earth—the fulfillment of God’s covenants and promises made to Israel and the nations. During this time, Christ will reign as the Davidic King from Jerusalem, administering perfect righteousness and justice throughout the world (Isa 2:2–4; Jer 23:5–6; Zech 14:9, 16–17). The curse upon nature will be partially lifted, and creation will experience restoration and peace (Isa 11:6–9; Rom 8:19–22). The government will be theocratic, combining divine authority with human administration under the glorified Messiah. Israel will be the head of the nations, enjoying the fulfillment of the Abrahamic, Land, Davidic, and New Covenants, while Gentile nations will share in the blessings of Christ’s reign (Gen 12:1–3; Deut 30:1–10; 2 Sam 7:12–16; Jer 31:31–34). The saints of all ages, resurrected and glorified, will exercise delegated authority in administration and judgment (Dan 7:27; 1 Cor 6:2; Rev 5:10; 20:4). The King’s rule will be characterized by absolute authority, universal peace, and worldwide worship (Psa 72:8–11; Zech 14:16). Yet, despite the visible presence of Christ and universal knowledge of the Lord, human volition remains intact, and unbelievers will still be born to mortal subjects of the kingdom. At the end of the millennium, Satan will be released briefly, leading a final rebellion which God will swiftly destroy (Rev 20:7–10). The Millennial Kingdom will culminate in the final judgment of unbelievers, followed by the creation of the new heavens and new earth (Rev 20:11–21:1). Thus, the Millennial Kingdom represents the ultimate vindication of divine righteousness in human history—the visible reign of God’s Messiah, bringing to completion every prophetic covenant and establishing His glory upon the earth as it is in heaven (Matt 6:10).
Steven R. Cook, D.Min., M.Div.
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Thank you Brother Steven for your faithfulness in teaching God’s word.
Thanks bro. I appreciate your support. God knows you’ve been a blessing to me throughout my journey. You and Cindy have been conduits of God’s grace, and I love you both very much.