Introduction
Many Christians today are confused about whether the kingdom of God is a present reality or a future hope. Some claim that Christ is already ruling on David’s throne, and that the Church is the kingdom foretold in the prophets. But a careful examination of Scripture reveals that, while God is always sovereign and Christ is indeed exalted, we are not living in the kingdom now. The promised Messianic kingdom—where Jesus rules from Jerusalem over a restored Israel and the nations—has not yet begun. Instead, we live in a time of divine postponement, a parenthetical Church Age governed by God’s providence, not His theocratic reign. The following study explores what Scripture teaches about God’s present rule, Christ’s current role, and the future establishment of His kingdom on earth.
The Coming Kingdom of God
God is always sovereign, as Scripture states, “The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all” (Psa 103:19). That never changes. He rules today, just as He always has—though not in the way that many assume. Presently, we live in the Church Age (Eph 3:1-10), not the Kingdom Age (Matt 6:10; Acts 1:6-7; Rev 20:1-6). The theocratic kingdom promised throughout the Old Testament (2 Sam 7:12-16; Isa 9:6-7; Dan 2:44), where Messiah rules from David’s throne over a restored Israel and the nations (Jer 23:5-6; Zech 14:9; Luke 1:32-33), is not in operation today. That earthly kingdom was offered to Israel during Christ’s first advent, but it was rejected (Matt 11:20-24; 23:37-39). As a result, the kingdom has been postponed, not canceled. God’s plan has not failed. He simply inserted the mystery age of the Church—a parenthesis in the prophetic calendar—until Israel repents and calls on Christ as Messiah (Deut 30:1-10; Matt 23:39; Acts 3:19-21).
Make no mistake: Jesus is King by right, but not yet by reign. He is currently seated at the right hand of the Father—not on David’s throne in Jerusalem, but at the Father’s throne in heaven (Psa 110:1; Acts 2:33-35; Heb 1:3). His present role is that of our great High Priest, interceding for the Church, not ruling over a kingdom. The Davidic throne is earthly and Jewish, tied specifically to the land and people of Israel (2 Sam 7:12-16; Luke 1:32-33). Christ’s present position is exalted, but it is not the fulfillment of the kingdom prophecies found in the Old Testament. That future kingdom will be inaugurated at the Second Coming when Christ returns in power and glory to crush His enemies and establish His rule over the nations (Dan 2:44; Rev 19:11–20:6).
Today, God rules providentially—not theocratically. He governs the universe by His sovereign will, orchestrating human history for His divine purposes (Psa 103:19; Rom 8:28; Eph 1:11). He raises up kings, sets down nations, and directs the course of civilizations—all while allowing human freedom within the bounds of His ultimate control (Dan 2:21; Acts 17:26). God permits evil for a time, but it is never outside His control. God’s providence ensures that His will is accomplished, even through the decisions of ungodly rulers (Prov 21:1). While we do not yet see all things under Christ’s direct rule, we can rest knowing that all things are moving according to His timetable (Heb 2:8; Gal 4:4-5).
In the spiritual realm, Satan and his demonic forces operate today under the permissive will of God, within the boundaries of His sovereign, providential rule (Psa 103:19; Dan 4:35). Though Scripture refers to Satan as “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31), and “the god of this world” (2 Cor 4:4), his authority is limited, temporary, and always subject to divine constraint. As seen in the book of Job, Satan cannot act without God’s permission or beyond the limits God sets (Job 1:12; 2:6). While Satan actively deceives the nations, blinds complicit unbelievers, spreads false doctrine, and tempts believers (Rev 12:9; 1 Pet 5:8; 1 Tim 4:1; 2 Cor 11:13-15), his defeat is certain. Christ has already disarmed the powers of darkness through His cross (Col 2:15), and their final judgment is decreed (Matt 25:41; Rev 20:10). In this Church Age, spiritual warfare continues, and both unbelievers and carnal Christians often unwittingly aid Satan’s agenda through disobedience and worldly thinking. Yet God equips believers with the indwelling Holy Spirit, the armor of God, and His Word to stand firm (1 John 4:4; Eph 6:10-18). Thus, even demonic opposition unfolds within the framework of God’s providence and serves His ultimate purposes.
In the Church Age, Christ also rules spiritually in the hearts of believers through the indwelling ministry of the Holy Spirit. He teaches, leads, convicts, and empowers us to live according to God’s Word (John 14:26; Gal 5:16-25). This spiritual reign is personal and transformative, but it is not visible, political, or national in scope. It prepares believers for faithful living and future service in the coming kingdom (Rom 12:1-2; 2 Tim 2:12). But this internal, spiritual rule is not the same as the external, geopolitical kingdom promised in Scripture. The Church is not the kingdom. It is a distinct body—formed of Jews and Gentiles united in Christ—operating under grace, not law, and awaiting the return of its Head (Eph 1:22-23; 3:4-6).
So, is God ruling today? Absolutely. But not in the form of the prophesied Messianic earthly kingdom. That reign is still future. Today, God governs providentially from heaven, Christ intercedes for us as High Priest, and the Spirit works within us to produce Christlike character. The kingdom is not now—but the King is coming. Until then, we walk by faith, rest in grace, and look forward to the day when “the kingdoms of this world become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ” (Rev 11:15).
Dr. Steven R. Cook
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The eschatological subject of the Rapture of the church can be related the study of Soteriology because it is regarded as a form of deliverance. When Messiah returns at the end of the church age, He will deliver His church from an evil world and a coming judgment that will last for seven years (Read Revelation chapters 6-18). A distinction is here drawn between Jesus coming for His saints at the Rapture, and Jesus coming with His saints at His Second Coming (Dan 7:13-14; Matt 19:28; 25:31; Rev 19:11-21). Jesus is now in heaven preparing a place for believers to be with Him there (John 14:1-3). Paul revealed Jesus will return for His church and that all Christians will be “caught up” to meet the Lord in the air (1 Th 4:13-18).