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. 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).
Tag: Church Age
Jesus’ Return for His Saints
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).