The kingdom of God is God's reign and rule — his kingship over all things and over willing hearts. Jesus announced it as both already present in him (Luke 17:21) and still to come in fullness (Matthew 6:10), and taught us to seek it first (Matthew 6:33).
God's reign, present and coming
The kingdom of God is not a place on a map but God's reign — his rule breaking into the world through Jesus. It is already here wherever God is King over willing hearts, and not yet fully come until Christ returns to reign visibly.
And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Seeking it first
Jesus called people to seek the kingdom above all else, entering it through repentance and childlike faith. Its citizens live now under God's rule, praying and working for his will to be done, awaiting the day his reign fills the earth.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Quick answers
- Is the kingdom of God the same as heaven?
- Matthew often calls it 'the kingdom of heaven,' meaning the same thing. It's God's reign — experienced now in part, and fully realised in the age to come, not merely a location.
- How do I enter the kingdom of God?
- Jesus said one must be born again and receive the kingdom like a child — through repentance and faith in him. Entry is a gift of grace, received humbly.
- What does it mean the kingdom is 'already but not yet'?
- God's reign has broken in through Jesus and is present now, yet awaits its full and visible completion when Christ returns. We live between the two, praying 'thy kingdom come.'
