The Kingdom of Heaven, sometimes depending on interpretation synonymous with the Kingdom of God in Christian theology, has a multifaceted relationship with past, present, and future. It’s not a simple linear concept, but rather one that is “already and not yet.”
Here’s a breakdown of how it relates to different aspects of time:
- Past:
Inauguration with Jesus: The Kingdom of God was inaugurated with the first coming of Jesus Christ. His life, ministry, miracles, teachings, death, and resurrection all demonstrated the breaking in of God’s rule and power into human history.
Old Testament Promises: The concept of God’s kingdom has roots in the Old Testament, with promises made to figures like Abraham and David about a lasting kingdom. These past promises found their fulfillment and new expression in Jesus.
Salvation as a Past Event: For believers, salvation is a past event – the moment they said “yes” to Jesus and received the Holy Spirit, they were “saved” and became new creations. This past act of God’s grace initiates their participation in the Kingdom.
- Present:
God’s Current Reign: The Kingdom of God is a present reality as God reigns and rules in the hearts of believers and in the world, even amidst rebellion and sin. It’s a spiritual kingdom, characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Romans 14:17
Experience of Kingdom Benefits: Followers of Jesus are already part of His kingdom and can experience its benefits and blessings in their daily lives. This includes spiritual transformation, the power to overcome sin, and the presence of God.
Spreading the Kingdom: The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to live out and spread the values and principles of the Kingdom of God in the present world through evangelism, acts of justice, and loving service.
“In your midst”: Jesus Himself stated that “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:21), referring to His own presence as the embodiment of the Kingdom.
- Future:
Future Consummation: While present, the Kingdom of God is not yet fully realized in all its glory. It awaits a future, complete consummation with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. This is often referred to as the “not yet” aspect of the Kingdom.
Jesus’ Return and Full Reign: At the end of time, Jesus will return to Earth to establish His full and visible reign, bringing an end to all evil, suffering, and death. This will be the ultimate fulfillment of the Kingdom.
New Heavens and New Earth: The Bible speaks of a new heavens and a new earth, where God will dwell with humanity, and all things will be made new (Revelation 21-22). This is the eternal state of the Kingdom, characterized by perfect peace, justice, and righteousness.
Resurrection and Glorified Bodies: In the future, believers will experience the resurrection of their bodies, transformed and glorified, like Jesus’ resurrected body.
In summary, the Kingdom of Heaven is a dynamic reality that:
Has its roots in God’s past promises and the historical work of Jesus.
Is a spiritual and transforming reality experienced by believers in the present.
Awaits its full and glorious manifestation in the future with Christ’s return and the establishment of the new creation.
This “already and not yet” tension is a crucial aspect of understanding the Kingdom of Heaven in Christian theology. It encourages believers to live faithfully in the present while eagerly anticipating the complete fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
More of my commentary
Matthew 18:18 KJV “Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
What this means is that in the quantum probability of the future and the people on the earth including the animals and plants, the actions on earth, shall affect God the Father, who rules the creation and interferes with the creation constantly. He will make things move and open and close doors of possibilities and manifestations.
