The Message of the Kingdom is a central theme in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the New Testament. It encapsulates the proclamation of God's sovereign rule and the invitation to enter into a new covenant relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ. This message is woven throughout the Gospels and the epistles, emphasizing both the present and future aspects of God's Kingdom.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of God's Kingdom is rooted in the Old Testament, where God is depicted as the sovereign ruler over all creation. The prophets foretold a time when God's reign would be fully realized on earth. Isaiah speaks of a future king from the line of David who would establish justice and righteousness (Isaiah 9:6-7). Daniel envisions a kingdom that will never be destroyed, given to the "saints of the Most High" (Daniel 7:18).

The Proclamation of Jesus

The message of the Kingdom is inaugurated with the ministry of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus begins His public ministry with the proclamation, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 4:17). This call to repentance is a summons to turn away from sin and align oneself with God's will.

Jesus' parables often illustrate the nature of the Kingdom. The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32) and the Parable of the Leaven (Matthew 13:33) depict the Kingdom's growth from small beginnings to a comprehensive influence. The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:44-46) emphasize the incomparable value of the Kingdom, worthy of total commitment.

The Kingdom's Present and Future Reality

The Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. Jesus' miracles and exorcisms are signs of the Kingdom's present power, demonstrating God's authority over sin, sickness, and evil. In Luke 11:20, Jesus declares, "But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you" .

Yet, the fullness of the Kingdom awaits Christ's return. The Lord's Prayer, taught by Jesus, includes the petition, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10), expressing the longing for God's complete reign.

The Role of the Church

The Church is the community of those who have responded to the message of the Kingdom. Believers are called to live as citizens of this Kingdom, embodying its values and spreading its message. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) charges the Church with the task of making disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey Christ's commands.

The Kingdom and Salvation

Entrance into the Kingdom is through faith in Jesus Christ. In John 3:3, Jesus tells Nicodemus, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" . This new birth is a spiritual transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to partake in the Kingdom's blessings.

The apostle Paul further elucidates the Kingdom's ethical demands, urging believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1). The Kingdom is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).

Eschatological Fulfillment

The New Testament anticipates the consummation of the Kingdom at Christ's second coming. Revelation 11:15 proclaims, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever" . This future hope motivates believers to persevere in faith and holiness, looking forward to the day when God's Kingdom will be fully established, and His glory will fill the earth.