By: Dr. James Bachman
Dear Parson
What is it referring to in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:10), where it says, “Thy kingdom come?”
The word “kingdom” indicates a realm that is ruled by a king. In God’s kingdom, the king is Jesus Christ. Revelation 17:14 – “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.”
There are, as I see it, three aspects to the kingdom of God.
• The first aspect is the present kingdom. Jesus said to Pilate in John 18:36, “My kingdom is not of this world.” In Luke 17:21 Jesus said, “…the kingdom of God is within you.” Right now those who have received the King Jesus Christ into their lives as their Saviour are the only citizens of the kingdom. The more that get saved, and the more saved who become surrendered, the more God’s kingdom grows.
• The future aspect is the millennial (1,000 year) reign of Christ on this earth. This is most likely the one referred to in the Lord’s Prayer where born-again believers shall rule and reign with Him. Zechariah 14:9 – “And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.” II Timothy 2:12 – “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: If we deny him, he also will deny us.”
• The final aspect is where in the new heaven and the new earth (Revelation 21:1) He shall reign forever and ever. Luke 1:33 – “And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” Hebrews 1:8 – “But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom.”
Satan also has a kingdom. Matthew 12:26 – “And if Satan cast out Satan. He is divided again himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?” Make sure you enter the right kingdom by being born again!
John 3:3 – “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.”
Send questions and comments to: jamesbachman@juno.com
