Kingdom of God

The phrase kingdom of God appears sixty-nine times in the Bible and everyone of those usage’s is found in the New Testament. Why is that ? Could it have been because; until Jesus redemptive sacrifice on the cross, there was no avenue for the “kingdom” to manifest on earth ? Also, Is the “kingdom” an actual physical place, meant for all to enter? These questions can be very perplexing, but answers can be found, if sought, with a pliable heart, set upon the truth, set upon Gods purpose, not our own desires.

The first time that the phrase “kingdom of God” is mentioned in scripture is in Matthew.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

This most commonly used scripture unveils the key technology of the kingdom. The word seek used here is the Greek word zeteo and it means to seek. but specifically by its Hebrew origin, it means to seek to worship and in this particular passage, to worship God.

The word first means to place something as supreme in order of importance. Nothing can come before that position. It must be the most sacred of possessions. Worshipping the royalty and supremacy of God is to be of utmost in our lives. But that is not all that we are commanded to seek in this scripture. We are also to seek and worship him for His righteousness. This can be divided into two distinct areas. First, worshipping Him for His equity of character. Equity is the state, quality, or ideal of being just, impartial, and fair. He is not a respecter of persons; all stand before Him in an equal position.

The second area we are to seek, is of being justified in His sight. This cannot be done any other way than through His Son; Jesus. And our justification is also two fold. We can only be justified through the shed blood of the Jesus Christ, but in addition to this, is our yielding unto God to empower us to cease from evil works.

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (KJV)

Notice that Paul states that those that do these things will not inherit the kingdom. An inheritance is when you receive property or a title, from an ancestor by legal succession or their will. In the field of biology inherit means to receive a characteristic from one's parents by genetic transmission.

Both of these definitions have relevance to the manifestation of the kingdom in the believers life.

The first requirement of inheritance was fulfilled by Christ at the cross.

For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
Hebrews 9:13-17 (KJV)

One of the functions of the shedding of Christ’s blood was to purge our conscience from works that we had done in the past. Paul dealt with this in another place also.

For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
Colossians 1:19-22 (KJV)

Paul is telling us here, that through the blood of Christ we have been reconciled unto God. But in telling us of this glorious reconciliation , he also tells us what it was that caused us to be separated in the first place. Scripture tells us that because of wicked works, we were alienated and enemies in mind. Our conscience would keep us from seeking God because we perceived that we were His enemy.

In viewing this scripture the phrase wicked works stands out. The word wicked used here is the Greek word poneros, which means hurtful or evil in effect or influence. It doe not mean intrinsically or inherently evil. It speaks of one influenced to do evil. This is of the utmost importance for us to understand in order to access the kingdom.

As we have discussed in other chapters, the power of darkness; is the delegated influence of error. If we operate in an area of or a mentality of error, whether knowingly or ignorantly, we then have given place to the devil , to operate in that particular arena. It is in that light, that poneros becomes relevant.

Poneros is the influenced evil in which we partook in previous times. We were not born with an evil streak, we were influenced into evil, through our own error. Before we were saved by Christ, our error, was unbelief through ignorance. We had not the love of God, nor the gospel of Christ, revealed in our hearts, so we were ignorant of our error. But our ignorance did not relieve us from the power of darkness. So we were constantly being influenced further and further into wicked works, which caused us to perceive that we were further and further from God. For scripture states that we were alienated in mind.

The word mind used here is the word dianoia, and it refers to our deep thought processes which includes our understanding, and the exercising realm of our imagination. This word tells us that the influence of evil brought upon by error, caused us to imagine that we were alienated from God. Our imagination led us to believe that we were non participants and adversary to the purposes of God. When we migrate into a position of error, we have opened the gates of our imagination to the delegated influence of the true adversary of God, and then are susceptible to his leading. And his intention is to lead us back to that position of alienation.
As stated in the definition of inheritance, was the reference to the biological uses of the word; which means to receive a characteristic from one's parents by genetic transmission. Jesus came to earth to become us, so that we could then become him. Scripture clearly tells us that at the time of “new birth”, the Spirit of God takes up residency within us.

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
John 14:16-17 (KJV)

In this scripture notice that it is the Spirit of Truth that now abides within us. The opposite of error is truth. The Father has genetically altered us, to allow for His personage to reside within us. It will not take over our flesh being, but it will give us power to discern truth, from error, but only as we seek His purpose first.

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Romans 8:11 (KJV)

Now we see that there are parameters, that have been implied through Matthew 6:33. But there is much more technology released in that same chapter. One particular piece is found in verse 23-24;

But if thine eye be evil [poneros], thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Matthew 6:23-24 (KJV)

In this scripture Jesus tells us the consequences of poneros. He tells us that if our perception has been influenced by the evil one than our whole belief structure can be in error. The first usage of the word darkness used here means to be benighted. That is a state of moral or intellectual darkness; a place of unenlightenedment. The second and third usage of darkness is the darkness of error. And He restates that if your light (your illumination or understanding) is in error, the problem is bigger than may be realized.

Jesus then begins to outline further the root cause of error. Wrong choices! He tells us that the root problem is in trying to serve two masters. He tells us that we will be in a state of constant opposition. Never finding a place of rest.

In verse 24, Jesus identifies our choices; God and mammon. Notice that the devil is not one of the choices? But if we choose mammon, we are back at that place of error. For it is always an error not to serve God. And it is always a choice.

We have the tendency to think of mammon as money, when in fact it can be anything to which we personify as a false god. Anything to which we place our confidence in. Often mammon is regarded as material wealth, that has an evil influence associated with it ? But it can also be a place of self-confidence rather than God confidence. Paul told us that he could do all things through Christ, the opposite is also true, He could do nothing without Him.

The mammon choice, is a choice for the things of this realm, not the kingdom. Jesus begins to admonish this fact;

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.
Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
Matthew 6:25 (KJV)

Don’t concern yourself with the “things” of this realm, Is not your purpose higher than these?

That seems to be one of the sticking points with the current reformation taking place within the body. Many are looking for certain physical manifestations rather than the personal expressions of the kingdom in the lives of the believers.

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 For after all these things do the Gentiles seek: for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
Matthew 6:31-32 (KJV)

Jesus tells us that the Gentiles seek after these things as a matter of natural instinct and he reassures us that the Father knows, that we, as earthly beings, need these things in order to survive in this realm, but for us to access these things through a different avenue. The Gentiles seek these things through their self centered efforts; We are to seek them through His provision. And that comes from seeking to worship Him and His justification. The Gentiles seek self justification; We are to seek Gods justification. Jesus then tells us that if we seek these things, the Father will then supply what we need to fulfill His purposes. At the beginning of Chapter 6, Jesus dealt with this whole issue of supply and demand.

Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Matthew 6:8-13 (KJV)

Just prior in verse 7, Jesus said don’t be like them! The heathen [Gentiles] think that with their much crying out, that they will be heard by God. It is in our seeking to worship God that He comes on the scene in our behalf. Its not what you want, it’s what He wants for you !

This can be seen clearly in the book of Numbers. God had rescued the people out of bondage in Egypt and was bringing them to the place of promise. Shortly after the initial transition seen in the “Red Sea” deliverance the people fell into error of Idol worship and thus sealed their own fate. It was now Gods purpose that very few of the original “deliverees” would see the promised land [kingdom]. After a few years of wandering they began to despise God’s provision.

And the mixed multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? 5 We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic: 6 But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.
Numbers 11:4-6 (KJV)

God had been supplying them with “angels food”. What ever it was it sustained them in a supernatural way. But many began to fall into lusting for the products of this realm and rose to a place of desiring that which they had been delivered from. Their soul had begun to determine their actions. The soul is made up of the mind, will and emotions and is the place where the imagination resides. They were being led into error!

And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
Hebrews 11:15 (KJV)

So what did God do for these that had wants that were contrary to His purpose? He gave them what they asked for !

And say thou unto the people, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow, and ye shall eat flesh: for ye have wept in the ears of the LORD, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for it was well with us in Egypt:
therefore the LORD will give you flesh, and ye shall eat.
Numbers 11:18 (KJV)

And as is usually the case because of Gods abundant nature, he gave them more than they desired!

Ye shall not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days; 19 But even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you: because that ye have despised the LORD which is among you, and have wept before him, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt? Numbers 11:19-20 (KJV)

Notice that it was because they despised the Lords purpose. They had allowed their desires to bring them to a place outside the purposes of God.

And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague.And he called the name of that place Kibrothhattaavah: because there they buried the people that lusted.
Numbers 11:33-34 (KJV)

They had also “snubbed” Gods purpose by this time. God had originally purposed that each member of the tribe would be able to approach Him, but they, through error, brought about by fear of what they could not understand, determined that Moses would be their mediator with God.

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: 6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. Exodus 19:5-6 (KJV)

But notice their reply:

And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. 20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. Exodus 20:19-20 (KJV)

Could this also be seen in the New Testament example of prayer that Jesus was teaching his disciples to pray ?

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Matthew 6:13 (KJV)

The word evil used here is poneros, which as we have seen, refers to an evil influence. The word temptation in this scripture is the word peirasmos, and it means a putting to proof by experiment of good, or an experience of evil by solicitation, discipline or provocation. Notice that the evil side of temptation refers to things that we have control over. This is seen again in James.

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren.
James 1:13-16 (KJV)

What we desire may not be what the Father requires for the kairos (season) that is upon us. Our focus should be on His purpose, not ours.

Now many, it seems, are looking for a manifestation in the physical realm at the appearance of the kingdom of God. This is not a new thought process. In early New Testament times many were looking for actual physical evidence of kingdom reality. The signs of kingdom manifestation that many look for are: peace, prosperity, an end of violence, hunger, strife , murders….. All of which are good intentions, but are they scriptural ?

Jesus said,
For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
Matthew 26:11 (KJV)

Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34 (KJV)

So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Luke 21:31 (KJV)

What things is Jesus referring to when he says that the “kingdom” is nigh at hand ?

And he said,
Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them. 9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by. 10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. 12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.
Luke 21:8-12 (KJV)

And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. 17 And
ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. Luke 21:16-17 (KJV)

And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles,
until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. Luke 21:24 (KJV)

And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. Luke 21:25-26 (KJV)

Now in reading these scriptures, many have taken the stand, that these things have all transpired. That is a questionable stance at best, because of this particular scripture; For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. Luke 21:22 (KJV)

All things have not been fulfilled ! Take heed how you hear !
As stated earlier, those that are looking for a physical manifestation to come to pass, the intention is well meaning, but questionable scripturally. The only inferences to that type of manifestation are during Christ’s millennial reign on earth. And before we arrive at that point, much more sorrow, must come to pass, in this realm in order for all to be fulfilled.

If the timing estimate’s of the rapture theory of eschatology are incorrect, we may witness much worse scenarios than we already have seen. It has been calculated that during the three and a half year period of the Great Tribulation over sixty percent of the worlds population will perish.
Many others have inquired of physical manifestation of the kingdom presence and Jesus dealt with them forthrightly:

And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Luke 17:20-21 (KJV)

Where is the kingdom ? In us!
Jesus told the Pharisees that it cannot be observed with the naked eye for it is within us. Paul also backed this up when he said;

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness,
and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Romans 14:17 (KJV)

The kingdom is not made up of things that you can see (meat and drink). It’s made up of spiritual fruits. Righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost! It speaks of fruit in the internal make up of believers, that equips them, so that they can endure anything that comes there way. It confirms within them that they are righteous in Christ, and that brings a supernatural calmness to their spirit; even though the circumstance may not warrant it, to the natural eye. And the by product of these fruits, is the ability to be calmly happy in the direst of seasons.

The “kingdom” could be seen in the early martyrs of the church;
Upon the day appointed, Lord Cobham was brought out of the Tower with his arms bound behind him, having a very cheerful countenance. Then was he laid upon a hurdle, as though he had been a most heinous traitor to the crown, and so drawn forth into St. Giles's field. As he was come to the place of execution, and was taken from the hurdle, he fell down devoutly upon his knees, desiring Almighty God to forgive his enemies. Then stood he up and beheld the multitude, exhorting them in a most godly manner to follow the laws of God written in the Scriptures, and to beware of such teachers as they see contrary to Christ in their conversation and living. Then was he hanged up by the middle in chains of iron, and so consumed alive in the fire, praising the name of God, so long as his life lasted; the people, there present, showing great dolor. And this was done AD 1418.

The apparent motive in seeking a manifestation of the kingdom in the natural realm, is to bring an end to the wickedness and destruction of lives that we see all around us. We live in a time when all manor of evil seems to have been released and our natural inclination is to want it to stop. This is a highly commendable intention, but it does not line up with the scripture, if in fact these are the last days.

The prophet Daniel was told to seal up the words until the time of the end,

And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? 9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. 10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
Daniel 12:8-10 (KJV)

The Lord told Daniel that the wicked would do wickedly and would not understand, but the wise would understand. Notice also that many will be tried and purified. Could this be a reference to Revelation 6 ?

And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. Revelation 6:9-11 (KJV)

Daniel was telling us that there would come a day when a prophetic understanding would be released to the end time church that would allow them to be purified and refined for kingdom purpose. This refining will allow for the church to stand in a time of reformation. The wicked will be totally ignorant of the times and seasons, but the “wise” will have moved into a realm of deeper “unsealed” prophetic revelation, that even Daniel could not perceive.

John also released a similar word;
And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. 11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
Revelation 22:10-11 (KJV)

There is a wisdom in holiness!

And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. Luke 17:20-21 (KJV)

Jesus was telling the Pharisees that the kingdom is a place of internal restructuring. The manifestation of the kingdom will always draw the believer to a more internally motivated position of holiness with the Father. Though there may be external manifestations of power when kingdom is released, manifestation without internal restructuring is worthless. {go ahead and read that paragraph again...}

When John the Baptist came upon the scene, he came with a simple and direct message, Repent for the Kingdom of God is near. True repentance is an internal function that causes an outward manifestation. Much like water baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. But if the internal restructuring (change) is not completed, the outward manifestation will not be enough to produce lasting change. True kingdom manifestation is not a primarily external event, but is actually a by product of an internal change.

Manifestation of the kingdom causes the believer to “cleanse” the temple of all uncleanliness. It draws the saint into a closer walk with the Father.
Kingdom manifestation, magnetizes the poles of our souls, and causes us to lay down our worldly desires in order to be pulled into the Fathers heart. In the process of this pulling, our carnal perceptions are cast down and destroyed and we become acquainted with the purposes of God.
Kingdom unveiling brings “church” as we know it to a new realm. We can no longer put up with carnal inclinations and earthly desires. We seek to go beyond religion to a place of intimacy with the Father. Kingdom intimacy brings us beyond the limitations and hindrances of this realm that keep us separated from Him. It releases the martyr spirit.

What is interesting to note, is that the first time that the phrase “kingdom of God” is listed in scripture is Matthew 6:33, which is “seek ye first”. The last time it is listed is in 2 Thessalonians:

So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: 5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: 6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
2 Thessalonians 1:4-7 (KJV)

Notice that the “persecutions and tribulations that ye endure” are the token; the manifestation of kingdom reality is the ability to stand up under trials and persecutions. And also note that it will be this way until Jesus is revealed from heaven !

Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22 (KJV)

Kingdom will never be nor can ever be an easy thing to enter into. It would not have been fair to our brothers that await us under the altar.

When Dr. Taylor had arrived at Aldham Common, the place where he should suffer, seeing a great multitude of people, he asked, "What place is this, and what meaneth it that so much people are gathered hither?" It was answered, "It is Aldham Common, the place where you must suffer; and the people have come to look upon you." Then he said, "Thanked be God, I am even at home"; and he alighted from his horse and with both hands rent the hood from his head. His head had been notched and clipped like as a man would clip a fool's; which cost the good bishop Bonner had bestowed upon him. But when the people saw his reverend and ancient face, with a long white beard, they burst out with weeping tears, and cried, saying: "God save thee, good Dr. Taylor! Jesus Christ strengthen thee, and help thee! the Holy Ghost comfort thee!" with such other like good wishes. When he had prayed, he went to the stake and kissed it, and set himself into a pitch barrel, which they had put for him to stand in, and stood with his back upright against the stake, with his hands folded together, and his eyes towards heaven, and continually prayed.

They then bound him with the chains, and having set up the fagots, one Warwick cruelly cast a fagot at him, which struck him on his head, and cut his face, so that the blood ran down. Then said Dr. Taylor, "O friend, I have harm enough; what needed that?"

Sir John Shelton standing by, as Dr. Taylor was speaking, and saying the Psalm Miserere in English, struck him on the lips:

"You knave," he said, "speak Latin: I will make thee." At last they kindled the fire; and Dr. Taylor holding up both his hands, calling upon God, and said, "Merciful Father of heaven! for Jesus Christ, my Savior's sake, receive my soul into Thy hands!" So he stood still without either crying or moving, with his hands folded together, until Soyce, with a halberd struck him on the head until his brains fell out, and the corpse fell down into the fire.