Our faith walk isn’t dessigned to be static
The Christian faith is in many ways a journey to our new home in the kingdom of heaven. It’s where the citizenship of all believers is held, and our inheritance is.
Jesus speaks of the kingdom of heaven repeatedly in the gospel accounts. In Luke 9:27, He says, “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.” (see also the parallel accounts in Matthew 16:28, Mark 9:1)
He also speaks of the Kingdom of Heaven being near.
From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 ESV
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14-15 ESV
Knowing that we can ask when the Kingdom of Heaven arrives. It isn’t an easy question to answer.
The kingdom has always existed because God is the sovereign ruler of the universe. He created it all and rules over it.
There is also a sense that it arrived with Jesus and His work. The disciples got a taste at the transfiguration. You could argue that it came at His death and resurrection when our sins were paid. You might also say that it came at Pentecost, when the Spirit ushered in a new era of power.
You could make the case that the kingdom is not yet in its full form. At the culmination of all things, all believers will be with the Lord, and the kingdom will be uncontested.
The kingdom is like many things in Christianity, now and not yet. We are justified (saved) when we accept Christ, yet our election was made before the creation of time. Throughout this life, we are being sanctified (made holy as he is holy). Ultimately, we will be glorified (made fully holy and the way God intended us to be).
Our faith walk is a journey during which we will see and understand more of God’s character and experience greater glimpses of what it means to be in the kingdom.
Our calling is from God, and our destination is secure. The vista before us is ever-changing. We are secure in the Lord, no matter what we face along the way.
As we travel along the path, rejoice and enjoy the journey with all of its ups and downs, knowing what awaits will be better than anything along the way.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
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