Quote:
Originally Posted by mizpeh
What is the "Kingdom of God"?
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Hello Mizpeh,
The following might be helpful:
KINGDOM OF GOD
Both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament the term "kingdom" (
malkut and
basileia) is understood as dynamic in nature and refers primarily to the rule or reign of a king. It is seldom used in a static sense to refer to a territory. As a result, in the vast majority of instances it would be better to translate the expression "kingdom of God" as the "rule of God." That Jesus understood it this way is evident from such passages as
Luke 19:12 ("A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king," literally "to receive a kingdom [basileia]"; cf. also v. 15); Matt 6:33 ("seek first his kingdom"); and
Mark 10:15 ("receive the kingdom of God like a little child").
Understood as the "reign of God" it is possible for Jesus to announce that in fulfillment of the Old Testament promises the reign of God has arrived. In Jesus' coming Satan has been defeated (
Luke 10:18; 11:20-22), the outcasts of Israel are being gathered as predicted (
Mark 2:15-16;
Luke 14:15-24), the Old Testament promises are fulfilled (
Luke 10:23-24), the resurrection of the dead has begun (
1 Cor 15:20), a new covenant has been inaugurated (
1 Cor 11:25), the promised Spirit has come as the prophets foretold (
Mark 1:8). Indeed the kingdom is "already now" realized in history.
However, the consummation of the "already now" still lies in the future. The coming of the Son of Man, the final resurrection, faith turning to sight, are "not yet." The kingdom of God is both now and not yet. Thus the kingdom of God is "realized" and present in one sense, and yet "consistent" and future in another. This is not a contradiction, but simply the nature of the kingdom. The kingdom has come in fulfillment of the Old Testament promises. A new covenant has been established. But its final manifestation and consummation lie in the future. Until then we are to be good and faithful servants (
Luke 19:11-27).
(from Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology. Copyright © 1996 by Baker Books. All rights reserved. Used by permission.)
My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. 
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