Today's episode completes our look at how the Kingdom is displayed throughout history by focusing on Kingdom in Future Glory. In examining the Kingdom of God, we have considered in past episodes: the eternal King and His eternal reign (Eternity Past); the visible entrance into the earth by God's creative power (Kingdom Inaugurated); the failure of man to hold fast to Kingdom privileges (Kingdom Forfeited); the King's merciful means to reestablish the Kingdom on earth through the covenants He cut with the Patriarchs and through Israel (Kingdom in the O.T.); God's climactic expression of Kingdom authority through the incarnation of Jesus Christ and His victory over sin by means of the cross (Kingdom Re-Inaugurated); And how from the power of the gospel, man's Kingdom identity and purpose is restored as the church exists to live under and extend God's rule throughout the earth (Kingdom in the Church Age).
With respect to these essential truths, the Kingdom of God is shown to be present HERE and NOW. However, the full picture of the Kingdom must also be understood in light of its FUTURE consummation. Therefore, the Kingdom is both NOW and NOT YET. Or as bible scholar George Eldon Ladd brilliantly put it, "Fulfillment without Consummation." The reality of this future experience (Matt. 25:31-46; 2 Peter 1:10-11) is cause for great hope for every believer in Christ. The decisive battle against the foreign kingdom of darkness was fought and won by King Jesus (John 19:30). In spite of this, the church remains at war. Therefore, in the "meanwhile" between Kingdom Come and Kingdom Not Yet, it is imperative that all believers: CONTEST Sin. RESIST the Devil. ENDURE Suffering.
Music: "On My Way," by Justin Jollie.
