Daniel’s interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream revealed God would establish a kingdom (Dan. 2:44). Some facts about this kingdom are: (1) It would be set up during the days of the Roman empire; (2) It would be distinct from the kingdom of Israel of the Old Testament; (3) It would never be destroyed.

Nebuchadnezzar’s dream revealed four successive world kingdoms beginning with his (Dan. 2:36-40). We know from sacred and secular history that these kingdoms were Babylon, Mede-Persian, Greece, and Rome (Dan. 5:25-31; 8:1-22; Lk. 2:1). Therefore, the time of establishment was prophesied to be during the Roman empire. This prophecy did not fail.

In the days of the Caesar’s, Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power” (Mk. 9:1). Paul said that he and others were members of the kingdom (Col. 1:13). John said he was a “companion in the tribulation and kingdom” to the members of the seven churches of Asia (Rev. 1:9). Therefore, it is beyond doubt that God established His kingdom during the first century AD.

Further, inasmuch as Daniel said God would “set up” a kingdom, it means the kingdom did not exist during Daniel’s day and would not exist until the time of the fourth world kingdom (Dan. 2:44). In other words, it was not a continuation of Israel. There were many kings in Israel, but there is only one King over God’s kingdom, Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 6:15). His throne is not in Jerusalem, nor Samaria, but in heaven at the right hand of God (Heb. 1:1-3). The covenant of His kingdom is different from the one received at Sinai (Jer. 31:31-34; Heb. 8:7-13).

If this kingdom has been established, then some wonder where it is. It is the church of God. Notice some parallels between the church and the kingdom.

• From God, Matt. 16:18 & Dan. 2:44
• Ruler, Eph. 1:22-23 & Lk. 1:32-33
• Entrance, 1 Cor. 12:13 & Jn. 3:3-5
• Redemption, Eph. 1:7, 22-23; 2:16 & Col. 1:13-14
• Called Into, Col. 3:15; 1:18; & 1 Thes. 2:12
• Saints, Acts 8:3; 9:13 & Rev. 1:6, 9; 15:3

The kingdom of God will never be destroyed (Dan. 2:44). When Christ comes back, He will turn the kingdom over to the Father and put down His rule and authority (1 Cor. 15:23-24). [Contrary to this, many people are taught Christ will start His kingdom and rule when He returns.] The same idea is taught in the marriage of the bride and the Lamb (Rev. 19:6-9; cp. Eph. 5:25-27; 2 Cor. 11:2).

Having considered the above, we understand that God has set up a kingdom, the church. The prophecies did not fail and God did not lie. In this, we can rejoice. We can be a part of the kingdom of God and look forward to the time when Jesus comes back to redeem His purchased possession (Eph. 1:14).

Jim McDonald