Many believe Jesus planned to set up a kingdom when He came to earth, but failed to do so because the Jews rejected Him. The Bible declares this to be false. Jesus planned to establish a kingdom and did it.
Jesus came into the world to be King (John 18:37). His will was the Father’s will, and He accomplished it (Hebrews 10:7; John 17:4). Therefore, the Father highly exalted Him, setting Him down at the right hand of the Father. Peter told the Jews that Jesus was on David’s throne — and He still is (Acts 2:22-36).
Some wonder then, where is His kingdom. Jesus said it is not discernible with the eyes (Luke 17:20-21). His kingdom is a spiritual one, not physical (John 18:36). His kingdom is the church (Matthew 16:18-19). The church and the kingdom have the same ruler, Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23; John 18:37); the same membership or citizenship, saints (Colossians 1:2, 13, 18); the same destiny (Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 Corinthians 15:24).
Paul said men in his time had been translated into the kingdom of God (Colossians 1:13). John wrote, “I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ…” (Revelation 1:9). Indeed, men have been in the kingdom of God since the first century.
Entrance into the kingdom requires a new birth. Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). When Nicodemus was confused about a physical birth, Jesus replied, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). The new birth takes place when one believes and is baptized (Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-4).
If Jesus did not establish His kingdom, there is no such thing as a person who has been born again!
Steven F. Deaton
