This post is a follow-up to last week’s discussion about the Kingdom of God. It was established last week that the kingdom of God refers to the reign of God. It is not a physical or geographical location, but a spiritual rule over the hearts of people.

The position of our hearts towards God determines our association with the kingdom. It is God’s authority, rule and dominion over our hearts and generally, lives. His rule is expressed through obedience, repentance, surrender, and transformation in the lives of believers. 

The Kingdom of God is now
It is not only a futuristic event or something to anticipate, it is a present reality wherever hearts are submitted to Him. Jesus often said, “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand” (Matt.4:17). In essence, Jesus is telling us that the kingdom of God is present. It is in the now. In Luke 17:21, Jesus had a discussion with the pharisees, where He made it known to them that the kingdom of God was present because the King Himself (Jesus) was present. Although Jesus is no longer physically present on earth, by His sacrifice, His kingdom has been established in the hearts of every believer. It speaks to the present access. 

In our submission to God’s will, we reflect and carry around His kingdom. 

The Kingdom of God is almost here
Yet, Jesus taught us to pray for the kingdom to come. In Matthew 6:10, He said “Thy kingdom come”, pointing to a future reality we long for. 

The establshment of God’s kingdom is not yet complete. Or rather, it has not come into full manifestation.  Although it’s here already, there is a fulfillment to come. A time is coming when it won’t just be a select few who submit to God, but every knee will bow and every tongue will confess to Jesus’ Lordship—in essence, becoming a part of the kingdom (Php.2:10-11). Then, will the full manifestation occur, not just in hearts, but in the physical realm, bringing about transformation and renewal of minds. 
These two truths show that the kingdom is already here, and also yet to come in fullness.

Believer’s Role in the Kingdom
Faith in Jesus is the first and most essential step. Without, it, you cannot even recognise the kingdom of God, even if it was right in front of you. The Pharisees of Jesus’ day knew scripture and all prophecy but because of their lacking faith, when it was right in front of them, they couldn’t recognise it. Jesus had to say it multiple times that the Kingdom of God was right there (Lk. 17:20-21). Faith is key. But more than that, yieldedness is required. It is one thing to believe the truth, it is another to genuinely accept it. 

We yield to God’s rule by submission to His will, obedience to His instructions, and ultimately letting His reign influence all that concerns us. As believers in flesh (that is, we are yet to receive our glorified bodies), we may fail in these areas once in a while. But ultimately, the continuous journey towards surrender is what is important. Eventually, the much awaited transformation will come. Till then, as we let God truly reign in our hearts, the Kingdom is active in us. (Matt. 6:33)

We aren’t to wait passively for the Kingdom to come, we are invited to live in it now—because it is at hand! Every act of surrender, obedience, and Christlike love is a way the Kingdom advances. And yet, we still pray: “Come, Lord Jesus” because we await the day His Kingdom comes in full, visible glory.