S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The theological concept of "already but not yet" holds that believers are actively taking part in the kingdom of God, although the kingdom will not reach its full expression until sometime in the f...

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October 03 2014 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

John Appelt Supporter

There are divided opinions as to whether the kingdom of God is both now and future, or “already but not yet.” Many accept the kingdom is now, but there are things to consider. 

Jesus made it clear in John 18:36-37, that He was a king, actually born the King of the Jews, Matthew 2:2, but He also stated that the kingdom is not of this world. Even though the message at the outset of His ministry was that the kingdom was at hand and near, it was not there yet. In Acts 1:6-7, it was not realized yet. No apostle ever stated that the kingdom was established. They emphasized that believers are ambassadors, 2 Corinthians 5:20, and heirs to the kingdom, Galatians 4:7.

Those who see the kingdom now, visualize the kingdom in a spiritual sense, which no Scripture indicates. Making the church some form of a kingdom on earth is a forced interpretation. Nothing concerning the kingdom is happening. No lion is lying down with the lamb. No swords are being made into plowshares. For the kingdom to be present, there must be a King, a land, and a people. The King is not on the earth and these elements all together are not realized in this age. Instead, the gospel of the kingdom will continue to be preached, Matthew 24:14. Also, Acts 14:22 implies after many tribulations, people will enter the kingdom of God. In the meantime, believers pray, “Your kingdom come,” Matthew 6:10. Believers are encouraged to seek it first, Matthew 6:33, and wait for it, Luke 23:51.

The kingdom of God, preached by Jesus and His disciples, was rejected by Israel. It was not offered after Matthew 12. Because of this, Jesus presented parables, Matthew 13, called mysteries, or newly revealed truths. They portray the church age which began in Acts 2, but nothing about the kingdom is taught. The disciples were not sent to Israel but to the whole world, Matthew 28:18. The church was to be Christ’s representative until the millennial kingdom is ushered in and Israel is on the stage again.

Luke 17:21 “...behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you,” seems to indicate the kingdom has arrived. But Jesus manifested through His power and presence what the future kingdom was like. 

Luke 19:11-12 is a parable of the nobleman who went into a far country to receive a kingdom and then return. This portrays Jesus leaving earth for heaven to receive a kingdom. Only in Revelation 11:15 does the kingdom of the world become His, Luke 1:32.

A comparison between David and the Lord provides another helpful illustration. When Saul failed to be an obedient king, God in essence set him aside, 1 Samuel 16:1, and had Samuel anoint David as king, 1 Samuel 16:13. David was king, but he did not take the throne at that time. However, many chose to loyally follow him at that time. They were with the king but waiting for his kingdom.

December 02 2024 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report