The Kingdom of God: Living in the Tension of Already and Not Yet

The Antichrist: Here and Not Yet Here

Have you ever pondered the concept of the kingdom of God? It is often described as being both "not yet" here and "already" here. This means that while the kingdom of God has not yet reached its ultimate fulfillment, there are significant aspects of it that have already been realized. Let's explore this fascinating concept further and delve into its implications for our lives in the present and the future.

The Scandal of Fulfillment Without Consummation

One of the intriguing aspects of Jesus's ministry was the scandal of fulfillment without consummation. He boldly proclaimed that the kingdom of God was "in the midst of you" (Luke 17:21), yet he did not come to overthrow the Roman regime as many expected. This paradox perplexed even John the Baptist, who questioned whether Jesus was truly the long-awaited Messiah (Matthew 11:3).

Jesus revealed the secret of the kingdom to only a few of his disciples. He said, "To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables" (Mark 4:11). The secret was that the kingdom of God had indeed already arrived ("If it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you," Luke 11:20). However, its complete fulfillment was still to come ("I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God," Mark 14:25).

References to the Kingdom of God in the Bible

The concept of the kingdom of God is not limited to the teachings of Jesus. It is a prominent theme throughout the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. Here are a few key references:

• Daniel 2:44: "And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever."


• Isaiah 2:2: "It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it."


• Matthew 6:10: "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

These verses, among many others, highlight the divine plan for the establishment of God's kingdom and the ultimate victory over all opposing forces.

The Kingdom of God in the Present

So, if the kingdom of God is already here, what does that mean for us today? It means that we can experience the power and presence of God's kingdom in our lives right now. While we may not see its full consummation, we can witness its transformative effects in our hearts, relationships, and communities.

When we align ourselves with the kingdom of God, we become participants in God's redemptive work in the world. We are called to love our neighbors, seek justice, and extend mercy to those in need. The values of the kingdom, such as humility, forgiveness, and selflessness, should shape our attitudes and actions.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to be ambassadors of the kingdom of God. We have the privilege and responsibility to demonstrate the reality of God's kingdom through our words and deeds. When we live out the principles of the kingdom, we become beacons of light in a world filled with darkness.

Living in the Tension

Living in the tension of the kingdom of God is not always easy. We are constantly faced with the brokenness and sinfulness of the world, which can sometimes overshadow the glimpses of God's kingdom that we see. However, we are reminded that even in the midst of suffering and adversity, the kingdom of God is at work.

Just as a seed grows in the darkness of the soil before it emerges into the light, the kingdom of God is quietly at work, bringing transformation and renewal. We may not always see immediate results or understand God's timing, but we can trust that his kingdom is advancing, even when it seems like the forces of darkness are prevailing.

The Future Fulfillment of the Kingdom

While we experience the presence of the kingdom of God in the present, we eagerly await its future consummation. The Bible speaks of a day when God will make all things new and establish his kingdom in its fullness. This is the hope that sustains us and gives us confidence in the midst of uncertainty.

Revelation 21:1-4 paints a beautiful picture of the future fulfillment of the kingdom of God:

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away."

This future fulfillment of the kingdom of God is our ultimate hope. It is the day when all brokenness, pain, and suffering will be abolished. God will establish perfect justice, righteousness, and peace. We will experience the fullness of God's presence and dwell with him forever.

Living with Hope

As we navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life, we can find hope in the future fulfillment of the kingdom of God. This hope empowers us to persevere, even in the face of adversity. It reminds us that our present sufferings are temporary and that a glorious future awaits us.

Just as a hiker keeps pressing forward, knowing that breathtaking views await at the summit, we can continue on our journey with confidence, knowing that the ultimate fulfillment of the kingdom of God is on the horizon. Our hope is not in vain; it is anchored in the promises of God.

Conclusion

The concept of the kingdom of God is both intriguing and transformative. It challenges us to live in the tension of the already and the not yet. While the full consummation of the kingdom is still to come, we can experience its power and presence in our lives today. We are called to be ambassadors of the kingdom, living out its values and demonstrating its reality to the world.

As we navigate the complexities of life, we can find hope in the future fulfillment of the kingdom of God. It is the day when all things will be made new, and we will dwell with God forever. This hope sustains us and empowers us to persevere, knowing that the best is yet to come.

So, let us embrace the kingdom of God in the present, living as citizens of a kingdom that is both here and not yet here. Let us strive to bring the reality of God's kingdom to every aspect of our lives and to a world in desperate need of its transformative power.