The Bible, especially the New Testament, has a good deal of teaching about what is termed as the kingdom of God or the kingdom of heaven. In fact, the concept of the Kingdom of God is one of the main tenets of Christianity. To begin with, let it be said that the Kingdom of God does not refer to a territorial kingdom. This concerns mainly a matter of the heart of man. This is the kingship or rule of God in the human heart with the elements of justice, love, peace and solidarity among people under God. It is a godly rule in human life. The Bible portrays God as a covenant-making God. God made his Covenants with Mankind in different stages in history. God’s dealings with mankind are understood in accordance with his holy covenants with provisions for his blessings upon man; and also his curses on them when they violated the covenants. Thus God’s plan for humanity is seen in accordance of God’s Covenants.

In the Old Testament, God is pictured, above all, as the Creator and also as the Sovereign ruler, as the universal king and judge of all. This theme pervades the entire Biblical writings in the Old Testament. However, the concept of God’s holy rule adds clearer values to this theme in the New Testament. Especially in the teachings of Jesus Christ, this is very poignant. When one of his disciples asked him to teach them (disciples) how to pray, Jesus told them that they should pray thus: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9ff.) This prayer is universally known among Christians right from the beginning of the institution of the Church universal as the Lord’s Prayer. It is said by Christians in their corporate prayers all over the world. Therefore, the Kingdom of God is essentially a universal prayer for all followers of Christ. Jesus came to this world to inaugurate this kingdom or rule in human minds and hearts. In one of his discourses, Jesus declared: “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). He meant that his kingdom or reign is not like that of this world, where human will and structures are priorities.

When Jesus began his public work or ministry, he did so with the announcement, as it is recorded by Saint Mark: “The Kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15).All the miraculous work and his teaching about righteousness pointed to the fact that God’s rule or kingdom came upon mankind. But that kingdom is yet to be consummated in the future. Saint Matthew wrote in his Gospel about Jesus saying, “If I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you” (Matthew 12:28). In his person, teaching, signs and ministries, Jesus demonstrated that the Kingdom has already come, though it needs to be consummated. His followers are supposed to fulfill this mission. In Jesus' miracles, his vicarious death and resurrection from the dead – which manifests his power over sin, darkness and death—he has won the victory against all powers and designs of Satan. The Lord’s Prayer concludes with “for thine (God’s) are the kingdom, power and glory”.

Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount the following timeless Beatitudes for the people who can enter into the kingdom:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3-10).

In the same sermon, Jesus pointed out the supremacy of God’s kingdom when he said, “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all the things will be given to you as well.”  The rule or the kingdom of God on earth is primarily a matter of righteousness, justice and peace among people. Thus, this is totally related to the gospel or the good news of God revealed in Christ. The gospel of Christ is really good news because it speaks of justice and love among all people. People yielding and exercising worldly power and having unjust and selfish authority are challenged by God with the message of the rule of God for the good of the marginalized and the sinned-against. The kingdom of God refers to true and lasting peace (Hebrew ‘Shalom’).

God sent his Son to the world to reconcile people to people so that there is justice and harmony. The bond of this peace is consideration for others. Apostles also taught about peace and reconciliation. To conclude, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men”(Romans 14:17-18).

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The writer is a Christian theology teacher and church leader