The
Bible is a record of two kingdoms in constant conflict--the kingdom of God
and the kingdom of Satan. Jesus made the kingdom of God central in His preaching.
There are over 100 references to the kingdom of God in the New Testament
alone, and many are contained in Jesus' parables. From His teachings we learn
that God's divine kingdom is divided into two different categories--the spiritual
and the literal.
Citizens of the spiritual kingdom of heaven have God ruling and reigning
in their hearts. Before conversion, the throne in our hearts is occupied
by Satan, sin, and self. But after we accept the forgiveness and power
of Jesus, that bondage is broken. This is why Paul says, "Let not
sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the
lusts thereof. ... For sin shall not have dominion over you." Romans
6:12, 14. "But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt
the kingdom of God is come upon you." Luke 11:20.
As soon as a person receives Christ, he instantly becomes a citizen
of God's spiritual kingdom. This is why both Jesus and John the Baptist
began their ministries by urging people to repent and be baptized, "for
the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 3:2; 4:17. "At
hand" means
available or accessible now. Jesus said, "The kingdom
of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here!
or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." Luke
17:20, 21. As soon as a person is baptized, he leaves Satan's kingdom
of darkness and joins God's kingdom of light. To learn more about
Jesus and prepare for his kingdom please continue with these FREE Bible
Studies.
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