Introduction

The concept of Jesus Christ as King and His kingdom being "not of this world" is a profound theological theme that permeates the New Testament. This notion underscores the spiritual and eternal nature of Christ's reign, distinguishing it from earthly kingdoms characterized by temporal power and political authority. The Berean Standard Bible provides key scriptural insights into this divine kingship and its implications for believers.

Biblical Foundation

The declaration of Jesus as King is central to the New Testament narrative. In the Gospel of John, Jesus explicitly states, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here" (John 18:36). This statement, made during His trial before Pontius Pilate, highlights the spiritual nature of His reign, contrasting it with the political and military power typical of earthly kingdoms.

Old Testament Prophecies

The anticipation of a Messianic King is deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecy. Isaiah foretells a ruler who will establish an everlasting kingdom: "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6). This prophecy points to a divine kingship characterized by peace and righteousness, fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ.

The Nature of Christ's Kingdom

Christ's kingdom is fundamentally spiritual, characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). It is a kingdom that transcends national boundaries and ethnic divisions, uniting believers from every tribe, tongue, and nation under the lordship of Christ. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this spiritual unity, stating, "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility" (Ephesians 2:14).

The Inauguration of the Kingdom

The kingdom of God was inaugurated through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His victory over sin and death established His authority and began the process of reconciling all things to Himself. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus proclaims, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17), signaling the arrival of God's reign through His ministry.

The Present and Future Reality

While Christ's kingdom is present in the hearts and lives of believers, it also holds a future dimension. The New Testament speaks of a time when Christ will return to fully establish His kingdom, bringing about the consummation of God's redemptive plan. Revelation describes this future reality: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever" (Revelation 11:15).

Implications for Believers

Believers are called to live as citizens of this heavenly kingdom, embodying its values and priorities. This involves a commitment to righteousness, justice, and love, reflecting the character of the King they serve. The Apostle Peter exhorts Christians to "live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God" (1 Peter 2:16).

Conclusion

The kingship of Christ and His kingdom not of this world present a transformative vision for believers, inviting them to participate in God's redemptive mission and anticipate the ultimate fulfillment of His reign. Through faith in Christ, believers are granted citizenship in a kingdom that transcends earthly limitations, offering hope and purpose in a world longing for true justice and peace.John 18:36
Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The King's Herald.
... The Lord Jesus Christ came to be the Saviour of the world by becoming King of a ... whose
subjects were to be purchased and redeemed by His own Blood shed ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter i the kings herald.htm

Christ Before Pilate.
... of Pilate; still it would be hard for Pilate, with his gross ideas ... subjects did not
fight with carnal weapons to defend its king, or to ... But such was Christ's. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/christ before pilate.htm

The Kingdom and the King
... This King will be in reality what, in ... The vision tarries, because Christ's followers
have not ... 8 declare the perpetuity of Messiah's kingdom, His Davidic descent ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the kingdom and the king.htm

The King on his Throne.
... come: and hath put all things under His feet, and ... Ascension of our Saviour, the Lord
Jesus Christ, implied that ... bow before Him, and accept Him as their King. ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter vi the king on.htm

The Millennium in Relation to Christ.
... be fulfilled "And the Lord shall be King over all ... be to eject Satan from it, establish
His Kingdom upon it ... light upon the Millennium in relation to Christ is 1 ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/2 the millennium in relation.htm

John Chapter xviii. 33-40.
... of so many infants in the hope of including Christ in the ... made more cruel by his
fear than by his anger: "My ... the Father, "Yet have I been appointed king by Him ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate cxv john chapter xviii.htm

Conclusion.
... and without blemish," this prayer""Thy Kingdom come""must ... the Kingdoms of our Lord,
and of His Christ, and He ... Now the King Himself declared the source from ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter xi conclusion.htm

"But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... Now what an unspeakable privilege is this, to be one of Christ's subjects, who is
our dear ... David, the great king of Israel, had this for his chief dignity ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xvi but seek ye.htm

The Church and the Kingdom of Christ.
... The kingdom has come in Christ, is continually coming, and will ... in its full grown
strength and beauty when the King will visibly appear in his glory. ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 65 the church and.htm

The Millennium in Relation to the World.
... not democratic""And the Lord shall be King over all ... become the kingdom of our Lord,
and of His Christ; and He ... caught up to meet the Lord at His descent into ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/5 the millennium in relation.htm

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