Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.
Luke 19:9
In this series of posts, we have been focusing on the seemingly obvious but often overlooked reality that the Kingdom of God is indeed a kingdom. It is, of course, a very different kind of kingdom. However, when Jesus spoke to his followers or the crowds about the kingdom of God, they would have relied on their understanding of how a kingdom functions to grasp what Jesus was teaching. The Kingdom of God possesses the essential elements of a kingdom. In fact, many of the words that we now consider religious have their origins in the context of kingdoms. By reexamining the kingdom framework of the language of our faith, we can gain a clearer and more profound understanding of our own faith.
A Quick Recap
In the ancient world, new rulers took authority of a territory, not by being elected to that position, but through victory on the battlefield or through some sort of negotiated agreement. But in a time that predates, internet, television, radio, and newspaper, how would the the people of the newly conquered territory live obediently to the new ruler?
- A story that introduces the new ruler to the people is written (gospel)
- The new ruler authorizes messengers (angels) and sends them to announce (preach) to the people
- The messengers invite the people to respond to the announcement by committing to be obedient to (put their faith in) the new ruler
Sugar, We’re Going Down
So what happens to someone who maintains allegiance to a king or a kingdom that is no longer in authority. What happens if people continue to obey the law and practices of the old kingdom?
The Scriptures provide insights into the consequences that earthly kingdoms may face when they stray from the ways of God. Throughout the Old Testament, we see examples of God pronouncing judgment on nations that have turned away from His commandments. For example, in the book of Isaiah, the prophet predicts the downfall of Babylon, a kingdom known for its violence, injustice, and idolatry (Isaiah 13:11). Similarly, in the book of Jeremiah, God warns of judgment for Judah and other nations that refuse to repent and continue in rebellion (Jeremiah 25:29).
In the New Testament, we also see the theme of judgment on earthly kingdoms. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus speaks of the impending judgment on the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum due to their rejection of His message (Matthew 11:21-24). These passages remind us of the seriousness of God’s judgment on nations that persist in rebellion against His ways.
Deliverance From Doomed Kingdoms
The prophet Jeremiah paints a powerful picture of a kingdom facing destruction in his oracle against Babylon. In Jeremiah 51:45, he passionately urges, “Come out of her, my people! Run for your lives! Run from the fierce anger of the Lord.” Babylon represents the ultimate example of human rebellion against God, characterized by violence, injustice, and oppression. The impending judgment on Babylon serves as a stark reminder of the inevitable downfall of earthly kingdoms rooted in sin and selfish desires. The call to escape the fate of Babylon is a call to salvation.
The book of Revelation also conveys a vivid depiction of judgment on the kingdoms of the world. Revelation 18:4 echoes Jeremiah’s plea for deliverance, imploring God’s people to “come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will not receive any of her plagues.” This call to separation emphasizes the clear difference between the doomed kingdoms of this world and the righteousness of God’s Kingdom.
Invitation into the Kingdom of God
But amidst the darkness of Babylon, a beacon of hope emerges—the invitation into the Kingdom of God. In the words of Jesus Himself, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Salvation is not merely an escape from judgment but a transformation of allegiance—from the doomed kingdom to the eternal Kingdom of God.
Unlike the fleeting kingdoms of this world, the Kingdom of God stands as an everlasting beacon of hope and righteousness. It is a realm characterized by peace, mutual care, abundance, and community—a place where life thrives in all its fullness. In the Kingdom of God, the hungry are fed, the oppressed find refuge, and justice flows like a mighty river.
Amidst the impending judgment upon earthly kingdoms, Scripture extends a gracious invitation into the eternal Kingdom of God. Jesus Himself proclaims the arrival of God’s kingdom and invites all to repent and enter into its blessings (Mark 1:15).
The Gospel of Luke paints a vivid picture of the nature of God’s Kingdom in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Here, Jesus contrasts the self-serving attitudes of the religious elite with the compassionate actions of a Samaritan, highlighting the Kingdom values of love, mercy, and mutual care. In the Kingdom of God, boundaries are broken, and all are welcomed into the community of God’s grace.
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9
Character of Kingdoms
No longer will violence be heard in your land,
nor ruin or destruction within your borders,
but you will call your walls Salvation
and your gates Praise.
Isaiah 60:18
The stark contrast between the doomed kingdoms of this world and the Kingdom of God lies in their character or nature. Earthly kingdoms are marked by rebellion against God’s ways, violence, injustice, suffering, poverty, and hunger. They are built upon the foundations of greed, exploitation, and the pursuit of power at the expense of human flourishing.
In contrast, the Kingdom of God is defined by peace, mutual care, abundance, and community. It is a realm where the hungry are fed, the oppressed find refuge, and justice flows like a mighty river. In the Kingdom of God, life thrives in all its fullness, and the reign of God’s righteousness is established for eternity.
Salvation is not merely a ticket to heaven but a transformation of our lives and our world. Through salvation, we are liberated from the doomed kingdom of this world and welcomed into the eternal Kingdom of God. The desire of God for all individuals to enter into His kingdom is reflected consistently in the Scriptures. In his writing, Peter conveys, “The Lord is not slow in fulfilling his promise, as some perceive slowness. Rather, he is patient with you, desiring none to perish, but all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). This divine patience emphasizes God’s yearning for everyone to embrace the entirety of His love and offer of salvation.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Additional Scriptures and Discussion Questions
Question: How does the concept of kingdom in the ancient world compare to our understanding of kingdoms today? In what ways does this influence our perception of the Kingdom of God?
Question: Reflect on the significance of Jesus’ use of kingdom language in His teachings. How does understanding the Kingdom of God as a kingdom influence your understanding of Jesus’ message?
Question: Consider the call to “come out” of doomed kingdoms, as seen in Jeremiah’s oracle against Babylon and Revelation’s depiction of judgment. What does this call to separation signify in terms of salvation?
Question: How does the invitation into the Kingdom of God offer hope amidst the darkness of earthly kingdoms? What aspects of the Kingdom of God bring comfort and assurance to you?
Question: Consider the role of salvation in the context of entering into the Kingdom of God. How does salvation not only offer forgiveness of sins but also transformation and restoration?
Question: Reflect on Ephesians 2:8-9 and the concept of salvation as a gift of grace. How does this understanding of salvation impact our perspective on works and boasting in our faith?
Question: In what ways can we embody the values of the Kingdom of God in our daily lives? How can we participate in God’s redemptive mission and extend His invitation to others?
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Next week’s Topic: Wilderness
Make sure to subscribe on the blog or follow me on Facebook (both options available at the bottom of the page). Please share with your friends or church if you find these posts helpful or thought provoking.
Support
If you find any of this helpful and want to support these projects you can click the Support button below to “Buy Me A Coffee”
Tanner H Griffin 
Leave a comment