David's Deliberations . . .

Throughout the New Testament, the church is referred to as Christ's kingdom.

Prior to the death of Christ the kingdom was preached as being "at hand" or near (Matthew 3:2; Mark 1:14-15). In the work of John the Baptist and Jesus, entrance into the kingdom by both Jews and Gentiles was being prepared. In some of the parables, Jesus presented the church as a kingdom (See for example, Matthew 13:24, 44, 45, 47). Those who heard Jesus' preaching and teaching were said to be witnesses of the kingdom (Mark 9:1; Luke 9:27; 12:31-32) that would soon arrive.

The character of the kingdom is spiritual, not earthly (John 18:36; Luke 17:20-21). The apostles of Christ were given authority in the kingdom that would shortly be established (Matthew 16:18-19; 19:28).

After the death of Christ, following the Day of Pentecost and the poring out of the Holy Spirit, the kingdom is referred to as in existence, established and open for all who would respond to the gospel call (Acts 8:12; 20:25; 28:23, 31; Romans 14:17; 1 Corinthians 4:20; Colossians 1:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; Revelation 1:6, 9).

When we become Christians, the Lord adds us to the church (Acts 2:41-47; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13) and we receive the kingdom (Hebrews 12:22-28).

At that point we acknowledge Christ as our king. He himself taught this (Luke 23:1-3; John 18:37). He conquered sin and death in becoming king (Hebrews 2:9, 14-15; Revelation 1:18; 1 John 3:8; Matthew 12:24-29; Luke 11:17-22; 10:17-19). The kingdom is his territory, taken from Satan (Luke 4:5-8; Matthew 28:18-20; Colossians 1:13).

In His kingdom, the church, Christ has authority, a throne (Luke 1:32-33; Ephesians 1:18-23; 1 Timothy 6:15; 1 Peter 3:22) and a law (John 12:48; 1:17; 17:8; 1 Corinthians 9:21; 1 John 4:6).

Having entered the kingdom by a new birth (John 3:5; Acts 2:36-41), as His subjects we must do God's will (Christ's law; Matthew 7:21) and center our affections on heavenly things (Philippians 3:12-15; Colossians 3:1-5). Our greatness in the kingdom is measured by service rendered (Matthew 20:20-28) as we strive for unity (Luke 11:17), develop a sacrificial attitude (Mark 10:23-31) and learn to become as little children (Mark 10:15).

As citizens of the kingdom, we are also children of God (John 1:12; 1 John 3:1, 2; 5:2), a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:4-10; Revelation 1:6; 5:10; 20:6), and fellow heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16-17, Galatians 3:29; 4:7) with the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:7).

Are you saved? Are you a part of Christ's kingdom? Read the following passages in your Bible and do what God says to do: Believe (Mark 16:15-16; Romans 10:9-10), Repent (Acts 2:38; 3:19), Confess Christ (Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 10:32; Acts 8:37), and be baptized into Christ for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 3:26-27; 1 Peter 3:21).

—David Carl Swanson