The Kingdom—Now and Then
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we enter into a new kind of existence. Although still subject to the results of sin—aging, sickness, and the temporary "sleep" of death—we have already, in a very real sense, received eternal life. It is important never to lose sight of that crucial fact. We have been born again and have a new life "in Christ." Those who have declared their allegiance to Christ are "children" of God (1 John 3:2, NIV). They have " 'crossed over,' " Jesus declares, " 'from death to life' " (John 5:24, NIV). They have becomes citizens of the kingdom of God as they have incorporated the kingdom values into their lives. They now have a different Master, and their ultimate focus is no longer on the things of this world but on the eternal city.
How did Jesus express the reality of the citizenship of the kingdom for His followers even in this world? Luke 17:21, John 14:27.
What confirmation of this truth do we find in the words of Paul? Rom. 14:17, Col. 1:10-14.
But this is not where it stops. What we experience of the reality of the heavenly kingdom while we are still on earth is only a foretaste of the "inheritance" that is to come. It makes us long for more. When Jesus comes in His glory, "all the nations" will be gathered before Him (Matt. 25:32, NIV). " 'Then the King will say to those on his right, "Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world" ' " (vs. 34, NIV). That is the moment God's children have been waiting for. They will be home at last!
"Better than all the friendship of the world is the friendship of Christ's redeemed. Better than a title to the noblest palace on earth is a title to the mansions our Lord has gone to prepare. And better than all the words of earthly praise will be the Savior's words to His faithful servants, 'Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.' Matt. 25:34."—Ellen G. White, Christ's Object Lessons, p. 374.
| Go back over the texts for today. How have you experienced the reality of what is promised in them? What choices are you making that could be hindering you in truly enjoying what Christ offers you even now? |
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