Over the last few hundred years, Christians have debated the nature and timing of the kingdom of God. Some argued that Jesus was a failed prophet since the kingdom did not come as he expected. Others argued that the kingdom was delayed due to Israel’s rejection of Jesus. Still others found ways to understand the kingdom apart from either extreme.
From an historical angle, the debate is fascinating since it did not seem to greatly disturb earlier Christians. For example, John Scotus Eriugena (9th ce.) maintained the presence of the kingdom now yet with its full manifestation appearing at a later time.
I think we can be even more precise than John Eriugena since Scripture speaks on this matter. The kingdom of God in its political and geographical reach lies in the future after the second coming, while the presence of the kingdom exists in the people of God because they are in Jesus. [Read more…] about Is the Kingdom of God Here?
