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The “Kingdom of Grace” and the “Kingdom of Glory” are promised, realized and hoped for in Christ.
God’s kingdom of grace has been established at Christ’s first advent to the world and His death on the cross.
The confirmation of His kingdom of glory will not take place until His second coming.
The expression “kingdom of God”, as used in the Bible designates two kingdoms.
It refers to the kingdom of grace and also to the kingdom of glory.
This post explains the spiritual nature of those kingdoms.
Additionally, it gives more relevant information for the time we live and the near future prophecies.
Table of contents
- The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand
- All nations of the earth will hear the gospel of His grace
- The throne of glory represent the kingdom of glory
- Current grace and future hope in the kingdom of God
- In conclusion on kingdoms of grace and glory
The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand
With this message Jesus began His ministry. In the New Testament Book of Mark we read:
Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God;
And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. Mark 1:14, 15.
And the kingdom of God was established by the death of Christ. This kingdom was not, as the disciples had been taught to believe – an earthly empire.
Additionally, it wasn’t that future, everlasting kingdom, in which all dominions shall serve and obey Him. Daniel 7:27.
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Bojko Belovsky – founder of God’s Love Gateway
My promise to you: Always genuine Christ-centered messages for your life growth now leading to eternity.
The kingdom of God begins in the heart
The kingdom of God comes not with observation; Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there!
For, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. Luke 17:20, 21.
So, one needs to be born again to understand the character of the Heavenly Kingdom, or discern its spiritual nature.
In the New Testament Book of John, Jesus said:
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he can not see the kingdom of God. John 3:3.
In other words, there’s a need for an inward transformation – the need of a new heart.
It is God’s will to purify the sin-defiled soul and implant in the heart His own righteousness.
So, this is the kingdom of God within you:
The mystery is made manifest: Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:26, 27.
Day by day hearts full of sin and rebellion yield to the sovereignty of God’s love.
All nations of the earth will hear the gospel of His grace
Not all will accept His grace by their choice.
In Psalm 22 we read:
A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.
They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this. Psalm 22:30, 31.
Additionally, the prophet Daniel said:
The kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven,
shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High; Daniel 7:27.
Furthermore, in the New Testament Book of Hebrews, the apostle Paul said:
For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;
but was in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy,
and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15, 16.
The throne of grace signifies the Kingdom of grace. Christ also used the expression the “kingdom of Heaven”.
Thus He spoke about the work of Divine grace upon the hearts of people.
The time we live now fulfills the prophecies of Isaiah:
The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:9.
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The “Kingdom of Grace” summary
- Christ’s first advent message is the announcement of the kingdom of His grace.
- It was for the purpose and by the promise of God. Yet it was not actually established until the death of Christ.
- Jesus Christ is central to the kingdom of grace. Salvation by grace is made available to those who believe in His name.
- It refers to God’s love and grace to humanity in the plan of their redemption. The Bible outlines that from the fall to the current age, until Christ’s second coming.
- It’s a spiritual kingdom, not a political or earthly one.
- The mystery of God’s grace is made manifest: Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:26, 27. This is the process of one’s character transformation through Christ grace.
- The kingdom of grace came to power instantly after the fall of our first parents.
The throne of glory represents the kingdom of glory
Referring to this kingdom Jesus said:
When the Son of man shall come in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then shall He sit upon the throne of His glory;
and before him shall be gathered all nations. Matthew 25:31, 32.
This kingdom is yet in the future. It is not to be set up until the second advent of Christ.
So, the message of His second advent announces the kingdom of His glory. And the second message, like the first, is based on the prophecies.
Jesus has given signs of His coming. He said:
When ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting,
and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day comes upon you unawares.
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass,
and to stand before the Son of man. Luke 21:31, 34, 36.
Receiving of His kingdom
Christ receives it from the Ancient of Days in Heaven. In the Old Testament Book of Daniel we read:
I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven,
and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought Him near before Him.
And there was given Him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve Him;
His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. Daniel 7:13, 14.
Moreover, He will receive the New Jerusalem, the capital of His kingdom:
prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelation 21:2.
He received the kingdom. Next He will come in His glory, as King of kings and Lord of lords, for the redemption of His people.
In the New Testament Book Of John, the apostle said:
The kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ;
and he shall reign for ever and ever. Revelation 11:15.
And He hath on His vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords. Revelation 19:16.
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The kingdom of glory summary
- It is centered and begins at the second coming of Jesus Christ as King of king and Lord of lords.
- One’s election for the glorious eternal life is one’s choice to live with the Father and the Son.
- It has been devised by God and His purpose before the creation of this world. But, it will be realized in the future, appointed by Him.
- Creation is restored to its original state of perfection. It is free from sin and righteousness is the scepter of this kingdom.
- This includes physical restoration of the Earth and people’s righteous Christ-like Divine nature.
- It is all new, for the former things have passed away.
Current grace and future hope in the kingdom of God
The grace of God must be received by the sinner before one can be fitted for the kingdom of glory.
The gifts of His grace through Christ are free to all. There is no election, but one’s own.
In this world we are to develop a pure Christ-like character by His grace. It will make us successful candidates for an eternal home in the kingdom of glory.
For example, Jesus said:
- Not everyone that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;
- but he that does the will of My Father which is in heaven. Matthew 7:21.
- Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life,
- and may enter in through the gates into the city. Revelation 22:14.
- Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:
- and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Matthew 11:29.
Then we’ll be overcoming sin and becoming fit for the indwelling of the Spirit of God. Additionally, we’ll be:
- Heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.
- Having the same life as Jesus, partaking of His Divine nature.
So, examine thoroughly His invitation:
Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Matthew 25:34.
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In conclusion on kingdoms of grace and glory
The “Kingdom of Grace” is offered by God to humanity on acceptance of His Son.
The “Kingdom of Glory” is promised and will come to power after the second coming of Christ.
Their spiritual meaning and blessings they carry are given to humanity:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16.
Thus what grace has begun, glory will crown in the kingdom of our God.
But unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever:
a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Thy Kingdom. Hebrews 1:8.
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- Read Mark 1 in KJV BIble – Full chapter study, following along this post references.
- Watch the presentation – The Kingdom of God: A Heart Transformation
- Grow in Christ category – Jesus’ spiritual kingdom in the heart in everyday life.
- God’s Love Content Hub – All Christ-centered teaching in one place.
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References
GC 88, 348; DA 234; PP 207; ST, Oct, 1897 – The Ellen G. White Estate
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- What resonated with you most in this post, and why?
- Do you recognize the role of Jesus in the spiritual kingdoms of God?
- What two events of the earth history are connected to Jesus in God’s dealing with sin?
- Reach out if you need more information on this topic.
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