What does the kingdom of God mean to you? To some it means future heaven, to others the kingdom of God is here on this earth. The kingdom of God is something most Christians look forward to. After all, it represents a future of hope, peace, and freedom from the pain, suffering, and sin that have for so long filled this world.

In fact, found right within the Lord’s Prayer are these words: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

From this well-known verse, we can see that the Kingdom of God in centered in Heaven and that it is indeed possible to have a taste of it on earth, as well. What event is being referred to when we say, “Thy kingdom come”?

In Matthew 25:34, we read, “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” The King here referenced is Christ and the kingdom is the kingdom of God that has been prepared for the saints since the beginning of the world.

In the Lord’s Prayer, we read, “Thy will be done.” Why is it so important that God’s will be done? Well, in Matthew 7:21, we are told: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Therefore, if we want to enter the Kingdom of God, we must be prepared to do the will of God. It’s the prerequisite for entrance—the passport of the Kingdom.

For “God’s will to be done on earth” does not imply an earthly Kingdom. When Christ was on the earth, He explained, “…My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence” (John 18:36). Why did Jesus need to explain this? Because in Luke 19:11 we read that at that time “they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.”

The reality is…the Kingdom of God is bigger than what the disciples ever imagined or anticipated. They expected a civil power that would overthrow their government. But this was not God’s purpose. His “kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and [his] dominion endureth throughout all generations” (Psalm 145:13).

God’s goal is the complete restoration of His Kingdom. In order to do this, there must be a time of reckoning. A decision must be made—the choice is ours. Are we going to pledge allegiance to God’s kingdom or not? That’s why in Revelation 14:7, the call is made “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”

God’s kingdom includes the whole universe. As Creator and Sustainer, He has the rightful ownership of His kingdom. And he wants us to share a part in that. He even prayed in John 17:24, “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am…” But because sin entered, a restoration became necessary. Jesus is looking forward to that restoration—a new earth, free from the pollution of sin.

In Isaiah 65:17, we read that He will “create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.” And it says in Revelation 21:4, 5, “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away…. Behold, I make all things new.”

Remember, we mentioned that in order to inherit the Kingdom, a basic criterion is to do the will of God? Not only Is the Kingdom of God, then, a literal Kingdom—Heaven, it is also a mindset. In other words, if we want to be able to enjoy the Kingdom of Heaven, we will have to get acclimated to the principles that govern God’s Kingdom. In this sense, we can enjoy a taste of His Kingdom in our lives even today.

In Luke 17:21, we read: “Behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” How is that possible? Well, to those who accept the grace of Christ into their hearts and lives, He promises: “I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people” (2 Corinthians 6:16).

Then Romans 14:17 will become a reality for us, where it says, “the kingdom of God… is righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Even if there were no Heaven to look forward to, no hell fire to avoid…it would still be worth it to be a Christian. The peace of freedom from guilt…the love of a Savior’s sacrifice…the joy of a meaningful life of service…the hope of a brighter tomorrow…all these are gifts we can enjoy today.

Doing the will of God will become easy, for Christ will implant in the heart a desire to obey…, and impart to the soul, power to overcome. David expresses this perfectly when he writes in Psalm 40:8, “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart”

So, back to our question…how do I inherit the Kingdom of God, both in a spiritual sense today and as preparation for the Heaven that’s soon to be ours? In Matthew 3:2, we read “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” and in Matthew 6:33, we are admonished “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Your job is to come to Christ just as you are. He will hear your prayer. He’s waiting to accept you into His family. Make no delay. Seek Him and He will draw close to you. As you walk with Him day by day, you will enjoy the spiritual kingdom of God. He will prepare you to stand in the day of judgment, that you may be ready to enter the city…the new Jerusalem and inherit the Kingdom prepared for you—a perfect life in a perfect Heaven…for ever and ever.

Daniel 7:13, 14, 27 gives us a preview of that glorious day, when the righteous saints—those who have been members of God’s Kingdom on this earth will, together with Christ, receive the eternal Kingdom of Heaven. It reads, “…Behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven…. 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. And 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…

This is the most exciting thing that has ever and will ever happen in human history. Don’t miss out. “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:10, 11)

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