“Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1
It is difficult to grasp the meaning and blessing of what Scripture calls, “The Kingdom of God,” unless we begin with the meaning of being outside of the kingdom. Paul, throughout his epistles deals with this matter again and again, creating the contrast of being in the kingdom, or not.
The great Constant in our consideration of the kingdom is God Himself, His reign, sovereignty, and power. That which concerns man specifically is the effective working of the power of God in the life in response to a knowledge of the truth in Christ, and the revelation of the Person and work of Christ. Paul always begins with God, for in the revelation of this God of mercy and grace, equally just and righteous in His holiness, there is given to man a glimpse of God’s willingness to meet him where he is, even though he is born with a nature in opposition to God, being an enemy, by disposition and will. It is the God of eternity, revealed and unveiled to mankind, Creator and Redeemer, who before the foundation of the world, crafted a message of truth, power, and love, which alone can give to man, being the sinner that he is, lost and helpless, a true, certain, and eternal means and strength by which to stand before a holy God, being accepted in peace by Him, given such access to Him, to know Him, and live for Him. What is this message, this compilation of truths of God and His ways, given to men by the prophets of old, the disciples and men of God since Pentecost, to unveil the unsearchable riches of Christ, providing a glimpse of the immeasurable, abundant and abounding grace and love of God, who is willing to save man, not only from death, but to usher him into the kingdom of God, a kingdom of life and light, to know his Maker and Redeemer. The message is called the Gospel. To the shepherds, who during that peaceful and quiet night on the hillsides of Bethlehem, this message was described from God Himself as being, “…good tidings of great joy, which shall be to ALL people.” (Luke 2:10) In absolute, and utter simplicity, and yet embracing all that had previously been revealed of this news to men, the angel would declare the centerpiece of the entire message: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord.” (v.11) To Mary his mother, the angle had declared that His name would be Jesus, adding that He would be great, and “…called the Son of the Highest.” As to the kingdom of God, it was declared also that “…the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of his father David, and HE SHALL REIGN OVER THE HOUSE OF JACOB FOR EVER; AND OF HIS KINGDOM THERE SHALL BE NO END.” (Luke 1:31,33)
The teaching in Scripture concerning the kingdom of God begins with the One destined to sit on the throne of that kingdom, reigning forever. Access into that kingdom by those who were helplessly lost on the outside, would be provided by God alone, and this by the sacrificial life of a single Lamb, the “Lamb of God,” “…slain from the foundation of the world,” the one who alone “…takes away the sin of the world.” It is by this singular, and most perfect revelation of the love of God for man, that the greatest of motives is given to the man who will receive Him, to come to Him, the approachable Christ who will never turn away the seeking heart, nor the cry of the soul to be saved. The power of the message of Christ resides in His invitation to all men, “whosoever will may come,” finding in Him forgiveness of sins, and peace with God.
Dear Father, Grant us Thy power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.