Has God’s kingdom already started?

Are we living in God’s kingdom right now? Understanding the timing of God’s kingdom requires an understanding of how salvation works. The subject of the two parts or phases of salvation is crucial for understanding God’s beautiful plan of the ransom for all. 

Although Jesus died for everyone, His blood was first applied for His Church (those who have chosen to follow Him and live a life of righteousness, while sacrificing their human wills in order to do the will of God). When these die, they will be with Jesus in heaven. After this, the Church class will be completed and will reign with him in heaven.  

Jesus’ blood will then be applied for the vast majority of humanity during the Millennium. Then the dead shall come forth from their graves to a period of judgment, or decision. The Scriptures are clear that during this time Satan will be bound. 

“He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.” Revelation 20:2 

Satan will not be allowed to influence people’s minds or create havoc in the world during the Millennium as he does today. (See Revelation 20:3.) It is true that people will return with their same mind-sets and will need to learn righteousness. However, they will have ample opportunity to do so (at least a hundred years –see Isaiah 65:20). While they are learning to perfect their characters they will not be allowed to harm another. 

“They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” Isaiah 11:9

 In fact, we are given several beautiful pictures of what the peaceable kingdom will be like. (See Isaiah 11:1-9; 32:1-5; 35:5-10 and 65:21-25.) God’s Millennial kingdom will be nothing like our present evil world. 

“No longer will the fool be called noble nor the scoundrel be highly respected.” Isaiah 32:5 

Not only will mankind be perfected, but the earth and the animal kingdom will too. 

• “The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.” Isaiah 35:1 
• “The wolf and the Lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.” Isaiah 65:25

 Why would Jesus tell us to pray, “Thy kingdom come in earth as it is in heaven” if it were not to be so?

To learn more about God’s kingdom and when it is coming listen to, “Where is the Kingdom Jesus Told Us to Pray For?”

To learn more about Jesus’ ransom listen to, “Are Jesus’ Ransom and Our Salvation the Same?”