The Kingdom Has Come Near

The Already and Not Yet of God's Kingdom

7 minute read

The Statement of Faith

We believe that God's kingdom has been inaugurated through Christ's first coming but awaits consummation at His second coming. The kingdom is "already" present—we experience its power, blessings, and presence now. Yet the kingdom is "not yet" complete—sin, suffering, and death persist. We live in the tension between the ages, enjoying kingdom blessings while awaiting kingdom fullness.

What the Bible Says

"The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!"
— Mark 1:15

Jesus announced the kingdom's arrival. It wasn't coming someday; it had come near. His presence was the kingdom's presence.

"But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you."
— Matthew 12:28

Jesus' exorcisms proved the kingdom had arrived. Satan's domain was being invaded. The king was taking back territory.

"Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
— Matthew 6:10

Yet we still pray for the kingdom to come. Something remains future. The "already" doesn't cancel the "not yet."

The Framework

Already: Christ has won the victory. The Spirit has been poured out. Forgiveness is available. The church exists. Demons are being defeated. The new age has begun.

Not yet: Sin remains. Suffering continues. Death still takes. Creation groans. Evil seems to prosper. We await the final consummation.

We live in the overlap of the ages. The old age of sin and death continues; the new age of resurrection and life has begun. Both are present; the tension is real.

How It Fits the Full Narrative

The prophets anticipated God's coming reign. Jews in Jesus' day expected the Messiah to bring the kingdom fully and immediately. Jesus surprised them—the kingdom came in stages. The first coming inaugurated; the second will consummate. The prophetic hope isn't wrong, just unfolded across time.

Why This Matters

It explains our experience. Why do Christians still struggle? Why is the world still broken? The "not yet" answers without denying the "already." We experience genuine victory but not complete victory—yet.

It guards against errors. Triumphalism forgets the "not yet" and expects heaven on earth now. Defeatism forgets the "already" and lives as though nothing has changed. Both distort the biblical balance.

It produces realistic hope. We expect genuine progress but not utopia. We work for change knowing perfection awaits the return. We hope without being naive.

Defending Against Critics

Objection: "If the kingdom is here, why is the world so messed up?"

Response: The kingdom has come but isn't consummated. Think of D-Day and V-Day in World War II—the decisive battle was won, but fighting continued until final victory. Christ's first coming was D-Day; His return will be V-Day. We live in between.

Going Deeper

Key passages: Matthew 12:28; 13:1-52 (kingdom parables); Mark 1:15; Luke 17:20-21; Romans 8:18-25; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28.