So is my home here or is my home “there” (meaning heaven)? The answer is “Yes.” And the answer is “Yes” because of the kingdom of God on earth.
Evangelicalism is steeped in the tradition of a home in heaven that devalues our role here on earth. We sing, “This world is not my home I’m just a-passin’ through…” Larry Norman coined the phrase “Only visiting this planet.” Knowing we have a home in heaven is useful only in that it enables us to endure the worst here on earth or it’s a motivation for witnessing. During the Jesus Movement of the early 1970s there was very little concern about the here and now; it was all about getting as many people saved as possible before the Lord came back to take us all home, “Maranatha.”
The problem with this thinking is that it makes our life not matter for much now. All we’re doing is basically waiting to go home.
But start listening to Jesus and you get a whole different perspective.
It was the message of John the Baptist (Matthew 3:2), the message Christ took up for himself (Matthew 4:17), and the message he sent his disciples out two-by-two to proclaim (Matthew 10:7) “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Or, Change your ways because the kingdom of heaven is no longer far off… it’s right here.
In Matthew 16:19 Jesus states to his disciples, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”
And for heaven’s sake (no pun intended) in the basic prayer he taught us all to pray, right off the bat he has us praying, “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven (italics mine).” What is that, if it isn’t to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth right now? Does that sound like anybody’s waiting around for anything?”
This pie-in-the-sky-by-and-by stuff has got to go. It has gotten us all disconnected from our intended life here on earth and that is to announce the kingdom of heaven has come and start living like we’re in it.
What that means is what we are going to be exploring in the weeks and months ahead, but sufficient to say right now, from just the words of Jesus we’ve looked at here, that it means change (repent) and action (connecting heaven to earth in all we do). I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to find out what that means, because I don’t think I’m doing it.
John Fischer The Catch 
Right on brother, now your cookin Jack!
I am excited about looking at this too, John. It’s in that connecting I think we find the sweet spot; relationship with Jesus and others. I remember Larry’s song so well. Pretty cool because my Big Brother got saved during the Jesus Movement, then God used that to move our whole family toward Himself. I love how God uses EVERYTHING in our lives to draw us and bring HIM glory! Big Brother went home to be with Jesus in January. He was only 55. I praise God for the knowing.
Hi John,
Your comments today are the reason I like the term “ambassador” for who we are in this present time. We may be citizens of another kingdom, but we represent that kingdom in the here and now. We take direction from that other kingdom, but our full duties are to be borne out where we are put. The ambassador that considers her/himself to have no connection, or a passing connection, with the place where he or she is assigned is a poor ambassador indeed. The ambassador who longs to return to the kingdom he or she represents to the detriment of the assignment, is of little value to the home kingdom.
Plus, our king is here! Perhaps incognito to many, but he is among us and within us bursting with the desire to be communicated, and also to be discovered.
Jesus said, “the kingdom of God is within you.” Maybe we need to be turned inside out to be effective ambassadors.
First, I am a “service brat”. My dad was military and we moved every other year or so. Thanks to my Aunt, I always went to some nearby church. I loved Sunday School, but really disliked the sermons at the 11:00 service. I graduated from high school in the Philippines and went off to college in the US. Between my freshman and sophomore year, I changed universities and stayed with relatives in Montgomery, Ala.
While there, I met this amazing young woman (whom I married at 19 and have been with for over 52 years). I went to church with her, they practiced closed communion, meaning you had to be a baptized and confirmed member to partake. I always had been pulled towards the love of God and Jesus, helping out in one church or another, directing youth choirs, teaching Sunday school to youngsters, etc., but there was always something missing. While attending a Communion Service with my wife-to-be and not being aware of the closed communion thing, the bread was offered to me, I reached for it but was physically restrained by some unseen force. Again, when the wine was offered, I tried to reach forth, and was again not able to do so. I closed my eyes and was about to ask God, why can’t I partake when in my minds eye, a vision of Jesus appeared, standing before me in the air, with arms outstretched. He looked me square in the face and said “These are My people, you are home.” Tears ran down my cheeks. I joined that little church, it is known today as Community of Christ and is a worldwide movement. I have served that church and His people over the years in so many ways and the Lord has always blessed me with the presence of the Spirit to guide, strengthen and comfort me. I was called the priesthood in my early 20’s and serve Him today as a High Priest, doing whatever is called for. With His help, I serve the Lord where ever I am. Upon graduation from the university, I went to work for a comany that has moved me around the country and the world. As my dad taught me years ago, “home is where you hang your hat”, Jesus faced me years ago me and called me to “hang my hat” with Him and He is my home, no matter where I find myself living. His love makes life complete. After all isn’t that what we are meant to do, move on to completeness?
Victus aeternitate: Latin for “Living in eternity” (i.e., feet on the earth, citizenship in the heavenlies)—
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ . . .” Ephesians 1:3
“By faith . . . he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” Hebrews 11:8-10 (conflated)
Yes. I almost included the Ephesians passage but thought I’d save that for later. I believe that’s a present tense seating, not future.
Maranatha – man, now that’s a blast from the past. I don’t think I have thought or heard that term in over 30 years. Do you remember the song from 1971?
Maranatha, Maranatha, the Master’s comin’ home
We must prepare our hearts so we can meet Him
Maranatha, Maranatha, the Lord is comin’ back
We must be filled with love to truly greet Him
The Master went away from us 2000 years ago
He left us with His promise to return
How our hearts do long for Him, we miss the Master so,
We must keep the faith and let the fire burn
CHORUS:
He left this world in tragedy, He let them take His life,
He sacrificed His blood by His own choice
When He returns in glory, He’ll come to claim His flock
The Master loves the ones who know His voice.
John, you usually have some good theology on here. Not to say that part of what you’re saying isn’t true. But just because we’re citizens of Heaven NOW, doesn’t mean that Heaven has already come. I refer you to Randy Alcorn’s book, Heaven. You can be a citizen of the United States and still live in a foreign country.
The reason Jesus could talk about the Kingdom of Heaven the way He did is because He was the King, walking around on earth at the time. He also called Himself the Bridegroom. When the disciples of John asked why His disciples didn’t fast the way John’s disciples and the Pharisees did, He said is was because the Bridegroom was with them – no need to fast. But that one day the Bridegroom would be gone – then they would fast.
The Royal Bridegroom isn’t here right now except in Spirit. He’s in Heaven “preparing a place for us.” We’re to carry on His work in His absence, but that’s not the same as having Him here in person. Heaven is being prepared. If it’s being prepared, it can’t possibly be here now.
I’ve heard pastors of the highest calibre say that having the “keys to the Kingdom” makes the church the gate to Heaven – not Heaven itself. I think you’re standing outside the gate wanting so much to be inside that you’ve convinced – or are convincing – yourself that you’re already there. You’re not. You’re just standing outside.
Standing outside the gate is not just “waiting around.” It’s not “pie in the sky.” As a matter of fact, it’s a very important place to be. You have the opportunity to invite people in once the gates are opened. You have the opportunity to help people get their citizenship papers, their passports, their “wedding clothes,” if you will, so that they will be ready to enter when the gates are opened. THAT was Jesus message: “watch and be ready.” If you’re already inside, there’s no reason to watch and be ready.
Maybe the Christians in your life are sitting around waiting for some pie in the sky. Not mine. They’re out in the world making it happen for the Kingdom. They are actively bringing people into the Kingdom – as citizens, not residents – by living like THEY’RE citizens of Heaven. I have to tell you, if I thought I was in the Kingdom now, THEN I’d be sitting around enjoying pie in the sky. But I’m not. I’m actively living for the Kingdom because I know I’m NOT in Heaven yet.
You ought to read Randy Alcorn’s book. It is on my top ten list. If you’ll read it, it will be on yours as well.
Thanks Waitsel. You are not alone. This book on is on my “To Read” list as other people have also recommended it.
TC
I agree, it’s nice to know that our Father has taken care of our future needs, but…Eternal life begins here. Jesus said in John 6:48 that whoever believes in Him, has eternal life.
Through years of ministry, seminary, missions, and church I have encountered all the “systemic themologies” that try to integrate biblical truth around one concept. The problem is, each requires a decision to accept their particular lens for viewing Scripture before you can “truly” understand God’s truth. In other words, you can’t understand the full gospel until you agree to use their lens.
Whether or not one calls it a systematic theology, kingdom theology is different. The story of Scripture as the progressive outworking of God’s kingdom to extend his rule and reign over mankind, nations, the world, and all creation makes sense to me. Maybe it’s just because I’m an intuitive thinker, but I think it’s simpler than that. I think the kingdom was the systematic theology of Jesus. In Matthew 4:23, Jesus was “preaching the good news of the kingdom.” The kingdom was the gospel. The good news, the central message Jesus came to give, was that the “kingdom come” had come to earth.
That promise of the kingdom makes “hope” more than just a longing for heaven. My hope in God is not displaced to some place beyond this earth, but my hope is also realized in part right here and right now because God is here, building his kingdom, and I am part of it.
Kingdom theology is not taught that much these days, so I look forward to your coming posts. I get so weary of teachers whose theology turns the kingdom into a closed system, a done deal that has no dynamic reality beyond a theological concept. I need the encouragement of being reminded that the kingdom is now, it is real, and I, by faith, am caught up in the mighty work of God in the world. That’s good news! Bring it, John.
Yeah!
John,
You said, “I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to find out what that means, because I don’t think I’m doing it.” Fairly frequently you say things that sound like you would be ready to take a fresh look at the Church that has an unbroken (that’s not to say unblemished) line from Christ to the present day—the Catholic Church. It was a very long bumpy road for me to go from my Baptist/Evangelical roots to becoming Catholic five years ago, but I have found Christ in a much more personal way and as much Heaven on earth as I can handle!
Remember the story you told a few years ago about the Catholic couple you met on the beach? Through them you saw a glimpse of something you did not think you had. I have met many like them on my journey. I was somewhat like the travelers on the road to Emmaus—finding Jesus but not recognizing him until later when my eyes were opened.
Keep searching. Keep asking the questions. You will eventually be lead to truths you didn’t know existed. God bless you and your work.
No Bob. You are wrong about the Catholic Church. Compare what it teaches with what the Bible teaches and you will see the obvious need to make a choice. The teachings, doctrines, and traditions of men vs. the Word of God. Keep searching !
My life is such a disaster that I’m totally embarrassed to “proclaim the kingdom of Heaven”. I’m afraid that people’s reaction would be, “Well, if your life is any example of what God does to someone’s life, then I want nothing to do with it.”
Yeah, sad, but true.
God can still touch people through our own pain and incompleteness.
I agree that we can be glad for our home while here on earth. My dear husband of 39 years would have loved to stay here awhile longer to keep nourishing his children and grandchildren. He had some regrets about leaving so soon, at 63. However in his last moments here on earth, his face relaxed and with an expectant and happy voice he whispered “Home, home!” so enthusiastically that even though enjoying every minute here, there is also an expectant looking forward to when my time comes to leave for another measure of heaven.
I haven’t posted in a long time, but felt compelled to today. As you mentioned, John, it’s not either or, but both/and. Being disabled has brought me to a place where I am intently looking to heaven, while not neglecting the here & now. Like Paul, if given the choice, I’m outta here, but it must be more necessary for me to stay, since the Lord has saved my life numerous times…
The saying ‘you’re too heavenly minded to be any earthly good’ is dead wrong. Paul also said to fix our mind on heavenly things. Now if we’re truly doing that, the Lord will make sure we mow the lawn & keep house & take good care of our families. But if we neglect the heavenly for even one day, our priorities WILL be messed up! (see Mt. 6).
So it’s both/and, not either or; but, as usual, the Lord has to work on our balancing act if we get to one-sided, one way or the other!
I *think* what John means is that if the goal of reaching heaven after we die prevents us from being the “hands and feet” of Jesus here on earth, then something is wrong. But striving for God’s kingdom to be made manifest on earth is not mutually exclusive to looking forward to eternal life in God’s kingdom in Heaven, is it?
No. It’s all the same.
John, thank you for beginning a discussion on the kingdom of God and what that entails.
Loren Cunningham and Bill Bright had a word from God in the mid seventies that was identical. They compared notes when they met and it involved restoration of the whole earth with of course the people on it. This also included the restoration of the culture that is presently in existence.
Unfortunately, people chose to only get heavily into saving souls. That was good but it was only part of their vision. Today God seems to be going back to that vision because it was only partly fulfilled.
In Genesis 1:28 God says,”Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground. We first of all were made for this earth. God wanted us to fill it in obedience. We have not done that. I think His original intent was for us to win(reign) the earth back because this is where Satan landed when he got knocked out of heaven after rebelling against God. Hence we were to establish the Kingdom together with God and as we expanded in population and culture we would slowly have given Satan no room to operate.
This task is a whole lot more than saving souls. It is the saving of souls, puts us on God’s side, that enables God to finish His task of reclaiming and restoring His Kingdom. He made us to work with Him, sent Jesus to restore that broken relationship, and now wants us as His followers to complete that task. The restoration of the broken relationship must first be restored in order for Genesis 1:28 to be accomplished.
One last note, God said that there will be a new heaven and a new earth. Does that mean we will be back on earth after Christ comes again? Will we be able to go from heaven to earth and back again? We were made for this earth. The garden of Eden, before disobedience, was heaven on earth. How does that impact all of this.
I am looking forward to a wonderful discussion of what the Kingdom of God means to us. Let us all Pray to God to show us the way in this matter. Let us remember to think outside of the box. Isaiah 55:8,9…..My ways are not your ways….! Let us earnestly endeavor to discuss and find out what God’s Kingdom actually is! For me it is much more than what I presently believe. I want to grow! We only know part of God’s revelation, let us all eagerly seek to know more!
Thank you!