Mere Missions

T he K ingdom : E mbrace • 181

The Kingdom of God is the domain of His rule and reign. It quietly and unassumingly entered into the domain of darkness, this present world, which lies in a real, supernatural power (Matt. 4.8-9; 1 John 5.19), the god of this age also known as the prince of the power of the air. Jesus, the rightful King of the Kingdom of God, came preaching God’s redemptive rule and reign. “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” It was the beginning of the conflict and victory over Satan and his kingdom domain of terror, bondage, struggle, and death. To expand and advance the Kingdom of God is to proclaim the Gospel and call people to repent and believe. It is a call to change one’s allegiance. It’s a call to “whose side are you on?” Who is ultimately going to rule and reign in the person’s life? Whoever relinquishes their self-allegiance, to the authority and redemption of God in Christ Jesus, has found the treasure buried in the ground (Matt. 13.44). The Kingdom of God has entered within (Luke 17.20-21). Not everyone enters into the Kingdom of God though (Mark 10.14; 23-25; Luke 18.17; Matt. 8.12; Luke 13.28; 1 Cor. 6.9; Gal. 5.21). It is free but there is a cost. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said it best: “Grace is absolutely free, but it will cost you everything.” Jesus, the King of God’s Kingdom, went about to the cities teaching that “the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matt. 11.12). God’s rule and reign requires a radical reaction. Jesus described this reaction in images of violent action against oneself. “If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off; if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out” (Mark 9.43, 47). Elsewhere Jesus uses violent language of hating one’s family for his sake (Luke 14.26). He said that he did not come to bring peace but a sword (Matt 10.34). The presence of the Kingdom demands a radical reaction (Luke 16.16). This is the inner reaction of what it means to relinquish one’s allegiance to the King and His Kingdom. It is self-death (Gal. 2.20).