The Kingdom of God (Already Not Yet)

From 3/12/2006

The image is supposed to show how we are in an age that overlaps "this age" and the "age to come." We are not "no longer" or "not yet" but "already."





JEWS
- believed New Heavens, New Earth, judgment at Messiah's coming but did not anticipate the first coming
- what they looked toward is actually the 2nd coming
- so the Kingdom of God has already come, albeit not fully, in the overlap (aka the church)
==> John & others: sinners repent, for God is coming!!

JESUS
- is the Messiah. Matthew 11:4-6 shows Jesus saying that miracles are happening that reveal characteristics of the Kingdom of God here & now (no sickness, death --> healing of blindness, lameness, resurrection)
- Kingdom of God is God dwelling among man-- happens in the person of Jesus and also in the CHURCH
- Kingdom of God renewal begins now, with new creations in humans (2 Cor 5:17) and @ 2nd coming, the new Heavens & Earth. WE are a glimpse of age to come
==> Jesus: did not deny God's coming judgment (2nd coming) but preaches God's love & grace in this overlap period. Rejoice!