The Kingdom of God

The common expression “Kingdom of God” (basileia tou Theou) is better translated ‘rule’ or ‘reign’ of God. As the Apostle says: “the Kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking, but it is about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom 14:17; see Q390, Q414).

Where the Spirit of God has dominion, there is the Reign of God, first and foremost in the incarnate Son of God, who is Lord and King: “if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you” (Mat 12:28; see Q055).

This indwelling of the Holy Spirit gives power and authority (Act 1:8; 10:38; see Q016, Q050), even to “take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2Co 10:5).

The Kingdom of God is also closely associated with the Church, the Spirit-filled Body of Christ, and “pillar and foundation of the truth” (1Ti 3:15). As St Irenaeus teaches: “This faith, having been received from the Church, we preserve, a faith which, by the Spirit of God, is always renewing its youth… For where the Church is, there is the Spirit of God; and where the Spirit of God is, there is the Church, and every kind of grace. (St Irenaeus, Against Heresies, III.24.1)

This accords with the Lord’s solemn word: “you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven…” (Mat 16:18–19; see Q252, Q257).