1
Ariesa Griffin
GLST 200/D04
7 July 2024
Comparison Essay: Kingdom Perspective
My prior knowledge of the Kingdom of God was mainly that of a future state where God
would reign; hence, it is a different world from the present. This eschatological view stressed the
second coming of Christ and the final judgment at the end of time. This topic is essential in my
studies because it provokes me and enhances how I grow spiritually and practically as a
Christian. The Kingdom of God is core to Christian theology, applies to individuals' beliefs, and
is included in communal and social morality. Now, concerning the readings I have just recently
done and after reflecting on the subject, I shall give my current view, which forms the basis of
this essay, namely, previous and current views. Thus, by analysing how my point of view has
shifted or been reinforced, I will communicate the detailed distinctions and peculiarities
observed, helping to reveal the Kingdom as the current state and the future expectation.1 As I
focused on the comparative analysis of the subject, I wanted to gain a more profound
understanding of the Kingdom's importance for Christians.
First of all, the concept of the Kingdom of God, which I was accustomed to perceiving,
seemed to me as the future Kingdom in the final Heaven, to be expected only at the end of time
strongly associated with the Parousia of the Messiah. This perspective centred its hope on a
future kingdom that would bring the rule of God's justice and righteousness. The Kingdom was
seen as present, yet future, as it was still coming and not of the present age, and in the present
age, God's reign will be total. Key to this view was the belief in the ultimate restoration of all
1 Ladd, George Eldon “The Gospel of the Kingdom,” in Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: A
Reader, ed. Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, Fourth Edition. (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library,
2009), 83
2
things, echoing biblical promises of a new heaven and earth where God's rule would reign
supreme (Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:1).
The concept of the Kingdom as a future hope was deeply rooted in passages such as
Revelation 11:15, which proclaims salvation to all the Gentiles, and Matthew 25:31-34 which
paints a blueprint of the judgment seat and the realization of God's kingdom dominion over the
world. These scriptures made up my elementary conception, saturated with judgment, renewal,
and the finality of the almighty's saving work. From this perspective, the eschatological
expectation was introduced as part of the framework for practicing the faith since it helped to
shape Christians' readiness and expectation for the second coming of Christ.2
My understanding of the Kingdom of God has dramatically changed from the recent
reading and video presentations. First, I saw the Kingdom mostly in its eschatological aspect as a
state transcendent from the present earthly reality, at which God reigns in the Kingdom Heavens
eternally in the eschaton. Teachings concerning the LW, Parousia, and the eventual redemption of
humanity and the earth influenced this view.3 But in the current context, I see the Kingdom of
God as the reality of the present time and life to come.
The idea that the Kingdom is both "already and not yet" emphasises how dynamic it is.
During His earthly career, Jesus established the Kingdom, announcing its current presence
(Matthew 4:17). Jesus' teachings, healings, and life and resurrection symbolised God's Kingdom
during this inauguration. The phrase "The Kingdom is here now, but it is not yet fully
consummated"4 is effectively articulated by George Eldon Ladd. This understanding emphasises
2 Wright, N. T. “Building for the Kingdom: Our Work Is Not in Vain,” in Perspectives on the World
Christian Movement: A Reader, ed. Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, Fourth Edition. (Pasadena, CA:
William Carey Library, 2009), 45
3 Ladd, George Eldon “The Gospel of the Kingdom,” in Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: A
Reader, ed. Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, Fourth Edition. (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library,
2009), 83
4 Ibid, 85
3
the Kingdom's active presence among Christians today, challenging the idea that it is only a far-
off future event.
In the future, Christians expect the Kingdom to be manifested entirely and fully realized
at the end of history, where there will be the resurrection, the last judgment, and the final
transformation of the world into the realm of God.5 N. T. Wright supports this future anticipation
and affirms, the last great advent, the Parousia, will bring the restoration of all things.6 This
eschatological aspect affords a profound challenge to faithful living and steadfast hope in the
light of the prevailing difficulties.
It is, therefore, essential to note that understanding the 'Kingdom of God' in its
sovereignty form displaces it from the geographical-realm dominion's framework and places it in
the realm of divine rule and reducing love.7 This perception dominates every sector and facet of
life, intermingling personal relationships, community functions, and the general social society by
promoting the Kingdom's values orientation system.
Therefore, such a shift in the perception of the Kingdom of God has led to value-added,
both in terms of the Kingdom that is coming and the Kingdom that has drawn near, changed the
perception of God's sovereignty and God's plan in this world; and provided insight into how I
should live my Christian life and what kind of hope I should have.
The understanding of the Kingdom of God, both in the now and the yet-to-come category,
is backed by solid biblical evidence in the acts and parables of Jesus. In Matthew 13, Jesus uses
the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast to illustrate the Kingdom's present growth and
5 Wright, N. T. “Building for the Kingdom: Our Work Is Not in Vain,” in Perspectives on the World
Christian Movement: A Reader, ed. Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, Fourth Edition. (Pasadena, CA:
William Carey Library, 2009), 96
6 Ibid, 97
7 Newbigin, Lesslie “The Kingdom of God in the Life of the World,” in Perspectives on the World Christian
Movement: A Reader, ed. Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, Fourth Edition. (Pasadena, CA: William Carey
Library, 2009), 99
4
future expansion, emphasizing its gradual but transformative impact. As will be demonstrated in
this study, societal values influence the way people think about creatures; kinship (Matthew
22:34-39, Mark 12:28-33). His proclamation that the Kingdom is "at hand" (Matthew 4:17)
underscores its availability and persistent presence in the believer's life. The theological
understanding given by George Eldon Ladd and N. T. Wright enhances this understanding from
the following perspective. In his interpretation system, Ladd refers to the Kingdom as now but
not yet, that is, Christ's having inaugurated it and the actualization set to happen in the future.8 In
particular, Wright's framework of this Kingdom confirms the future aspect of God's plan for its
actualization and is grounded on Biblical eschatology while stressing the coming renewal of
creation. These perspectives contribute to a comprehensive view of the fluid and intricate society
of the Kingdom that influences one's faith and social involvement in God's salvation plan.
This essay has depicted the progressive development of my perception of the Kingdom of
God as a concept that looks to the future and is present. What we started with was seeing the
Kingdom as only a future hope. I acknowledge that it has already begun with Jesus Christ and is
being advanced today. Thus, this dual perception based on the ideas of Holy Scripture and
theological reflection points to the salvific effect of the Kingdom on people and society.
Wrestling with the tension between the Kingdom as 'already, but not yet' compels me to actively
live as if the fullness of the Kingdom has already arrived while striving to be the people of God
who bring the Kingdom's values to the world as it awaits physical fulfilment. This mindset
change deepens my faith by asserting God's control over everything. It motivates me to practice
His tentative orders of love, justice, and mercy in person-to-person relations and public affairs.
8 Ladd, George Eldon “The Gospel of the Kingdom,” in Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: A
Reader, ed. Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, Fourth Edition. (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library,
2009), 87-88
6
Bibliography
Ladd, George Eldon “The Gospel of the Kingdom,” in Perspectives on the World Christian
Movement: A Reader, ed. Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, Fourth Edition.
(Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2009).
Newbigin, Lesslie “The Kingdom of God in the Life of the World,” in Perspectives on the World
Christian Movement: A Reader, ed. Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne, Fourth
Edition. (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2009).
Wright, N. T. “Building for the Kingdom: Our Work Is Not in Vain,” in Perspectives on the
World Christian Movement: A Reader, ed. Ralph D. Winter and Steven C. Hawthorne,
Fourth Edition. (Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 2009).
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
