Ephesians 5:5
“For this you know with certainty, that no sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, which amounts to an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.”
We addressed this topic about the behavior of those who won't inherit God's Kingdom. Today I want to address, what is the Kingdom of God? Many would say, "Heaven". Which would be correct. But that is limited. A more full answer is, "Wherever God is King", or "Where ever He rules and reigns".
God certainly rules in Heaven. It's holy and clean and right. It's not unsafe, sinful or human. One must be holy to enter. People are fallen, so Jesus forgave and cleanses us and welcomes us in upon our death.
As we arrive, we will be in frozen in its awesomeness, but more so in awe of God. There will be praise there. We see that in scripture. We can't contain ourselves. We sense that awe here on earth at times. We might be commenting on nature or amazed at the complexity and brilliance of it. Some times we will be in awe of how He intervenes in life for the good. It's welling up in me as I reflect on it.
What else will we do in Heaven? I would think we would live just like we do here. In there 1,000 year reign of Christ on earth, we will have leadership tasks. We may have some in heaven. Maybe go on hikes or rides. See beautiful places, eat great food, hang out with great people, speak to historical figures. This sounds good, but it'll be far greater.
Paul says in I Corinthians 13:9,10 & 12, "For we know in part and prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away with...For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully, just as I also have been fully known." On earth we get glimpses of God and His kingdom. It says we see in a mirror dimly. When we are there we will know much more. We won't sense Him, but see Him face to face.
God certainly rules and reigns in heaven, but also reigns here on earth. He is the general manager over all. He has chosen to give man control over much. We forfeited that to sin and the devil. He still does much good, but also much evil. God seeks to redeem people for Himself. Then those seek others for God.
Jesus taught us to pray, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done." We are to pray that His kingdom comes and He works through us to advance His kingdom. The church does this collectively. It's like an army slowly advancing taking territory. "The roar of love is ringing out through the woods", (2nd Chapter of Acts).
His children obey Him. Their hearts are the kingdom of God. They obey Him and work out His will by loving others, giving mercy and making peace. They are spreading His kingdom.
The behavior of the kingdom is love. The beatitudes also list how those in the kingdom act: merciful, poor in spirit, hunger and thirst for righteousness, they are peacemakers and so on. Blessed are the citizens of the kingdom of God.
God is our king and He mentors and teaches us how to be. He is so great that He can split His time up to patiently work with everyone. While He was on earth, Jesus was limited to one place at a time. That's why He said this in John 16:7, "But I tell you the truth, it is profitable for you that I should go away; for unless I go away the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you." The Helper, the Holy Spirit, is omnipresent and with all of us simultaneously. What an amazing King.
Lord, thank You for Your kingdom. Thank You for making us Your subjects.