Shocking Truth: The Kingdom of Heaven is Not Going to Come

1. The Kingdom of Heaven: Declared by John the Baptist and Jesus

John the Baptist preached with one clear purpose: to turn people’s hearts and minds away from worldly wealth, power, and status, and toward the Kingdom of Heaven. He cried out: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" (Matthew 3:2).

When Jesus began His ministry, He echoed John’s message, declaring: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel!" (Mark 1:15).

During this time, the Kingdom of Heaven was near, but it was not yet fully realized. Jesus revealed that the Kingdom of Heaven is not a physical kingdom that can be observed or located in one place. He said: "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21).

2. The Kingdom of Heaven: A Spiritual Reality

When Pontius Pilate asked Jesus, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus replied: "My kingdom is not of this world." (John 18:36).

This statement makes it clear: The Kingdom of Heaven is not a worldly, physical kingdom. It is a spiritual kingdom, present among the followers of Christ Jesus. It is not bound by borders or governments but is established in the hearts of believers.

3. The Coming of the Kingdom: Through Christ’s Sacrifice and the Holy Spirit

During the ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus, the Kingdom of Heaven was still “at hand.” But after Jesus’ death on the cross, His resurrection, and His ascension to the Father, the Kingdom of Heaven was fully realized among His followers through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost.

Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross accomplished the forgiveness of sins for all who believe in Him. When we repent and pray for forgiveness, Jesus forgives us because He has already borne the punishment for our sins. As He promised, He gives us:

• A new heart: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26).
• A renewed mind: He reprograms our minds, replacing worldly logic with godly wisdom. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2).
• The Holy Spirit: Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, making us the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16). The Holy Spirit counsels us, guides us in the will of God, imparts divine wisdom, and fills us with peace and joy (John 14:26; Galatians 5:22-23).

4. Becoming Citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven

Those who repent of their sins, surrender their desires to God, and live under the guidance of the Holy Spirit become citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. They no longer live for themselves but for Christ, doing the will of God.

As Jesus taught in the Lord’s Prayer: "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10).

The Church, as a fellowship of Christ’s followers, is a manifestation of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. During the early Church, the Kingdom was like a mustard seed—small and seemingly insignificant. But Jesus promised that it would grow into a large tree, symbolizing the increasing number of believers who enter the Kingdom (Matthew 13:31-32).

5. The Shocking Truth

The Kingdom of Heaven is not a future reality to wait for. It is not a physical kingdom that will appear on earth someday. It is a spiritual kingdom that has already come and is growing among the followers of Christ Jesus. It was inaugurated through the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus, and continues through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers.

Call to Action

Church, the Kingdom of Heaven is here! The question is: Are you a citizen of this Kingdom? To become a citizen:

1. Repent of your sins.
2. Ask Jesus to cleanse your heart and renew your mind.
3. Surrender your will to the Holy Spirit and seek His guidance.
4. Obey God’s will and live as His faithful follower.

Take a decision today to become part of this spiritual kingdom. Let us live as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, bringing God’s light, love, and truth to the world.

Conclusion

The Kingdom of Heaven is not going to come—it is already here among us. It is a spiritual reality, and we are called to be its citizens. Let us live in obedience to God’s will, guided by the Holy Spirit, and proclaim this truth to the world.

Since Jesus has promised to meet our daily needs for food, clothing, and shelter, let us stop worrying about maintaining status, power, and accumulating wealth in this world—things we cannot take with us when our soul departs from our body. Instead, let us first seek the Kingdom of Heaven and live as its faithful citizens.

Pray in the name of Jesus to forgive your sins, to give you a new heart, to renew your mind, and to fill you with the Holy Spirit. Allow the Holy Spirit to reside in you, guide you, and control your life. By doing so, you will experience true peace and joy as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Amen!