What is the current state of the Kingdom of God?

The Kingdom of God has come and gone.
The Kingdom of God has come, is come, and is coming.
The Kingdom of God has come.
The Kingdom of God will not come.
The Kingdom of God is coming.

3 answers

The state of the Kingdom of God is a topic of significant theological discussion and interpretation, often varying among different Christian traditions. Here's a brief overview of the perspectives reflected in the statements you provided:

  1. The Kingdom of God has come and gone. - This perspective might be associated with a belief that the Kingdom was fully realized in the time of Jesus and has since ceased to be active or relevant.

  2. The Kingdom of God has come, is come, and is coming. - This view embodies the idea that the Kingdom of God is a present reality initiated by Jesus' ministry, continues to exist now (in the hearts of believers and the church), and will be fully realized in the future.

  3. The Kingdom of God has come. - This statement suggests a belief that the Kingdom was established through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection but may not fully manifest in the present.

  4. The Kingdom of God will not come. - This may represent a more secular or non-theological view, suggesting that the Kingdom is either not a real or relevant concept for current life.

  5. The Kingdom of God is coming. - This perspective primarily emphasizes future eschatological elements, focusing on the anticipation of a future realization of God's Kingdom.

Many Christians view the Kingdom of God as both a present reality and a future hope. It is often described in terms of the transformative work of God in believers’ lives and the world, calling for a focus on living out the values of the Kingdom now while looking forward to its ultimate fulfillment. Depending on one's theological background, the interpretation and emphasis on these different aspects can vary widely.

choose the best option

The best option among those presented would likely be:

The Kingdom of God has come, is come, and is coming.

This view captures the complexity of the Kingdom of God as understood in many Christian theological frameworks. It acknowledges that the Kingdom was inaugurated with Jesus' ministry (the "has come"), is present in the lives of believers and the church today (the "is come"), and anticipates a future consummation or fulfillment (the "is coming"). This perspective reflects a holistic understanding of the Kingdom that includes its present, past, and future dimensions.