The Kingdom of God

Interestingly, most of the time in the gospels when Jesus' ministry is introduced the reader is told that “He came out preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God....”

Later we learn that the gospel is 'good news'. So what is the 'kingdom of God' and what is this 'good news'?

If we look at the Greek word that is translated 'kingdom' we discover that it is 'basileau' which simply means “the rule of”. We tend to think of 'kingdom' as a place, or realm over which someone reigns. But in the New Testament it is not the place but the power or authority that is the focus.

So, the “kingdom of God” is not Indiana (or any other state or place including 'heaven'), it is the realm of God's rule. One can live on earth where Satan roams and often rules but live in the Kingdom of God. If I live for myself I am living in Lloyd's little kingdom. If I live for God I live in “the kingdom of God”, allowing God to rule over me.

So what is the “gospel of God”? It is the good news that God has a plan, is exercising that plan and that ultimately God's will will be done.

The Jews feared that God had forgotten and abandoned them. Jesus taught that God was still putting together a way of salvation. Good news!