The concept of the "Establishment of the Kingdom" is a central theme in biblical theology, encompassing the divine rule and reign of God as manifested through His covenant people, Israel, and ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This theme is woven throughout the narrative of Scripture, from the Old Testament promises to the New Testament realization.

Old Testament Foundations

The establishment of God's kingdom begins with His covenant with Abraham, where God promises to make Abraham a great nation and to bless all the families of the earth through him (Genesis 12:1-3). This covenantal promise sets the stage for the unfolding of God's kingdom purposes.

The kingdom theme is further developed in the covenant with David, where God promises that David's throne will be established forever. In 2 Samuel 7:12-13, God declares, "When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever."

The prophets also speak of a future kingdom characterized by justice, peace, and the knowledge of God. Isaiah 9:6-7 prophesies, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore."

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of these Old Testament promises in the person of Jesus Christ. The Gospels present Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah who inaugurates the kingdom of God. In Mark 1:15, Jesus proclaims, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel."

Jesus' teachings, miracles, and parables often center on the kingdom of God, illustrating its nature and the call to enter it. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) outlines the ethics of the kingdom, while parables such as the Mustard Seed and the Leaven (Matthew 13:31-33) depict its growth and transformative power.

The death and resurrection of Jesus are pivotal in establishing the kingdom. Through His sacrificial death, Jesus conquers sin and death, securing the redemption of His people. Colossians 1:13-14 states, "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

The Church and the Kingdom

The church, as the body of Christ, plays a vital role in the present manifestation of the kingdom. Believers are called to live as citizens of this kingdom, embodying its values and advancing its mission. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) charges the church to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that Christ has commanded.

The apostolic writings further emphasize the kingdom's present and future aspects. In Romans 14:17, Paul writes, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit." The kingdom is both a present reality and a future hope, culminating in the return of Christ and the full establishment of His reign.

Eschatological Hope

The ultimate establishment of the kingdom is eschatological, looking forward to the return of Christ and the consummation of all things. Revelation 11:15 declares, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever."

In the new heavens and new earth, God's kingdom will be fully realized, characterized by perfect justice, peace, and the unhindered presence of God with His people. Revelation 21:3-4 promises, "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.'"