I’ve often heard that it’s only symbolic that Jesus is returning to set up a real temporal kingdom on this earth. Those who hold this view usually quote this verse from Luke’s gospel where Jesus 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 17:21). They interpret that to mean that when a person becomes a believing baptized Christian, he or she is indwelt by God the Father and the Son via the Holy Spirit. This is certainly true; “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word and My Father will love him and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23). But does this mean, as they imply, that this indwelling is the fulfillment of kingdom prophecy? Let’s take a closer look at this verse.
First, note that Jesus, when He said this, is addressing the Pharisees who had asked Him when the kingdom of God would come. As these were unbelieving Jews, Jesus was definitely not saying the kingdom was within them. So, what was He telling them? Jesus continued His response with a detailed description of what it would be like at His second coming. He did this to elaborate on what He meant by saying “the kingdom does not come with observation.” In other words, don’t believe it if someone tells you come see, the Messiah is over here or over there with his kingdom. It’s not observable in that manner but will instead be a glorious world-shaking event. Then He said, “The kingdom is within you.” A better translation for within is ‘among you’, or ‘in your midst’. When Jesus said this, He was in the midst of them. What He clearly meant was that the kingdom was present in the form of the King in their midst. He was the Messiah and coming King of the kingdom standing right there among them. Jesus also said this clearly while addressing the Pharisees who were claiming that He was casting out demons by Beelzebub; “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.” (Matthew 12:28). The King and the kingdom were there present with them.
If you’re a Christian, you worship King Jesus who abides in you and are therefore part of His kingdom. However, the rest of the world that does not acknowledge His kingship (the vast majority) is aloof to His reign over His church. The time is drawing near when His full kingdom reign will commence. “But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool.” (Hebrews 10:12-13). When He comes the second time, “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11). Only then will His full kingdom be established.
That there will be a literal physical kingdom established on this earth with Jesus as King ruling the world from the capital city of Jerusalem, Israel, is the clear message taught thru ought scripture. No, it’s not mere symbolism. The message of the coming kingdom is what Jesus instructed His disciples and us to preach. Don’t be misled by an errant translation of Luke 17:21.
Maranatha, Jim