When is the Kingdom Coming? (LD 48; 1 Cor. 15:20-28)

Reformed & Expository Preaching

In the Lord’s Prayer, the petition “Your kingdom come” may initially seem strange because Christ has already inaugurated His kingdom through His life, death, and resurrection. He also rules from heaven after ascending to the right hand of God. Different theological perspectives interpret the kingdom differently. There are some who anticipate a progressive improvement of the world or a literal thousand-year reign, while others, like the Reformed “amillennial” view, see Christ’s kingdom as a present spiritual reality with a future consummation. This view emphasizes that Christ reigns now, advances His kingdom progressively, and will ultimately bring it to completion, culminating in the fullness of His redemptive plan.

Spiritual Reign and Church Advancement

The Lord’s Prayer reflects a desire for Christ’s active rule in our lives. It asks for His domination over us, calling believers to deeper subjection and sanctification. It also expresses a longing for the growth and preservation of the Church, spreading the gospel to all nations, and the defeat of Satan’s work and all opposition to God’s Word. The kingdom is not merely a future event but is actively advancing as Christ works in the lives of individuals and the broader Church, progressively sanctifying believers and bringing more people into His fold.

Resurrection as First Fruits and Guarantee

Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 15 underscores the resurrection of Christ as central to the kingdom and the gospel. Christ’s resurrection is the “first fruits,” consecrating the harvest and guaranteeing the resurrection of believers. It demonstrates victory over death, which is the ultimate enemy, and his resurrection ensures that Christians are set apart as God’s people. The first fruits would set apart the whole harvest unto God. This connects the present spiritual reign of Christ to a future, visible consummation, reminding believers that their faith is grounded in a real, historic event and that the ultimate triumph over sin and death is secured.

The Ultimate Consummation and Hope

Though Christ reigns spiritually now, His kingdom will be fully consummated when all things are subjected to Him, death is defeated, and His redemptive plan is completed. The millennium and other biblical numbers symbolize this completion rather than a literal temporal period. For instance, are there literally 1000 hills, or is the Lord just emphasizing that he owns all the cattle? Clearly, the Lord is emphasizing the fullness and completeness of his providence when he mentions he owns the cattle on a 1000 hills. Believers are called to submit to Christ, engage in spiritual warfare against sin and evil, and cultivate concern for the lost. However, the true physical glory kingdom only comes when Christ publicly returns, bringing us into the new heavens and earth.

Ultimately, praying “Your kingdom come” expresses longing for Christ’s final triumph, the resurrection harvest, and the full enjoyment of God’s glory in a consummated creation as we dwell in the heavenly city forever.