The New Testament, and Christians likewise, talk about two things a lot: the church and the kingdom of God. And generally when we talk about them, we tend to make them almost synonymous. But how should we understand them and their relationship to one another? 

The church and the kingdom of God are closely related, though not identical. When the Bible speaks of the kingdom of God or the kingdom of heaven, it is referring to the reign of God in the world. This kingdom is one that can never be destroyed and will never end. Its king, Jesus, will sit on the throne forever.

The church is the people of God who live under Jesus’ loving rule now, while waiting for the realization of God’s kingdom in the future.

As the church, we are called to be witnesses to His kingdom, proclaiming God’s message of salvation through Christ and demonstrating the power of the gospel through good works so that others may be brought to live under God’s reign.