The Kingdom of God is an area where God has complete reign and authority. His government (Godly principles), are the rules by which the Kingdom operates. It is a Kingdom which is not bound by physical boundaries like a kingdom of this earth. Many times in the New Testament, Jesus refers to Himself when He speaks of the Kingdom of God. In Luke 17 He told the Pharisees that the Kingdom of God was “…in their midst…”.
As we receive Jesus into our lives and we become born of water and of the spirit, Jesus’s character begins to permeate into our natures in a stronger way and we enter the Kingdom of God! God’s plan was that we would enter His Kingdom here and now. We don’t have to wait until we pass from this earth before we enter the Kingdom and meet the Lord.
The kingdom of this world on the other hand, is the kingdom of ‘the god of this world’. It is a kingdom which appeals to the things of our old sinful nature. The accuser of the brethren is the one who controls this kingdom. The father of lies, he is constantly striving to distract us from the Lord.
God in His infinite wisdom, has permitted these two kingdoms to operate side by side – for a season of time.
When Jesus spoke to Peter, He told him that the true body of Christ would be built on Jesus. He continued and said that hell would NEVER overcome this true body also known as His Bride (Matt.16:18). So… who are the true body of Christ – known as the remnant – or the called out ones (ecclesia)? Let’s look at these two examples:
Jesus told Nicodemus unless one is BORN AGAIN he cannot SEE the kingdom of God (Joh.3:3). He then went on to say that unless one is BORN of WATER and the SPIRIT he cannot ENTER the kingdom of God (Joh.3:5). At first sight, it is sometimes very difficult to see the difference between those who ‘see’ the Kingdom of God (or are aware of God) and those who have ‘entered’ the Kingdom of God. From the outside, they all seem the same.
The ones who have been born of water and born of the spirit are the remnant, the ones who have a true relationship with the Lord, the ones who know His voice, the ones you will tell by their fruit (Matt.7:16;21).
In the parable of the ten virgins who went out to meet the bridegroom with their lamps, Jesus explained that 5 were wise and 5 were foolish (Matt.25:1-13). From the outside they all looked the same. However, the ones who kept oil in their lamps were the ones who entered the Kingdom. The oil in the lamp represents relationship.
The ones who had oil in their lamps are the remnant – again – the ones who have a true relationship with the Lord, the ones who know His voice, the ones you will tell by their fruit.
In both these cases, Jesus said you will tell them by their fruit. When we have a true relationship with the Lord, HIS character will automatically flow out from us. Not by our strength – but by His Spirit.
These then, are the remnant. They were born out of Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross and have been growing as a body ever since – right up to present day. They will continue to multiply into the future, for as long as the Lord allows. The gates of hell have never prevailed and never will prevail against them. Persecution has abounded in their history, but peace within has reigned.
The fruit of the remnant has always been, and always will be, the hope of the world. Jesus gave these ‘called out ones’ one command – “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matt.28:19).
While the world collapses around us, the remnant continues to have a purpose and a goal. Their hope, joy and peace are in the Lord. You and I are part of this amazing body – let’s keep shining the light of hope!
From: “…time with the Master…”