Is there a Partial Establishment of the Kingdom of Glory?
When, Where, and How? Part 2
When God Establishes His Kingdom
Discover the biblical perspectives on how God’s Kingdom begins to manifest before the final consummation.
Prayer Thought:
"The Contest for Dominion: Satan's Fear of the Coming Kingdom"
“The time had now come when Satan's empire over the world was to be contested, his right disputed, and he feared that his power would be broken. He knew, through prophecy, that a Saviour was predicted, and that His kingdom would not be established in earthly triumph and with worldly honor and display. He knew that the prophecies foretold a kingdom to be established by the Prince of heaven upon the earth which he claimed as his dominion. This kingdom would embrace all the kingdoms of the world, and then the power and glory of Satan would cease, and he would receive his retribution for the sins he had introduced into the world, and for the misery he had brought upon the human race… (ST Aug. 4, 1887).” {5BC 1079.1}
PURPOSE - To reveal that before Christ will come on earth He will have His people ready to receive Him as King of kings, spiritually in their hearts, then in their lives.
INTRODUCTION:
It is common belief that the establishment of God’s Kingdom of Glory begins with Christ’s Second Advent and continues to the New Earth.
However, the Scriptures clearly reveal that it will begin prior to the Second Advent. The object of this study is to establish this and to shown how and where this kingdom will be established.
The Old testament Church expected the Kingdom
Isaiah 9: 6, 7
9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
9:7 Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.
With the promise of the birth of the Messiah (Christ) also came the promise of the establishment of His kingdom. Thus the Jews expected Christ at His first advent to establish the kingdom.
The Desire of Ages page 34
“The dying words of Jacob filled them with hope: "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come." Gen. 49:10.
The waning power of Israel testified that the Messiah's coming was at hand. The prophecy of Daniel pictured the glory of His reign over an empire which should succeed all earthly kingdoms; and, said the prophet, "It shall stand forever." Dan. 2:44.
While few understood the nature of Christ's mission, there was a widespread expectation of a mighty prince who should establish his kingdom in Israel, and who should come as a deliverer to the nations.” {DA 34.3}
Let’s have a clear understanding of God’s Kingdom
The Kingdom of God is revealed in three distinct phases:
Kingdom of Grace – Christ’s first advent and His sacrifice bring salvation.
Kingdom of Righteousness – A purified, visible church reflecting God’s character during the judgment phase.
Kingdom of Glory – The partial, when the Servants of God enlightened the earth with glory (Rev. 18: 1-4) then the final consummation at Christ’s second coming and the New Earth.
Understanding these phases gives clarity on how God’s Kingdom progressively manifests among His people.
The Kingdom of Grace
“The kingdom of grace was instituted immediately after the fall of man… It existed by the promise of God.” (GC, p. 347)
Established at the First Advent
Christ’s sacrifice on the cross provided redemption and victory over sin.
This inaugurated the Kingdom of Grace, offering salvation to all who believe.
Scripture Reference
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” (Mark 1:15)
Purpose of the Kingdom of Grace
To provide justification and salvation through faith in Christ.
To transform hearts and reconcile sinners to God.
There is nothing in faith that makes it our saviour. Faith cannot remove our guilt.
Christ is the power of God unto salvation to all them that believe.
The justification comes through the merits of Jesus Christ. He has paid the price for the sinner's redemption. Yet it is only through faith in His blood that Jesus can justify the believer. {FLB 107.3}
The Kingdom of Righteousness
The Judgment Phase and Cleansing of God’s People
Before the Kingdom of Glory, God establishes a visible Kingdom of Righteousness on earth through the cleansing and purification of His church.
This kingdom begins with the judgment of the living, as prophesied in Ezekiel 9 and Malachi 3:1-3.
Scriptural References
“Judgment must begin at the house of God.” (1 Peter 4:17)
“He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver… and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.” (Malachi 3:3)
The Sealing of the 144,000
The 144,000 are sealed as the first fruits (Revelation 7:1-8; 14:1-5).
They stand as a purified, righteous remnant of God’s people, ready to proclaim the final gospel message.
Ellen G. White Statement
“Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters.” (5T, p. 214)
The Judgment Phase and Cleansing of God’s People
Before the Kingdom of Glory, God establishes a visible Kingdom of Righteousness on earth through the cleansing and purification of His church.
This kingdom begins with the judgment of the living, as prophesied in Ezekiel 9 and Malachi 3:1-3.
Scriptural References
“Judgment must begin at the house of God.” (1 Peter 4:17)
“He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver… and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.” (Malachi 3:3)
The Sealing of the 144,000
The 144,000 are sealed as the first fruits (Revelation 7:1-8; 14:1-5).
They stand as a purified, righteous remnant of God’s people, ready to proclaim the final gospel message.
Ellen G. White Statement
“Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters.” (5T, p. 214)
“The Kingdom of Righteousness starts with the purification of the church – the sealing of the 144,000 – God’s faithful servants who stand without fault before the throne of God.” (SRod, Vol. 1, p. 30)
Characteristics of the Kingdom of Righteousness
A visible church purified of sin and abomination (Ezekiel 9).
A people who reflect God’s character and righteousness to the world (Isaiah 60:1-3).
“The Lord shall establish thee an holy people unto himself… if thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God.” (Deuteronomy 28:9)
The Kingdom of Glory
The Glorification of Christ's People (Ephesians 5:27)
In Ephesians 5:27, Paul speaks of Christ's ultimate purpose for His Church, "that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." This passage reflects the glorification of God's people prior to Christ’s return. The glorification involves the spiritual purification and sanctification of the Church, which will be fully realized at Christ's second coming. However, this process begins here and now, with the sanctification of believers through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Key Idea:
The glorification of God's people is a process that begins on Earth and is completed at Christ's second coming. It involves spiritual transformation, holiness, and preparation for the coming Kingdom of Glory.
Ellen White emphasizes the process of sanctification and preparation for the Second Coming, where God’s people will be glorified and made ready for the Kingdom of Glory. These references highlight both the current sanctification of believers and their final glorification at Christ's return.
Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 420:
"Christ is coming to present to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish. This work is to be done in this life, and when the church shall be presented to Christ, it will be pure and holy, and the members will stand before Him without fault."
Key Point: Ellen White connects Ephesians 5:27 to the sanctification process that begins now in the lives of believers. The glorification of the Church happens in stages, starting in the present life and being completed at Christ's second coming.
The Great Controversy, p. 508:
"Christ is coming to make a final end of sin and to glorify His people. Before He comes, His people will be purified and sanctified... As Christ's return draws nearer, the work of sanctification becomes more important, and the members of the Church must prepare to meet their Lord."
Key Point: The work of sanctification and purification is essential in preparation for Christ’s return. This reflects the glorification process that will culminate at His Second Coming.
The Kingdom of Glory and Its Partial Establishment
Ellen White's writings also describe the present reality of God’s kingdom, which is progressively being established in the hearts of His people before Christ's return. This includes the influence of the Holy Spirit, the work of the gospel, and the call to be part of God’s kingdom now.
The Desire of Ages, p. 107:
"The kingdom of God is not of this world, but it is to be established in the hearts of men. As Christ reigns in the hearts of His people, His kingdom grows. This kingdom will not be established by external forces but by the influence of God's Spirit."
Key Point: The Kingdom of Glory is already being established in the hearts of believers as they submit to Christ's reign. It is a spiritual kingdom in the present age that prepares for the final establishment at Christ’s return.
The Great Controversy, p. 341:
"The work of spreading the gospel is the work of establishing the kingdom of glory. As the gospel spreads and people accept Christ as their Savior, they become citizens of the kingdom and reflect His glory. The kingdom is not of this world, but it is manifesting itself in the lives of His people."
Key Point: The Kingdom of Glory is advancing as people embrace Christ and become part of His spiritual kingdom. This work is being done through the gospel message and the lives of sanctified believers.
Revelation 18:1-4: The Final Call and the Advancement of God's Kingdom
Ellen White often refers to Revelation 18 as a powerful warning message to come out of Babylon, emphasizing the call for purification and separation from sin in preparation for Christ’s return. This is an important part of the advancement of the Kingdom of Glory before Christ’s coming.
The Great Controversy, p. 389-390:
"In the last days, as the gospel message goes forth, the call will go out to God’s people: 'Come out of her, my people.' This final message calls for a separation from sin and worldliness and points the way to the establishment of the Kingdom of Glory. The call to come out of Babylon is a call to be part of God’s kingdom, to reflect His glory, and to prepare for the final establishment of His reign."
Key Point: Revelation 18 serves as both a warning and a call to separate from sin and to embrace God’s kingdom. This preparatory work is a significant part of the advancement of the Kingdom of Glory before Christ’s second coming.
Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 216:
"The world is soon to be illuminated with the glory of God. The church must shine in the light of truth, and those who receive the message of Christ must separate themselves from the worldly systems. The light of truth will shine in such a way that God's kingdom will be clearly established in their lives."
Key Point: As Revelation 18 describes, the glory of God will be manifested in His people as they reflect His character, establishing the Kingdom of Glory within the hearts of those who receive His message.
Sheep outside the fold: A Gathering of the Second Fruit during the Loud Cry
Jn.10:16
And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.
Rev.18:4
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
STONE (Ghezar-cut out v. 45 meaning to quarry) NUMBER SEALED and SAVED from Living SDA !!
Dan.2:35
Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
Rev.7:9
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
A LARGE NUMBER SAVED from the WORLD - Thousands Converted in a Day
Thousands in the eleventh hour will see and acknowledge the truth. . . . These conversions to truth will be made with a rapidity that will surprise the church, and God's name alone will be glorified.
--2SM 16 (1890). {LDE 212.1}
There will be thousands converted to the truth in a day who at the eleventh hour see and acknowledge the truth and the movements of the Spirit of God.--EGW'88 755 (1890). {LDE 212.2}
The time is coming when there will be as many converted in a day as there were on the Day of Pentecost, after the disciples had received the Holy Spirit.--Ev 692 (1905). {LDE 212.3}
The Mountain of the House of the Lord: People shall Flow unto “it” (Kingdom - Dan. 2:44; Mt. 24:14)
Micah 4:1-2
But in the last days it shall come to pass, [that] the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.
And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.