What Kind of Kingdom Does the Bible Speak about in the Last Days
When, Where, and How? Part 3
When God Establishes His Kingdom
Explore the characteristics and purpose of God’s Kingdom as revealed in prophecy.
Prayer Thought:
"The Elect of God: The Character and Role of His Kingdom’s Subjects"
“Who are the subjects of the kingdom of God?--all those who do His will. They have righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. The members of Christ's kingdom are the sons of God, partners in His great firm. The elect of God are a chosen generation, a peculiar people, a holy nation, to show forth the praises of Him who hath called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. They are the salt of the earth, the light of the world. They are living stones, a royal priesthood. They are in co-partnership with Jesus Christ. These are they that follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth.” {TM 422} compare with Rev. 14:1-4.
PURPOSE - To explore the characteristics and purpose of God’s Kingdom as revealed in prophecy, focusing on key texts such as Daniel 2:44-45; Isaiah 2:2-4; Hos. 3:5-6; Jer. 51:19-23, and Ezek. 36.
INTRODUCTION:
The Prophetic Insight Study has been prepared based on the key Scriptures, integrating EGW and SRod insights to provide a comprehensive understanding of God’s kingdom in the last days.
The Prophecy of Daniel 2:44-45: The STONE Kingdom
Scripture Focus:
“And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever…”
Characteristics of God’s Kingdom:
1. A STONE Kingdom established by God, not by Human hands.
2. Permanent and Indestructible.
3. Overthrows all earthly kingdoms.
How will that happen?
Establishment by Divine Power:
Ellen White states, “The God of heaven is to set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed. It is to be composed of the saints of God, but the kingdom and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High.” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 76.)
Key Insight: The establishment of God’s kingdom is a divine act that transcends human power, fulfilled through Christ’s ultimate reign.
Breaking of Earthly Kingdoms:
She further writes, “The stone that smote the image becomes a great mountain and fills the whole earth. This is plainly a figure of the setting up of Christ’s everlasting kingdom.” (The Great Controversy, p. 237.)
Key Insight: The destruction of earthly kingdoms symbolizes the replacement of flawed human rule with Christ’s perfect government.
The Kingdom's Foundation:
The Shepherd's Rod describes, “The stone, cut out without hands, represents a supernatural work of God to establish His eternal kingdom. It signifies that the kingdom is not man-made but divinely instituted.” (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 45.)
Key Insight: The stone is symbolic of the purity, permanence, and divine origin of God’s government.
Timing of Establishment:
The SRod emphasizes, “In the days of these kings refers to the closing work of God during the reign of earthly governments. The final work culminates in the setting up of His kingdom and the eradication of sin.” (SRod, Vol. 1, p. 80.)
Key Insight: God’s kingdom will be established during the existence of present-day systems, highlighting its imminent reality.
Purpose of the Kingdom:
“The kingdom established by God will serve as the center of His work, preparing the faithful for eternal life and spreading His law to all nations.” (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 60.)
Take note: Matthew 24:14.
Key Insight: The kingdom acts as both a sanctuary for the redeemed and a hub for God’s mission to the world.
Further insights on our understanding of God’s Kingdom
Highlight that the stone represents a divine act to replace human systems with an eternal, Christ-centered kingdom.
Emphasize the supernatural timing and purpose of the kingdom’s establishment during the reign of earthly powers, as supported by both EGW and SRod writings.
Connect the kingdom’s indestructibility and global influence with its preparation of the faithful for eternity.
Additional Insights from the Golden Bowl:
Ellen White explains, “The image, with its gold, silver, brass, iron, and clay, represents the kingdoms of this earth. The stone cut out without hands is a figure of the kingdom of Christ, and it will break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 502.)
SRod Commentary:
The Shepherd’s Rod emphasizes the certainty of God’s kingdom overcoming earthly powers: “This prophecy reveals the divine intervention in the affairs of the world, and the establishment of God’s eternal government.” (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 70.)
The Vision of Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Exalted Mountain
Scripture Focus:
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains… and all nations shall flow unto it. …Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”
Purpose of God’s Kingdom:
Establishes peace and justice among nations.
Draws people from all nations to worship the true God.
Demonstrates God’s supremacy and His moral law.
Ellen White describes the universal impact of God’s kingdom: “The time is coming when God’s kingdom will be recognized by all the world, and His law will govern every heart.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 509.)
SRod Commentary:
The SRod notes, “The establishment of the mountain of the Lord’s house signifies the exaltation of His church above all others, bringing unity and peace to His faithful.” (SRod, Vol. 1, p. 200.)
How Will the Kingdom Be Realized?
Through divine intervention, God will establish His Kingdom in righteousness and peace, exalting His truth above all.
Ellen White affirms: “Through the church, eventually the whole world will hear the gospel, and God’s law will be magnified among the nations.” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 13.)
The SRod emphasizes, “This prophecy assures the establishment of God’s universal kingdom, a dominion of peace, where all nations will flow unto His house to learn of Him and to walk in His ways.” (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 121.)
The Restoration in Hosea 3:5-6
Scripture Focus:
“Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the Lord their God, and David their king; and shall fear the Lord and His goodness in the latter days.”
Restoration in the Latter Days:
God’s people will return to Him in repentance and obedience.
A Davidic ruler, symbolizing Christ, will reign.
Are you Ready to Discover how the Stone will Smote the Great Image (the kingdoms of the Earth)?
Let’s open up our Bible in Jeremiah 51:19-23
Jeremiah 51:19-23 - God’s Battle AX
Compare with Daniel 2:35
verse 19 The portion of Jacob [is] not like them; for he [is] the former of all things: and [Israel is] the rod of his inheritance: the LORD of hosts [is] his name.
verse 20 Thou [art] my battle ax [and] weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms;
verse 21 And with thee will I break in pieces the horse and his rider; and with thee will I break in pieces the chariot and his rider;
verse 22 With thee also will I break in pieces man and woman; and with thee will I break in pieces old and young; and with thee will I break in pieces the young man and the maid;
verse 23 I will also break in pieces with thee the shepherd and his flock; and with thee will I break in pieces the husbandman and his yoke of oxen; and with thee will I break in pieces captains and rulers.
The Weapon of God in Jeremiah 51:19-23
Scripture Focus:
“Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms…”
God’s Kingdom as an Instrument of Judgment:
God uses His people as instruments of His will.
The kingdom will execute divine judgment on rebellious nations.
The Weapon of God: The Witnesses
“The Lord’s people are to be His witnesses, proclaiming His judgments and His mercies.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 19.)
That which God purposed to do for the world through Israel, the chosen nation, He will finally accomplish through His church on earth today. He has "let out His vineyard unto other husbandmen," even to His covenant-keeping people, who faithfully "render Him the fruits in their seasons." Never has the Lord been without true representatives on this earth who have made His interests their own. These witnesses for God are numbered among the spiritual Israel, and to them will be fulfilled all the covenant promises made by Jehovah to His ancient people. {PK 713.1}
Today the church of God is free to carry forward to completion the divine plan for the salvation of a lost race. For many centuries God's people suffered a restriction of their liberties. The preaching of the gospel in its purity was prohibited, and the severest of penalties were visited upon those who dared disobey the mandates of men. As a consequence, the Lord's great moral vineyard was almost wholly unoccupied. The people were deprived of the light of God's word. The darkness of error and superstition threatened to blot out a knowledge of true religion. God's church on earth was as verily in captivity during this long period of relentless persecution as were the children of Israel held captive in Babylon during the period of the exile. {PK 714.1}
The Promised Transformation in Ezekiel 36
Scripture Focus:
“A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you… And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.”
Characteristics of the Transformation:
Spiritual renewal and moral purity.
Restoration to God’s promised inheritance.
A covenant relationship with God.
Inspiration Speaks: The Promised Transformation in Ezekiel 36
Ellen White comments, “The work of God’s Spirit in the heart is to transform the character and prepare His people for the kingdom.”
In all who will submit themselves to the Holy Spirit a new principle of life is to be implanted; the lost image of God is to be restored in humanity. {COL 96.1} (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 97.)
The SRod explains, “The new heart signifies a complete renewal of life, making God’s people fit for His eternal kingdom.” (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 180.)
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}
Conclusion:
The Bible reveals that God’s kingdom in the last days will be a divine, eternal, and just dominion, characterized by spiritual restoration, global peace, and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
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}
This kingdom is established by God Himself, overturning all human systems and drawing all nations under His righteous rule. As we prepare for this kingdom, we must embrace spiritual renewal, live in obedience, and proclaim the coming of Christ’s eternal reign.