How would the Kingdom be Established and realized as it was Written?
When, Where, and How? Part 4
When God Establishes His Kingdom
Learn how prophecy points to the establishment of God’s Kingdom in harmony with His Word.
Prayer Thought:
"The Sure Foundation: Building Upon Christ, the Living Stone"
Upon this living stone, Jews and Gentiles alike may build. This is the only foundation upon which we may securely build. It is broad enough for all, and strong enough to sustain the weight and burden of the whole world. And by connection with Christ, the living stone, all who build upon this foundation become living stones. Many persons are by their own endeavors hewn, polished, and beautified; but they cannot become "living stones," because they are not connected with Christ. Without this connection, no man can be saved. Without the life of Christ in us, we cannot withstand the storms of temptation. Our eternal safety depends upon our building upon the sure foundation. Multitudes are today building upon foundations that have not been tested. When the rain falls, and the tempest rages, and the floods come, their house will fall, because it is not founded upon the eternal Rock, the chief cornerstone Christ Jesus. {DA 599.4}
PURPOSE - Understand how God's Word outlines the establishment of His Kingdom, the role of His people, and the fulfillment of prophetic promises.
INTRODUCTION:
The establishment of God’s Kingdom is a central theme throughout Scripture, revealing God’s ultimate purpose to restore His sovereignty and redeem His people. From the promises given to Abraham to the prophecies of the prophets, we see a consistent picture of a Kingdom that is both spiritual and literal—a Kingdom established in righteousness and truth.
This study seeks to explore the question, “How would the Kingdom be established and realized as it was written?” We will examine key Scriptures that outline God’s prophetic plan, emphasizing His covenant promises, the purification of His people, and the final restoration of His rule. Through these passages, we will see how God’s faithfulness and justice are harmonized in the fulfillment of His Word.
As we reflect on these truths, let us consider how we can prepare to be part of this Kingdom and what it means for our lives today.
Additional Introduction:
This study will guide us through pivotal scriptures and inspired writings from the Spirit of Prophecy (SOP) and the Shepherd’s Rod (SRod), revealing how God’s Kingdom will be established in harmony with His character and His Word. It will address the following key aspects:
1.God’s divine intervention for His name’s sake.
2.The purification and preparation of His people.
3.The fulfillment of covenant promises and the final restoration of His Kingdom.
Through this study, we will discover that the establishment of God’s Kingdom is not only a future event but also a present reality for those who respond to His call. It is a journey of faith, obedience, and hope, culminating in the glorious reign of Christ and the eternal joy of the redeemed.
God's Sovereign Work in Establishing the Kingdom
God’s Purpose and His Name's Sake
Ezekiel 36:22-24: God acts not for Israel's sake but for His holy name, sanctifying it among the nations.
In that day only the righteous are promised deliverance. "The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites. “The honor of His throne is at stake, and the deliverance of His people will be an evidence of His righteousness” (Prophets and Kings, p. 725).
God’s act of gathering His people is the fulfillment of His covenant, making a distinction between the faithful and the unfaithful.
God sanctifies His name among the nations by restoring His people.
This work reveals His character, not the merit of His people.
God will be to His church "a refuge from the storm." Isaiah 25:4. {PK 725.2}
God's work of restoration glorifies His name and confirms His covenant promises.
“The Lord is dishonored when those who profess to serve Him follow a course that leads to worldliness and sin. But for His name’s sake, He will act to purify His people” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 475).
The restoration symbolizes the cleansing of God’s people, both spiritually and physically, pointing to the fulfillment of Ezekiel 9 (judgment of the living) and Revelation 7 (sealing of the 144,000). (SRod, Vol. 1, p. 137).
Promise of Restoration
Scripture:
Psalm 105:8-11 - God’s covenant with Abraham is an everlasting promise of a land for His people.
Micah 7:20 - God shows faithfulness and steadfast love in keeping His promises.
God’s covenant with Abraham ensures His people’s inheritance of the Promised Land.
His steadfast love and mercy extend to the faithful remnant.
EGW Insight:
“The promises made to the fathers are sure, and God will not fail in bringing them to fulfillment” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 476).
The covenant reflects God’s unchanging faithfulness.
Promise of Restoration
“God’s covenant with Abraham is the foundation of all His dealings with His people. The promises to Abraham will find their ultimate fulfillment in the establishment of His eternal Kingdom” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 370).
“The covenant extends beyond the physical descendants of Abraham to all who have faith in God’s promises” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 222).
SRod Comment:
The inheritance of the land is both literal (the physical land) and spiritual (the kingdom of grace), culminating in the establishment of God's eternal Kingdom. “God’s covenant with Abraham guarantees the literal and spiritual inheritance of the promised land. The faithful will witness the fulfillment of this promise through the restoration of the Kingdom” (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 97).
Preparation for the Kingdom
Purification Through Judgment
Scripture:
Ezekiel 20:37 - Passing under the rod signifies purification and separation.
Zephaniah 2:4-7, 9 - Judgment begins in the land, and the remnant inherits it.
God brings His people under the rod for purification, separating the faithful from the unfaithful.
The judgment on the land precedes the inheritance of the remnant.
EGW Insight:
“The time of judgment is a time of separation, when the wheat is distinguished from the tares” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 123).
The investigative judgment purifies the church in preparation for the final gathering.
How will God’s Kingdom established?
“The Lord will gather His people from the ends of the earth, and they will rejoice in His Kingdom.” (EGW, Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 47)
“The prophecy of Ezekiel 9 points to a solemn purging of the church. Those who sigh and cry for the abominations will be sealed and preserved for God’s Kingdom” (SRod, Vol. 1, p. 30).
“The remnant who pass under the rod are those who escape the slaughter and are prepared to stand in the Kingdom” (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 172).
“The establishment of God's Kingdom is not just spiritual but also literal, beginning with the restoration of Jerusalem and the setting up of God's throne in the city.” (SRod, Vol. 1)
Worship and Service in the Kingdom
The Holy Mountain (Ezek. 20:40) is symbolic of God’s Kingdom, where the firstfruits (144,000) lead in worship, and the great multitude follow.
The Feast of Tabernacles (Zech. 14:16-17) represents the unity of all believers in worship and service in the Kingdom.
Worship and Peace:
Zechariah 14:16-17 describes how all nations will come to Jerusalem to worship the King. This will be the final, eternal peace under God's rule, which will start in His Kingdom established until the New Heaven and New Earth (Isa. 66:19-23)
Fulfillment of Prophetic Promises
The Gathering and Restoration of Israel
Ezekiel 36:36-37: The desolate places are rebuilt, and God gathers His people.
EGW Insight: “God’s gathering work is to prepare His people for the final conflict and establish His eternal kingdom” (Early Writings, p. 56).
SRod Comment:
"The prophecy of Ezekiel 36 and 37 is not merely figurative; the physical restoration of Israel is also part of God's plan." (SRod, Vol. 1)
The establishment of the kingdom in the land is both literal and spiritual, fulfilling God’s promises to Israel.
The Gathering and Restoration of Israel
EGW Insight:
“The gathering of Israel is a foretaste of the final ingathering, when the redeemed will dwell securely in the New Jerusalem” (Early Writings, p. 56).
Restoration demonstrates God’s ability to bring life to the spiritually dead.
SRod Comment:
The physical gathering of Israel foreshadows the final gathering of the faithful remnant, representing the great multitude (Rev. 7:9).
The restoration of the land is a precursor to the establishment of the eternal Kingdom.
Fulfillment of Prophetic Promises
Final Victory and Eternal Reign
Zechariah 14:1-2, 11, 16, 17: God’s people triumph over enemies, and the land is secure.
Zephaniah 2:4-7, 9: Judgment, restoration, and inheritance by the remnant.
EGW Insight: “The ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom will reveal His glory and establish everlasting peace” (The Great Controversy, p. 674).
SRod Comment: The reign of the saints with Christ represents the fulfillment of the ceremonial harvest: the ingathering of the firstfruits (144,000) and the second fruits (great multitude).
Zechariah 14’s prophecy depicts the literal and spiritual reign of Christ as King in His eternal Kingdom.
Fulfillment of Prophetic Promises
Final Victory and Eternal Reign
“The Kingdom established in Zechariah’s vision represents the climax of God’s redemptive work, where Christ reigns as King and the saints as co-heirs” (SRod, Vol. 2, p. 165).
“The reign of the saints is the culmination of the harvest: the ingathering of the firstfruits (144,000) and the great multitude” (SRod, Vol. 1, p. 112).
As the numbers of Israel increased, they were to enlarge their borders until their kingdom should embrace the world. {PK 19.1}
But ancient Israel did not fulfill God's purpose. The Lord declared, "I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto Me?" "Israel is an empty vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself." "And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt Me and My vineyard.
And today God's message to His church--to those who are occupying His vineyard as faithful husbandmen--is none other than that spoken through the prophet of old:
"Sing ye unto her, A vineyard of red wine. I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day." Isaiah 27:2, 3.
The Master of the vineyard is even now gathering from among men of all nations and peoples the precious fruits for which He has long been waiting. Soon He will come unto His own; and in that glad day His eternal purpose for the house of Israel will finally be fulfilled. "He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit." Verse 6. {PK 22.2}
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}
Closing Thought:
The establishment of God’s Kingdom, as prophesied in the Scriptures, will be a literal and spiritual reality. God’s people will be restored and gathered, judgment will be executed on the wicked, and peace and worship will reign in Jerusalem.
Ellen G. White stresses both the spiritual and literal fulfillment of God’s promises, particularly in the gathering of His people.
The Shepherd’s Rod emphasizes the literal restoration of Israel and the setting up of God’s Kingdom in Jerusalem, interpreting the prophecies as still awaiting fulfillment in the last days.
This prophetic study assures us that God's Kingdom will be established in perfect harmony with His Word, fulfilling the promises made to Israel and the world through His Son, Jesus Christ.