“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
A kingdom is not just a plot of land or a real estate with borders. A kingdom is a place under the authority of a ruler, a King. John D Grassmick in The Bible Knowledge Commentary pointed out that the “Kingdom of God” is a dynamic concept, rather than static. This refers to God’s activity as the sovereign ruler.
God’s rule, his authority was said to be “at hand”, or in other terms “being established”. But, established over what? What is the “plot of land” under the King’s authority? If you are a Christian, it is your heart.
According to Jesus, when your heart is under God’s reign there are two equally vital responses, to believe and repent. Maybe another time we can discuss the full meaning or “repent” and “believe”, but 200 words or less isn’t enough space in that endeavor.
Right now, here is what we have to grapple with as Christians in our modern world, does God reign in our hearts or is he merely a voice among many?
“So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.” (Romans 6:11–12, ESV)
Let your light shine!