False kingdom views in the Church today

Today the kingdom of God seems caught-up in eschatological mid-air. The majority of evangelicals have been led to believe God has withdrawn his kingdom, and someday it will be established and visibly set up in a future Jewish millennial era. Others believe it is here but only partially “in some sense” but question in what sense. Some say it is here but major elements have ceased to function, having been withdrawn by God. Therefore, they do little, if anything, with Jesus’ kingdom. On the other hand, Jesus’ first followers were accused of having “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6; 20:25, 27) with his kingdom. Most, today, however, only give the kingdom of God a small place in their lives and have totally neglected Jesus’ admonition to “But seek, ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matt. 6:33).

How many coming kingdoms of God (or forms thereof) were prophesied by Daniel and proclaimed by Jesus?  The correct answer is, “One.” But . . .

Dispensational premillennialists’ answer is “four” – 1) Jesus’ 1st-century kingdom, 2) the withdrawn or present mystery kingdom, 3)  the millennial kingdom, 4) the eternal kingdom.

Amillennialists’ answer is “two” – 1) the present kingdom Jesus brought, which is a foretaste of . . .  2) the eternal-state kingdom in fullness.

Postmillennialists’ answer is “two or three” – 1) the present kingdom Jesus brought, 2) a future golden age, 3) the eternal-state kingdom.

Cessationist Preterists’ answer is “two” – 1) the pre-A.D. 70 version of the kingdom brought by Jesus, 2) the post-A.D.-70, spiritual version with major elements removed (i.e., the charismatic gifts, ministries of the Holy Spirit, and angels).

Whom should we believe—these conflicting church views or Daniel and Jesus?

Sadly, the kingdom of God remains one of the most misunderstood, misconstrued, confused, abstracted, and contested realities in Christianity. Most churches today rarely mention the kingdom, let alone teach and obey its established and present-day elements. For centuries, even theologians have been divided over both its timing and nature. All this confusion and disagreement has led to a number of bizarre behaviors and avoidance practices.

Sources:

1A Once-Mighty Faith (future book – est. 2014-2015) by John Noe

2Dictionary of Biblical Prophecy and End Times by Hays, Duvall, and Pate