What is a kingdom?
The two following modern answers are inadequate:
� A kingdom is primarily a realm over which a king exercises his authority
� A kingdom is the people belonging to a given realm
A dictionary will say that a kingdom is a state or monarchy the head of which is a king; dominion; realm. Therefore the Kingdom of Norway may be thought of as the citizens over whom King Harald exercises his rule, the subjects of his kingdom or that his kingdom is the geographical area over which he has dominion.
These two ideas will lead us astray from a correct understanding of Biblical truth � especially since our modern king has almost no power.
Some define the Kingdom of God as �The spiritual realm having God as its head�. This definition cannot do justice the fact that the triune God is a community of love, - a kingdom of love in himself, or to the verses which speak of the coming of the Kingdom in outward glory and power when Christ returns. On the other hand, if we begin with the idea of a future realm inaugurated by the return of Christ, we cannot do justice to the sayings about the Kingdom as a present reality.
If we begin with the idea of the Kingdom as people, we will identify the Kingdom with the Church, which really has no scriptural basis.