My Kingdom Is Not of this World
By Glendol McClure

When our Lord was in Pilate's judgment hall, Pilate "called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence." (John. 18:33-36)

In verse 36 of this chapter, Jesus made a far-reaching declaration regarding the nature of His kingdom. The nature of Jesus' kingdom is spiritual, as manifested by His own words found in our text. On the surface, we note the following points concerning some distinctive features of this spiritual kingdom:

For purposes of clarity, please note that in this article, the words "kingdom" and "church" are used repeatedly. I recognize that the words "kingdom" (basileia, Gk) and "church" (ecclesia, Gk) are translated from different Greek words that have different definitions. "Kingdom," basically, means "the sphere or realm of God's rule" (W. E. Vine, Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words); whereas, "church" refers to those "called out" (Thayer) by means of the gospel of Christ.

Alien sinners who are obedient to the gospel are "called" by God (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:14), and they constitute the "church," or those called "out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9). God, Who calls us by His gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14), calls us "unto His kingdom and glory," (1 Thessalonians 2:12) and has "delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son." (Colossians 1:13) Therefore, those in the "church" at Thessalonica were in the Lord's "kingdom." This conclusion is consistent with Matthew 16:18,19, wherein Christ used the words "church" and "kingdom" interchangeably, meaning that with reference to their constituents, they are one and the same.

This is further evidenced by a study of Matthew 26:26-28 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-29, verses which reveal that the Lord's supper, instituted by Christ to be observed in His "kingdom," was observed in the "church." Consequently, those in the church have submitted to God's "rule" (the gospel) and have been brought into "the sphere of God's rule," or into His "kingdom."

The facts stated in the preceding remarks verify that members of the church are citizens in the Lord's kingdom. We will now examine the kingdom (or church) of Christ and discuss ways in which this "kingdom is NOT of this world."

  1. This kingdom has no earthly origin! It was built by Christ, in the "latter days," as prophesied by Daniel in Daniel 2:36-44. Christ built it, in the days of "the Apostles whom He (Christ) had chosen." (Acts 1:2; Matthew 16:13-28) This kingdom came into existence, with "power from on high," on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-47; Mark. 9:1; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4). Its purpose is eternal (Ephesians 3:10-11), and saved souls were added to it by the Lord (Acts 2:47).

  2. This kingdom has no earthly head or king! Christ is its ONE and ONLY head (Ephesians 5:23,24,32; Colossians 1:18), Catholic false doctrine notwithstanding. Jesus Christ claimed "all authority: "All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth." (Matthew 28:18) This kingdom's King, Christ, "is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords." (1 Timothy 6:15) The church (kingdom) is His body, and He purchased it with His "own blood." (Colossians 1:18; Acts 20:28; cf. Hebrews 9:12; 13:12; Revelation 1:5)

  3. The King of this kingdom has no earthly reign! He (Jesus Christ) is now reigning on the "right hand of God." (Mark 16:19; Acts 2:33; 7:55,56; Romans 8:34; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 10:12; 1 Peter 3:22) His reign will continue until "death is his footstool." (1 Corinthians 15:20-28) We can know that Christ is now reigning because death is still present. The world is replete with mortuaries where we can stare death in the face. According to the Hebrew writer, Christ is, and will be, our High Priest "forever." (Hebrews 5:10; 6:20; 7:12-28) Is there an earthly king who reigns forever?

    Further, Paul testified that Christ will not return to reign on earth, when he wrote, "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) Note especially verse 17: "Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." According to Paul, Christ will never again set foot on this earth.

  4. This kingdom has no earthly headquarters. Unlike the headquarters of earthly religious denominations, Christ's kingdom's headquarters has no physical address, no phone or fax number, and no web page. You cannot mail a letter to this kingdom's headquarters.

    While denominations (such as the Mormon Church headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, or the Roman Catholic Church headquartered in Rome, Italy) have earthly headquarters, this kingdom's headquarters cannot be found or visited in any city or country on earth. However, through prayer, we can "come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)

    If Christ is on the "right hand of God" (Mark 16:19; Acts 2:33; 7:5, 56; Romans 8:34; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 10:12; 1 Peter 3:22), and Christ is the one and only Head of the church (Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18), then it follows that this kingdom is headquartered in Heaven, and not on earth.

  5. This kingdom's faithful citizens are in the world but not of the world. Jesus Himself declared the peculiar nature of this citizenship (John 15:19; 17:14-17). The apostles taught that this kingdom's citizens must live holy lives. Peter wrote, "Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:13-16) Its citizens are a "peculiar people." (1 Peter 2:9; Titus 2:14) We must emulate Christ and strive to maintain pure lives; hence, we must be free of unrighteousness (Galatians 5:19-21; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Colossians 3:1-14). Additionally, we must endure trials until the end (1 Peter 4:12-19), and live faithful lives "unto death." (Revelation 2:10)

  6. This kingdom's mission is not a fleshly mission. It has a spiritual and divine mission--to accomplish the purpose for which God designed it (1 Timothy 3:15; cf. Ephesians 3:11). An examination of the first-century church's work and worship reveals that the church:

    • Preached the gospel to all the world (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15,16; Colossians 1:23-28, Ephesians 3:10).
    • Edified its members in the faith (Ephesians 4:11-12; 1 Timothy 2:14; 1 Peter 2:5-10).
    • Cared for its own needy or destitute saints (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Acts 4:31-37; 6:1-7).
    • Disciplined its members who walked disorderly (2 Thessalonians 3:6,14; 1 Corinthians 5:9-13).

    Its mission is not intended to satisfy man's whims, wants, or wishes, but only to accomplish God's eternal purpose (Ephesians 3:11; Matthew 7:21-23). It is not an organization to provide fun, food, and frolic (recreation). It is not a social or recreation club. It does not engage in business ventures or in the entertainment business. Its mission is not to provide for ANY of man's fleshly lusts. Paul said, "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Romans 14:17)

  7. This kingdom's organization was not designed on earth. The design's simplicity is evidenced by Paul's statement, "Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons." (Philippians 1:1)

    • This kingdom has servants or evangelists (preachers), as were Paul and Timothy.
    • It has bishops (overseers) or elders (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-11; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Acts 20:28). All of these are men, not women, who meet the divinely given qualifications and watch over the flock among them in a certain locality (1 Peter 5:1-2).
    • It has deacons or servants (1 Timothy 3:8-13).
    • And it has saints (faithful members).

    It is interesting to note that there is no man-made order. There are no dioceses or district bishops, no wards, no one-pastor systems (Titus 1:5-7; Acts 20:17,28; 1 Timothy 3:1; 1 Peter 5:1-2). There are no men who are called "Reverend" (Psalm 111:9); there are no "Fathers" (Matthew 23:8-11), and no "Priests" who wear special collars or special garb (1 Peter 2:5-10). No "clergy-laity" distinctions are found, or even implied, anywhere in the New Testament.

    The Lord's church is a divine organization, designed by God's wisdom (Colossians 1:9-2:4; 3:16; 4:5; James 1:5; 3:17). It was built to fulfill God's eternal purpose and promise (Ephesians 3:10-11). It was built on a divine foundation (Matthew 16:16-18; Ephesians 2:20). The church includes all those redeemed by the blood of Christ and added to it by the Lord (Acts 2:47; Acts 20:28; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 Peter 1:18; 1 Corinthians 12:13-31). Its members' hearts have been pricked by the gospel message. They have been baptized into Christ (Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27), and they live their lives "faithful unto death" to the glory of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ.

  8. This kingdom has no man-made doctrines or creeds. Its rule and authority are the words of Christ and His apostles, found in the New Testament, of which Christ is "the mediator." (Hebrews 8:6; 9:15; 12:24) The Bible is its ONLY rule of faith and practice. Its platform, and creed, if you will, is the Holy Scriptures (Hebrews 9:15-17; 10:9-10; 19-22; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:3,4), the "faith once delivered to the saints." (Jude 3)

    The word "once" found in Jude 3, is from the Greek word hapax. W. E. Vine, in his Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, defines this significant word: "(b) "once for all, of what is of perpetual validity, not requiring repetition, Hebrews 6:4; 9:28; 10:2; 1 Peter 3:18; Jude 1:3." Hence, there is no need, nor any authority, for any latter-day revelations or man-made traditions.

    Christ condemned denominations established by men, as well as their religious error. Jesus warned, "Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up." (Matthew 15:13; cf. vs. 1-9) Jesus' warning was not a lesson on horticulture; rather, it was a stern warning to the religious scribes and Pharisees of His day, and that warning still applies. Catholics, Mormons and other religious people who are steeped in men's traditions and so-called latter-day revelations should take note. There will be a rooting day during which the Father will "root up" all religious error.

  9. This kingdom's battle is not a fleshly battle. Reconsider our text, John 18:36: "...My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence."

    The weapons with which we fight this battle are not carnal or fleshly (2 Corinthians 10:3-6). The armor is spiritual in nature, because the war is a spiritual war (Ephesians 6:10-19). Even though the weapons are not carnal, the armor is not physical, and the battle is not a fleshly battle, it is, nonetheless, a fight. It is a fight to obtain, as Paul wrote Timothy (2 Timothy 4:7), the crown. It is a fight for one's own spiritual survival (1 Corinthians 9:25-27). It is a fight against the devil and his angels, for men's souls (Acts 20:27-32; 1 Corinthians 15:32). It is a defense of "the faith once delivered to the saints." (Jude 3) This kingdom's great battle is "the good fight of faith." (1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7)

  10. Men or their doctrines do not govern entrance into this kingdom. Entrance is not accomplished by "accepting Jesus as one's personal savior," reciting the "sinner's prayer," being voted in by a religious organization, or by conforming to doctrines and creeds established by men.

    To enter this kingdom, one must comply with a divine formula. Alien sinners must be "born again." Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." (John 3:3) How does one go about being "born again?" Jesus said, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." (John 3:5-6) We are "born of water and of the Spirit" when we obey the gospel of Christ and are baptized (immersed in water) into Christ "for the remission of sins," as instructed by the Holy Spirit through the pens of inspired Scripture writers (Galatians 3:27; Acts 22:16).

    Jesus said, "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." (John 12:48) Jesus' words clearly state, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:16; cf. Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3,4; 1 Corinthians 12:13; 1 Peter 3:21).

    That settles it. Man cannot alter or circumvent the divine requirements for salvation. When he hears and obeys the gospel of Christ, repents of his past sins, confesses before men his faith in Christ, and is baptized in the watery grave of baptism, the Lord, and only the Lord, adds his saved soul to the church (Acts 2:37-47). There is no earthly formula for becoming part of this kingdom.

  11. No earthly rewards are associated with membership in this kingdom. The reward is not silver, gold, or earthly wealth (1 Peter 1:4). Jesus warned against putting confidence in earthly riches; therefore, this kingdom's riches are spiritual in nature (Matthew 6:19-21).

    The reward is likened to a crown. Peter referred to it as a "crown of glory that fadeth not away." (1 Peter 5:4) Paul called it "an incorruptible crown" (1 Corinthians 9:25) and "the crown of righteousness." (2 Timothy 4:8) James called it "the crown of life." (James 1:12) John called it a "crown of life." (Revelation 2:10) This crown is unlike any earthly crown or reward, for it "fadeth not away." (1 Peter 1:4)

    The final reward (the crown) is eternal life in Heaven with God and His Son Jesus Christ, which, as Paul told the Philippians, "is far better." (Philippians 1:23) The faithful can expect to be with the saved of all ages, in the company of a "great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1); in a place of indescribable bliss (Revelation 21:1-7).

  12. In conclusion, this kingdom is solely spiritual in nature. It has a divine builder--Christ. It has a spiritual and divine purpose--to spread the gospel of Christ "to all nations," so that souls might be saved (Matthew 28:19; Luke 19:10). To make it anything else goes beyond the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9-11) and disgraces this blood-bought institution (Hebrews 10:26-31; Acts 20:28). Today, while you have time and opportunity, obey the gospel and become a subject in this divine kingdom. Truly, this kingdom is OUT of this world!

Go Back to our Main Page