by Sherelyn Mayberry
Synopsis: From a biblical standpoint, the church and the kingdom identify the same realm, but from different perspectives. Sherelyn encourages us to consider the blessings of kingdom citizenship and embrace its related responsibilities.
Our love for the kingdom, the church of the living God, brings manifold blessings and weighty responsibilities as well. In the song "I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord" (Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs #369), we learn of God's love in establishing this body, our love reciprocated, the blessings found in it, and the glory deserved by it. Our love for Christ's kingdom leads to obedience, resulting in everlasting life (John 14:15). Becoming citizens in this spiritual kingdom, we are added to His body, the church (Matt. 16:18-19; Acts 2:40-41, 47).
Christ's love for lost humanity led Him to give Himself upon the cross to cleanse the body that needed sanctification. Since all have sinned, we need purification and propitiation through His precious blood (Rom. 3:23-25). Have you availed yourself of this blessing? Have you been baptized into Christ? Are you reciprocating His love for you?
Jesus shed His blood to save (i.e., purchase) the church (Acts 20:28). Do you love the church for which Christ died, and are you striving to build it up? Like the Israelites who were told to rebuild the walls of physical Jerusalem, are you building the walls of spiritual Zion? Are you willing to stand in the gap and defend her against the enemies of truth?
Christians are the temple of the living God. Does God dwell in you (2 Cor. 6:16)? Do you confess Christ in your daily life by word and example? Evidencing your love of His kingdom, do you seek to expand its borders? Do you build up your brethren by reproving, rebuking, and exhorting them in a spirit of love? God gave His only begotten Son so you might have everlasting life (John 3:16). What are you doing for the church, which is the apple of God's eye?
Abundant blessings are found in the Lord Jesus (Eph. 1:3). Upon being baptized into Christ, we are added to His church and, subsequently, gain access to the rich blessings He bestows (Gal. 3:26-27). Are you counted among the offspring whom the Lord has blessed (Isa. 61:9)?
This relationship with Christ and His church brings a response of caring, prayer, and labor. Caring for our brothers and sisters in the kingdom, we uphold each other through physical and spiritual struggles. We should pray for the furtherance of Christ's kingdom and the growth of His church. Laboring in the Lord's service, we lead others to Christ and rejoice as they commit their lives to Him. We shed tears of thanksgiving at the conversion of lost sinners, weeping in sorrow when acknowledging our guilt and asking divine pardon.
The kingdom's way brings fellowship, singing, and commitment, which ultimately leads to the hope of an eternal reward. We live our daily lives with purpose. When our anxieties are cast on the Lord, peace is forthcoming (Phil. 4:6-7).
In this kingdom relationship with Jesus we have a Friend, a Savior, a Deliverer, and a King. Abundant blessings flow. Our Friend laid down His life for us, and no greater love could be bestowed (John 15:13). As Christ said to the paralytic, He can say to us, "Friend, your sins are forgiven you" (Luke 5:20). Through His loving kindness, God saves us by His mercy and grace, which is poured out in Christ Jesus our Savior.
When we are justified by faith and obedience in baptism, we have hope of eternal life (Titus 3:4-7). Godly living profits us now and in eternity. Having our hope fixed on God, the Savior of all men, we labor and strive (1 Tim. 4:7-10). Moreover, we are assured of being delivered from any temptation that is beyond our ability to bear (1 Cor. 10:13).
As citizens in Christ's kingdom, we look to Him for all authority. He is our King. All rule, authority, and dominion are placed under Him. As subjects, we look to Him as head of the church (Col. 2:9-10; Eph. 1:20-23). The work of the church, spiritual Zion, is to glorify God. Not only should we pray for the growth of the church, let us endeavor to keep her spotless and blameless (2 Cor. 8:19; Eph. 5:27). God's fullness working in us gives us the power to glorify Him in the church (Eph. 3:21).
Jesus made us to be a kingdom (Rev. 1:5-6). As citizens of this spiritual kingdom, we long for our heavenly home. Our love for Christ's kingdom compels us to wait for the Savior, who will give us an immortal body in which we will glorify Him in eternity (Phil. 3:20-21).
