Kingdom of God (12) - Fulfilment

Paul wrote to the Ephesians about Times of Fulfilment.

He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ (Eph 1:9,10).

At first glance, this appears to be a reference to the Second Coming. However, Paul explains the nature of the “mystery” in his letter.

…to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms (Eph 3:10).

The “mystery” is the church achieving victory over the rulers and authorities (the mystery is not the Second Coming). If Christians find this hard to believe, it must be a total mystery to the powers of evil.

Paul is promising that all God’s promises will reach their fulfilment through the Holy Spirit working in the church. Our commission to make disciples of all nations will be successful. Our mandate to fill the earth and manage it will be completed.

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD,
as the waters cover the sea (Hab 2:14).

God’s glory will be revealed as his Kingdom fills the entire earth.

The prophet Micah spoke of the glory of the kingdom of God. He described it as a time of great peace and blessing.

They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war any more. Every man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid, for the Lord Almighty has spoken. Mic 4:3,4

The coming of the Kingdom will bring peace to the whole earth. Men will not even need to prepare or plan for war. Every person will have an abundance of the fruit of the earth. No one will be poor, and there will be no need to fear. This will truly be a golden age, a time of great blessing on the earth.