“The kingdom of God is at hand” Mark 1:15 (Matthew is the only gospel that uses the alternate “kingdom of heaven”). The reason the kingdom was near or at hand was because the King was near or at hand. Luke 17:21 says “The kingdom of God is within you”, this occurs when the King comes to live in you, because it is the King that brings the kingdom with all its assets. As “children of God through faith in Christ Jesus”, Galatians 3:26 KJV, we inherit HIs kingdom now. Under Roman law the king’s children (heirs) shared the assets of their father while he was living and not only following his death. Likewise as the King’s children we have the privilege of sharing our Fathers assets now, and not only at the future climax. Luke 12 32 says, “…it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” We now receive the foretaste of what will in the future kingdom be the ultimate. One of those many assets is peace, “The kingdom of God is…peace” Romans 14:17. Jesus said “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you; Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid, John 14:27. Again He said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer; [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you]” John 16:33 Amplified Bible.
Peace
By Rose Hill
In God’s kingdom we have perfect peace,
From distress and trials He gives release.
Take courage and be of very good cheer,
Jesus has conquered the world, you have nothing to fear.
His own peace to you He will give,
As in this troubled world you live.
That peace which the world does not understand,
Comes when you obey God’s every command.
Your soul is assured of salvation from sin,
And you know that with Christ in the end you will win.
“And God’s peace [be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding, shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 Amplified Bible.
Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright by Thomas Nelson Co. Used by permission.