Inaugurated Kingdom

Definition

The inaugurated kingdom refers to the theological concept that the Kingdom of God was initiated through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and is both a present reality and a future hope. This dual nature means that believers currently experience aspects of God's reign while looking forward to its ultimate fulfillment at the end of time. The idea emphasizes the 'already' and 'not yet' of God's Kingdom, where Christ reigns now but will establish complete dominion in the future.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The inaugurated kingdom is central to Christian belief as it underscores the significance of Jesus' ministry in establishing God's reign on earth.
2. This concept highlights the tension between what believers experience now—such as forgiveness, community, and justice—and what they anticipate in the future, like ultimate peace and restoration.
3. Inaugurated eschatology emphasizes that while Christ's reign has begun, it will be fully realized only at His second coming.
4. Many parables spoken by Jesus illustrate aspects of the inaugurated kingdom, showing how God's Kingdom is at work in the world today.
5. The idea invites believers to actively participate in bringing about justice, mercy, and love as manifestations of God's Kingdom here and now.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of inaugurated kingdom influence our understanding of Jesus' role in establishing God's reign?
  • The concept of the inaugurated kingdom shows that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection were pivotal in starting God's reign on earth. It suggests that through His ministry, He not only proclaimed the Kingdom but actively demonstrated its values. This understanding leads to recognizing that believers are called to live out these values in their daily lives as they await the complete fulfillment of God's Kingdom.
• Discuss the implications of the 'already/not yet' framework for Christians living in today's world.
  • The 'already/not yet' framework means that Christians can experience elements of God's Kingdom now—such as hope and community—while also looking forward to its full realization in the future. This duality encourages believers to engage with social justice, service, and love actively while being assured that their efforts are part of a larger divine plan. It also fosters patience and hope amidst trials, knowing that complete restoration will come.
• Evaluate how the inaugurated kingdom relates to broader themes in eschatology and its impact on Christian living.
  • The inaugurated kingdom relates to eschatology by providing a comprehensive view that balances present experiences with future expectations. This perspective impacts Christian living significantly; it calls for proactive engagement in societal issues while maintaining an eternal hope. Believers are motivated to embody Kingdom principles like love and justice now, which shapes their mission and actions in the world while reinforcing their anticipation for Christ's return and the establishment of a new creation.

Related terms

Eschatology: The study of end times and final events in religious contexts, focusing on themes like judgment, resurrection, and the ultimate destiny of humanity.

Already/Not Yet: A theological framework that describes the coexistence of the present realization of God's Kingdom alongside its future fulfillment, often used in discussions of inaugurated eschatology.

Messianic Expectation: The anticipation of a Messiah who would fulfill God's promises and establish His Kingdom on earth, deeply rooted in Jewish thought and fulfilled in Jesus.