Revelation 11:15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.”
The coming of the kingdom of God has been a hope for God’s people for millennia. As I am studying apocalyptic literature again with summer students at APNTS, I am reminded of the urge and pull the people of God have had for a new day, when God will intervene and end the sufferings of this world. This longing continues into our present day. Jesus came proclaiming that the kingdom of God is at hand (Mark 1:15). Jesus initiated this kingdom through his preaching and healing ministry. This kingdom was confirmed by his death and resurrection. Now, for almost 2000 years, believers have been awaiting the fullness of the kingdom.
At the sounding of the seventh trumpet, the kingdom will come in fullness. This can only happen if the messianic king comes. The Lord and his Messiah will establish this kingdom forever. This does not fit well with the theories of dispensationalism which says that there will be a literal 1000 year reign on earth and then the end. This verse puts everything together.
The Messiah reigns now through resurrection power, but only those who believe are part of this kingdom. To accept Jesus Messiah as Lord and King will require consecration and dedication of ourselves to his supremacy. We must follow in his path of the cross, nail our old lives there, and become citizens of his kingdom. It is one kingdom, so we join this kingdom now on earth and continue forever in it. This is shown in Revelation by having our names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.
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