The Only Eternal Kingdom

by Doy Moyer

There is only one kingdom that is eternal. Only one that stretches across time, physical boundaries, nations, tongues, and earthly rulers. Only one that is not dependent in any way upon kingdoms of the world. Only one that does not advance through the shedding of blood or carnal warfare. Nor is its defense found in taking up swords and arms.

This is the kingdom of heavenly citizens, the New Jerusalem, those whose names are enrolled in heaven. Its citizens are strangers and pilgrims in Babylon, exiled, and longing for the return of their King whereupon the resurrection of life is theirs as they finally realize the new heavens and new earth, dwelling with God eternally.

This kingdom is the stone that crushes all others, not by military might or the power of worldly princes, but by the resilient spreading of God’s word and living lives committed even to death. The power of this kingdom is in the cross, the blood of the Lamb, the King who wields the two-edged sword from His mouth.

As soldiers of this kingdom, be careful about the entanglements of the world, for “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him” (II Timothy 2:4).

The world is not ours to love (I John 2:15-17). Therefore, we do not put our trust in princes or the kingdoms whose powers are derived from the serpent of old. Every earthly power becomes our Babylon, and one day the call will be to return home.

“For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14).