The idea that God needs to "reestablish" his kingdom on Earth is a complex one, depending on your theological perspective. Here's a breakdown of the different ways to understand this and why it's important:
Understanding the Premise: Was God's Kingdom Ever *Fully* Established?
* Yes, in a Symbolic Way (Creation): Some believe God's kingdom was perfectly established in the Garden of Eden. Humanity was meant to live in perfect harmony with God, reflecting His will on Earth. However, this kingdom was then disrupted by sin and the fall.
* No, Never in its Fullness (Future Hope): Other perspectives hold that God's kingdom has never been fully realized on Earth. Old Testament figures like King David prefigured the coming King, but ultimately fell short. Jesus inaugurated the kingdom, but it awaits its ultimate, perfect fulfillment in the future.
Reasons for Re-Establishment (However You Define It):
1. Restoration of God's Original Intent:
* To Undo the Effects of Sin: Sin brought corruption, suffering, injustice, and death into the world. Re-establishing God's kingdom aims to reverse these consequences and restore creation to its intended beauty and harmony.
* To Fulfill God's Purposes for Humanity: God created humanity to live in loving relationship with Him and to reflect His character to the world. Re-establishing the kingdom allows humanity to fully realize this purpose.
2. Vindication of God's Character and Sovereignty:
* To Demonstrate God's Power and Justice: The presence of evil and suffering might lead some to question God's power or goodness. Re-establishing His kingdom demonstrates His ultimate victory over evil and establishes His perfect justice.
* To Show God is the True King: Humanity, through sin, often seeks autonomy and rejects God's rule. Re-establishing the kingdom displays God's rightful authority and reign over all creation.
3. Blessing and Redemption for Humanity:
* To Offer Salvation and Reconciliation: Through Jesus Christ, God offers forgiveness and reconciliation to those who turn to Him. Re-establishing the kingdom provides the framework for this redemption to take place.
* To Establish Peace and Justice: God's kingdom is characterized by righteousness, peace, and justice. Re-establishing it brings an end to oppression, poverty, and conflict.
* To Offer Eternal Life: God's kingdom offers the promise of eternal life in His presence, free from suffering and death.
4. Fulfillment of Prophecy and God's Plan:
* To Fulfill Promises Made to Israel: Many Christians believe that God's kingdom will be re-established in fulfillment of prophecies made to the nation of Israel, ultimately restoring them to their rightful place in God's plan.
* To Fulfill God's Overall Cosmic Plan: The Bible presents a grand narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Re-establishing the kingdom is the climax of this narrative, bringing all things under Christ's rule.
Different Theological Perspectives on the "Re-establishment":
* Realized Eschatology: Some believe the kingdom of God is already fully present in the hearts of believers and through their actions in the world.
* Progressive Dispensationalism: This view sees the kingdom as being partially present now, with further fulfillment in the future, including a literal earthly kingdom.
* Amillennialism: This view sees the "millennium" (1000-year reign of Christ) as symbolic and the kingdom as primarily spiritual, being established in the hearts of believers and the church.
* Postmillennialism: This view believes the church will gradually transform the world through the Gospel, leading to a golden age of peace and justice, paving the way for Christ's return.
* Premillennialism: This view holds that Christ will return *before* a literal 1000-year reign on earth, during which he will establish his kingdom in a visible and tangible way.
In Summary:
The "re-establishment" (or fuller establishment) of God's kingdom is crucial because it represents:
* God's victory over evil and sin.
* The restoration of God's original intent for creation and humanity.
* The vindication of God's character and sovereignty.
* The offer of salvation, redemption, and eternal life.
* The fulfillment of God's prophecies and overall plan for the universe.
The specific way in which this kingdom will be established is a matter of ongoing theological debate, but the underlying hope for a world ruled by God's love, justice, and peace remains a central theme in Christian faith.