What does not of this world mean? The answer to this question is found in the Bible. Let’s discuss. We invite you to find out how you can receive the free gift of salvation. Please watch the Great news video on this page. God loves you and is for you.
My Kingdom is Not of This World
Jesus Current Kingdom
In the Bible, the One (Jesus) who didn’t originate in this world but came into it when the Holy Spirit conceived Him (Matthew 1:20) and again left it when He ascended back to the Father in heaven (Acts 1:9-10), mentioned this idea the most. Jesus mentioned it during His trial before Pontius Pilate:
“Jesus answered (Pilate), “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would fight, that I would not be handed over to the Jews. But now My kingdom is not from here” (John 18:36).
The Earthly Kingdom
Jesus came into the world to offer to bring His earthly Davidic Kingdom to the Jews:
“After John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:14-15).
The Kingdom Rejected
During Jesus’ First Advent, He didn’t bring His Kingdom in by irresistible force. When the Jews rejected His offered Kingdom, He withdrew His offer of David’s earthly Kingdom and instead established the Church as a mystery form (Ephesians 3:7-12) of the Kingdom (Matthew 13:1-52):
“Jesus said to them (the Jews) … : “The stone which the builders (the Jews) rejected (Jesus the Messiah) has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? “Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you (the Jews) and given to a nation (the Church including Gentiles) bearing its fruits” (Matthew 21:42-43).
Where are You King?
Because the Jews rejected Jesus’ earthly Kingdom, Jesus’ (as the Son of God) Kingdom remained what it was before God conceived Him. He was the rightful earthly King as THE descendent of David, but He has and will always rule as King of Creation:
“Therefore Pilate said to Him, “Then are You a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this reason I was born, and for this reason I came into the world…” (John 18:37).
Coronation Day
At Jesus’ future Second Advent, He will assume His everlasting rule, as the promised Davidic King, over the earth:
“There were loud voices in heaven, saying: “The kingdoms of the world have become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15).
Satan’s Rule
Until Jesus returns, the Bible tells us that Satan is still ‘god of this world”:
“The god of this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them” (2 Corinthians 4:4).
Satan’s Defeat
So, Jesus is the rightful ruler. But God hasn’t conducted Satan’s judgment yet, and He won’t remove Satan as ‘god of this world’ until Jesus returns to rule:
“The ruler of this world stands condemned (because of Jesus’ victory on the cross)” (John 16:11).
Believer’s Citizenship
When people trust in Jesus, they change their spiritual citizenship. Before we believe, we belong to Satan’s kingdom, the kingdom of darkness. But by faith, we’re transferred.
“He (God the Father) has delivered us from the power of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of His dear Son” (Colossians 1:13).
Reigns Contrasted
Satan manages the current world system. Under his rule, people abuse their power, and the disadvantaged suffer. Believer’s behavior should change because their citizenship has changed. They now report to Jesus, not Satan.
Jesus contrasted our current system with how it’ll be when He reigns:
“You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. Whoever would be great among you, let him serve you” (Matthew 20:25-26).
That’s why the Bible tells Christians that they are ‘not of this world’:
“But our (believer’s) citizenship is in heaven, from where also we await for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20).
Persecution
The world persecuted Jesus when He walked the earth. And because believers aren’t of this world, the world hates and persecutes us. Jesus said,
“If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world, since I (Jesus) chose you out of the world, the world therefore hates you” (John 15:19).
Summary
***The Son of God (Jesus) came into this world from another realm (heaven) to offer His earthly Davidic reign.
***The Jews rejected Jesus’ offer to immediately establish His rule.
***Jesus’ current reign is not of this world, but as the Son of God who has always and will reign as King of Creation.
***Jesus will begin His eternal Davidic earthly rule when He returns.
***Satan is currently the god of this world.
***When we believe in Jesus, we change our citizenship from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of light. Our behavior should change because we have a new identity in Christ.
