The Kingdom Misunderstood: A Biblical Response to Modern-day Confusion in the body of Christ

Correcting a Common Error: "Do Christians Build the Kingdom or Merely Wait for it?" Doctrinal Teaching by Pastor Michael V.D. Gobel Sr. (Associate Pastor of The Campus Church, South Africa)

Jun 01, 2025

In a recent post by a fellow content provider on Substack, I saw this statement being made: “Typical misunderstanding of Christianity. You don’t build the kingdom, you go there when you die. Show me where Jesus says to build a kingdom. No, He predicts the earthly kingdom will be destroyed.”

I will not reveal who the Substacker is because that is not the point. The primary concern here was that I immediately sensed in my spirit that there are many fellow “believers,” (children of God) who do not always understand the biblical interpretation of the Word of God. I do, therefore, believe that there is power in this teaching, as it is not just eloquence or doctrine, but the power of truth rightly divided, anchored in the Word and ignited by the Spirit that will set you free.

Allow me to start by saying that the Kingdom message is central to our calling, and too many today are content with shallow Gospel interpretations that leave God’s people passive, rather than active participants in His divine mission on this earth, which is, if you don’t already know, ‘The Great Commission.’

Therefore, my discernment, to which I have to thank the Holy Spirit for, to expose and correct such error-not with pride or hostility, but with clarity and conviction-reflects my sincere desire to shepherd God’s people on a path to holiness and righteousness in Christ.

Back to answering the question, "Do Christians Build the Kingdom or Merely Wait for it?" And remember, this question is based on the original false statement that the content provider made:

That comment reflects a serious misunderstanding of the Kingdom of God. It is a distortion of biblical doctrine and a misrepresentation of Christ’s teachings. As ministers of truth and righteousness, we are compelled to answer — not to argue, but to uphold the truth of God’s Word with clarity, compassion, and conviction.

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The Kingdom of God: Present and Growing

Jesus’ ministry began with this declaration:

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”[^1]

The Kingdom of God is not a future-only reality, nor merely a heavenly place we enter after death. It is a spiritual dominion — God’s rule and reign — present here and now, established through Christ and extended through His people.

Jesus said:

“The kingdom of God is within you.”[^2]

This kingdom is not confined by geography, race, or ritual. It is within those who believe, made manifest in the lives of the redeemed — those who surrender to Christ’s lordship and live by His righteousness.

Called to Seek, Spread, and Serve the Kingdom

It is true that Scripture does not use the literal phrase “build the kingdom.” However, the principle of Kingdom growth, expansion, and participation is undeniably present in Jesus’ teachings.

He commands:

“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…”[^3]

This is not passive waiting — it is active pursuit.

And when Jesus taught His disciples to pray:

“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven…”[^4]

He was instructing them to desire and work toward the manifestation of God's rule — on earth.

Jesus also compared the Kingdom to a mustard seed that grows:

“…it is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants…”[^5]

Growth implies process, time, and involvement. It requires stewardship, proclamation, and faithfulness from God’s people.

The Church: The Instrument of the Kingdom on Earth

Christ’s Church is not a waiting room for heaven. It is the embassy of the Kingdom in a foreign land. We are ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), entrusted with a commission that is nothing less than Kingdom expansion:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”[^6]

This is the Kingdom mandate. The Church does not create the Kingdom by human effort, but we proclaim and embody it — through evangelism, discipleship, justice, mercy, and Spirit-filled living.

Peter affirms this role:

“You are a chosen people… a royal priesthood… that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”[^7]

The Church is the visible expression of the invisible Kingdom.

Misreading the Destruction of the Kingdom

The commenter’s claim that “Jesus predicts the earthly kingdom will be destroyed” likely confuses prophetic statements about Jerusalem’s fall (e.g., Matthew 24) or worldly empires (Revelation 18) with the eternal Kingdom of God.

Christ declared:

“I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”[^8]

The writer of Hebrews reminds us:

“Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful…”[^9]

Yes — the kingdoms of this world will fall. But God’s Kingdom remains unshakable.

Our Role: Co-Workers with Christ in His Kingdom

To believe that Christianity is simply about “going to heaven when we die” is a grievous reduction of the Gospel message. The Gospel of the Kingdom is about reconciliation, restoration, and reign — here and now, as well as in eternity.

Paul writes:

“We are God’s fellow workers.”[^10]

We are not spectators. We are participants in a divine plan — Christ working in us and through us to bring His Kingdom rule into every sphere of human life.

“The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.”[^11]

Final Exhortation: Let Us Not Be Silent

To those who diminish the Kingdom to an afterlife location, we say: return to the Scriptures. Revisit the words of Jesus, the Acts of the Apostles, and the epistles of Paul. The Kingdom of God is not retreat — it is advance. It is not escape — it is engagement. It is not delayed — it is here, and growing, and awaiting the faithful obedience of God's children.

A Prayer for Kingdom Clarity and Boldness

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the truth of Your Kingdom — unshakable, eternal, and ever advancing.

Open our eyes to see not only the glory to come, but the glory already at work through the power of Your Spirit in us.

Forgive us when we have settled for a passive faith. Awaken in us a holy ambition to see Your rule expand in every heart, every home, every nation.

Teach us to live as ambassadors of Your truth, servants of Your righteousness, and soldiers and warriors of Your love.

May Your Kingdom come, may Your will be done — on earth, in our lives, through our hands, and by Your grace.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our King, our Lord and our Savior,

Amen.

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