I think the nature of prophetic time, and the comparatively tiny length of a man’s lifetime compared to eternity in the kingdom could well be factors in understanding this phrase. I also believe that the kingdom was ‘at hand’ when Jesus was speaking here because he, the heir to the kingdom, was literally present and after the fast approaching crucificxion and resurrection would receive ‘all authority and power’ and sit at the right hand of The Father in the kingdom of heaven waiting until the earth be made His footstool.
So the kingdom is currently in heaven but is ‘at hand’ insofar as the victory has been secured and there is no further impediment to it’s coming to the world but that he is waiting until all his sheep have come in. In the mean time those who believe in Jesus the Messiah have access to him where he is in the kingdom of heaven.
8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: 9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. Luke 10 KJV
18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. Psalm 145 KJV
doginventer 0 points 2.9 years ago
I think the nature of prophetic time, and the comparatively tiny length of a man’s lifetime compared to eternity in the kingdom could well be factors in understanding this phrase.
I also believe that the kingdom was ‘at hand’ when Jesus was speaking here because he, the heir to the kingdom, was literally present and after the fast approaching crucificxion and resurrection would receive ‘all authority and power’ and sit at the right hand of The Father in the kingdom of heaven waiting until the earth be made His footstool.
So the kingdom is currently in heaven but is ‘at hand’ insofar as the victory has been secured and there is no further impediment to it’s coming to the world but that he is waiting until all his sheep have come in.
In the mean time those who believe in Jesus the Messiah have access to him where he is in the kingdom of heaven.
8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you:
9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
Luke 10 KJV
18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
Psalm 145 KJV