The Identity of the Kingdom of God – Romans 14:17
In the heart of every believer, there lies a profound longing to understand the Kingdom of God and to grasp its true identity. In Romans 14:17, the King James Version Bible unveils a succinct but powerful definition of this divine realm: “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.”
This verse encapsulates the essence of the Kingdom of God, emphasizing three fundamental components that constitute its identity.
**1. Righteousness:**
The first pillar of the Kingdom of God is righteousness. In this context, righteousness signifies living in alignment with God’s divine will and standards. It’s the pursuit of a virtuous life, characterized by morality, integrity, and obedience to God’s commandments. It’s about doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord, not merely adhering to religious rituals or dietary restrictions.
The Kingdom of God emphasizes that righteousness is not merely an external display but a transformation of the heart, leading to a life that reflects God’s character and love. The book of Matthew, Chapter 5, beautifully expounds on this principle through the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus sets forth the Kingdom’s standard of righteousness.
**2. Peace:**
The second integral part of the Kingdom of God is peace. This peace is not the absence of conflict or turmoil in the world but a profound inner serenity that transcends external circumstances. It’s the peace that surpasses all understanding, as described in Philippians 4:7, and is a result of our reconciliation with God through faith in Christ.
In this Kingdom, believers experience a deep sense of harmony and well-being, not based on the world’s peace but on the peace that Jesus promised to His disciples in John 14:27. This divine peace flows from a right relationship with God, which is made possible through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
**3. Joy in the Holy Ghost:**
The third component of the Kingdom of God is joy in the Holy Ghost. This joy is not fleeting or dependent on external circumstances. It is a spiritual joy, emanating from the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22 speaks of the “fruit of the Spirit,” and joy is one of its manifestations.
This joy is rooted in the knowledge of God’s love and the assurance of salvation. It provides strength in times of trials and tribulations and reflects the eternal hope that believers have in Christ. It’s not tied to earthly pleasures but is a deep, abiding joy that transcends the temporal and points to the eternal.
In conclusion, Romans 14:17 offers a profound insight into the identity of the Kingdom of God. It is a realm marked by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. As believers, we are called to embody these principles, not as mere external observances but as a reflection of our transformed hearts and our deep relationship with God. This Kingdom is not defined by materialistic or ritualistic elements but by the spiritual realities of righteousness, peace, and joy in Christ.