Christ is All
Christ is All
We now look at the evidence in Paul’s letter to the Colossians that the kingdom of God now exists and there will not be a future kingdom on earth for 1000 years.
First we examine three passages in Colossians that show directly that the kingdom of God came at Christ’s first coming, and at Christ’s second coming the kingdom on earth will go into eternal glory.
Col 1:12-13
Paul says, "The Father has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. For he rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son..." (Col 1:12-13). We have been transferred into the kingdom, so clearly it now exists. Well then, why would Christ, having transferred us out of darkness and into his heavenly kingdom, later transfer us into another kingdom not of heaven but on earth?
Col 3:1-2
Paul says, "Seek those things which are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above not on things of the earth" (Col 3:1-2). Christ has ascended and been glorified as "the firstborn from the dead" (Col 1:18). He has sat down with his Father on his throne. His heavenly reign is far superior to any earthly throne. From heaven he rules the world which he created (Col 1:16, 2:10), and into all the world he has sent his word of salvation for every person (Col 1:5-6,23,28). Having accomplished all this, why would Christ abandon his eternal throne in heaven and set up an earthly one for 1000 years?
Col 3:3-4
Paul says, "Your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory" (Col 3:3-4). Many say that having finally entered into eternal glory, we will all have to turn around and leave it for 1000 years, and descend back to earth with Christ to be revealed with him on earth. Instead of enjoying our eternal inheritance with the saints in light, we will find ourselves on earth in heavenly bodies, lording it over the mere mortals. Paul says that when Christ comes, we will be revealed with Christ in glory where our eternal life was hidden in God. Paul gives not a hint of any of this other stuff that is, I'm sorry to say, no more than "philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world" (Col 2:8).
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