The Kingdom of Heaven, as prophesied in the Old Testament, was inaugurated after John the Baptist's death. This Kingdom is not a physical place, but God's rulership on Earth through Christ. Salvation comes not through good works, but solely through faith in Jesus' perfect life and sacrificial death. When we trust in Christ, we receive forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit, uniting us with Jesus. This union with Christ is the essence of the New Covenant, offering a closeness to God at a new level than that available in the Old Covenant.
This sermon explores the profound meaning of the phrase "Thy Kingdom Come" in the Lord's Prayer, emphasising the concept of God's Kingdom as both a present reality and a future promise. It highlights Jesus' role in fulfilling all righteousness through His baptism and subsequent ministry, showcasing His pivotal function in God's redemptive plan. The sermon also delves into the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers, encouraging them to seek the Spirit's filling to live out God's will on earth, embodying the Kingdom of God here and now.
"It only really works for the musketeers to give themselves a role. It only really works if the king is a good king. If the king is not a good king, the whole expenditure of their loyalty isn't really worth it. Now, in the case of the Beatitudes, we have the one person who is a good king. It is the Lord Jesus Christ. And the Beatitudes are about how we can come."