Is the kingdom of God here now or still future?
Both. Jesus announced that the kingdom "has come near" and is "in the midst of you" — already inaugurated in his life, death, resurrection, and Spirit. But it is not yet consummated. We pray "your kingdom come" because it is still coming in fullness.
"Already and not yet" captures the NT’s teaching. Disease, death, and injustice still mark the not-yet; the gospel’s power, the Spirit’s presence, and the church’s witness mark the already.
Christians live between the times. We refuse cynicism (the kingdom IS at work) and we refuse triumphalism (we are not in heaven yet).
The hope is fixed: the King will return and the kingdom will fill the earth as the waters cover the sea.
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.