The present reign

A kingdom is a different form of government than a representative democracy. The few monarchies left in the world are generally limited monarchies; government is primarily administered on the basis of legal and legislative systems. The monarch is usually a figurehead, in some cases honored and respected, but without actual authority.

But the basis of government of an actual kingdom is the king. Originally a king had absolute authority, without limitations of any legal or legislative constraints. No one had rights before the king; the king's decisions were final. For us, this is the description of a dicatorship; for us, this is assumed to be inherently bad.

But the kingdom of God is ruled by a king. God reigns in the kingdom of God. He makes decisions based on His own authority. God is making decisions about us; we are subjects in the kingdom of God. We cannot manipulate the King, or appeal to a higher authority. God, without regard to what we think, can reward us or chastise us.

This is what Jesus taught. In His teaching about reconciliation with our brother, He warns us that we can be thrown into prison, until we have paid back the last cent. In His teaching about lust, He warns us that the whole body could be thrown into hell. God can chastise us in this life. It is part of the kingdom. God can also reward us in this life. In His teaching about giving to the poor, He tells us that God will repay us for what we have done. God is King; He makes decisions about us, judging the intentions of our heart.

Even in the issue of forgiveness, God is King. He will not forgive us for our transgressions, if we have not forgiven others for their transgressions against us. God is not acting in the darkness; nothing is darkness for Him. Our unwillingness to forgive another is plainly visible to Him even while we are asking for forgiveness.

"For if you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgression." Matthew 6:14-15

The kingdom of God is near to us; it is not near to the world. God does not deal with the world in this way. He deals with us as King; He is actively involved in our life.

Is He a dictator? Yes.

Does He know what He is doing? Yes.

Do we trust His decisions? Do we want a real King?