This has been debated throughout the ages. Some say, “Yes” and others say, “No”. So what’s a person to believe? Personally I don’t bother with what people say or think because their opinion really doesn’t matter. I believe that the only way to know the truth is to examine the scriptures. So what does the Word of God say about this important question?
“The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed…” Daniel 2:44
“John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 3:1-2
“Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17
When Jesus sent the twelve disciples out He told them to preach, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 10:5-7
Jesus told Peter, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven…” Matthew 16:19
“After John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:14-15
Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.” Mark 9:1
“The Law and the Prophets were until John; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached…” Luke 16:16
“Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3
“Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” John 3:5
Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36
“Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself.” Philippians 3:20-21
“May you be strengthened with all power according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience and joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:11-13
About the author:
Don and his wife Brenda have been married 48 years. They have two married sons Jason/Crista and Nicholas/Heather and four grandsons Luke, Ryker, Blake and Drew. Don is a graduate of the Gateway School of Preaching, Fairview Heights, IL, the Bristol Roads School of Biblical Studies, Flint, MI and he has a bachelor’s degree in religious education from Michigan Christian College. He has been preaching since 1979. He has preached at Pacific, MO; Howell, MI; Arnold, MO; Festus, MO; Dexter, MO; and De Soto, MO where he has served since 2007. He also serves the congregation as one of the elders. Don has done campaigns and meetings in several states and mission work in Cuba, India, and Jamaica. Don refers to himself as a “Minister” because he loves ministering to others and helping them learn about Jesus and growing in their relationship with Him.
De Soto church of Christ 