The Type of Violence it Suffers
“From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matthew 11:12).
The above quotation serves as the basis of this article. The violence that the kingdom of God suffers is not physical, as the kingdom itself is not a physical entity but rather a spiritual reality in the invisible realm. Jesus confirmed this when he told those seeking to witness his kingdom that it does not belong to this world.
Therefore, the violence experienced by the kingdom of God is spiritual in nature, an integral part of the spiritual warfare orchestrated by Satan, the devil. Although this violence may manifest physically, and Satan may use human agents, its essence remains spiritual.
Why Does it Suffer Violence?
The kingdom of God suffers violence because Satan understands its potential. In Daniel 2:44, God prophesied that He would establish a kingdom that would ultimately crush all other kingdoms, including Satan’s. Aware of this, Satan wages war against the kingdom of God.
How Does it Suffer Violence?
The ways in which the kingdom of God suffer violence are multifaceted. These include, but are not limited to, Satan’s attempts to deceive some individuals into believing that the kingdom of God does not exist at all, while convincing others that it is inferior and useless when compared to his own kingdom.
Why From the Days of John the Baptist?
The kingdom of God suffers violence from the days of John the Baptist because it was during this period that the kingdom, prophesied in Daniel 2:44, was established. Hence, John the Baptist, at the beginning of his ministry, called upon people to repent, declaring that the kingdom of God was at hand.
How do the Violent Take it by Force?
The notion of the violent taking the kingdom of God by force should not be understood as a call for physical violence or force. It does not involve armed resistance. Instead, the violence or force referred to here is of a spiritual nature. It requires unwavering loyalty to Jesus Christ despite the challenges engineered by Satan.
The kingdom of God is a magnificent entity created for faithful humans to enter and occupy, and Satan is aware of this. Therefore, he is jealous and seeks to prevent people from entering it. Acts 14:22, along with various other Bible passages, makes it clear that remaining true to the faith in Christ Jesus, amidst the tribulations which we know that Satan orchestrates, is necessary to enter the kingdom of God.
These tribulations are part of Satan’s spiritual warfare efforts. As a result, Christians must display spiritual violence to take hold of the kingdom. They must stand firm and engage in spiritual warfare. The teaching on how to do this is outlined in 2 Corinthians 10:3-6, which states:
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.”
Additionally, Ephesians 6:10-18 informs us that our battle is not physical but spiritual, and it provides guidance on how to fight, listing the necessary spiritual weapons.
In conclusion, the concept of the kingdom of God suffering violence and the violent taking it by force, as mentioned in Matthew 11:12, reveals the spiritual nature of the battle it faces. This violence is orchestrated by Satan, who understands the kingdom’s potential to ultimately overcome all other kingdoms, including his own. Satan employs various strategies to deceive individuals, making them doubt the existence and value of God’s kingdom.
The violence endured by the kingdom of God has been ongoing since the days of John the Baptist, as it was during this period that the kingdom, prophesied in Daniel 2:44, was established. John the Baptist’s call to repentance signaled the arrival of the kingdom of God, and ever since, it has faced opposition and hostility from Satan and his forces.
However, it is crucial to understand that the violent taking the kingdom by force does not involve physical aggression or armed resistance. Instead, it requires spiritual violence, which entails unwavering loyalty to Jesus Christ in the face of Satan’s challenges and temptations. Christians must remain steadfast in their faith and engage in spiritual warfare, utilizing the weapons provided by God.
Scriptures such as 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 and Ephesians 6:10-18 emphasize that the battle Christians face is spiritual, not physical. They are equipped with divine weapons to demolish strongholds, refute arguments against the knowledge of God, and bring every thought into obedience to Christ. By remaining faithful and relying on the power of God, believers can overcome the spiritual violence and firmly grasp the kingdom of God.
In a world where the invisible realm is often overlooked or disregarded, understanding the spiritual warfare surrounding the kingdom of God is essential. By recognizing the nature of this battle and embracing the spiritual weapons at our disposal, we can actively participate in the advancement of God’s kingdom, bringing light, truth, and love to a world engulfed in darkness.
ADDITIONAL READING
The Judgement Seat of Christ: An Encounter Beyond Earthly Reward
The White Throne Judgment: An Exploration of Divine Justice and Accountability