THE KINGDOM AGE - Now or Later

[Reformer]

The "Kingdom Age"
Now Or Later?  

     I read from an author recently the following words, "We must remember that while we have been privileged to witness the rebirth of the Nation of Israel, this is not the Kingdom age."
 
    The author's assertion does not harmonize with the Spirit's testimony. "Kingdom" in the scriptures is best rendered "reign." So when we speak of the "kingdom of heaven," as Jesus so often did, we are talking about heaven's reign or rule. Jesus also expressed heaven's rule by referring to the "kingdom [reign] of God." He told the Twelve, "I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom [reign] of God come with power" [Mark 9:1].
 
    By comparing the above scripture with Acts, chapter 2, we find that God's new reign [kingdom] was ushered in "with power." Thus God's new reign—era of grace—began. From this information, we must conclude that the "kingdom age" has been a reality for 2,000 years. The old kingdom age prevailed under Moses, when God reigned over the kingdom of Israel. His Son Jesus reigns over new Israel today—the redeemed community or household of faith. "And as far as all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of  God" [Gal. 6:16]. The scriptures are mum in regards to a separate terrestrial "church age" and a "kingdom age," as our Calvinist brothers claim.
 
    To confirm even further that the "kingdom age" has been with us for 2,000 years, believers at Colossae had been rescued from the domain of darkness and transferred into that kingdom [Col. 1:13]. Jesus came 2,000 years ago and set up that kingdom and is reigning as King at the right hand of His Father. When He returns the second time, He will deliver this kingdom or reign back to the Father [I Cor. 15:24]. Nothing is said about another earthly reign being launched. I understand the "thousand-year" reign in Revelation as a symbolic figure and covers the entire course of the grace era. Jesus is reigning as King over His subjects now!
 
    Jesus is depicted in Acts 2 as being enthroned and reigning in David's place as King over God's new Israel. Jesus' reign typifies David's reign [v. 30]. Furthermore, Peter said of our new King, "Being therefore exalted to the right hand of God... [v. 33]. Those words establish His Kingship!
 
    If God's new kingdom [reign] was not ushered in 2,000 years ago, we currently have Jesus sitting upon David's throne without reigning as King and therefore without a Kingship. "Believers have been rescued from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of His beloved Son" [Col. 1:13]. Consequently, the "kingdom age" has been upon us for 2,000 years. At the end of this current kingdom age, we will be "provided an entrance into the eternal kingdom," heaven itself! [2 Peter 2:11].

[Amo]

I understand the "thousand-year" reign in Revelation as a symbolic figure and covers the entire course of the grace era. Jesus is reigning as King over His subjects now!

Why do you consider the thousand years to be symbolic? Do you not agree that the spiritual kingdom which Jesus set up on earth will one day be replaced by God's literal kingdom, established at Jesus second coming upon the new earth within the new heaven God will create?

Do you believe Satan is bound now, and not roaming about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour?

That the saints are now judging the world?

That everyone has already chosen to worship the beast or not?

That the first and second resurrections have already taken place?

Just wondering how you explain these events described during and or at the end of the thousand years of the book of Revelation.