The kingdom of God is one of the most important themes and subjects to understand. When we grasp exactly what the kingdom of God is, our understanding and view of the world is transformed into the way Christ sees the world. We may think of parables describing the kingdom or of a great palace when we think of God’s kingdom. Many think of the kingdom of God as a New Testament topic but it is far from it. To understand what the kingdom of God is all about, we must start at the beginning.
God’s Kingdom from the Beginning
When God created the earth, his kingdom is established through his spoken word as He creates an earthly space of his His kingdom. What makes the earth a kingdom? God creates humans to “rule” the earth and “subdue” the animals under the representative reign of God. We find this in Genesis 1:27-28. This “kingdom” language indicates that God’s kingdom is to be ruled by God through humans. This is the first fact we must understand: God’s kingdom was meant to be a kingdom where we are ruling on behalf of God, not a kingdom where God ruthlessly rules and we have no participation in the rule and reign of the kingdom. God is generous and loving and wants to share his rule with His creation (humanity).
Kingdom Rule Rejected
When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, this was humanity’s rejection of ruling on behalf of God’s throne. They were banished from their ruling place in the garden and sent out into the wilderness where all humanity now lives. When we sin, we are rejecting God’s way of living and thus we are rejecting the kingdom of God. This is the second point we must understand, God’s kingdom is a way of life, not an exclusive club or membership that only the “elite” or “chosen” can enter. To be a part of the kingdom of God is to live in a way that reflects the God who rules.
Psalm 8
Psalm 8 poetically expresses the authority humanity was to have over the earth from the beginning. This psalm is oozing with royal imagery and speech about the kingdom of God. We were “crowned with glory and honor” and made “lower than the angels” and we were to be rulers of God’s creation. God’s kingdom is about our vocation and rejection of that calling, but it is also about humanity and our special place in all of creation. Humanity is the esteemed project of God’s creation and we point back to the majesty of our creator. When David reflected on humanity’s place and role within God’s kingdom, he couldn’t help but praise the God who created it all and brings everything together in perfect harmony.
God’s kingdom has been here from the beginning and humanity was the star of the show until our fall. Now God’s kingdom is still here through the power and resurrection of Jesus and we are to again take our place as representatives of the Creator God.
Session 1 – The Kingdom in Creation (Genesis 1–3)
Big Idea
The Bible begins with the Kingdom of God. God rules as King, humanity was created to reign with Him, sin is the rejection of His kingdom, and from the very beginning God promised restoration through His chosen King.
1. God as King in Creation
- Genesis opens with God as the sovereign King. He speaks, and creation comes into being.
- The world is formed with order, beauty, and purpose — declared “very good.”
- Unlike human rulers in the ancient world who claimed to bring order, Scripture reveals it is God alone who brings true order and peace.
- Creation itself can be seen as God’s dwelling place — a cosmic temple where heaven and earth overlap. On the seventh day, God rests, not because He is tired, but because He takes His throne as King.
2. Humanity as Royal Image-Bearers
- Humanity is made in the image of God (Gen 1:26–28). In the ancient world, an “image” represented a king, but here all people are given this royal dignity.
- To be in God’s image means to represent Him — reflecting His wise and loving rule into creation.
- Humanity is called to “rule” and “subdue” the earth, not by exploitation, but by stewardship and care.
- This role is both royal and priestly: tending creation, cultivating order, and pointing the world back to the Creator in worship.
3. The Kingdom Pattern in Eden
- Eden is described as more than a garden — it is a sanctuary, a place where God dwells with His people.
- Adam and Eve are placed there “to work and keep it,” words later used of priests in Israel’s tabernacle. Their vocation was to extend the boundaries of Eden so that the whole earth would be filled with God’s glory.
- In this pattern, God reigns, humanity serves as His representatives, and creation flourishes under His care.
4. The Kingdom Rejected (The Fall)
- In Genesis 3, the serpent tempts humanity to grasp autonomy: to decide good and evil on their own, apart from God.
- The sin was not the fruit itself, but the act of rebellion — humanity declaring independence from their King.
- The results are devastating:
- Separation from God (banishment from Eden).
- Strained relationships between humans (blame, conflict).
- Frustration in humanity’s vocation (toil, hardship).
- Creation itself subjected to decay and futility.
- Separation from God (banishment from Eden).
- Sin is more than rule-breaking; it is rejecting God’s reign and setting up rival kingdoms of self-rule.
5. The Kingdom Hope (Genesis 3:15)
- Even in judgment, God promises hope: the seed of the woman will one day crush the serpent.
- This “first gospel” is the seed of a story that unfolds throughout Scripture.
- The rest of the Bible is the unfolding battle between God’s kingdom and the serpent’s rebellion.
- From the beginning, the hope is set forward that one day a true King will restore humanity’s vocation, defeat sin and death, and bring God’s reign fully back to earth.
6. Key Takeaways
- The Bible begins with God’s kingdom — His reign over creation.
- Humanity was created to share in God’s rule as His royal representatives.
- Sin is the rejection of God’s kingdom, leading to brokenness in every part of life.
- The promise of restoration begins immediately in Genesis 3:15, pointing to the King who will set all things right.
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