The Kingdom of God

God, in His infinite wisdom and sovereign power, rules all creation as its Creator and Sustainer for His own glory and enjoyment. After creating all things, He appointed Adam as His righteous vice-regent on earth. However, Adam failed in this duty, bringing sin’s curse upon the world and necessitating the coming of a new, righteous ruler—Christ—to restore creation and establish His eternal kingdom. Until Christ’s return, God preserves order through the Common Kingdom, a provision of common grace in which He rules providentially through human institutions. He has ordained civil magistrates under His authority for His glory and the public good, entrusting them with the power of the sword to maintain justice, protect the righteous, and punish evildoers. The Common Kingdom must not be confused with the Redemptive Kingdom of Christ, which is His rule over His distinct, redeemed people. This kingdom is not of this world but is established in the hearts of the saints, set apart from the unbelieving world.