The kingdom of God and modern society

Abstract

The kingdom of God implies God’s rule in the regenerated heart. Consideration of the kingdom and modern society should be understood ecclesiologically. Herman Ridderbos’ notion of the relation of church and kingdom (sign, first-fruits, and instrument) is helpful, but must be applied in the context of nine realities of modern society. Corporate, modern discipleship is created when the church institute attends to all the features of its calling. This includes imparting biblical principles and giving general direction for modern social programmes and practices, but refraining from expressing itself on the specifics of complex programmes.