Kingdom of God vs Kingdom of the World
Two Kingdoms, One Perspective: Living as Citizens of Heaven and Earth
Our faithful citizenship is in God’s kingdom—yet we live daily in the kingdoms of this world. Understanding how to navigate both with faith and integrity is essential for every believer. The Bible shows that our earthly roles should never eclipse our heavenly identity, and that God’s promises must shape our decisions more than any political, social, or cultural allegiance. In this post, we’ll explore how Abraham’s example in Genesis 14 offers timeless lessons for living as citizens of two kingdoms today, drawing clear contrasts in the Kingdom of God vs the Kingdom of the World.
In a world of competing loyalties and conflicting values, believers must balance their earthly responsibilities with their eternal identity. This spiritual tension, which is not new, can be challenging and demanding. It began long before our time, reaching back to Abraham’s life of faith and obedience.
Abraham and Lot: Two Different Loyalties
Genesis 14 vividly illustrates this contrast. Lot, Abraham’s nephew, sought security in the cities of the plain, settling near Sodom until he became caught up in its downfall. His story warns us about the fragility of worldly allegiances and the dangers of prioritizing the kingdoms of this world over the eternal Kingdom of God.
Abraham, however, lived with a different mindset. For the first time in Scripture, he was called a Hebrew, meaning “one who crossed over.” This name reminded him that he was set apart, not fully belonging to the world he lived in. He engaged with his surroundings while remembering his ultimate allegiance to God’s promises, modeling the heart of a true citizen of heaven.
Faith in Action
When Lot was captured in a war between kings, Abraham courageously led a rescue mission with just 318 trained men, defeating a coalition of powerful rulers. His victory, a testament to faith in God over worldly security, demonstrated that success flows from trusting God’s power, not human strength. This is a clear biblical view of two kingdoms in action—God’s strength versus the might of earthly rulers.
Meeting Melchizedek
After the battle, Abraham encountered Melchizedek, priest of God Most High and king of Salem, who blessed him with bread and wine—a scene foreshadowing Christ’s Last Supper. This encounter highlighted God’s sovereignty and the importance of acknowledging Him as the source of victory.
Abraham then gave a tithe to Melchizedek, setting a precedent for honoring God with resources. When the King of Sodom offered him riches, Abraham refused, declaring he would not be enriched by human power. His trust was firmly in God, showing the attitude of one who prioritizes the Kingdom of God over personal gain in the kingdoms of this world.
Living as Citizens of Two Kingdoms
The apostle Paul later affirmed, “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). This doesn’t mean withdrawing from the world. Like Abraham, we are called to engage in society while keeping our hearts anchored in God’s promises. This is the essence of Christian dual citizenship—being present in earthly communities while serving as ambassadors of Christ.
Living with this two-kingdom perspective means:
- Engaging in community – Work for the common good while reflecting God’s character and biblical principles.
- Holding loosely to worldly success – Trust God, not human systems, for provision and security.
- Seeing God’s hand in history – Recognize His purposes beyond the headlines and current events.
- Honoring God with resources – Like Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek, use wealth to advance His kingdom.
- Keeping eternal promises in view – Live by faith even when fulfillment seems distant, as Abraham did.
- Being a blessing – Bring God’s light into every sphere of life, fulfilling the call to bless all nations.
Looking Forward
Revelation 19 reveals Jesus returning as “King of Kings and Lord of Lords,” the ultimate victory of the Kingdom of God over every earthly power. This vision fuels our hope as we live for God in a worldly culture, awaiting the day our true King establishes His eternal reign.
Call to Action
If you want to deepen your understanding of God’s kingdom and how to live with an eternal perspective, join us for our upcoming Bible study on the Kingdom of God. In this study, we’ll explore Scripture’s wisdom on thriving as citizens of heaven while faithfully serving in the kingdoms of this world. We’ll study biblical figures like Abraham, who navigated the tension between earthly responsibilities and heavenly citizenship, and discover practical ways to apply these lessons today.
