existed, a reign that will exist forever—yet God has established his kingdom on earth, which gives it a present-tense aspect, as well. Jesus, you remember, spoke often of the future dimension of his kingdom, when “many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 8:11). Yet he could also say, with equal accuracy, that “if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you” (Luke 11:20). This absolute,
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