Does the Church Establish the Kingdom Before Jesus Returns?
Many in the Kingdom Now or Dominion Theology movement believe that Christians must take over the seven spheres of society (government, media, education, etc.) to establish God’s Kingdom before Jesus returns. However, the Bible teaches that only Jesus Himself will establish His Kingdom at His Second Coming (Daniel 2:44, Zechariah 14:3-4, Revelation 19:11-16).
Peter’s Mistake: A Biblical Parallel to Dominion Theology
A perfect example of this misunderstanding is Peter cutting off the servant’s ear in the Garden of Gethsemane (John 18:10-11).
•Peter expected Jesus to set up an earthly kingdom immediately, so he drew his sword to fight.
•Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” (John 18:11).
•Jesus then healed the servant’s ear (Luke 22:51)—a symbol that His mission was spiritual, not political.
Also, the disciples expected Jesus to establish His earthly rule immediately after His resurrection.
Acts 1:6-7 – “So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.’
Like Peter, Kingdom Now theology tries to bring about Christ’s reign by human effort, misunderstanding that Jesus’ Kingdom timeline.
Zechariah 14:9 – “And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one.”
The Bible Warns of a Darker World Before Jesus Returns
Instead of a Christian-dominated world, Scripture teaches that:
•The world will become increasingly evil (2 Timothy 3:1-5).
•The Antichrist will gain control before Christ’s return (Revelation 13:7).
The Church’s Mission is to Make Disciples, Not Seize Power
Rather than conquering culture, believers are called to:
Preach the gospel – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Be salt and light – “Let your light shine before others…” (Matthew 5:13-16).
Endure persecution – “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
Jesus Brings the Kingdom—Not Us
Peter’s mistake was trying to force the Kingdom to come by human strength, just like Dominion Now theology wrongly seeks to Christianize the world before Jesus returns.
Instead, we are called to be faithful witnesses while waiting for Christ to return and establish His Kingdom in His timing.