Man is now, always has been, and always will be in the kingdom of God. Why? Because it is impossible for him to be elsewhere. Obviously the image and likeness of God can never for a moment be where God is not. Nothing can change him, nor can he be attacked by and removed from the kingdom by anything whatsoever that claims to have power to invade that holy place. Man exists because of the law of divine Life, and that law is supreme and immutable.
The prophets of old knew this and were so conscious of living in the kingdom of God that the Bible relates they walked with God and talked with Him. To them God was a living presence, to be constantly turned to for guidance, counsel, and protection.
Jesus, too, knew this mighty truth. His entire earthly experience was a shining example of living close to God, and of showing mankind the way to this kingdom. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness," he urged, and followed with the promise that "all these things shall be added unto you." Then, as now, mankind was largely engaged in seeking relief from troubles of many kinds. Jesus' direction to the kingdom contemplated no long journey, for he made it very clear on many occasions that this kingdom was right at hand, even within their own consciousness.
