What does 'Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven' mean?

The phrase "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" is a profound petition found within the Lord's Prayer, a prayer that Jesus taught His disciples in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:9-13). This prayer is one of the most well-known and frequently recited passages in the Christian faith. The specific petition you're asking about is rich with theological significance and eschatological hope, and it reflects a deep yearning for the realization of God's sovereign rule and divine will in our world.

To fully understand this phrase, it is essential to break it down and explore the meanings of "Thy kingdom come" and "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" within the broader context of Scripture.

Thy Kingdom Come

The concept of the "Kingdom of God" is central to Jesus' teaching and is mentioned numerous times throughout the Gospels. The Kingdom of God refers to the reign and rule of God, both in the present and in the future. It is not merely a physical territory but a dynamic and transformative reality where God's will and purposes are fully realized.

In the Old Testament, the anticipation of God's kingdom is tied to the hope of a Messiah who would establish God's rule and bring justice, peace, and righteousness (Isaiah 9:6-7). The prophets often spoke of a future time when God's kingdom would be established on earth, bringing restoration and renewal (Daniel 2:44; Zechariah 14:9).

When Jesus began His ministry, He proclaimed that the Kingdom of God was at hand (Mark 1:15). This announcement signaled that in Jesus, God's kingdom was breaking into the present world in a new and decisive way. Through His teachings, miracles, and acts of compassion, Jesus demonstrated the values and power of God's kingdom. He invited people to repent and believe the good news, to align their lives with God's reign.

The petition "Thy kingdom come" is a prayer for the full realization of God's kingdom. It expresses a longing for the day when God's rule will be fully established in every aspect of life, eradicating sin, suffering, and injustice. It is a prayer for the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the return of Christ and the establishment of the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1-4).

Thy Will Be Done on Earth as It Is in Heaven

The second part of the petition, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven," complements the first by focusing on the alignment of earthly realities with God's heavenly will. In heaven, God's will is perfectly followed, and His purposes are fully realized. There is no rebellion, sin, or resistance to God's authority. The angels and heavenly beings continually worship and serve God, fulfilling His will with joy and obedience (Psalm 103:20-21).

On earth, however, the reality is different. Human sin and rebellion have disrupted God's original design for creation. The world is marked by brokenness, suffering, and injustice. The prayer for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven is a plea for the transformation of our world to reflect God's perfect will.

This petition has both a personal and a communal dimension. On a personal level, it is a prayer for individual believers to submit to God's will in their own lives, seeking to live in obedience and alignment with His purposes. It is a recognition that God's ways are higher than our ways and that His plans are ultimately for our good (Isaiah 55:8-9; Romans 8:28).

On a communal level, it is a prayer for the transformation of society and the world. It is a call for justice, peace, and righteousness to prevail, for God's values to shape our communities and institutions. It is a prayer for the church to be a faithful witness to God's kingdom, embodying His love, grace, and truth in the world.

The Interconnectedness of the Petitions

The petitions "Thy kingdom come" and "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" are deeply interconnected. The coming of God's kingdom involves the fulfillment of His will. Where God's will is done, His kingdom is present. Conversely, the realization of God's kingdom brings about the fulfillment of His will.

In praying these petitions, we are aligning ourselves with God's redemptive purposes. We are expressing our desire for God's transformative power to be at work in our lives and in the world. It is a prayer of hope and expectation, trusting in God's faithfulness to bring about His promises.

Living Out the Prayer

Praying "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" calls us to active participation in God's mission. It is not a passive wish but a call to action. As followers of Christ, we are invited to be agents of God's kingdom, working to bring about His will in our spheres of influence.

This involves living out the values of God's kingdom in our daily lives—practicing love, justice, mercy, and humility (Micah 6:8). It means seeking to address the needs and injustices around us, advocating for the marginalized and oppressed, and working for the common good.

It also involves a commitment to prayer and discernment, seeking to understand and follow God's will in our decisions and actions. The Holy Spirit empowers and guides us in this journey, helping us to grow in Christlikeness and to bear witness to God's kingdom.

The Eschatological Hope

While we work for the realization of God's kingdom in the present, we also hold on to the eschatological hope of its ultimate fulfillment. The New Testament teaches that God's kingdom has been inaugurated through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, but its full consummation awaits His return (1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Revelation 11:15).

This future hope gives us confidence and perseverance in the present. We know that our efforts are not in vain, for God is at work, and His kingdom will ultimately prevail. The prayer "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" keeps us focused on this hope, reminding us that we are part of a larger story of redemption and restoration.

Conclusion

"Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" is a powerful and transformative prayer. It encapsulates the heart of Jesus' message and mission, inviting us to participate in God's redemptive work. It is a prayer of longing for the full realization of God's kingdom and the alignment of our world with His perfect will.

As we pray these words, we are called to live in alignment with God's purposes, to work for justice and righteousness, and to hold on to the hope of God's ultimate victory. It is a prayer that shapes our lives, our communities, and our world, drawing us into the transformative reality of God's kingdom.