Why was the kingdom of heaven at hand during John the Baptist's ministry?
The kingdom of heaven was at hand because the King Himself, Christ, was present on the scene. He was about to present Himself to Israel as the promised Messiah and King. John therefore called the nation to spiritual preparation through repentance and the baptism of repentance.
Les explains that John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, “Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The reason was that the King was there. Christ was on the scene and was about to present Himself to the nation of Israel as their promised Messiah and King. Israel was to prepare for that spiritually with repentance and the baptism of repentance that John preached. Les also notes that the term “kingdom of heaven” is rampant throughout the book of Matthew.
And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
More Questions
What was the purpose of John the Baptist's baptism of repentance?
The repentance and baptism of repentance John preached were the spiritual preparation the people of Israel were to make for Christ presenting Himself as their Messiah and King.