The Kingdom of Heaven: Should Christians Pursue it with Violence?

Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

A few days ago, I had an interesting conversation with a young man. For the sake of his privacy, I will identify him as John. The subject of our discussion was a passage of Scripture found in the New Testament book of Matthew, chapter 11, verse 12, which states: “The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.”

John asked my views on the kingdom of heaven and whether Christians should pursue it with violence. He added, “Christians should be more violent when they protest. After all, it’s up to us to preserve the sanctity of the Bible.”

I was surprised by John’s interpretation of the verse. It also troubled me that John believed Christians should use violence to preserve the sanctity of the Bible. I attempted to shed more light on the verse, but he wasn’t hearing me. I perceived that John wanted a debate, more than the truth. The Holy Spirit recalled to my memory a verse of Scripture in the New Testament book of Titus. Titus 3:9 warns believers to avoid unprofitable strivings about the word of God. So, I told John that I would blog the subject, and he would be welcome to share his views. This blog is my understanding of Matthew 11:12.

Violence in the Heavenlies

Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that there is a time for everything—a time for peace and a time for war. In the New Testament book of Matthew, there is a reference to violence in God’s kingdom. Matthew 11:12 specifically states, “The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” These scriptures raise important questions about the role and meaning of violence in our spiritual life.

Matthew 11:12 has generated much discussion within the church and among theologians and biblical scholars. In this blog, I will explore two challenging questions:

1. What role, if any, does violence play in the pursuit of the Kingdom of Heaven?

2. Should we seek the kingdom of God with violence or with peaceful patience, consistent with traditional Christian teachings?

At first glance, this verse of Scripture could appear to suggest that physical force is required to enter God’s kingdom. Some Christians, like John, and groups like Christian nationalists, interpret the verse to mean it’s right to be violent to protect the sanctity of the Bible (PBS News). Other Christians, including many Bible scholars, interpret this passage figuratively, viewing it as a call for commitment and determination when pursuing the kingdom of heaven. But does the Bible truly mean we must be violent to possess the kingdom of heaven?

The ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ Defined

When we think of heaven, we often imagine a literal physical location where God resides. Since God reigns from heaven, it seems logical to equate the kingdom of heaven with the literal place called Heaven. Yet, the kingdom of heaven refers to more than just a spiritual realm. The Gospel of Matthew describes it as both a present spiritual reality and the future hope for God’s people.

The kingdom of heaven is characterized by righteousness, forgiveness, peace, love, compassion, and a relationship with God. Every Christian should possess these attributes. God’s kingdom is within us, and it is under attack. This view of the kingdom invites us to participate actively in God’s ongoing work on earth. It also invites daily transformation through faith, obedience, and compassion. The kingdom of heaven is not only a distant hope but a present reality, and all Christians should receive it with wholehearted devotion and spiritual stability.

Violence Defined

Merriam-Webster defines violence as the use of physical force meant to injure, abuse, damage, or destroy. While the word usually refers to physical acts causing harm or destruction, in the context of Mathew 11:12, violence points to spiritual warfare. Moreover, it relates to the forcefulness with which we should seek God’s kingdom. It suggests a sense of urgency and intensity, challenging us to engage wholeheartedly in this spiritual battle.

The phrase “take it by force” emphasizes the necessity of an aggressive attitude when seeking the kingdom of heaven. This shifts the focus from physical violence to the seriousness and persistence required to pursue God’s kingdom. Ultimately, it underscores the intensity of real spiritual warfare.

Steps to Pursuing God’s Kingdom

In pursuing the kingdom of heaven, the Bible encourages us to live out biblical values such as justice, mercy, and humility, while remaining steadfast in the face of adversity. Ultimately, the pursuit of the kingdom is not about physical conquest but about ongoing spiritual warfare. This struggle has existed since John the Baptist first proclaimed the arrival of the kingdom of God.

In Matthew 6:33 ESV, Jesus instructs us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all other needs would be met as well. The Amplified Version of this verse reads:

“But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.”
— Matthew 6:33 AMP

Repentance

The first step in pursuing the kingdom of heaven is repentance. In Matthew 3:1-2, John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” We generally think of repentance as “turning away from sin.” While repentance requires that we turn away from sin, it also implies that we should change our perspective of God.

The Greek word for repentance in the text is metanoia (μετάνοια). It means to have a “change of mind” or a “change of heart. Not only should we experience a change of mind and heart, but we should also change our perspective on God. Before Jesus came, our view of God was frightening. We only knew of the demanding God of the Old Testament. When Moses encountered God on Mount Sinai, Hebrews 12:21 says, the sight of God was so terrifying that even Moses trembled with fear.

Jesus gave us a new perspective on God. He revealed a gracious, loving Father who desires a relationship rather than mere ritual obedience. This view of God as our heavenly Father invites us not only to turn from sin but also to embrace God’s mercy and goodness. Ultimately, this new perspective gives us a renewed mindset that trusts in God’s grace and seeks to know Him more deeply. In this way, true repentance becomes the first step toward entering God’s kingdom. It reorients our hearts toward His character and paves the way for genuine change.

Spiritual Rebirth

The next step in pursuing God’s kingdom and His righteousness is to be “born again.” This “new birth” marks the beginning of a transformed life. When we are born again, we enter into a new relationship with God. It is at that time that we become citizens of His kingdom. In our renewed state, we begin to seek God wholeheartedly, allowing His reign to shape our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. This change is not merely a modification of our behavior; it is a fundamental shift in our approach. It manifests outwardly through a life of faith, righteousness, compassion, and love. As we align ourselves with God’s purpose, we become active participants in God’s kingdom on earth.

Struggle and Division

In Matthew 10:34, Jesus said, “I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” In making this bold statement, Jesus emphasizes that following Him may lead to division and struggle—even within your own family. This division is often the inevitable result of fully embracing Christ’s command to live in opposition to the world’s values, for example, choosing honesty in a workplace that rewards cutting corners, or standing up for compassion when those around you advocate exclusion. These are ways this division might manifest in everyday life.

The challenge lies in resisting the existing powers that shape your beliefs. You must remain committed to what is right even when it sets you apart. We are not at war with other people. We are fighting spiritual forces that seek to hinder our devotion and obstruct the advancement of God’s kingdom in our lives.

The Nature of Spiritual Warfare

The Apostle Paul reminds us that our true battle is against spiritual rulers and authorities. They are cosmic powers of darkness that seek to undermine God’s purposes and hinder us from inheriting His promises. In recognizing this spiritual warfare, we must approach our daily lives with vigilance and reliance on God’s strength. Spiritual warfare is an ongoing reality for those who pursue God’s kingdom and His righteousness.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
— Ephesians 6:12 ESV

These evil rulers also have a government that they exercise in this world. They aim to keep us from possessing God’s promises. They are cunning and manipulative, and because they are invisible in our physical world, they are even more dangerous.

Don’t Play with the Devil

We are no longer serving under the Old Covenant that was given at Mount Sinai, the mountain of fear. We have come to Mount Zion, the mountain of joy, and have entered a new covenant with Our God. Nowhere does the New Covenant require that Christians use violence or force with each other or anyone else, for that matter. In fact, it commands just the opposite—that we love one another.

We’ve got to stop playing with the devil, because the devil is not playing with us. Although Christ defeated him at Calvary, he persists in his efforts to deceive and rob us of God’s promises. Let us do more than profess the kingdom of God; let us possess it. There is a difference between professing and possessing God’s promises. Satan does not want us to have the abundant life that Jesus promised. Through lying and deceit, Satan’s goal is to rob us of God’s promises, mainly the promise of the abundant life now and eternal life in the age to come.

How do we become violent with evil spirits that we can’t even see? Well, friends, it’s easier than you think. God has given us His Holy Spirit to help us overcome the devil and his dark forces. Here are some ways you can violently withstand him.

Suit up for Spiritual Battle

“Put on the full armor of God [for His precepts are like the splendid armor of a heavily-armed soldier], so that you may be able to [successfully] stand up against all the schemes and the strategies and the deceits of the devil.” — Ephesians 6:11 AMP

When we put on our spiritual armor, we are fortified to withstand every tactic and deception the enemy sets before us. God’s armor enables us to discern the sneaky ways the devil seeks to undermine our faith. When we suit up for battle—clothed in truth, righteousness, and readiness—we act not in our own power, but in the strength and authority provided by Christ. As we move forward, our commitment to walking in the Spirit becomes essential, empowering us to deny the flesh and resist the devil’s schemes.

Our Spiritual Armor

Ephesians 6:13-18

Our spiritual armor consists of several components, all of which can be used violently against the devil. Each piece works together, enabling us to stand strong and unwavering as we face the daily challenges and temptations that seek to undermine our faith. Our spiritual weaponry consists of:

Truth

Truth secures our foundation and anchors our lives to God’s Word. Therefore, gird your waist with truth, that you may stand firm against attack. What is truth? The Word of God is truth. The girdle, also known as the waist belt, is an essential piece of our spiritual armory. It is the central harness that distributes the weight of the whole armor and holds everything together. Truth not only upholds our integrity but also enables us to move through life freely and purposefully, prepared for every challenge the enemy presents.

Righteousness

You must cover your heart with this profound fact: YOU ARE THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN CHRIST! That’s right, God has declared everyone righteous who believes in His Son, Jesus Christ. The Scripture says,

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV

Satan will always remind you of your past. He will tell you that because of the unrighteous things you did in the past, you can never be righteous. GET VIOLENT WITH THE DEVIL! Defend yourself by resisting his lies. Put on the breastplate of righteousness. When we live according to God’s standards, the truth of God’s word will protect the righteous.

Peace

With our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel, we are prepared to stand our ground and advance against Satan’s opposition, knowing that God’s peace steadies our steps and guides our journey. Just as a soldier’s footwear provides traction and protection, the gospel of peace grounds us, making us unshakable as we faithfully carry out God’s mission.

Faith

Faith serves as a shield to extinguish the flaming arrows of the enemy, so don’t forget your shield. You’re not the only one prepared for this spiritual fight. Satan suits up, too! He loads his quiver with all sorts of flaming arrows that he uses to weaken your faith. When he shoots a blazing arrow of condemnation, quench it with your faith. Tell him that God has redeemed you and declared you NOT GUILTY!” The next time he shoots a flaming arrow of blame at you, quell it with your faith. Declare with authority, “I know the truth of God’s word, that I am innocent. Jesus already paid the price for all the stuff that you’re blaming me for. Your lies won’t work with me this time.” Whatever the devil shoots at you, quench it with your shield of faith and keep him on the run.

Salvation

The helmet of salvation is a necessity in spiritual warfare. That’s because salvation guards our minds against deception, doubt, and fear. By placing the helmet of salvation firmly on our heads, we safeguard our thoughts from the enemy’s attempts to sow confusion and insecurity. This allows God’s saving grace to shield our minds and inspire unwavering confidence in His promises. As we walk in this security, we are empowered to wield the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God—which cuts through every lie of Satan and equips us to stand strong in faith with authority and clarity in every spiritual battle.

The Sword

Each of our weapons—truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation is a defensive weapon designed to protect us from harm in battle. The sword is the only offensive weapon that we carry. The “Sword of the Spirit” is the Word of God. The word of God is alive and active. It is sharper than any double-edged sword. It can penetrate even to the core of the human spirit. In addition, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

Prayer Seals the Victory

Prayer connects us directly to the source of all strength. It enables us to remain vigilant and steadfast in the face of the devil’s schemes. As we wield the sword of the Spirit, let us not underestimate the power of prayer to activate and sustain our spiritual armor. Through ongoing communion with God, we gain discernment and wisdom. God’s wisdom and authority will guide every strike with our sword. When we pray, we not only defend ourselves, but also advance in God’s kingdom.

The Shift

In times past, God’s adversaries were flesh and blood. They were enemies like the Amalekites, the Jebusites, and the Canaanites. God dealt with His adversaries violently. However, the nature of our fight has shifted from physical enemies to spiritual ones. Today, our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the unseen forces of evil that operate in the spiritual realm. Nevertheless, we are to deal with them as God dealt with His flesh and blood adversaries—violently opposing them in spiritual battle.

As it relates to the physical world today, Christians should in no way use violent force against anyone to uphold righteousness. Righteousness is a gift from God, and those who receive it have a choice to accept God or reject Him. Victory over the kingdom of darkness is found not in our own strength, but in the authority of Christ. He has already triumphed over darkness.

 As we daily seek His kingdom and righteousness, we must remain alert, prayerful, and steadfast, trusting that God’s promises will prevail and His light will overcome every dark shadow. In this ongoing battle, our commitment to God’s truth and love becomes both our shield and our weapon, thus enabling us to advance His kingdom even in the face of opposition.