Kingdom of God
When Latter-day Saints speak about “building the Kingdom of God,” the phrase can sound ambitious or even unsettling to those unfamiliar with their beliefs. Some imagine political aspirations, religious domination, or claims of superiority over others. In a world where religion and power have often been entangled in harmful ways, such concerns are understandable.
For Latter-day Saints, however, the idea of building the Kingdom of God carries a very different meaning. It is not about controlling governments, imposing belief, or establishing a theocracy. Instead, it refers to participating in what they believe is God’s long-term, redemptive work among humanity—work centered on Jesus Christ, personal transformation, service, and covenant living.
Building the Kingdom of God is understood as gradual, voluntary, and deeply spiritual. It unfolds through individual faith, families striving to live Christlike lives, communities caring for the vulnerable, and a global Church organized to support discipleship. The emphasis is not on power or visibility, but on preparation—preparing hearts, lives, and societies for the eventual return of Jesus Christ.
To understand why Mormons use this language, it is essential to explore how they understand the Kingdom of God in scripture, daily life, community, and the future.
The Kingdom of God in Scripture
Latter-day Saints encounter the idea of God’s kingdom throughout both the Bible and modern revelation. Scripture presents the kingdom in two interconnected ways: as something already present and as something that will be fully realized in the future.
Jesus Christ Himself frequently spoke of the Kingdom of God, describing it as near, growing, and transformative.
Present and Future Kingdom
In Latter-day Saint belief, the Kingdom of God exists now in a spiritual sense wherever people willingly follow Jesus Christ. At the same time, it will one day be fulfilled in a more complete way when Christ returns and reigns personally.
This dual understanding allows members to see their current efforts as meaningful without believing they are creating heaven on earth by force.
The kingdom grows quietly, often invisibly, through faith and righteousness.
Christ at the Center
Central to this belief is the conviction that Jesus Christ—not any institution or leader—is the head of the Kingdom of God. The Church exists to point people to Christ, not to replace Him.
All kingdom-building efforts are measured by how well they reflect Christ’s teachings of love, humility, justice, and mercy.
Without Christ at the center, the kingdom loses its meaning.
Building Through Personal Righteousness
Latter-day Saints believe the Kingdom of God is built one life at a time. It does not advance through conquest, legislation, or coercion. Instead, it grows as individuals choose faith, repentance, and discipleship.
Personal transformation is the foundation of collective change.
Conversion of the Heart
True kingdom-building begins internally. Latter-day Saints emphasize changing the heart before changing structures. A person who becomes more honest, forgiving, patient, and compassionate is seen as actively participating in God’s kingdom.
This inward focus guards against hypocrisy and spiritual pride.
The kingdom expands as individuals align their lives with Christ’s teachings.
Discipleship Over Power
The language of “building” does not imply domination. Rather, it reflects steady effort, service, and commitment. Discipleship is prioritized over influence.
Members believe the Kingdom of God advances through love expressed in daily actions, not through authority imposed on others.
Covenants and Ordinances
Sacred covenants and ordinances play a central role in how Latter-day Saints understand building the Kingdom of God. Covenants are voluntary promises made with God, binding individuals to Christ and to one another.
These commitments create a spiritual community united by shared purpose.
Covenant Community
Through ordinances such as baptism and temple covenants, individuals commit to follow Jesus Christ and live His teachings. These covenants are believed to bind people together spiritually, forming the structure of God’s kingdom on earth.
The kingdom is not merely an idea; it is embodied in covenant relationships.
This shared commitment creates accountability, unity, and continuity.
Missionary and Service Work
Two of the most visible ways Latter-day Saints believe they help build the Kingdom of God are missionary work and service. These efforts are seen as complementary rather than separate.
Teaching and serving are both expressions of Christ’s love.
Preaching and Serving
Missionary work invites people to learn about Jesus Christ and His gospel. It is based on persuasion, respect, and choice. Latter-day Saints do not believe faith can be forced.
Service, on the other hand, meets immediate human needs. Feeding the hungry, responding to disasters, and supporting the vulnerable are considered acts of kingdom-building regardless of religious affiliation.
Both teaching and service reflect Christ’s ministry.
Zion and the Kingdom of God
The concept of Zion is closely linked to building the Kingdom of God. While the Kingdom refers broadly to God’s rule and work, Zion represents the social and moral ideals of that kingdom lived out collectively.
Zion reflects how kingdom values shape communities.
A Society of the Righteous
Zion is described as a people who are unified, just, and caring. It emphasizes equality, generosity, and concern for the poor.
Latter-day Saints believe building Zion prepares the world for Christ’s return by modeling what life under His reign looks like.
Zion is aspirational, not imposed.
Global, Not Political
One of the most important clarifications Latter-day Saints make is that the Kingdom of God is not political. It does not replace governments, endorse parties, or seek territorial control.
It transcends national borders.
Faith Above Politics
Members are encouraged to be good citizens, obey laws, and participate responsibly in civic life. However, their ultimate loyalty is spiritual rather than political.
The Kingdom of God exists wherever people follow Christ, regardless of political system.
This distinction helps prevent misuse of religious language for power.
Role of the Church
Latter-day Saints believe the Church plays an essential but supportive role in building the Kingdom of God. The Church provides structure, ordinances, leadership, and community to help individuals live discipleship consistently.
The Church organizes, but Christ directs.
Christ Leads His Church
Leaders are viewed as servants acting under Christ’s authority. The Church is seen as an instrument God uses, not the ultimate object of faith.
Programs, policies, and organization exist to support spiritual growth and service.
This perspective emphasizes humility and accountability.
Imperfect People, Divine Purpose
A defining feature of Latter-day Saint belief is the acknowledgment of imperfection. Members openly admit that they fall short, make mistakes, and require grace.
Building the Kingdom of God does not require flawless people.
Growth Over Perfection
The kingdom is built through repentance, learning, and reliance on Christ. Progress is gradual and uneven.
This belief creates space for patience, humility, and compassion within the faith community.
God’s purposes move forward despite human weakness.
Common Misunderstandings
A common misunderstanding is that Latter-day Saints believe they alone are building God’s kingdom. In reality, they believe God works through many individuals, churches, and organizations worldwide.
Another misunderstanding is that the kingdom excludes outsiders. Latter-day Saints emphasize agency, invitation, and love.
Participation is voluntary, not restricted.
Why This Belief Matters
Believing they are helping build the Kingdom of God gives Latter-day Saints purpose and direction. It shapes daily choices, long-term goals, and attitudes toward service and sacrifice.
This belief encourages hope rather than fear, responsibility rather than apathy, and love rather than domination.
For believers, building the Kingdom of God means centering life on Jesus Christ and participating—imperfectly but sincerely—in God’s redemptive work for all humanity.
Sources
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: Kingdom of God
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org
Doctrine and Covenants Central – Zion and the Kingdom
https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org
Scripture Central – Kingdom of God in Scripture
https://scripturecentral.org
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