Some of my believing friends say the Kingdom of God hasn’t come yet, but I say when you repent and accept Jesus Christ you’ve entered the Kingdom. I know we’re not yet in the presence of the Lord, but I believe that because I’m striving to live according to the instructions of His Word from day to day, then I’m living the Kingdom life right now. Please comment on the above.
There are many believers who don’t understand that the Kingdom comes in two phases.
First is the spiritual phase as mentioned in Luke 17:20-21. This is what you’re experiencing. It’s open to all believers but according to Romans 12:1-2 we have to decide to live there, as you have done. Most believers are still living in the world, as your friends apparently are, and therefore are not experiencing Kingdom life.
The second phase is the physical one, which begins at the rapture/resurrection (1 Thes. 4:16-17). All believers will enter that one, since we will be changed from mortal to immortal and divested of our sin nature at that time (1 Cor. 15:51-53).
Once that happens we will all experience the “Kingdom Life” in all of its fullness forever.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away (Rev. 21:4).