The truth of our observation, that Christ’s kingdom is a spiritual one, is evident from a consideration of the hardship and misery of our condition in the warfare under the cross. It ought to be known, that whatever felicity is promised us in Christ, consists not in external accommodations, such as a life of joy and tranquillity, abundant wealth, security from every injury, and numerous delights suited to our carnal desires, but that it is suited to the heavenly state. Rather, “the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Rom 14:17). Since it is not terrestrial or carnal, but spiritual, it elevates us even to eternal life, that we may patiently pass through this life in afflictions, hunger, cold, contempt and other disagreeable circumstances; contented with this single assurance, that our King will never desert us till our warfare is done.
John Calvin
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