Doctrine Of Kingdom Of God

Doctrine of the Kingdom of God Definition The term ‘kingdom’ refers to a monarchy or a state in which the head is a king. Israel began as a theocracy with God as ‘King’ but later established a monarchy with Saul as the first ruler (1 Sam. 9:7,19; 10:24). Moses had predicted that such a kingdom would be established (Deut. 17:14-20). David followed Saul as king of Israel and was succeeded by his son Solomon who was the last ruler of a United Kingdom. Solomon's son Rehoboam caused the nation to divide into two kingdoms, Judah and Israel (1 Kings 12:19), c. 933 BC The Northern kingdom called Israel lasted until 722 BC and had 19 kings. None of them served the Lord. The Southern Kingdom called Judah lasted until conquered by Babylon in 586 BC The Kingdom of God In contrast to the national, political, territorial kingdom, which Israel enjoyed from the days of Saul onward, was the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God refers to the spiritual domain (John 18:36) in the hearts of men whereby God manifests His will. The Kingdom of God finds its fullest expression in the Person and work of Jesus Christ (Luke 17:21; Matt. 13:31). All who submit to the Lordship of Christ are citizens of the kingdom of God. The kingdom is a present reality (Acts 2:47; Col. 1:13; Rev. 1:6). The Introduction of a New Concept The concept of the rule of God in the affairs of men has changed over the centuries because of a variety of circumstances. When the history of mankind was young, it was obvious that God was not only Creator of heaven and earth but sovereign over society. Adam and Eve certainly understood this as well as Cain and Abel and Seth along with their brothers and sisters. However, as the first population explosion took place and every imagination of man was evil (Gen. 6:1ff), God was forgotten. The setting aside of the sovereign led to a worldwide form of Divine discipline per the Flood—and the rule and reign of God in the affairs of man was once more established. Noah and his small family certainly understood the absolute sovereignty of God over heaven and earth when they came forth from the Ark. Surely, it might have been assumed, the righteous reign of God would never again be challenged or questioned. But it was. On the plains of Shinar the will of God was defied and the symbol of rebellion was erected in the Tower of Babel. And once more man, in a dramatic way, was shown that the reign of God in the affairs of man was permanent for the Lord confused the tongues of men. As a result, the will of God was done on earth as new settlements were established throughout the earth. Nations formed and civilizations emerged with a vast kaleidoscope of nations and expressions of individuality. But the old habit of forgetting the Lord was again manifested in the new nations as the earth was re-populated. Because of the general blessings of heaven, it was easy to restrict or regulate the rule of God in earthly affairs. As the biblical narrative unfolds, there came a time when the Lord decided to remind man of Himself. But this time there would be a difference. There would be no universal curse. There would be no worldwide destruction by water. Instead, God would take a single man and use him to bring forth a kingdom that would challenge all the kingdom of earth. Calling Abraham unto himself, the Lord promised him a son and many descendants. These descendants would multiply physically and be entrusted with the divine Law. They in turn would take on a spiritual

dimension so that it could be said they were a kingdom of priests. Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. In this manner a new concept was established. There are kingdoms of this world and there is a kingdom of God. What about the universal reign of God? Well, that is constant. God cannot cease to be God. Acts 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. However, it pleased God to teach mankind the idea that there are kingdoms in conflict. There are the kingdoms of this world, and there is the kingdom of heaven promised to Abraham, proto-typed by Israel, reflected more fully in the reign of David, predicted by Daniel, preached by John the Baptist, (Matt. 3:2) and personified in the Messiah. (Matt. 6:33). While the actual rule and reign of God in the affairs of men has always been constant, the conception of this divine truth has been crystallized in the more precise phrases ‘the kingdom of God’ and ‘the kingdom of heaven’ which are used interchangeably. Synonymous Terms: The Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God 1. The kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God are synonymous terms. ! Matthew 11:12,13 states: “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and men of violence take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied unto John.” ! Luke 16:16 states: “The law and the prophets were until John: from that time the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached, and every man entereth violently into it.” ! Matthew 10:7 states: “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” ! Luke 9:2 states: “And he sent them forth to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.” ! Matthew 4:17 states: “From that time began Jesus to preach, and to say, Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” ! Mark 1:14,15 states: “Now after John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” ! Matthew 19:23,24 offers a Hebrew parallelism: “And Jesus said unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, It is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” 2. These scriptures prove in a conclusive manner that the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God are one and the same. The New Testament speaks of only one kingdom called by two different names.

3. The kingdom Christ came to establish, and did establish, is a present reality. Since the kingdom of the Messiah is a "millennium" kingdom then that too must be a present reality for there cannot be one without the other. This Messianic reign of Christ is recorded in Matthew 11:1-6: “And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. Now when John had heard in prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come [i.e. the Messiah], or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, God and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in men.” 4. Only the Messiah could do what Jesus did. Only as the Messianic King with power over His kingdom could Jesus challenge the kingdoms of this world. In the establishment of His kingdom Jesus did not fail. General Observations 1. The ‘kingdom of God’ has a general reference to the rule and reign of God in the affairs of men. ! Daniel 4:17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. ! Psalms 22:28 For the kingdom is the LORD's: and he is the governor among the nations. ! Psalms 45:6 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. ! Psalms 103:19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. 2. That God has actually and always sovereignly ruled over the affairs of earth is the constant testimony of Scripture. And His sovereignty is absolute. ! Job 42:1,2 Then Job answered the LORD, and said, 2 I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be with-holden from thee. ! Psalms 115:3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. ! Psalms 135:6 Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. ! Isaiah 14:24 The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:

! Isaiah 14:27 For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? And his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back? ! Isaiah 46:9-11 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, 10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: 11 Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. ! Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. ! Jeremiah 32:17 Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee: ! Daniel 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? ! Matthew 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. 3. That God rules and reigns over the affairs of men specifically is set forth conceptionally in the presentation of the Messianic kingdom described as ‘the kingdom of God’ and ‘the kingdom of heaven.’ The Messianic kingdom is based upon the sovereignty of God as King of the Universe and king of Israel. ! 1 Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. 4. The disciples of Christ (the Christians of the Church) can understand the spiritual nature of the kingdom of God. ! Mark 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: ! Luke 8:10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. 5. Entrance into and endurance in the kingdom demands moral purity by way of the new birth.

! Mark 9:47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: ! John 3:3, 5 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6. The kingdom of Christ is identified and associated with the kingdom of David. ! Mark 11:10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. (cf. Acts 2:29-36) 7. Man can get near the kingdom without ever entering into it. ! Mark 12:34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question. 8. There shall be no end to the kingdom of Christ. ! Luke 1:33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 9. Those who turn away from Jesus are not fit for the kingdom of heaven. ! Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. 10. The kingdom of God will not and did not come with signs. ! Luke 17:20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 11. The kingdom of God is within (or better "in the midst of") the hearts of men. ! Luke 17:21 Neither shall they say, ‘Lo here!’ or, ‘Lo there!’ For, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. 12. Jesus appointed His disciples a kingdom in Luke 22:29 so that they could share in the royal rule. He also gave them ‘thrones’ in that they ‘judged’ the tribes of Israel by proclaiming the gospel (Matt. 19:28). ! Luke 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; ! Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

13. Jesus said that His kingdom was not of this world. ! John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. 14. The apostles proclaimed the kingdom message after the resurrection of Christ. ! Acts 1:3,6 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: …6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? ! Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (Acts 19:8; 20:25; 28:23; 28:31). 15. By much tribulation the saints enter into the kingdom. ! Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 16. The kingdom is a present reality (Mark 10:15; 12:34; Luke 7:28; 17; 20,21). ! Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ! Matthew 12:28 28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. ! Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. The Doctrine of the Kingdom According to the Gospels 1. The word "kingdom" may be defined as the rule or reign of God that is recognized in the hearts and operative in the lives of God's people, effecting their complete salvation, their constitution as a church, and finally a redeemed earth. 2. The kingdom belongs to those who are poor in spirit (Luke 6:20), and who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness. ! Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. ! Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

3. John announced that the kingdom of heaven, which speaks of its ultimate source and origin, was at hand in the days prior to the revealing of Christ (Matt. 4:17,23). ! Matthew 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 4. Those who are least on earth are the greatest in the kingdom (Matt. 11:11; 18:1-4; Luke 7:28). ! Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 5. Christians are to pray for the rule of God to be more evident on earth (Matt. 6:10; Luke 11:2). ! Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 6. The highest priority in life is to seek the rule and reign of God in every detail (Luke 12:31). ! Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 7. As Jesus first presented the kingdom concept, He made it clear that only those who desire the will of God shall enter into His kingdom (Matt. 7:21-22). ! Matthew 7:21-22 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Old Testament saints are part of the kingdom of heaven. ! Matthew 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 1. Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom wherever He went (Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:11). ! Mark 1:14-15 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 2. The disciples were told to declare the kingdom of heaven was at hand to the Jews first. ! Matthew 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. ! Luke 9:2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. 3. The kingdom of heaven ‘suffereth violence’ which means that the kingdom of Christ will be vigorous and forceful. The kingdom of God cannot be stopped from spreading.

! Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. 4. The kingdom of God comes in power to cast out evil (Matt. 12:28). ! Matthew 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. 5. The kingdom of heaven is compared to a grain of seed (Matt. 13:31; Mark 4:26; 4:30), leaven (Matt. 13:33), a treasure (Matt. 13:44), a merchant (Matt. 13:45), and a net (Matt. 13:47). 6. To the disciples were given the keys or authority to the kingdom of heaven. ! Matthew 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 7. Some in the days of Christ saw the Lord coming in His kingdom glory (Mark 9:1; Luke 9:27). ! Matthew 16:28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom. 8. Forgiveness, grace, mercy, and justice characterize the kingdom of heaven. ! Matthew 18:23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 9. Supreme sacrifices can be made and sometimes must be made for the sake of the kingdom ! Matthew 19:12 For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it. 10. Little children are a welcomed part of the kingdom of heaven (Mark 10:14-15). ! Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. 11. The proud and the rich have a hard time entering into the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 19:23; Mark 10:23-25). ! Matthew 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

12. Many are called to the kingdom of heaven but few are chosen (Matt. 20:1,16). ! Matthew 20:1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. ! Matthew 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. 13. Even the most the wicked of people are welcomed to the kingdom based upon repentance ! Matthew 21:31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. 14. The kingdom of God was taken from the Jews and given to the Gentiles. ! Matthew 21:43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. 15. The religious leaders of Israel shut people out of the kingdom of heaven with false teaching ! Matthew 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. 16. The gospel of the kingdom of heaven is to be preached in all the nations before Jesus returns the second time in glory (Matt. 24:14). ! Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. 17. The kingdom of heaven demands that its citizens be always in service, and watchful for the return of the King (Matt. 25:1 cp. Matt. 13). ! Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 18. When Jesus returns the second time faithful citizens shall continue to be part of His kingdom (Matt. 25:34). ! Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. ! Matthew 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

19. Some day Jesus plans to return His kingdom to His Father (Matt. 26:29 cf. 1 Cor. 15:24). ! Matthew 26:29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. ! 1 Corinthians 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 20. The kingdom has come. The invitation is "Come to the kingdom." How? By receiving entrance as a grace gift (Luke 12:32). Eat the Bread of Life. Drink from the wells of Living Water. Live with the rule of God in your life. Come. All things are now ready. The Bride and the Spirit say come. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.

The Doctrine of the Kingdom According to the Epistles 1. The kingdom of God is not physical but spiritual which means it is concerned with the things of the Spirit. ! Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 2. The power of the kingdom of God to change lives does not consist in words but in demonstration of the Spirit. ! 1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. 3. Evil people who are non-repentant shall not inherit the kingdom of God in time or in eternity. ! 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. ! Galatians 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. ! Ephesians 5:5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 4. Jesus is even now to rule until He has put down all His enemies and then shall He give the kingdom back to the Father. ! 1 Corinthians 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 5. Flesh and blood as it now exits shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

! 1 Corinthians 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 6. Christians are even now members of the kingdom of Christ. ! Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 7. Believers are fellow workers in the kingdom of God. ! Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

8. Entrance into the kingdom is based upon Divine effectual calling. ! 1 Thessalonians 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. 9. Christians suffer because they are members of the kingdom of God by virtue of being a Christian. ! 1 Peter 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. ! 2 Thess 1:5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: 10. There is a future day of judgment at the appearance of Christ, which shall usher in eternal righteousness. ! 2 Timothy 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 11. Believers enter a heavenly expression of the kingdom at the point of death. ! 2 Timothy 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 12. The kingdom of Christ is characterized by righteousness (Heb. 1:8). ! Hebrews 1:8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 13. The kingdom is permanent. ! Hebrews 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

14. The poor of this world are heirs to the kingdom (James 2:5). ! James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? 15. The Apostles considered themselves to be part of the kingdom (Rev. 1:9). ! Revelation 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 16. The kingdom of God brought the downfall of Satan. ! Revelation 12:5-10 And she brought forth a man-child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days. 7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, 8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 17. The kingdoms of this world are to be conquered by Christ. ! Revelation 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. Malkut: The Kingdom of God 1. The Hebrew word for “kingdom” in the OT is malkut. It is also translated “reign; rule." The word malkut occurs 91 times. The first occurrence is in Numbers 24:7: "He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted." 2. The word malkut denotes: ! the territory of the kingdom: "When he showed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honor of his excellent majesty many days, even a hundred and fourscore days" Esther 1:4; ! the accession to the throne: "For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14;

! the year of rule: "So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign" Esther 2:16; and ! anything "royal" or "kingly": • • • • • • •

throne Esther 1:2, wine Esther 1:7, crown Esther 1:11, word Esther 1:19, garment Esther 6:8, palace Esther 1:9, scepter Ps 45:6, and glory Ps. 145:11-12

3. The Septuagint translations of malkut are: basileia ("kingship; kingdom; royal power") and basileus ("king"). mamlakah, "kingdom; sovereignty; dominion; reign." 4. The word malkut appears about 115 times throughout the Old Testament. 5. Mamlakah occurs first in Gen 10:10: "And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar" in the sense of the "realm" of the kingdom. 6. The basic meaning of mamlakah is the area and people that constitute a "kingdom." The word refers to non-Israelite nations who are ruled by a melek, "king": "And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years, that the Lord will visit Tyre, and she shall turn to her hire, and shall commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world upon the face of the earth" 7. Isa 23:17. Mamlikah is a synonym for `am, "people," and goy, "nation": "...they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people" Ps 105:13. 8. Mamlakah also denotes Israel as God's "kingdom": "And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation" Ex 19:6. 9. The Davidic king was the theocratic agent by whom God ruled over and blessed His people: "And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established forever before thee: thy throne shall be established forever" 2 Sam 7:16. 10. Nevertheless, the one mamlakah after Solomon was divided into two kingdoms which Ezekiel predicted would be reunited: "And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms..." Ezek 37:22. 11. Close to the basic meaning is the usage of mamlakah to denote "king," as the king was considered to be the embodiment of the "kingdom." He was viewed as a symbol of the

kingdom proper: "Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all kingdoms, and of them that oppressed you" 1 Sam 10:18; in Hebrew the noun "kingdoms" is feminine and the verb "oppress" has a masculine form, signifying that we must understand "kingdoms" as "kings". 12. The function and place of the king is important in the development of the concept "kingdom." "Kingdom" may signify the head of the kingdom. The word further has the meaning of the royal "rule," the royal "sovereignty," and the "dominion." 13. The royal "sovereignty" was taken from Saul because of his disobedience 1 Sam 28:17. "Royal sovereignty" is also the sense in Jer 27:1: "In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim...." 14. The Old Testament further defines as expressions of the royal "rule" all things associated with the king: •

the throne: "And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites" Deut 17:18;

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the pagan sanctuary supported by the throne: "But prophesy not again any more at Bethel: for it is the king's chapel, and it is the king's court" Amos 7:13; and

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a royal city: "And David said unto Achish, If I have now found grace in thine eyes, let them give me a place in some town in the country, that I may dwell there: for why should thy servant dwell in the royal city with thee?" 1 Sam 27:5.

15. All human rule is under God's control. Consequently the Old Testament fully recognizes the kingship of God. The Lord ruled as king over His people Israel 1 Chron 29:11. 16. He graciously ruled over His people through David and his followers until the Exile 2 Chron 13:5. 17. In the New Testament usage all the above meanings are to be associated with the Greek word basileia ("kingdom"). This is the major translation of mamlakah in the Septuagint, and as such it is small wonder that the New Testament authors used this word to refer to God's "kingdom": the realm, the king, the sovereignty, and the relationship to God Himself. 18. Melek, "king." This word occurs about 2,513 times in the Old Testament. It is found several times in Gen 14:1: "And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations."

The Kingdom Concept in the Old Testament 1. The word ‘kingdom’ is used 216 times in the OT while the word ‘kingdoms’ is used 52 times. [Note. In the NT the word kingdom is used 151 times and the word kingdom is used 5 times.] 2. Of the 39 books in the OT the kingdom concept is used in 28 books. The following passages should be studied for usage of precise terminology of the kingdom: ! Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. ! 2 Samuel 5:12 And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake. ! 2 Samuel 7:12-13 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. ! 2 Samuel 7:16 And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever. ! 1 Chronicles 10:14 And inquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse. ! 1 Chronicles 11:10 These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel. ! 1 Chronicles 12:23 And these are the numbers of the bands that were ready armed to the war, and came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the LORD. ! 1 Chronicles 14:2 And David perceived that the LORD had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high, because of his people Israel. ! 1 Chronicles 17:11 And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom. ! 1 Chronicles 17:14 But I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore. ! 1 Chronicles 22:10 He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.

! 1 Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. ! 2 Chronicles 1:1 And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him, and magnified him exceedingly. ! 2 Chronicles 13:8 And now ye think to withstand the kingdom of the LORD in the hand of the sons of David; and ye be a great multitude, and there are with you golden calves, which Jeroboam made you for gods. ! Psalms 22:28 For the kingdom is the LORD's: and he is the governor among the nations. ! Psalms 45:6 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. ! Psalms 103:19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. ! Psalms 145:11-12 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; 12 To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom. ! Psalms 145:13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. ! Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. ! Daniel 4:3 How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation. ! Daniel 4:17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. ! Daniel 4:25 That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. ! Daniel 4:32 And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over

thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. ! Daniel 5:21 And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will. ! Daniel 7:14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. ! Daniel 7:18 But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. ! Daniel 7:22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. ! Daniel 7:27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. ! Obadiah 21 And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the LORD's. ! Most of the passages refers to the Davidic throne which is associated with the Messianic expectations. ! The Messianic kingdom is based upon the sovereignty of God as king of the Universe and king of Israel (Psa. 2:6; 5:2; 10:16; 20:9; 24:7,8,10; 29:10; 44:4; 45:1-6; 45:11; 47:2,6,7; 48:2; 68:24; 74:12; 89:18; 95:3; 98:6; 145:1; 149:2; Isa. 6:5; 32:1; 33:17; 33:22; 41:21; 43:15; 44:6; Jer. 9:19; 10:7; 10:10; 46:18; 48:15; 51:57; Ezek. 37:22; 37:24; Dan. 4:37; Zeph. 3:15; Zech. 9:9; 14:9; 14:16; 14:17; Mal. 1:14; 1 Sam. 12:12) The Victorious Kingdom of God 1. God gave Abraham the promise of the gospel. ! Genesis 22:17-18 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; 18 And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. 2. The promise of a worldwide blessing is promised often.

! Psalms 22:27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee. ! Psalms 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. ! Psalms 66:4 All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah. ! Psalms 68:9 Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary. ! Psalms 102:15 So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory. ! Isaiah 2:2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. ! Isaiah 11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. ! Malachi 1:11 For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts. 3. The victory of Jesus Christ is certain through suffering. ! Genesis 3:14-15 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. 4. The victory will be total and will affect nature. ! Micah 7:16-17 The nations shall see and be confounded at all their might: they shall lay their hand upon their mouth, their ears shall be deaf. 17 They shall lick the dust like a serpent, they shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth: they shall be afraid of the LORD our God, and shall fear because of thee. ! Isaiah 65:23 They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.

5. The destruction of Satan's power began during the ministry of Christ, as He cast out demons and healed the sick. ! Luke 10:18-19 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. 19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 6. Jesus disarmed the demons. ! Colossians 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 7. The devil was rendered powerless. ! Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 8. The Lord appeared that He might destroy the works of the devil. ! 1 John 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9. The Father gave to the Son the nations as a reward of His labors. ! Psalms 2:8-9 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. 9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. (cp. Psa. 72) ! Daniel 7:13-14 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. 10. Jesus promised that the church would be on the offensive against hell and would be victorious. ! Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 11. The gospel will progress to the end of the world. ! John 12:31-32 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. 32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

12. Just as Canaan did not come without a fight, so the gospel conquest of this world will require many battles. Nevertheless, God will transform society. ! Matthew 13:33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. 13. Physical provisions are associated with the coming of the gospel. ! Micah 4:2-4 And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. 3 And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 4 But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.

Review with Summary Observations 1. The kingdom of God is to have priority in one's life. ! Matt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. ! Luke 9:60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. ! Luke 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. ! Luke 12:31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. 2. The power of Satan is diminished because of the coming of the kingdom of God. ! Matt 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. ! Luke 11:20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. 3. It is still difficult for people to enter into the kingdom. The rich in particular find it difficult to submit to the Lordship of Christ and not be covetous.

! Matt 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. ! Mark 10:23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! ! Mark 10:24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! ! Mark 10:25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. ! Luke 18:24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! ! Luke 18:25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 4. While it is difficult to enter into the kingdom, the greatest of all sinners will be found there because such people can readily see that they need a Savior. ! Matt 21:31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. 5. Once, national Israel was the covenant people of God and the visible expression of the kingdom of God's people. However, Israel did not keep the covenant and so the spiritual kingdom of God was taken from them and given to a new nation called the church. The church consists of those Jews who had the faith of Abraham plus the Gentiles who have embraced the same faith, all of which is focused in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. ! Matt 21:43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. 6. Jesus himself preached the good news of the kingdom of God. ! Mark 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, ! Luke 4:43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

! Luke 8:1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, 7. The terms of entering into the kingdom of God is based upon evangelical repentance for sins. ! Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. 8. Christ established the true essence of the kingdom of God forth in a series of parables. The truths found in the parables remain a mystery to those who have no spiritual faith in Christ. The same gospel, which is revealed to some, is concealed to others. ! Mark 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: ! Luke 8:10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. 9. The kingdom of God is compared to seed cast into the ground. ! Mark 4:26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; 10. Like mustard seed cast into the ground the kingdom of God was small to begin with. ! Mark 4:30-31 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? 31. It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth. ! Luke 13:18-19 Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? And whereunto shall I resemble it? 19. It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it. 11. Some disciples were promised that they would not die until they had seen a more visible expression of the kingdom of God on earth. On the Day of Pentecost this promise was partially fulfilled. ! Mark 9:1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power. ! Luke 9:27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.

! Acts 2:2-3 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 12. The ethics of the kingdom of God demand holiness. ! Mark 9:47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: 13. Little children can be found in the kingdom of God. ! Mark 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. ! Luke 18:16 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 14. The kingdom of God demands humility. ! Mark 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. ! Luke 7:28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. ! Luke 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter 15. It is possible to be close to the kingdom of God and still not enter into it. ! Mark 12:34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question. 15. Jesus promised to take communion with His disciples in the kingdom of God following His crucifixion and resurrection. Mark 14:25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God. ! Luke 22:16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. ! Luke 22:18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

16. While the kingdom of God is a present, spiritual reality which manifests itself visibly in the lives of the citizens of that kingdom, there is still a fuller expression of the kingdom that is anticipated at the Second Coming of Christ (Heb. 9:28). ! Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honorable counselor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus. ! Luke 23:51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God. 17. Those who are poor in spirit belong to the kingdom of God. ! Luke 6:20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. 18. As Jesus preached the concept of the present kingdom of God, so did His disciples and so must all disciples. ! Luke 9:2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. ! Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. 19. The sovereign Lord provided health for the citizens of the kingdom of God during His ministry here on earth. ! Luke 9:11 And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing. 20. In order to demonstrate the power of the kingdom of God, the disciples were allowed to perform miracles. ! Luke 10:9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. 21. It is possible for men not to know that the kingdom of God has come to earth. ! Luke 10:11 Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. 22. The kingdom of God is compared to leaven which has great power to influence. ! Luke 13:20-21 And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?

23. The Jews were warned that they would not be found with their forefathers in the kingdom if they rejected Christ as Savior. ! Luke 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. 24. The kingdom of God consists of converts from every part of the world and from all the nations of the world. ! Luke 13:29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. 25. Men can know how good it is to have part of the kingdom of God. ! Luke 14:15 And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God. 26. The kingdom of God offers free grace to all who come to Christ. Those who are called from afar flock to the kingdom. ! Luke 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. 27. Those who do not have faith cannot observe the kingdom of God. ! Luke 17:20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: ! Luke 17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. 28. Just prior to the crucifixion of Christ, the disciples were expecting the Lord to usher in His great kingdom according to historical means. They had yet to learn the true nature of the kingdom of God. ! Luke 19:11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. 29. The events surrounding the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70 would be a sign that the judgment of God had finally fallen upon Judah. From that point forward the Church would rise in power as the new expression of the kingdom of God.

! Luke 21:31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. 30. Entrance into the kingdom of God is based upon the sovereign work of God the Holy Spirit producing the new birth in the heart of sinners. ! John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. ! John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 31. After His resurrection, Jesus continued to teach His disciples about the nature of the kingdom of God. ! Acts 1:3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 32. The citizens of the kingdom of God are baptized. ! Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 33. The citizens of the kingdom of God will know hostility from the kingdoms of this world. ! Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. ! 2 Thess 1:5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: 34. The apostle Paul the spiritual truths concerning the kingdom of God. ! Acts 19:8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. ! Acts 20:25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. ! Acts 28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.

! Acts 28:31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. 35. Paul taught that the essence of the kingdom of God is not physical but spiritual. ! Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 36. Paul taught that the kingdom of God relies upon the power of the Holy Spirit and not in the arm of the flesh. ! 1 Cor 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. 37. Paul taught that the immoral will not inherit the kingdom of God. There must be holiness. ! 1 Cor 6:9, 10 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. ! Gal 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 38. Paul taught that those who ultimately inhabit the final expression of the kingdom of God must have a new resurrected body. ! 1 Cor 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 39. Comfort is found in the kingdom of God from the family of God. ! Col 4:11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

The Doctrine of the Kingdom of God General Observations Handout 1. The ‘kingdom of God’ has reference to the rule and reign of God in the affairs of men. 2. That God has actually and always sovereignly ruled and reigned over the affairs of earth is the constant testimony of Scripture. (1 Chron. 29:10-12; Job 42:1,2; Psa. 115:3; 135:6; Isa. 14:24, 27; 46:9-11; 55:11; Jer. 32:17; Dan. 4:35; Matt. 19:26) 3. However, the reign of God is crystallized conceptionally by the expressions ‘the kingdom of God’ and ‘the kingdom of heaven.’ 4. The Disciples of Christ can understand the spiritual nature of the kingdom of God (Mark 4:11; Luke 8:10). 5. Entrance into the kingdom demands moral purity (Mark 9:47) by way of the new birth (John 3:3,5). 6. The kingdom of Christ is identified and associated with the kingdom of David (Mark 11:10 cf. Acts 2:29-36). 7. Man can get near the kingdom without ever entering into it (Mark 12:34). 8. There shall be no end to the kingdom of Christ (Luke 1:33). 9. Those who turn away from Jesus are not fit for the kingdom of heaven (Luke 9:62). 10. The kingdom of God will not and did not come with signs (Luke 17:20). 11. The kingdom of God is within (or better "in the midst of") the hearts of men. (Luke 17:21). 12. Jesus appointed His disciples a kingdom in Luke 22:29 so that they could share in the royal rule. He also gave them thrones and they judged the tribes of Israel by proclaiming the gospel (Matt. 19:28). 13. Jesus said that His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:36). 14. The apostles proclaimed the kingdom message after the resurrection of Christ (Acts 1:3; 1:6 cf. 8:12; 19:8; 20:25; 28:23; 28:31). 15. By much tribulation the saints enter into the kingdom (Acts 14:22). 16. The kingdom is a present reality (Matt. 5:3; 12:28; 19:14; Mark 10:15; 12:34; Luke 7:28; 17; 20,21).

The Doctrine of the Kingdom According to the Epistles Handout 1. The kingdom of God is not physical but spiritual which means it is concerned with the things of the Spirit (Rom. 14:17). 2. The power of the kingdom of God to change lives does not consist in words but in demonstration of the Spirit (1 Cor. 4:20). 3. Evil people who are non-repentant shall not inherit the kingdom of God in time or in eternity (1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:21; Eph. 5:5). 4. Jesus is even now to rule until He has put down all His enemies and then shall He give the kingdom back to the Father (1 Cor. 15:24). 5. Flesh and blood as it now exits shall not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 15:50). 6. Christians are even now members of the kingdom of Christ (Col. 1:13). 7. Believers are fellow workers in the kingdom of God (Col. 1:14). 8. Entrance into the kingdom is based upon Divine effectual calling (1 Thess. 2:12). 9. Christians suffer because they are members of the kingdom of God (2 Thess. 2:12). 10. There is a future day of judgment at the appearance of Christ which shall usher in eternal righteousness (2 Tim. 4:1). 11. Believers enter a heavenly expression of the kingdom at the point of death (2 Tim. 4:18). 12. The kingdom of Christ is characterized by righteousness (Heb. 1:8). 13. The kingdom is permanent (Heb. 12:28). 14. The poor of this world are heirs to the kingdom (James 2:5). 15. The Apostles considered themselves to be part of the kingdom (Rev. 1:9). 16. The kingdom of God brought the downfall of Satan (Rev. 12:5-10). 17. The kingdoms of this world are to be conquered by Christ (Rev. 11:15).

The Doctrine of the Kingdom of God According to the Gospel Handout 1. The word ‘kingdom’ may be defined as the rule or reign of God that is recognized in the hearts and operative in the lives of God's people, effecting their complete salvation, their constitution as a church, and finally a redeemed earth. 2. The kingdom belongs to those who are poor in spirit (Matt. 5:3; Luke 6:20), and who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness (Matt. 5:10). 3. John announced that the kingdom of heaven, which speaks of its ultimate source and origin, was at hand in the days prior to the revealing of Christ (Matt. 3:2; 4:17,23). 4. Those who are least on earth are the greatest in the kingdom (Matt. 5:19; 11:11; 18:1-4; Luke 7:28). 5. Christians are to pray for the rule of God to be more evident on earth (Matt. 6:10; Luke 11:2). 6. The highest priority in life is to seek the rule and reign of God in every detail (Matt. 6:33; Luke 12:31). 7. As Jesus first presented the kingdom concept, He made it clear that only those who desire the will of God shall enter into His kingdom (Matt. 7:21-22). 8. Old Testament saints are part of the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 8:11). 9. Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom wherever He went (Matt. 9:25; Mark 1:14-15; Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:11). 10. The disciples were told to declare the kingdom of heaven was at hand (Matt. 10:7) to the Jews first (Luke 9:2). 11. The kingdom of heaven ‘suffereth violence’ (Matt. 11:12) which means that the kingdom of Christ will be vigorous and forceful. The kingdom of God cannot be stopped from spreading. 12. The kingdom of God comes in power to cast out evil (Matt. 12:28). 13. The kingdom of heaven is compared to a man (Matt. 13:24), a grain of seed (Matt. 13:31; Mark 4:26; 4:30), leaven (Matt. 13:33), a treasure (Matt. 13:44), a merchant (Matt. 13:45), and a net (Matt. 13:47). 14. To speak of the kingdom of God, the kingdom of heaven, and the kingdom of Christ is to speak of one and the same thing.

15. To the disciples were given the keys or authority to the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 16:19). 16. Some in the days of Christ saw the Lord coming in His kingdom glory (Matt. 16:28; Mark 9:1; Luke 9:27). 17. The kingdom of heaven is characterized by forgiveness, grace, mercy, and justice (Matt. 18:23). 18. Supreme sacrifices can be made and sometimes must be made for the sake of the kingdom (Matt. 19:12). 19. Little children are a welcomed part of the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 19:14; Mark 10:14-15). 20. The proud and the rich have a hard time entering into the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 19:23; Mark 10:23-25). 21. Many are called to the kingdom of heaven but few are chosen (Matt. 20:1,16). 22. Even the most the wicked of people are welcomed to the kingdom based upon repentance (Matt. 21:31). 23. The kingdom of God was taken from the Jews and given to the Gentiles (Matt. 21:43). 24. The religious leaders of Israel shut people out of the kingdom of heaven with false teaching (Matt. 23:13). 25. The gospel of the kingdom of heaven is to be preached in all the nations before Jesus returns the second time in glory (Matt. 24:14). 26. The kingdom of heaven demands that its citizens be always in service, and watchful for the return of the King (Matt. 25:1 cp. Matt. 13). 27. When Jesus returns the second time (Heb. 9:28) faithful citizens shall continue to be part of His kingdom (Matt. 25:34). 28. Some day Jesus plans to return His kingdom to His Father (Matt. 26:29 cp. 1 Cor. 15:24). 29. The kingdom has come. The invitation is "Come to the kingdom." How? By receiving entrance as a grace gift (Luke 12:32). Eat the Bread of Life. Drink from the wells of Living Water. Live with the Rule of God in your life Come. All things are now ready. The Bride and the Spirit say come. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.

The Kingdom- of Heaven and The Kingdom of God Handout 1. The kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God are synonymous terms. ! Matthew 11:12,13 states: “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and men of violence take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied unto John.” ! Luke 16:16 states: “The law and the prophets were until John: from that time the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached, and every man entereth violently into it.” ! Matthew 10:7 states: “And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” ! Luke 9:2 states: “And he sent them forth to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.” ! Matthew 4:17 states: “From that time began Jesus to preach, and to say, Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” ! Mark 1:14,15 states: “Now after John was delivered up, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” ! Matthew 19:23,24 offers a Hebrew parallelism: “And Jesus said unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, It is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” 2. These scriptures prove in a conclusive manner that the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God are one and the same. The New Testament speaks of only one kingdom called by two different names. 3. The kingdom Christ came to establish and did establish is a present reality. Since the kingdom of the Messiah is a "millennium" kingdom then that too must be a present reality for there cannot be one without the other. This Messianic reign of Christ is recorded in Matthew 11:1-6:“And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. Now when John had heard in prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come [i.e. the Messiah], or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, God and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in men.”

4. Only the Messiah could do what Jesus did. Only as the Messianic King with power over His kingdom could Jesus challenge the kingdoms of this world. In the establishment of His kingdom Jesus did not fail. Kingdom Summary With a view toward summarizing the vast body of material that could be presented about the Kingdom of God, consider these specific concepts. First, the Kingdom of God is simply another term for the Church. The various images that are set forth in Scripture to reveal the intimate unity that exists between Christ and His people include that of a kingdom. The kingdom concept was a popular one, especially in the Gospels. The term ‘kingdom’ is used 117 times in the four gospels and 32 more times between Acts and Revelation. In contrast, the term ‘church’ occurs only 3 times in the Gospels (all of them in Matthew) but 109 times from Acts to Revelation. The pivotal reason for this shift in emphasis in terminology was the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven and the preaching of the gospel to all the nations. Following His resurrection the Lord would continue to call out a people to himself. He would continue to make them a holy nation, a peculiar people, a royal priesthood. He would continue to make them kings of the Most High God. However, the Lord would gather His people from Gentiles as well as Jews. While the Jews understood the special Messianic sense of the term kingdom, the Gentile community would not. And so the emphasis was not upon national Israel’s military and political aspirations and expectations as much as it was on a general calling of a people from the sea of humanity. Moreover, the Lord wanted to dismantle the ceremonies and the judicial system of the old covenant. Those who are come ‘to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven…’ are ‘not come unto the mount that might be touched.’ (Heb. 12:18-25) The ‘kingdom of heaven’ or ‘the kingdom of God’ stood in contrast with national Israel but the term ‘church’ provided an even more ‘jolting distinction’ by its very usage. But the sameness of the two, the fact that the church is the kingdom is stated very plainly by Jesus in Matthew 16:18-19: And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. In this passage Peter is given the ‘keys of the kingdom’ in order to administrate the affairs of the superstructure that shall be built. The terms ‘church’ and ‘kingdom’ may be interchanged as practical synonyms—as the Lord did. There is a second observation. The Kingdom of God stands in contrast to the kingdoms of this world in several areas. 1. In the Kingdom of God the people are different. Because of the new birth, a new life principle is instilled in the souls of the citizens of the Kingdom of God. There is a quantity of life for the souls of the citizens in the Kingdom of Heaven shall never die (John 11:26) but there is also a quality to life. (Rom. 14:17)

! John 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? ! Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. The quality of life is best determined by gospel obedience to the Will of God and an inner transformation of the soul into the likeness of Christ. Meanwhile, in the kingdoms of this world, the citizens remain untouched by saving grace and so are nothing but ‘Dead Men Walking.’ They are alive to the pleasures of time but they are under the sentence of death awaiting execution. 2. In the Kingdom of God the policies are different. Among the kingdoms of men, the major policies are designed to secure the power of those who are in authority and, if the rulers are wise, to secure the pleasure of the people. Everything will be done in the name of the State. In contrast, in the Kingdom of God the policies are not political in nature but spiritual. Attention is focused upon giving honor and glory to God. It is His will that is to be done on earth as it is in heaven. The focus of attention by the citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven is not self-pleasure but divine service. Like Jesus, the children of the kingdom want to say, I do always those things that please him. (John 8:29) 3. In the Kingdom of God the practices are different. The root of unrighteousness produces the fruit of the same. A catalogue of such fruit is set forth in Romans 1. Paul speaks of those who, 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. (1:22-32) Again in contrast the citizens of the Kingdom of God do not practice such sins without impunity or judgment. ! Romans 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

! 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. The children of the Kingdom of God seek to practice and produce the fruit that stems from the root of righteousness. ! Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. ! Ephesians 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 4. In the Kingdom of God the philosophy is different. The core philosophy in the kingdoms of men keeps changing. Capitalism or Communism guides some nations. Others prefer Socialism or a Constitutional Monarchy. Still others experiment with Fascism or Nazism and not a few suffer under dictatorships. Meanwhile, the philosophy that guides the Kingdom of God is His absolute sovereignty manifesting itself in both justice and mercy. The citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven gladly submit to the rule of the Sovereign knowing that the God of the Universe will do what is right at all times. And so the citizens pray, ‘Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.’ They like to say ‘If the Lord wills…I will go here or there or do this or that’. Their guiding philosophy is to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matt 6:33) By these differences it is revealed that while the Kingdom of God is not of this world, there is a spiritual kingdom that is in conflict with the kingdoms of this world. The Kingdom of Heaven is within the hearts of men. ! John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. ! Luke 17:20-21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. Having revealed some differences between the Kingdom of God and the kingdoms of this world, something should be said about the future of the Kingdom of God. 5. The Kingdom of God has a glorious future. The prophetic word has already been uttered on this matter. The kingdoms of this world will one day give way to the Kingdom of Heaven in a fuller sense for Jesus said, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. (Matt. 28:17-18) With His regal power, Jesus is determined to rule in the affairs of men and over all the universe for The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever. (Rev. 11:15)

Of His kingdom rule and reign there will be no end. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. (1 Cor. 15:25) The greatest enemy is puny political pundits but death. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. (1 Cor. 15:26) Today, Jesus Christ is Prophet, Priest, and King. He has a Kingdom and He has many citizens within His kingdom. They shall multiply in number as they come to Christ because the gospel is preached. And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, (Rev. 14:6) And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; (Rev. 5:9) When all the saints are gathered, human history as we know it will reach a climax. The King of the Kingdom of Heaven will absorb all of the kingdoms of men as He descends to earth in righteousness the Second Time for all that believe. (Heb. 9:28) After rendering a righteous judgment, after separating those who are not fit for the kingdom from those who are, after creating a new heaven and a new earth wherein dweleth righteousness, Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. (1 Cor. 15:24) In a word, the future and the victory belong to the Church. In light of the glorious future of the Kingdom of Heaven what must the citizens of the kingdom, what must the Church be doing? 1. The Church is to study more about the present rule and reign of Christ and the kingdom and preach the kingdom concept as a present reality as the apostles did. ! And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:10-11) ! Acts 19:8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. (cp. 2 Thess. 1:5; Acts 14:22; 20:25; 28:23, 31; 2 Thess. 1:5) Much harm has been done to the Church and to Christian theology by failure to realize the present rule and reign of the resurrected Christ. 2. The Church is to endure all that is needed to advance this phase of the kingdom of God. In particular, there will be suffering for righteousness sake. Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22) 3. The Church is to make every effort to live out the ethics of the kingdom summarized by Christ in His Sermon on the Mount and amplified in the Epistles.

4. The citizens of the kingdom are to pray for one another as Epaphras prayed for the saints at Colossi. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (Col. 4:12) 5. The Church is to warn others of the dangers of a false profession. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father that is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? (Matt. 7:21-22)

Doing the will of the Father is not only external but also internal. There is a state of maturity which every citizen of the kingdom, every child of God is to move towards. That state of maturity is spiritual perfection and conformity to Christ. ! Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. ! Luke 6:40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. 6. The Church is to anticipate the essential unity that the consummation of the Kingdom will realize. ! Matthew 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. Today, there are so many things that divide God’s people into fictional groups. We might wish it to be different but it will not be. Abraham and Lot had to separate as did Paul and Barnabas. And while the saints are to strive for the unity of the faith, realistically it is hard for people to be humble and gracious when opposing positions are set forth. So the Church remains fragmented. But the day will come when there will be perfect unity. And we can pray for the peace of Jerusalem. (Psa. 122:6) 7. The Church is to exercise her spiritual power to preach the gospel and minister to the sick. ! Luke 9:2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. 8. The Church is to maintain hope for itself and the world that Christ is in control and still offers free grace to all who come to Him for salvation. ! Matthew 21:31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.