Please describe 'The Kingdom Of God'
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By oldhermit
The Kingdom is:
1. An eternal entity – As the kingdom relaters to Jesus, this emphasizes the reign of Messiah, Psalms 89:27-29 and 33-37; Revelation 11:15, Daniel 2:44 and 7:14. The Kingdom is all-encompassing and includes:
- The worlds of the seen and the unseen
- The temporal and the eternal
- The material and the spiritual
- All earthly kingdoms, Psalms 72:8-11, Revelation 1:5 and 11:15
- All national and ethnic groups, Daniel 7:14 and Revelation 5:9
- All creation, Philippians 2:10-11, Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 1:6 and 9-12, 1Peter 3:22.
- Both the living and the dead, 2Timothy 4:1, Revelation 20:4ff.
- Both the righteousness and the unrighteous, 1Corinthians 5:13 and Psalms 110.
2. The Kingdom is also the place for covenant relationship. From the perspective of the prophets, this was something that existed only in shadowy reflections of the nation of Israel as the covenant people of God. As shadow, it was a covenant of exclusion and segregation on tables of stone that was ratified by the blood of animals and demanded a prescended relationship with the other nations.
The Kingdom is:
1. An eternal entity – As the kingdom relaters to Jesus, this emphasizes the reign of Messiah, Psalms 89:27-29 and 33-37; Revelation 11:15, Daniel 2:44 and 7:14. The Kingdom is all-encompassing and includes:
- The worlds of the seen and the unseen
- The temporal and the eternal
- The material and the spiritual
- All earthly kingdoms, Psalms 72:8-11, Revelation 1:5 and 11:15
- All national and ethnic groups, Daniel 7:14 and Revelation 5:9
- All creation, Philippians 2:10-11, Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 1:6 and 9-12, 1Peter 3:22.
- Both the living and the dead, 2Timothy 4:1, Revelation 20:4ff.
- Both the righteousness and the unrighteous, 1Corinthians 5:13 and Psalms 110.
2. The Kingdom is also the place for covenant relationship. From the perspective of the prophets, this was something that existed only in shadowy reflections of the nation of Israel as the covenant people of God. As shadow, it was a covenant of exclusion and segregation on tables of stone that was ratified by the blood of animals and demanded a prescended relationship with the other nations.
Well, have a read at this: https://www.gotquestions.org/kingdom-heaven-God.html
They are used synonymously. However I am familiar with the argument that the Kingdom of Heaven is different because it says that that kingdom is taken by force. But just read the article, it lists the verses that say the same thing but just use the word Kingdom of God in one and Kingdom of Heaven in another. Example:
Mark 4:30-31 "And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:"
Luke 13:18-19 "Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: "
Matthew 13:31 "Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:"
Once you read the context, its the same parable in question.
They are used synonymously. However I am familiar with the argument that the Kingdom of Heaven is different because it says that that kingdom is taken by force. But just read the article, it lists the verses that say the same thing but just use the word Kingdom of God in one and Kingdom of Heaven in another. Example:
Mark 4:30-31 "And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:"
Luke 13:18-19 "Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: "
Matthew 13:31 "Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:"
Once you read the context, its the same parable in question.
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The Kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom. In Matthew 6:25-33, it talks about not worrying about physical things, but rather spiritual things, which is the Kingdom of God and his righteousness.
Romans 14:17 "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."
The Kingdom of God is not a physical place to live in, but rather is within the believer when he is Born Again.
The Kingdom of Heaven is a physical kingdom that will take place on earth and consists of violence. Remember that the earth is in the heaven(Genesis 1:14-16).
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."
The first place where the Kingdom of Heaven is mentioned is where John the Baptist was preaching about the the fulfillment of Isaiah 40. John was preaching about the Kingdom of Jesus Christ on this earth. Other Old Testament prophecies also reveal that the Kingdom of Heaven was physical. Read Genesis 49:10; Isaiah 2:1-5, 49:5-13; Psalms 2; Jeremiah 23:5 and Luke 1:30-33.
Matthew 3:2 "And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight."
Jesus tells the Jews that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand in Matthew 4:17. This proves that it is physical because it shows a kingdom coming on earth and is not referring to someone dying. The book of Matthew mentions the Kingdom of Heaven several times speaking of an earthly rule of Israel that is talked about in Old Testament prophecies(Matthew 5:1-6, 13, Matthew 19:10-30).
The gospel that Jesus Christ preached for Israel to the Jews was the Kingdom of Heaven(Matthew 4:23, 5:4, 8:11-12, 19:28, 20:16, 25:31-34). The Jews knew that this gospel that Jesus was preaching was the physical reign on earth(John 1:41,45,49, 6:14-15, 12:13). The disciples of Jesus Christ knew that the Kingdom of Heaven was on earth like King David and Solomon's kingdom. Notice in the below verse, Jesus does not rebuke them and this proves that it is physical.
Acts 1:6 "When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power."
Both aspects of will be realized at the second coming of Christ as King. The spiritual will meet the physical.
Romans 14:17 "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."
The Kingdom of God is not a physical place to live in, but rather is within the believer when he is Born Again.
The Kingdom of Heaven is a physical kingdom that will take place on earth and consists of violence. Remember that the earth is in the heaven(Genesis 1:14-16).
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."
The first place where the Kingdom of Heaven is mentioned is where John the Baptist was preaching about the the fulfillment of Isaiah 40. John was preaching about the Kingdom of Jesus Christ on this earth. Other Old Testament prophecies also reveal that the Kingdom of Heaven was physical. Read Genesis 49:10; Isaiah 2:1-5, 49:5-13; Psalms 2; Jeremiah 23:5 and Luke 1:30-33.
Matthew 3:2 "And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. 3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight."
Jesus tells the Jews that the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand in Matthew 4:17. This proves that it is physical because it shows a kingdom coming on earth and is not referring to someone dying. The book of Matthew mentions the Kingdom of Heaven several times speaking of an earthly rule of Israel that is talked about in Old Testament prophecies(Matthew 5:1-6, 13, Matthew 19:10-30).
The gospel that Jesus Christ preached for Israel to the Jews was the Kingdom of Heaven(Matthew 4:23, 5:4, 8:11-12, 19:28, 20:16, 25:31-34). The Jews knew that this gospel that Jesus was preaching was the physical reign on earth(John 1:41,45,49, 6:14-15, 12:13). The disciples of Jesus Christ knew that the Kingdom of Heaven was on earth like King David and Solomon's kingdom. Notice in the below verse, Jesus does not rebuke them and this proves that it is physical.
Acts 1:6 "When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power."
Both aspects of will be realized at the second coming of Christ as King. The spiritual will meet the physical.
Yes, Scripture uses the two names in comparable passages. Remember, in one instance, the Lord is referring to His physical reign on earth. In the other, the Lord is referring to the spiritual kingdom in which the believer lives. Failure to recognize the difference can lead one down the path of replacement theology.
Exactly, same thing here:
Mat 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
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.
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 therein.
Mat 18:3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
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.
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 therein.
Just a few random questions.
It is called both the Kingdom of Heaven and of God, because it is the Heavenly Kingdom Of God, at present?
It replaced the Kingdom of Israel?
Israel was a priestly Kingdom under Levites, (but all Israelites were supposed to be priests), the Kingdom is a Kingdom of Priest Kings?
When Christ returns all the Enemy States, (Kingdoms of this World), will come under the jurisdiction of The Rod Of Iron? (lawlessness, e.g. legalized abortion, will be terminated)
So at present we rule in Heavenly Places, but when Christ comes his Rule comes to earth?
It is called both the Kingdom of Heaven and of God, because it is the Heavenly Kingdom Of God, at present?
It replaced the Kingdom of Israel?
Israel was a priestly Kingdom under Levites, (but all Israelites were supposed to be priests), the Kingdom is a Kingdom of Priest Kings?
When Christ returns all the Enemy States, (Kingdoms of this World), will come under the jurisdiction of The Rod Of Iron? (lawlessness, e.g. legalized abortion, will be terminated)
So at present we rule in Heavenly Places, but when Christ comes his Rule comes to earth?
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." God and heaven are two different words throughout Scripture and do no have the same meaning. The kingdom of heaven was prophesied and preached to the Jews only concerning the coming of their Messiah and King who would re-establish Israel's kingdom and sit upon the throne of David forever. The arrival of this prophesied one was good news to Israel as the King and His kingdom was at hand during Jesus' earthly ministry.
Jesus was also pointing to another kingdom in existence, the kingdom of God. This kingdom is the dwelling place of the born again believer. It was kept in mystery form until after the resurrection or it would not have led to His crucifixion. 1 Cor. 3:7-8.
The nation of Israel rejected their King in both aspects, so the Lord would turn to the Gentile world with the preaching of the kingdom of God, the spiritual aspect of the kingdom. The kingdom of heaven was not for the Gentile or Samaritan. See
Matthew 10
5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Even after the resurrection, the disciples were looking forward to this earthly restoration of the kingdom:
Acts 1
6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
They were now commissioned to go to the Gentile world and Samaritans with the preaching of the cross, not the kingdom of heaven which is only meant for the nation of Israel. This preaching will come back into play when the Father says it's time.
Jesus was also pointing to another kingdom in existence, the kingdom of God. This kingdom is the dwelling place of the born again believer. It was kept in mystery form until after the resurrection or it would not have led to His crucifixion. 1 Cor. 3:7-8.
The nation of Israel rejected their King in both aspects, so the Lord would turn to the Gentile world with the preaching of the kingdom of God, the spiritual aspect of the kingdom. The kingdom of heaven was not for the Gentile or Samaritan. See
Matthew 10
5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Even after the resurrection, the disciples were looking forward to this earthly restoration of the kingdom:
Acts 1
6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
They were now commissioned to go to the Gentile world and Samaritans with the preaching of the cross, not the kingdom of heaven which is only meant for the nation of Israel. This preaching will come back into play when the Father says it's time.
H
A kingdom needs several components to be a kingdom.
A King
A people
A territory
So,where is his kingdom?
Several places
Heaven
Earth
Hearts of men/women
Earth is " limited", because God is sovereign,but the devil has a sorta "right" to it because of Adams lost dominion,and Jesus delay in taking it back.
So,the " kingdom" is both the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven.
"the kingdom of the earth have become the kingdom of God"
A King
A people
A territory
So,where is his kingdom?
Several places
Heaven
Earth
Hearts of men/women
Earth is " limited", because God is sovereign,but the devil has a sorta "right" to it because of Adams lost dominion,and Jesus delay in taking it back.
So,the " kingdom" is both the kingdom of God and the kingdom of heaven.
"the kingdom of the earth have become the kingdom of God"