KINGDOM of God/ Kingdom of Christ/ Kingdom of heaven.
In my study of the Scriptures, I came across multiple depictions of kingdoms.
- kingdoms of this world (Daniel 2&7)
- kingdom of darkness
- kingdoms of men
- kingdom of God
- kingdom of heaven (only in gospel of Matthew)
- kingdom of Christ
The kingdom of God, the kingdom of heaven, and the kingdom of Christ are the only three that I would want to discuss in this chapter. I was puzzled by this topic for a very long time. Despite my best efforts, it took me years to come to this conclusion. Do they all signify the same thing, or do they have different meanings? That’s what we are going to look into. I think that every word, every tittle that is coined in the Scriptures was put there on purpose by the Holy Ghost. To completely comprehend it, we would have to go through a slew of Scriptures and topics to get to the bottom of it.
Now we know that the nation of Israel is referred to as “the children of the kingdom” in the gospels – Matt 8:11,12/13:38 – “ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation” – Exodus 19:6. According to Matthew 13:38, The field is the world; the children of the wicked one are the tares, and the children of the kingdom are the good seed. The good seed is sown by the Son of Man, while the tares are sown by the adversary, the devil – Matthew 13:37-39. That in itself reveals that there have been two conflicting lines of people on the face of the globe since the fall of man, and that the fruit that the first family ate as if it were a fruit wasn’t the actual fruit of a tree, but rather symbolized partaking of an ominous dominion. The two trees in the garden represent two distinct entities. This is not a supposition, but a reality found throughout the Bible. In one case, the two olive trees mentioned in Revelation 11:4 represent the two witnesses. If true, the two separate trees referenced in Genesis also had something to do with two entities.
When it is said that they ate from the forbidden tree, does this suggest that the first family rejected God’s sovereignty and surrendered to an evil power, as proven by the fruit produced by their descendants? Isn’t it clear from their fruit? Isn’t this why the devil wielded dominion over humanity until the Dayspring from on high arrived?
Eating is the most intimate activity a person can engage in; a person must accept something as nice before putting it into their body. Eating involves voluntarily engaging all of the senses rather than being compelled to do so. Likewise, consuming that tree ought to be seen as a chance to form a closer relationship with an alien entity; it ought to stand for forging a stronger bond with a foreign power. They had only ever known God up until that point, so the serpent was an unfamiliar and mysterious entity to them. It is written, Eve found that tree pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired – Genesis 3:6. Eve has already been subtly drawn into Satan’s spell, and the snake has wrapped itself around her through trickery. According to the New Testament, “the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty,” which caused the mind to become corrupted – 2 Cor 11:3. If it was only a piece of fruit they had consumed, why was the mind tainted? The mind is a spiritual area that can only be changed by a spiritual creature; a thing like a fruit, on the other hand, can never change the mind, can it? If being married to Christ produces fruit unto God – Rom 7:4; then it was their marriage to an evil creature that produced fruit until death. The woman being deceived was in the transgression – 1 Tim 2:14. The “tree of life” portrays Jesus Christ. If this is the case, who may the tree of the knowledge of good and evil represent? Arguing that it was only a tree would also reject the existence of the divine entity that represents the tree of life. They opted to flee the presence of the LORD God and submit to an alien jurisdiction over which they had no control. Everything was under their control; now that power has been transferred to a base creature with a base nature.
Observe how an evil domain was introduced into the human realm and how that came about.
Do you really believe that the words “Cain, is of the wicked one” that the Spirit of God spoke have no particular significance?
How did two polar opposing kingdoms come to be? That is the first question we must investigate and answer. If we read closely, we may see two lines of descent beginning to take shape in the book of Genesis after Adam’s fall. Cain, who was of that wicked one, a tiller of the ground – Genesis 4:2/1John 3:12; and Abel, a shepherd, was a righteous man – Genesis 4:2/Heb 11:4. One comes from the great shepherds line, while the other comes from an accursed line. Was the ground being tilled because of the curse? The Lord God sent Cain forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken – Genesis 3:23. Genesis 2:5, which places Adam in charge of tilling the earth before the fall, suggests that this would have been a joyful task. Tilling in the sweat of one’s face is clearly a curse brought about by the fall, according to Genesis 3:19. But why had it fallen on one person and not the other? It had evolved from an enjoyable assignment to a menial one. Every time there was a rebellion in the Bible, you could see this servitude continuing. And who, in God’s eyes, was the first murderer? The devil – John 8:44. Cain, who was of that wicked one, slew his brother—Cain’s murderous nature was apparent in both him and his offspring. One of Cain’s descendants, Lamech, killed a man. Genesis 4:23–24 tells the story of Lamech telling his wives that he killed a young man who had hurt him. This is not the Lamech, from the holy line, who fathered Noah – Genesis 5:25-31. Now hear what the Spirit of God said about Jacob’s sons. Simeon and Levi are brethren; instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their self-will they dug down a wall. Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel: I will divide them in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel – Genesis 49:5-7.
Didn’t Jesus tell the scribes and Pharisees, “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do”? He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it – John 8:44. Do you see where the earthly, sensual, and demonic wisdom comes from? James 3:14–16 And in the words of 1 John 3:15, Whoever hates his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him – 1 John 3:15. Does this not suggest that the Christian realm is not impervious to the evil line? Does this not mean that it is imperative to keep your heart pure? Proverbs 4:23 Doesn’t this indicate that the heart of man is deceitful and horribly wicked – Jeremiah 17:9, and that unless God does regenerative work in the heart of man, we will all die in our wickedness? And isn’t this the one area where the Pharisees couldn’t cooperate because they thought themselves above reproach? For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man – Mark 7:21-23.
You may see why Jesus chained the strong guy before looting his riches – Mark 3:27. The kingdom of darkness, or Satan, had to be destroyed, the monarch had to be brought down before the spoils could be seized, and Jesus did incapacitate the devil – John 12:31/16:11/Col 2:15/Heb 2:14,15. 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 – Rev 12:10. 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. Jesus said, if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you – Luke 11:20. The devil did retaliate and harass the fledgling church, but because the Lord had taken away his dominion, he could not prevail against the church of Jesus Christ.
The kingdoms of this world is a corpus of “the kingdoms of darkness” and “the kingdoms of men”? Who was its monarch? Satan. Does he hold that position anymore? To an extent, but he had lost it to the Lord Jesus Christ – Rev 11:15/John 12:31/16:11/Col 2:15/Heb 2:14/Rev 1:18.
Do we still have these two kingdoms in the globe today? Yes, the goat and sheep nations mentioned in the Bible – Matthew 25:32 – are the outcome of two kingdoms at work and how two cultures compete in the world for permeation or influence. One restrains wickedness, and the other promotes it. One is subject to God’s law, while the other enjoys lawlessness.
It was the Lord God who had brought people out of Egypt, the place of bondage, until they disobeyed God’s rule. “And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation” – Exodus 19:6 Was Israel able to keep their kingdom? Regretfully, no. Their revolt had cost them their kingdom; the arrival of Christ had put an end to it. God was furious with Israel in Egypt, but Moses was given the role of mediator so that God would not allow Israel to perish – Ezekiel 20. According to 1 Samuel 8:19–22, the children of Israel desired to live under the government of a mortal man, just like the rest of the world. They did not want God to rule over them. Chapter 9 of Daniel foretold what would happen to the house of Israel. Jesus stated in John 9:39, “For judgment I am come into this world, that those who see may not see, and that they who see may be made blind.” Isn’t that one of the purposes of Christ’s coming? Hebrews 9:8 states that the first tabernacle was still in place and that the path to the holiest of all could not be made visible. It has to go. The dissolution of the Old Covenant would result in the destruction of the temple; Israel would be stripped of all distinction and privileges; for the spread of abomination, consummation has been poured upon the desolate; the Son of Man would put an end to sacrifice and oblation by establishing a new and better covenant; and total destruction of the house of Israel–the kingdom hath ceased – Hosea 1:4,6/Amos 9:8/Matt 23:38. I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance – Isaiah 47:6. I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place – Zephaniah 1:4. “The remnant of Baal” are the alien children born of the spirit of harlotry; when Israel and Judah played harlot – Hosea 4/5.
The Son of Man did provide the lost sheep of Israel the opportunity to know His creator, the Rock from which he was hewn; but they would not listen and the more they rebelled. When they knew God (You only have I known of all the families of the earth – Amos 3:2/2 Samuel 7:23,24), they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened – Rom 1:21; Jesus said unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come, I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins – John 8:21,24; When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are – Luke 13:25. 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. And they (the remnant) 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 – Luke 13:28,29. All of this was experienced by that generation. Jesus said, all these things shall come upon this generation – Matt 23:36; this generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled – Matt 24:34. Jesus said, therefore strive to enter in at the strait gate (when the master of the house is here with you): for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in (after I am gone), and shall not be able – Luke 13:24. Didn’t the thief on the cross find a way in because he believed? Luke 23:42,43 Jesus answered, “For many will try to enter, but they will not be able” – Luke 13:24, because they did not receive the kingdom of God as a little child – Mark 10:15.
Their fall culminated in the world’s acceptance – Rom 11:12,15. And the dominion was given to a foolish nation; base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen – 1 Cor 1:28. I say unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof – Matthew 21:43/Deuteronomy 32:21/Rom 10:19. To Israel, God said, will cause to cease the kingdom of the house of Israel – Hosea 1:4; I will no more have mercy upon the house of Israel; but I will utterly take them away – Hosea 1:6; for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God – Hosea 1:9. Thus saith the Lord God unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land. Now is the end come upon thee, and I will send mine anger upon thee, and will judge thee according to thy ways, and will recompense upon thee all thine abominations. And mine eye shall not spare thee, neither will I have pity: but I will recompense thy ways upon thee, and thine abominations shall be in the midst of thee: and ye shall know that I am the Lord. Thus saith the Lord God; An evil, an only evil, behold, is come. An end is come, the end is come: it watches for thee; behold, it is come – Ezekiel 7. This happened in the year 70 AD. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God; in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God – Hosea 1:10/ Romans 9:26.
Having said that, God did not reject His people in that sense. For my name’s sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off – Isaiah 48:9. He did saved/redeemed the remnant of Israel. Then (when Emmanuel, the Salvation is come to Israel) shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head – Hosea 1:11. Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass – Zechariah 9:9. The gospel of the kingdom, which was taught to the house of Israel during the time of Jesus of Nazareth, represents their promised redemption or salvation. The devout Simeon who has been waiting for the consolation of Israel said, “mine eyes have seen thy salvation”, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel – Luke 2:25-32. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against – Luke 2:34. What was Simeon looking for? “The consolation of Israel”. Prophet Isaiah declares, Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem – Isaiah 52:9. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fasting and prayers night and day. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spoke of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem – Luke 2:36-38.
Redemption is not a future happening as many propound but that which already has happened. Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem – Isaiah 52:9. What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? Isaiah 5:4. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest (speaking of John): for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways (the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight – Luke 3:4); To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins (the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins – Luke 3:3), Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace – Luke 1:68-79. The Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he – Jeremiah 31:11. Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you – 1 Peter 1:10; the law was their schoolmaster to bring them unto Christ, that they might be justified by faith – Gal 3:24 – if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we (Israel) ourselves also are found sinners – Gal 2:17.
However, the kingdom was exclusive to that one nation, which went by God’s name; today, a new nation, inclusive of Jews and Gentiles alike, has inherited the kingdom. The center wall of the partition has been dismantled, and the animosity wall has been removed – Eph 2:14 – Jesus Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and he hath reconciled both unto God in one body by the cross – Eph 2:15,16.
When we dig further, we will discover that although the number of Israel’s offspring become as the sand of the sea, they would eventually become seeds to be sown in the world’s field; thus, God saved a remnant and maintained Israel rather than despising them – Rom 9:27. Through them God brought salvation to the entire globe. For salvation is of the Jews – John 4:22; Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father’s children shall bow down before thee. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh (Messiah) come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be – Genesis 49:8-10; for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel – Matt 2:6. For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah – Heb 7:14. And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust – Rom 15:12. The fall of them (Israel) be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles – Rom 11:12; “the fall of them” means to fall as seeds into the ground (Keep in mind that not all of the branches fell or were severed – Rom 11:17/1Cor 10:7-10). Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abide alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit – John 12:24. In a sense, Israel produced more fruit than it did while it was alive.
As the prophet Daniel and other prophets prophesied, Christ, the descendant of David, did obtain His kingdom, didn’t he? As before, yet different: a priestly kingdom – Rev 1:6,9/5:10/Col 1:13/1Pet 2:5. The difference is that we are now God’s offspring, heirs of God, joint heirs with Christ, and children of promise – Gal 3:26/4:28/Rom 8:17/9:8. 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; And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him (Don’t all people, nations, and languages now serve him? They do, indeed): his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed – Daniel 7:13,14. 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; the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee – Daniel 7:22/Psalm 149:5-9/Isaiah 60:3-6.
The Lord therefore hath performed his word that he hath spoken: for I am risen up in the room of David my father, and am set on the throne of Israel, as the Lord promised, and have built the house for the name of the Lord God of Israel (as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house – 1 Peter 2:5 – a holy temple in the Lord – Eph 2:21). And in it have I put the ark, wherein is the covenant of the Lord, that he made with the children of Israel – 2 Chronicles 6:10,11; the tabernacle of witness brought into the possession of the Gentiles – Acts 7:44,45. Even though this is Solomon speaking, it has prophetic significance. It speaks of Christ (behold, a greater than Solomon is here – Luke 11:31). He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David. And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end – Luke 1:32,33. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end (Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you – John 14:27 – the peace of God, which passes all understanding – Phil 4:7), upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel – Isaiah 9:7,8. The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body (Christ – Acts 2:30/2Tim 2:8/Rom 1:3) will I set upon thy throne – Psalm 132:11. The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus – Acts 3:13.
What has the Lord not delivered us from? Did he not deliver us from all these?
Power of Sin – Rom 6:6,14/8:3/1Cor 15:55,56. Power of Death (if one died for all, then were all dead – 2 Cor 5:14) – Heb 2:14,15/John 5:24/1John 3:14/Rom 6:4,9/Col 2:12/Rev 1:18. Power of Darkness (Choshek – Ignorance) – Matt 4:16/Acts 17:30/2Cor 4:6/Col 1:13/Eph 5:8/6:12/Acts 26:18/1Thess 5:4,5. Power of Satan – Job 1:12/Acts 26:18.
And who has he delivered from all of this? Only Gentiles? It cant be. Gentiles cannot be redeemed until Israel has experienced redemption. Why, then, would God send His Son to be created in accordance with the law? The Bible says, when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law; To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons – Gal 4:4,5. What comes first? “redeeming them that were under the law” that we, the rest of the world might receive the adoption – Gal 4:5. Christ is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament (that must transpire first), that they which are called (accepted in the beloved – Eph 1:6; and who is the beloved? The Israel of God) might receive the promise of eternal inheritance – Heb 9:15; because God had us (the New Testament believers) in mind and had something better for us, so that they [these men and women of authentic faith – the saints of old] would not be made perfect [that is, completed in Him] apart from us – Heb 11:40 – AMP.
Who did God make the new covenant with? With the Gentiles? No, but with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; whose is the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service, and the promises; of whom are the fathers, and from whom is Christ as concerning the flesh – Romans 9:4,5. The Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things – Romans 15:27. For finding fault with them (the old one), he said, “Behold, the days come,” says the Lord, “that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah – Hebrews 8:7,8.
Who did God choose to be the cornerstone of the one new man? The seed which the Lord of Sabaoth had left – Rom 9:29/Gal 3:16, which is Jesus Christ, of the tribe of Judah, as the chief corner stone, and the holy apostles of the lamb from other tribes of Israel. And whom did God pour upon the spirit of grace and supplications on the day of Pentecost when the Spirit of Grace was first given? The house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, right? Zechariah 12:10; there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven – Acts 2:5. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, and hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David – Luke 1:68,69; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins; through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace – Luke 1:77-79. In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness – Zechariah 13:1. In that day, one shall say unto him (the Messiah), What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends – Zechariah 13:1-6. Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many – Heb 9:28; Christ being raised from the dead dies no more; death hath no more dominion over him – Rom 6:9. If such is the case, how can we expect Him to return to save Israel? He did come to save Israel. The Messiah had come and gone. The Lord’s second coming will be to build His heavenly kingdom rather than to deliver Israel. The chosen individuals from each tribe will be protected during the tremendous affliction that befalls the entire globe. “They shall look upon me, whom they have pierced” – Zechariah 12:10. This prophecy was partially fulfilled; the first half occurred in AD 70.
Will there be another disaster in Jerusalem? There will undoubtedly be another. Many nations will come against Jerusalem at this time; I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle – Zechariah 14:2. Can you not see the provocation going on in Israel right now? Don’t you notice how the heathens clench their teeth in rage at Israel? God will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling; a burdensome stone for all people; all the people of the earth will be gathered together against it – Zechariah 12:2-9. Is this something that has happened before? Not to the best of my knowledge. And this huge trouble will spread throughout the entire planet because it is God’s vengeance on the world. There’s no stronger indication than this that the Lord’s second coming is almost here. His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives to fight against those nations – Zechariah 14:4. And the Lord shall be king over all the earth – Zechariah 14:9; and Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited – Zechariah 14:11. But first, there will be a nuclear Armageddon. The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining – Joel 2:10; Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel – Ezekiel 38:19; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth – Zechariah 14:12.
That is also the time when wealth is transferred, as the Bible states that the wealth of the wicked is set aside for the righteous – Proverbs 13:22; the wealth of all the heathen round about shall be gathered together – Zechariah 14:14; they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it – Rev 21:26. And every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King – Zechariah 14:16.It is important that you distinguish between the political state of Israel and the Israel of God. The conflict in Israel is spiritual in nature, as Jerusalem is the sacred city of our God; this is the point of dispute.
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished – John 19:30; For he will finish the work, a short work will the Lord make upon the earth – Rom 9:28. He is saying–What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? Isaiah 5:4 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? Have they not heard? Did not Israel know? Rom 10:16,18,19. The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them – 2 Cor 4:4.
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch; In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely – Jeremiah 23:5,6. Take your eyes off of the present state of Israel and focus on the Israel of God, the holy line of descent (who believed their Messiah), which is secured in Christ. Know that Israel is secured. God doesn’t have to save them; He’s saved them already, if you didn’t know. Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation – Isaiah 45:17. Doesn’t “Some of the branches were broken off” implies that Israel is secured and only the broken ones needs to be brought back?
What is looming ahead is not another redeeming activity of God but a fierce judgment; “the wrath of the Lamb” – Rev 6:16 “the wrath of God” – Rev 14:10. The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10.
God is just, therefore before He pours out His wrath on the globe, the entire world, everyone who lives there, every nation, language, and people group will hear the message of the everlasting gospel again; but this time, it will be delivered by an angel – Revelation 14:6. It is important to note that it is not the gospel of grace, but another one. The snatching away of the Church of Jesus Christ closes the door to the dispensation of grace. Why an angel through whom the everlasting gospel is preached? We know that Satan thinks he has rendered many countries immune to the gospel of Christ; He thinks that authoritarian governments and the establishment of various religious, political dogmas has kept evangelists out of particular regions of the world; but how can he prevent people from listening when an angel preaches? God will make certain that every soul hears His message. That is why, during the Great Tribulation, millions upon millions of souls will be harvested – Rev 7:14/20:4.
If you didn’t know, Israel has been redeemed; the Israel of God is intact; only their fulness (that is, the whole twelve tribes) that needs to be brought in (not all but some of the branches that were broken – Rom 11:17). And God will do it during the trouble days. That’s where the sealing of the 144000 stands for – Rev 7:3-8. By their addition, the fulness of Israel will be accomplished. When it is said, “all Israel shall be saved” – Rom 11:26, it doesn’t mean, a numeric fulness (Pleroma – Rom 11:12); not a full number, but fulfilment. Esaias also cries concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved – Rom 9:27; “Save some of them” – Rom 11:14.
As per the scriptures, God expressed his regret for creating humans and expressed deep sorrow over it. If He hadn’t saved a righteous man like Noah, He would have wiped off human civilization entirely – Genesis 6:5-8. Just like that, Esaias says, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us (Israel) a seed (Christ – Gal 3:16), we had been as Sodom, and been made like unto Gomorrah – Rom 9:29; Caiaphas, the high priest prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation – John 11:49-51. Didn’t God lay in Zion a stumbling-stone and rock of offence: that whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed? Rom 9:33. And you still think Jesus is going to return one more time to save Israel? Which Israel are you referring to? Israel as a state? You have to be kidding. God has chosen Jerusalem so that His name would be there – 2 Chronicles 6:6, and He is coming there to rule, not for any other reason; for thy city and thy people are called by thy name – Daniel 9:19. Thus saith the Lord; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain of the Lord of hosts the holy mountain – Zechariah 8:3; The city of the Lord, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel – Isaiah 60:14; thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain – Daniel 9:16; thy holy city – Daniel 9:24; O Jerusalem, the holy city – Isaiah 52:1.
Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? Romans 11:12 How do you interpret this? They did fall (few branches broken off to accommodate the Gentiles – Rom 11:11,12); “they did diminish” in the sense that God took away their kingdom and distinctness but not cast away His people which He foreknew, neither did they stumble that they should fall to the point of being eliminated – Rom 11:1,2,11. Their stumbling was crucial, without which the world wouldn’t be saved. At the same time, God did redeem them, not by the works of righteousness but by imputed faith. The receiving of them resulted in the “life from the dead” Rom 11:15. If they aren’t received, it implies that life has not yet been offered. On the contrary, life is come.
Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven residing in Jerusalem – Acts 2:5-8. It is clear that the first-century church was primarily Jewish in nature, at least until Cornelius and his family were inducted. Did the seventy disciples and all the apostles of the lamb happen to be Jews who were sent out? Being the direct witnesses of His Majesty, they bore the gospel of witness – 2Pet 1:16/Luke 1:2. Without firsthand observation, how can any group be deemed a witness? We were not witnesses (we don’t preach the gospel of witness either); but they were. The gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations (which meant, the uttermost parts of the then Roman Empire – they did go and preached the gospel of the kingdom); and then shall the end come – Matthew 24:14. Jesus wasn’t speaking of the end of the world but the end of Jewish hegemony in terms of handling the things of God.
What good is it to cling to something that is actually only a shadow when perfection arrives, except from the fact that it presents an obstacle? Hebrews 8:4,5/9:8,11/10:1. As their teacher to lead them to Christ, the law was appointed. According to Gal 3:24–25, once that faith is realized, they are no longer under a teacher. This still stumps my sensibilities: why they would desire to continue under the law when they were unable to carry out its requirements? For they could not tolerate that which was commanded – Hebrews 12:20; additionally, everyone who did so was subject to the law’s curse – Galatians 3:10. I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy – Romans 11:11.
Behold, “He takes away the first, that he may establish the second” – Hebrews 10:9,10. The hand-built Temple was destroyed at the foundation of the New Temple in Christ. The first tabernacle was rendered obsolete by the death of Jesus Christ, which opened the way to Holy Place. Jesus established a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah – Hebrews 8:8. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely – Jeremiah 23:6/33:16. This time, through the pouring out of God’s Spirit upon all flesh, He put laws into their minds, and wrote them in their hearts – Heb 8:10. The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing – Heb 9:8.
Didn’t Jesus say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands? – Mark 14:58/John 2:19. The end of that age did come in AD 70 as Daniel foretold – Matt 24:15. According to Matthew 24:16, the Christians who understood Jesus’ teaching did indeed run into Judaea’s highlands. The year AD 70 is significant in Christianity. This event was meticulously documented by Titus Flavius Josephus. The temple was desecrated and the abomination of desolation prophesied by Daniel was committed when Antiochus 4 Epiphanies built an altar to Zeus over the altar of the fire sacrifices in the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem and offered a pig as a sacrifice.
Jesus told them parables, but why do you think that was the case? It would compromise his covert purpose that he came to accomplish on earth, hence Jesus didn’t want them to comprehend the mysteries of the kingdom. What did Jesus say? That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them – Mark 4:12. For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them – Matthew 13:15.
In order to fulfill the desire of the Father and serve as the ideal sacrifice that would redeem the world, Jesus temporarily rendered them blind. Can you conceive a circumstance in which the Lamb of God is not slain? What would the world be like if Jesus had not died? There would be no redemption for Judah and Israel, and no salvation for the entire world. Because God’s wrath was not placated and only the priceless blood of His Son Jesus would suffice, the world and all living things inside it would be wiped out. So, I believe, God had to temporarily suspend Israel in order to work out His eternal plan of salvation. For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer – Isaiah 54:7,8. Who else except Israel would have slain God’s lamb? or who should slaughter the lamb if not Israel, who has broken God’s laws? Caiaphas, the then-high priest, recognized this – John 11:49,50. By slaughtering the Lamb of God on the altar of Golgotha outside the city, Israel carried out God’s greatest redemptive plan. This mystery, which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory – 1 Cor 2:8. Should we despise Israel because of this, or should we adore them even more? They gave their lives to bring the world to life. Do you believe they’d let Him be slaughtered if they knew He was their Messiah?
The Mosaic Law stipulated that anyone sinned had to bring a sacrificial animal to the tabernacle or, subsequently, the temple. This animal was usually an unblemished lamb. After that, the act of placing one’s hands on the animal’s head represented the transfer of one’s sins to the helpless animal. As a symbolic act of atonement, the lamb would be killed and its blood would be sprinkled on the altar. As Abraham believed, God has provided them the animal – Genesis 22:8 (in Isaac shall thy seed be called – Genesis 17:19/ Romans 9:7/Hebrews 11:18)). Israel had to place their hands on the animal, which they did, and they slaughtered it without understanding its significance – Acts 3:15/James 5:6; he was put to death in the flesh – 1 Peter 3:18; whom ye slew and hanged on a tree – Acts 5:30. It was something they had to do. Whatever their purpose, they behaved in ignorance of God’s redemptive work. God planned it that way. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure – Phil 2:13. He served as our sin’s atonement, after all. Wasn’t it God’s purpose for the lamb to be slaughtered as a ransom for all? Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom – Job 33:24/1Tim 2:6/Mark 10:45. Then, was the lamb of God not also the object of God’s wrath?
The purpose of this system of sacrifice was to highlight the gravity of sin and the necessity of atonement and rapprochement with God. Later on in the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb. His death on the cross is regarded as the ideal atonement for humankind’s sins, obviating the necessity for more animal offerings.
I take it that the one who should sacrifice the animal on the altar is the offender. God offered His Lamb, and Israel was to kill it in order for it to make atonement. If the nation should not perish, and the nation must sacrifice the lamb without blemish for their redemption, it must be the Jews and not the Romans that should kill the lamb. Does that make sense? The killing then was the will of God. But killing without admittance of their sin or denial of their salvation was the sin unto death. God’s purpose and plan were being fulfilled, even though the Son of Man was slaughtered out of hatred rather than realizing for their redemption. It was God’s secret mission; which none of the princes of this world knew (the unseen evil realm): for had they known it (if they knew that God’s plan was to dismantle all the works of darkness – 1John 3:8), they would not have crucified the Lord of glory – 1 Cor 2:8.
Satan and his kingdom was taken by surprise; they were so deluded. No wonder he tried to test Jesus; the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God – Luke 4:3. None of the world’s princes were aware of God’s covert mission, which involved the destruction of all the works of darkness – 1John 3:8. If they had, according to 1 Corinthians 2:8, they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory. Because they were so naive, Satan and his dominion were caught off guard. See Luke 4:3, “If thou be the Son of God,” the devil said to him, explaining why he attempted to test Jesus (He was aware that something was going on, but he wasn’t sure what it was about). A smile currently appears on my face as I think about the incredible work of God that tricked the entire kingdom of darkness.
Rebuking Jesus, even Peter said, “Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee” – Matt 16:22. Ignorant Israel can you really blame them if the Lamb’s Apostles were unaware of the significance of the death that the Son of Man has come to accomplish? God’s clandestine goal would be jeopardized if the lamb was not murdered in that way, which was merely motivated by hatred or malice. It was not the right time for Israel to realize who their Messiah was, because else they would not have allowed him to die and the world would not be saved.
Understand that the lamb of God served as our sacrifice; he had to bear God’s anger on our behalf; he humbled himself and submitted to death, even the death of the cross; this was done to save those who were subject to the law and to enable us to be adopted as sons – Gal 4:5. He was afflicted and oppressed, yet he remained silent. He was treated like a lamb at the slaughterhouse, and just as a sheep is dumb in front of its shearers, so he remained silent – Isaiah 53:7.
The kingdom of this world relates to the nations of the world. According to Matthew 13, the kingdom of heaven is represented as the good seeds, tares; a grain of mustard seed; leaven; wealth hidden in a field; a merchant man seeking goodly pearls; as unto a net–the good fish, the bad fish, and so on. The Kingdom of God, on the other hand, is the spiritual aspect of the Kingdom of Christ, whose ruler is the Lord Jesus Christ, the prince of the kings of the earth. For instance, Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power; it is not meat or drink but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost; if I cast the devils out, that means the kingdom of God is come upon you. A born again believer is translated into the kingdom of Christ in this age – Col 1:13/Heb 12:22-24.
As I previously stated, the kingdom of heaven is a blend of everything that is found in Christendom, but after the good things have been taken out of it, it will manifest on earth when the King of kings and Lord of lords makes His appearance in the clouds of His glory to literally rule and reign over the nations from Jerusalem.
The kingdom of darkness had the upper hand prior to Christ’s first appearance, but the monarch of that kingdom is now disabled, and while it retains some authority due to the presence of sin in the world, it is Jesus Christ who rules over the kingdoms of men. For whomever has the keys to death and hell wields absolute power. Jesus Christ chained the strong man and spoiled all of his possessions, and he now possesses the keys – Rev 1:18. He hath broken Pharaoh’s arm, King of Egypt, and it shall not be wrapped up to be healed, to put a roller to bind it, to make it strong to carry the sword; I will break his arms, the strong, and that which was broken; and I will cause the sword to fall out of his hand – Ezekiel 30:21,22/Matthew 2:15;12:28,29/Col 2:15. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil – 1 John 3:8.
Despite the fact that the adversary of our souls has been defeated, there are currently two kingdoms at war in the earth. Despite being judged and banished from this world – John 12:31;16:11, Satan—who is portrayed as the price of this world—remains and continues to rule over sinful souls from his seat in the second heavens. We must still wrestle with him – Ephesians 6:12/1John 5:19. However, Jesus Christ rules on earth through His body, the Church. That’s the distinction.
Jesus spoke unto them, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth – Matthew 28:18. God hath set Jesus Christ far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that fills all in all – Ephesians 1:21-23. God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth – Phil 2:9,10. These are not events that will occur, but have already occurred.
I don’t comprehend Christians who are still waiting for the enthronement of Jesus Christ. How can such people enjoy their advantages in Christ when they believe Satan, not Christ, is on the throne? They would be completely unaware of their authority in Christ, making them a puppet for the devil.
The gospel of Matthew 21:43 says the kingdom of God shall be taken from you (Israel), and given to a nation (a holy nation – Church –1Pet 2:9) bringing forth the fruits thereof.
They say, our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness (Acts 7:44) – Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David (Acts 7:45). Why was the kingdom been taken from them? Because they rejected the Prophet whom Moses had told them about whom the Lord God shall raise unto them of their brethren – Deut 18:15,18/Acts 3:22/7:37-39 – For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda (Heb 7:14).
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass (Zech 9:9/Matt 21:2-11). But we see that he was rejected. They said we will not have this man to reign over us (Luke 19:14). Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46) – The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judæa and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached (Acts 10:36,37).
Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came (for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament – Heb 9:15), who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen – Rom 9:4-5.
Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust – Rom 15:8-12
But the Jews hated him and said, we will not have this man to reign over us (Luke 19:14) blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in – Rom 11:25 – Remember, only some of the branches were broken off – Rom 11:17,19 – and the casting away of them resulted in the reconciling of the world – Rom 11:15 – He came unto his own, and his own received him not (John 1:11). They denied the Holy One and the Just and killed the Prince of life (Acts 3:14,15). If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life, and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life –1John 5:9-12 /John 10:36-38
The angel said to Mary, He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom, there shall be no end – Luke 1:32-33. This was the original plan – but the king being rejected, and through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy (Rom 11:11). The kingdom is postponed, so to speak. When the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled, God shall redeem Israel – Rom 11:1,2,12/10:1-3. We must not forget the fact that: even though as concerning the gospel, they are enemies for our sakes: as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes (Rom 11:28).
In my study of the Scriptures, I came across multiple depictions of kingdoms.
- kingdoms of this world
- kingdom of darkness
- kingdoms of men
- kingdom of God
- kingdom of heaven
- kingdom of Christ.
I would like to touch only on three of them: the kingdom of God, the kingdom of heaven, and the kingdom of Christ. This was a subject that baffled me for a long time. Though I have given much diligence, it took years to reach this conclusion.
Firstly, know that it was the Father’s good pleasure to give us the kingdom (Luke 12:32) – which was kept a secret from the foundation of the world (Matt 13:35) – which kingdom was prepared from the foundation of the world (Matt 25:34) – a kingdom not of this world – John 18:36. Kingdom = basileia = rule, culture, royalty, reign, authority. When Jesus said, Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19) – he meant, I appoint to you now a kingdom – Luke 22:29,30. Ye are a chosen generation, a ROYAL priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people (1Pet 2:9).
Preparing the ground: The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it (Luke 16:16) – this is the only way God could redeem his creature. To penetrate the world with the heavenly culture, edict, his holiness and the divine nature, he took upon himself a sinful human body the legal way (John 10:1,2/Phil 2:6-8/Heb 2:17/Rom 8:3/Heb 4:15). From the time of Christ until the fulness of the Gentiles is considered as that “chosen generation”, who which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy that should shew forth the praises of him who hath called them out of darkness into his marvellous light (1Pet 2:9,10).
They all including Jesus went around preaching the arrival of this rule and reign of God’s kingdom in the hearts of man – Matt 4:23/Mark 1:14,15/Luke 9:11. Jesus told them, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God – Mark 12:28-34 – The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you – Luke 10:9 – The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel – Mark 1:15 – heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you – Luke 10:9 – therfore, be converted and become as little children, trusting and believing the One whom God sent and enter in – Matt 18:3/Mark 10:15 – Now when ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth – Luke 11:2 – Seek ye the kingdom of God – Luke 12:31 – be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you – Luke 10:11.
Behold the fig tree (singular – Israel), and all the trees (people of Israel); When they now shoot forth (proballo – germinate, put forth leaves)(The fig tree putteth forth her green figs – Song of Songs 2:13 – branch is yet tender – Matt 24:32 – he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground – Isaiah 53:2 – this root is holy – Rom 11:16), ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, this generation (genea – an age) shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled – Luke 21:29-32/Matt 24:32 – 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 (Matt 16:28) – 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 (Mark 9:1/Luke 9:27). This would be an impending event and not a future one.
Jesus said I will not any more eat thereof until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. (Luke 22:16) – I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God shall come (Luke 22:18) – 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 (Matt 26:29) – 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 (Mark 14:25) – Him God raised up the third day and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead – Acts 10:40,41. This means, through his death, he ushered in the promise of the Father – for the promise was made to the seed of Abraham, which is Christ – Gal 3:16,18,19. In Christ we have obtained an inheritance (Eph 1:11) – Christ hath obtained eternal redemption for us (Heb 9:12). He ushered in his Father’s kingdom. Now we have this treasure in earthen vessels (2Cor 4:7). This invisible yet palpable kingdom now reigns over all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world but also in that which is to come (Eph 1:21).
It did come in power on the day of Pentecost, didn’t it? Acts 2 – By pouring out His Spirit upon all flesh, God had answered their prayers. The kingdom of God hath come! We don’t need to seek it anymore, for it is come unto us, is within you, is upon you – Matt 12:28,29/ Luke 11:20/17:21. Being born of the water and of the Spirit we thus entered – John 3:5. In Christ ye also trusted, after that, ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. Which is the earnest (arrhabon – Hebrew origin – a pledge, part of the purchase money or property given in advance as security for the rest:— earnest) of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory (Eph 1:13,14)
Now is come salvation (after the death and resurrection of our Lord – the prince of this world is judged – John 16:11), and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser/ slanderer (Satan – Zechariah 3:1/Job 1:6) of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night (Rev 12:10) – When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace: But when a stronger than he (the Lord from heaven – Jesus Christ – greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world –1John 4:4/1Cor 15:47) shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armor wherein he trusted (spoiled principalities and powers – Col 2:15 – destroyed (incapacitated) him that had the power of death, that is, the devil – Heb 2:14, 15), and divideth his spoils – Luke 11:21-22. According to his mercy, he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (the effect of the inception of this kingdom); which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour (Titus 3:5,6). He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you (Gal 3:5). The Spirit descended firstly upon Jesus, to whom the promise was made – Matt 3:16/John 1:32,33.
Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 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: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence (is nigh) – Acts 1:2-5. Ye (the body of Christ) shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you – Acts 1:8. Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ (Rev 12:10)
Some might ask if we have already entered the kingdom of God then why would the Apostle Paul exhort them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22) – Apart from being baptized in the Holy Ghost corporately which took place at the setting up of the kingdom – Dan 2:44/Col 2;15 – there are two more phases of the kingdom that we need to capitalize on. One is to individually be endued with power – Luke 24:49 – that is to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man – Eph 3:16 – ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things –1John 2:20 – this is the anointing that everyone receives within at regeneration – be filled with the Spirit – Eph 5:18 – unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us – Eph 3:20 – but there is an anointing that comes upon a person for the work of the ministry – that is to be clothed with the Holy Ghost – God gives the Holy Ghost to them that obey Him – Acts 5:32 – God anoints us with the Holy Ghost and with power: that we could go about doing good, and heal all that are oppressed of the devil; for God will be with us as He also anointed Jesus of Nazareth (Acts 10:38) – be changed into the same image of the Lord from glory to glory – 2Cor 3:18 – the glory which shall be revealed in us – Rom 8:18 – be filled with the fruits of righteousness – Phil 1:11 (an internal transformation to be precise – unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ – Eph4:13); for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but RIGHTEOUSNESS (sinful nature crucified/ceased from sin –1Pet 4:1,2/Gal 5:24), and PEACE (eirene – quietness, rest – Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest – Heb 4:1, 3,9-11/Matt 11:28 – in quietness and in trust shall be your strength – Isaiah 30:15), and JOY (in thy presence is fulness of joy – Psalm 16:11) in the Holy Ghost (Rom 14:17) – For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in POWER (dunamis – might, strength, miraculous power) –1Cor 4:20/Luke 11:20 – the unrighteous (the works of the flesh – they that do such things – Gal 5:19-21) shall not inherit the kingdom of God –1Cor 6:4-20 – flesh and blood (sarx – the human nature (with its frailties (physically or morally) and passions), carnally minded) cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption (1Cor 15:50/2Pet 1:4/Gal 6:8/1Cor 15:42,53,54/Rom 8:21) – they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God – Gal 5:19-21,24 – such hath no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God – Eph 5:3-5 – notice here, we see two kingdoms been spoken of – kingdom of Christ and of God – one is prevailing and the other, though works in tandem with the former even now is that which materializes in the future. If not diligent we could miss the mark and fall short of it. To prevent that we must walk worthy of God, who hath called us unto his kingdom and glory –1Thess 2:12 – we must be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which we also suffer: (2 Thess 1: 5) – I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ (Rev 1:9) – If we suffer with Christ, we shall also reign with him (2 Tim 2:12/Rom 8:17,18/Phil 3:10/2Cor 4:10,11/2Pet 4:12-14).
By legal standing, we are made righteous in Christ through faith. We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ – Rom 5:1. The imputed sin – Rom 5:8-19 – got revoked but the inherent sin that we all carry within – Rom 7/Col 3:8/Eph 4:22/2Cor 7:1/Matt 15:18-20/Mark 7:20-23 – must be dealt with before God could cloth us with His power. That is when Christ be formed in us (Gal 4:19). You see the church at Corinth had all the gifts of the Spirit working, but Paul referred them as yet carnal, babes in Christ, which walked after the flesh –1Cor 3:1-3 – and the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be (Rom 8:7) – So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God (Rom 8:8). This means, we have a propensity to fail of the grace of God – Heb 12:15 – or fall from our own steadfastness – 2Pet 3:17 – or fall from grace – Gal 5:4 – haven’t we?
That is why it says, flesh and blood cannot inherit. If we live after the flesh, ye shall die – Rom 8:13 – To whom we yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants we are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death or of obedience unto righteousness (Rom 6:16) – “Righteousness” is what makes the kingdom of God unique. A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom (Heb 1:8). The carnally oriented, they that do the works of the flesh, that doeth unrighteousness will not have any part in it, both present and in the future.
Summery on the kingdom of Christ: The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ (Rev 11:15). Did this happen or is it talking about a kingdom that would emerge in the future? By the resurrection from the dead, he had already received a kingdom from the Father – Dan 7:9,13,14 – its effect: Now is come salvation (salvation is come unto the Gentiles – Rom 11:11/Luke 19:9), and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ (Rev 12:10). Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions (all the demonic powers), and over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). This clearly depicts that, Christ now wields the power. God hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son (Col 1:13). Isn’t it preposterous to think otherwise? For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily (Col 2:9) – For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell (Col 1: 19). And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven (Col 1: 20). Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth – Phil 2:9-10/Col 2:15/Heb 2:14,15. And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name (Luke 10:17).
Evidence: Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. (Luke 7:22).
They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom. Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations – Psalm 145:11-13.
Despite the fact that the whole world still lies predominantly in the power/sway/ influence/lap of the wicked –1John 5:19, because the kingdom of Christ and of God are already established in its mysterious form, we could now engage the enemy. And the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds (2 Cor 10:4). For we wrestle against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high place (Eph 6:12). We only have to wrestle now because the battle is already won. The battle is the Lord’s – 1Samuel 17:47 – and he had overcome the armed strong man and hath taken from him all his armor wherein he trusted, and divided his spoils (Luke 11:21,22) – he bound the strong man and spoiled his house – Mark 3:27. And the God of peace shall bruise (suntribo – to crush completely, break in pieces) Satan under your feet shortly (Rom 16:20).
The second one is the visible reign of the Lord Jesus Christ on earth in the Millennium. Luke 13:28-29/Isaiah 9:7 – But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Matthew 8:11-12 – 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. 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. (Luke 13:27-29)(into outer darkness – a furnace of fire – Matt 13:42 – everlasting punishment – Matt 25:46 – into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched, where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched – Mark 9:45,46). 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 – Matt 8:11.
Hath not God chose the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? (James 2:5)
But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God (The mighty God – Isaiah 9:6), is forever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom. (Hebrews 1:8)
The saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever (Daniel 7:18)
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 7:22)
And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven (JUDGE THE ANGELS TOO – 1Cor 6:3), 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 (Daniel 7:27) – And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Luke 22:29-30 – Then cometh the end, when he (the Son of God) shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 1 Corinthians 15:24-25 – And when all things shall be subdued unto him (his saints through faith subdued kingdoms – Heb 11:33), then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all –1Cor 15:28 – the kingdom of their Father (Matt 13:43)
The Father hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son (Col 1:13) – this kingdom is not of this world (Spiritual in nature) – Jesus hath assigned us a kingdom – Luke 22:29,30 – and The Father will set up His stone kingdom on earth (this the Father hath appointed unto the Son – Luke 22:29,30 – in the Millennium). And we must walk worthy of God (counted worthy), who hath called us unto his kingdom and glory (1Thess 2:12/2Thess 1:4,5).
In the new earth, we see that the Son shall put down all rule and all authority and power (his mediatory function – And when all things shall be subdued unto him – 1Cor 15:28); and in the everlasting kingdom, God will be all in all. The Son of God (the Prince of Life) was come that we might have life and life more abundantly and to mediate for us and to deliver the creatures that are made subject to vanity. For he must reign, TILL he hath put all enemies under his feet (1Cor 15:25). His mediatorial work – Rom 8:34/Heb 7:25/1Tim 2:5/1John 2:1 – shall end, when he shall destroy the last enemy death –1Cor 15:26.
But unto the Son, he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever and thy scepter shall a scepter of righteousness (Heb 1:8) – then God in Christ shall be all in all. For in Christ dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily – Col 2:9 – For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell – Col 1:19/John 14:6-11/Rev 1:8. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God – Heb 1:8 – the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ – Titus 2:13 – Wonderful Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace – Isaiah 9:6. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it – Rev 21:22.
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness – 2Pet 3:13. At that time, the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea – Heb 2:14. Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear (Heb 12:28) – Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall (be established in the present truth – 2 Pet 1:12): For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:11). And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom (2 Tim 4:18)
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 forever (Daniel 2:44) – his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom (Daniel 4:3) – whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation (Daniel 4:34) – Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father (Matt 13:43) – Now we have the fore-taste of the glory that shall be revealed in us – Rom 8:18/1Pet 4:13. For now, we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face (1 Cor 13:12). Hence, follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord (Heb 12:14): Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled (Heb 12:15-17)
Kingdom of heaven on the other hand is the gathering through the gospel of the kingdom (the net – the Christendom – the tares and the wheat) and the kingdom of God is the actual/physical rule of the King of kings on earth (the tares sifted and only the wheat inherit – Matt 8:11,12/13:42/25:46/Luke 13:28,29). The Kingdom of God is in power – 1Cor 4:20 – and the kingdom of heaven must have this reign and rule of Christ, without which it shall be nothing more than a religion.
Jesus said, if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you – Matt 12:28 – He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you (Gal 3:5) – the Spirit is life (abundant life – John 10:10) because of righteousness (Rom 8:10) – by the righteousness of one man the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life (Rom 5:18) – the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ (Rom 5:17). So when the Spirit of God descended and lighted upon Jesus – Matt 3:16/John 1:32 – that’s when the transaction between heaven and earth began or to be precise, even the mystery which hath been hidden from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints (Col 1:26) – the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory (1Cor 2:7) – Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you (1Pet 1:10). Jesus said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man (John 1:51) -Jacob dreamed, behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the Lord stood above it (the second man is the Lord from heaven –1Cor 15:47), and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac (Gen 28:12,13) – Now you know what Jesus meant when he said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am (John 8:58). This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel. This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers. To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them (Acts 7:37-39) – The spiritual Rock that followed them was Christ (1Cor 10:4). Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ (John 1:17). The Spirit alighting on Jesus was the outset of the kingdom of heaven. Before the death of Christ, the Spirit came only upon him but after his death and resurrection (one man’s obedience – Phil 2:8/ Heb 5:8) this free gift, the promise of the Spirit came upon all those who believed in Him – Gal 3:14/Eph 1:13/Acts 2: 14-18.
Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh (the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh – Acts 2:30/2Tim 2:8 – For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda – Heb 7:14 – the gospels clearly depicts that Jesus has a lineage according to the flesh); And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name (Rom 1:3-5)
The kingdom of God, the spiritual essence is contained within this kingdom of heaven, or in other words, the kingdom of God is the life force of the kingdom of heaven. The demonstration of the power of God and the fruits “Righteousness, Peace, and Joy in the Holy Ghost” are the evidence/effect of the kingdom of God (Rom 14:17). For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power (1Cor 4:20). Where does the power flow from? Christ means, the Anointed One. And we see Jesus declared to be the Son of God with power – Rom 1:4 – and he is the head of this body of believers – Col 1:18/Eph 5:23 – from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered (Col 2:19).
How can it be entered? Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein (Luke 18:17). We must humble ourselves as a little child and be converted – Matt 18:3,4 – by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost (Titus 3:5). We must receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save our souls – James 1:21 – hear the word of the kingdom, and understands it (Matthew 13:19-23) – Except a man be born again, he cannot see (eido – perceive, understand, be aware) the kingdom of God (John 3:3) – for the spirit of man needs to be revived by the Spirit of God to experience the kingdom of God; and that happens only by believing in the One whom God hath sent –1John 5:9-12 – to be a propitiation through faith in his blood – Rom 3:24-26. Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter (come, go in through) into the kingdom of God (John 3:5) – Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God (1Pet 1:23).
Its effect: My speech and my preaching were not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power (1Cor 2:4). Its structure: The gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Rom 1:16).
When did it come? And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon (Satan– Notice: this is the second phase of overthrowing – this time it is not Lucifer the “son of the morning” Isaiah 14:12, but that dragon, which is the fallen Lucifer, the Devil); and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven (Satan had access to heaven, and that, now got terminated – Job 1:6 – the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night – Rev 12:10/Job 1:9,10). And the great dragon was cast out* (Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out – John 12:31 – the prince of this world is judged – John 16:11/Col 2:15 – Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and, lo, it shall not be bound up to be healed, to put a roller to bind it, to make it strong to hold the sword – Ezek 30:21/ the shed blood of Jesus Christ carried such power that it not only nailed the enemy of our soul; but also was the ransom and penalty to save us (them who believed and obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine – Rom 6:17/Mark 16:16/Acts 2:38/James 1:21,22) from being damned forever – Mark 10:45/Isaiah 53/Rom 8:3/Col 1:22/ Heb 10:10/Hosea 13:14/Matt 20:28/1Tim 2:6/Job 33:24), *that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him (from the heavenly realm)(Pergamos or Turkey, the center of the Ottoman Empire before world war I, was where Satan once dwelled and was seated – Rev 2:13 – Constantinople (which was the eastern part of the Roman Empire) is the old name for Istanbul, the great city located in what is now Turkey). And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation* (When? When Jesus said, it is finished: and bowed his head, and gave up the ghost – John 19:30/ The sacrifice of the Lamb of God made it all happen – Then he is gracious unto him, and said, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom – Job 33: 24)(Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it – Col 2:14,15), *and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power (dominion) of his Christ – Zech 9:10/Dan 4:3/7:14: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they (the believers) overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony (of Jesus – which is the spirit of prophecy – Rev 1:2/6:9/12:11,17/19:10); and they loved not their lives unto the death (Rev 12:7-11). The gates of hell shall no more prevail against it (Matt 16:18). For, the prince of this world is judged (John 16:11).
The Kingdom of God = It is the whole of God’s redeeming activity in Christ, in this world. The Original word for ‘Kingdom’ in the New Testament, the Greek word is, “basileia.” It refers to the rank, authority, and sovereignty, which a king possesses. In the Old Testament, the equivalent Hebrew word is, “MALKUTH,” which has the same root as the old Turkish “MELEKUT” and the Arabic “MAMLAKATUN.” It means the same – the dominion and power of the King.
So when Jesus refers to the kingdom of God, he is not talking about a geographical area, but about the reign and authority of God. NCBD References: Acts 14:22/Matt 12:28/Mark 4:26/Col 1:13.
Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servant’s fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence (John 18:36). “The Kingdom of God is not just talking; it is living by God’s power” (1Cor 4:20). It is a spiritual Kingdom, which comes not with observation (Luke 17:20,21). It is entered in by New-Birth (John 3:5). It isn’t meat and drink either; but Righteousness, Peace, and Joy in the Holy Ghost (Rom 14:17). But this mysterious kingdom materializes when Jesus Christ comes in His glory and all the angels with Him, to reign in this earth upon the throne of His Glory as the King of kings and the Lord of lords, for a thousand years (Matt 25:31). The kingdoms of this world (Rev 11:15/Matt 4:8,9) whose ruler is Satan (Eph 2:2/1John 5:19/John 14:30/1Cor 2:6,8/Rev 18:2) must be overthrown first before such “Righteousness Peace and Joy” in the Holy Ghost (the Hallmark of God’s Kingdom) should literally permeate the entire world (Habukkuk 2:14/Num 14:21/Isaiah 32:1,17/Rev 20:2/Mark 3:27/Dan 2:44). God will set up that “Stone Kingdom” (Dan 2:44,45) in Jerusalem. Jesus Christ will reign over the house of Israel through a King or Prince called David (Hosea 3:5/Ezek 37:24,25/34:23,24/Jeremiah 30:9). For if the casting away of them (Israel according to the flesh – Rom 9:3-5/11:1-3) be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? (Romans 11:15)
This kingdom is already established on earth but is in its spiritual form. 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 (Rev 12:10/Job 1:6/2:1); neither was their place (the dragon, that old serpent called the Devil and his angels’) found any more in heaven (Rev 12:7-9). The prince of this world is judged (John 16:1/Heb 2:14,15/Col 2:14,15). If there hadn’t such a mysterious kingdom present, there wouldn’t be any battle, would there? For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2Cor 10:3-5). For we wrestle not, against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Eph 6:12). This kingdom is situated in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph 1:3/2:6/3:10), and the cradle of this kingdom is heaven (John 18:36). This kingdom is a spiritual house, a holy temple in the Lord (Eph 2:13-22/1Pet 2:5). She looks as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners (Song of Sol 6:10/Rev 19:14). God makes his ministers a flame of fire (Heb 1:7).
THE STONE KINGDOM OF DANIEL: And I John saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem (Heb 12: 22/Eph 5:22-33/John 3:29/Mark 2:19), (that was caught out/up – our gathering together unto him – 2 Thess 2:1) coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband (2Cor 11:2). And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them (Eph 2:19-22/1Pet 2:5), and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying; neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious (of great price – Matt 13:46), even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; and had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates, twelve angels and names are written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb (in whom we also are built together – Eph 2:20-22). And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. And the city lies foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. And he measured the wall thereof, a hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gates was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it (Eph 2:20-22/1Pet 2: 5). And the city had no need of the sun, neither the moon to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them, which are saved (in the Millennial reign of Christ), shall walk in the light of it (outside!): and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it (no entry to) anything that defiles, neither whatsoever works abomination or makes a lie but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life (which makes it clear that this stone Kingdom (Daniel 2:34,45) will be in this earth even while the Gentile Nations are very much operational – And when the people of that age, died at the age of 70 or so, them that are the Citizens of that Heavenly Country/City will live forever and the citizens of Political Israel (the remnant of the twelve tribes of Israel – the house of Jacob) who are not a part of the bride (friend of the bridegroom – John 3:29), shall live a 1000 years. And it shall rule the universe in Righteousness and Peace – the kingdom of God (where the King of kings – Rev 1:6/5:10 – reign in the Throne of His father David – according to the flesh – Acts 2:30/Rom 1:3) will be righteousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost – Rom 14:17 – He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom, there shall be no end – Luke 1:32,33 – 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– Rev 12: 10)(Rev 21:2-4,10-27).
For, when you seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, all these things shall be added unto you (Matt 6:33/Eccl 5:19). The question is: Should we seek if the Kingdom of God has already come? Now the Kingdom of God is come into our lives* (Luke 11:20/ Rom 14:17)(we come in contact with its spiritual form in the new-birth – yet being babes in Christ, yet carnal (1Pet 2:2/Heb 5:13,14/Gal 4:1/1Cor 3:1-3/13:11), not being able to experience it in its entirety – Spirit of God is within you now – that’s why you are able to speak in tongues or be able to learn from the word of God – but its fullness is the Holy Ghost coming upon you – Acts 1:8 – that is to be endued with power from on high – Luke 24:49 – some people profess that receiving the gift of tongues is the sign of the Holy Spirit resting upon – I can show you multitudes that do speak in tongues and yet are carnal and under the influence of the devils – the signs of being endued with power from on high are – base nature being crucified (sanctified), totally consecrated souls, whose spirit is strengthened with might by the Holy Ghost – Satan who is transformed into an angel of light can also show-off – Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness – 2Cor 11:13-15 – performing great signs and wonders – Matt 13:22/24:24/2Thes 2:9/Rom 16:18 – to such ministers the tests and trying of faith and fiery trial and pruning and purging and crucifying the flesh with the affections and lusts is preposterousness – but the genuine herd are tried and purged vessels unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work – 2Tim 2: 21/1Pet 4:1,2/5:10/2Thes 1:4,5/Heb 12:7-11/Gal 5:24)(and to enter fully we must continue in the faith and endure much tribulation – Acts 14:22 – it is the enduement with power from on high – Luke 24:49 – it is the moment when the Holy Ghost comes upon a person – Acts 1:8 – Holy Ghost, whom God gives to them that obey him – Acts 5:32 – the indwelling presence of the Spirit is a free gift and by faith you receive this promise when you come to Christ – but to be endued with power or Christ be fully formed in a person or the Holy Ghost coming upon – or to partake of the divine nature and His holiness – this can be had only through the total sanctification of a person – ye must be counted worthy before God would let you experience it fully – 2Thes 1:4,5 – your faith must be tried to know its genuineness –1Pet 1:7/4:12-14/James 1:3/Deut 8:2,3/Heb 11 – in spiritual infancy (babe in Christ, yet carnal – who is unskillful in the word of righteousness – Heb 5:13/1Cor 3:1-3/Gal 4:1) Christ dwells in the heart by faith – Eph 3:17 – at that stage – you are still in control of your life, your base nature still is lively – Rom 7:14-23/Eph 4:22/Mark 7:20-23 – and the course if this world, which is according to the prince of the power of the air (Eph 2:2) is what you would opt for to build yourselves up – Here, the love of money, covetousness, friendship with the world, loving this world and the things that are in the world are been set as the paradigm (1Tim 6:5-11/1John 2:15,16/James 4:4). But the mature state is a crucified (consecrated) state – Gal 5:24 – where you cease to sin, by partaking of God’s holiness –1Pet 4:1,2/5:10/Heb 12:10,11/2Pet 1:4 – where Christ is formed in you – Gal 4:19 – that’s when you come to know that you have no control whatsoever of your life – John 3:8 – now it is Christ that holds the rein – Gal 2:20), *but even after we’ve sworn allegiance to it, by means of water Baptism, are we showing diligence to further its cause (according to the grace that one is bestowed with)?
[The patriarchal church looked forth as the morning when the promise of the Messiah was first made known, and the day-spring from on high visited this dark world. The Jewish church (Acts 7:38) was fair as the moon; the ceremonial law was an imperfect light; it shone by reflection; it was changing as the moon, did not make day, nor had the sun of righteousness yet risen. But the Christian church is clear as the sun, exhibits a great light to those that sat in darkness (she is as clear and bright as the SUN; and dangerous withal to look on, for she is formidable too – Clarke). Or we may apply it to the kingdom of grace, the gospel-kingdom – The beauty of the church and of believers is not only amiable, but also awful as an army with banners. The church, in this world, is as an army, as the camp of Israel in the wilderness; its state is militant; it is in the midst of enemies, and is engaged in a constant conflict with them. Believers are soldiers in this army (2Tim 2:3,4). It has its banners; the gospel of Christ is an ensign (Isaiah 11:12), the love of Christ, chapter 2:4. It is marshaled, and kept in order and under discipline. It is terrible to its enemies as Israel in the wilderness was, Exodus 15:14. When Balaam saw Israel encamped according to their tribes, by their standards, with colors displayed, he said, how goodly are thy tents, O Jacob! Numb 24:5. When the church preserves her purity she secures her honor and victory; when she is fair as the moon, and clear as the sun, she is truly great and formidable – MHC].
In simple words, the ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ which is portrayed only in the Gospel of Matthew -13:1-50/18:23-35/20:1-16/22:1-14/25:1-30 – is limited to its Era and its Domain – From the First coming to the second coming of Christ is the phase it would be operative and would dominate that part of the world called “Christendom” – It is a blend of ‘Good’ and ‘Evil,’ of ‘Wheat’ and ‘Tares,’ of ‘Good Fish’ and ‘Bad Fish,’ of ‘Wise Virgins’ and ‘Foolish Virgins’
The “Past” and “Coming” Dispensations have to do with the “Kingdom,” but the “Present” has to do with the “Church.” The “Kingdom” is an outward, visible and earthly “Political Organization,” and is to be “set up” on the earth (Dan 2:44); while the “Church” is an invisible and heavenly “Spiritual Organism” that is to be “caught out” (1Thess 4:16,17). The “Kingdom” was prepared FROM the “Foundation of the World” (Matt 25:34). The “Church” was chosen in Him BEFORE the “Foundation of the World” (Eph 1:4). The “Church” then is not the “Kingdom.” Clarence Larkin
The citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, we will not have this man to reign over us (Luke 9:14). Jesus said, now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father (John 15:24). The King was rejected and crucified in the earth (they denied the Holy One and the Just and killed the Prince of Life – Acts 3:14,15/John 11:50-53/18:13,14), and the setting up of the Kingdom was rescheduled. And because of that, it took on the mystery name known as the “Kingdom of Heaven” (Matt 25:1,14/23:13/22:2/20:1/19:23/ 18:23/13:24,31,33,44,45,47). I will give unto thee (Peter) the keys of the kingdom of heaven (Christendom): and whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven (Matt 16:19). And Peter with the keys, which he received from the Lord opened and initiated the kingdom of heaven on the day of Pentecost – Acts 2. Upon that rock, Christ began building his church. It is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven (Matt 13:11). From the days of John the Baptist until now (the time of Jesus) it suffered violence, but the violent (The Lion of the tribe of Judah) took it by force (Matt 11:12). The culture of the Kingdom of Heaven was: healing the sick, cleansing the lepers, raising the dead, and casting out devils (Matt 10:7,8). 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 (Luke 10:19). Not every one that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father (which is to obey from the heart that form of doctrine – Rom 6:17), which is in heaven (Matt 7:21/Rom 12:2). Blessed are they, which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matt 5:10).
Both John the Baptist and Jesus preached: Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Matt 3:2/4:17).
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field (the field is the world – Matt 13:38); the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof (his delights were with the sons of men – Proverbs 8:31/1Cor 1:24) goeth and selleth all that he hath (Phil 2:6/Eph 5:25), and buyeth that field (Matthew 13:44) – For ye are bought with a price –1Cor 6:20/7:23 – the purchased possession – Eph 1:14. Right after Jesus preached, the kingdom of heaven is at hand – Matt 4:17 – we see Jesus telling Simon and Andrew to follow him so that he would make them fishers of men. The kingdom of heaven is like unto a net (the gospel of Jesus Christ), that was cast into the sea (the waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues – Rev 17:15), and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away (Matthew 13:47,48) – And Peter saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners (like unto a net!), and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air – Acts 10:11,12.
Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven (Matt 18:3) – Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself as a little child (Matt 18:4). But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up (prevent, hinder) the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in (Matt 23:13).
In essence, the kingdom of heaven is the gathering of souls (the treasure hid – a pearl of great price – Matt 13:44,46 – a bride for the Kings’ Son – Matt 22:2/John 3:29/2Cor 11:2/Rev 21:2) from the vast field of the earth, into one spiritual body/temple, where God would dwell – Eph 2:16/4:4/Col 3:15/1Cor 10:17/12:12-14/Rom 12:5/1Pet 2:5/Eph 2:20-22.
And at the end of the world: the angels (reapers) shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away – and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth (Matt 13: 48-50) –
The Christendom (as I’ve explained earlier is, a blend of ‘Good’ and ‘Evil,’ of ‘Wheat’ and ‘Tares,’ of ‘Good Fish’ and ‘Bad Fish,’ of ‘Wise Virgins’ and ‘Foolish Virgins’ – Matt 13): He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom, but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world, and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. (Matthew 13:37-43).
Christ gave himself for us (the church, the elect –1Pet 1:2/Col 3:12/Eph 5:25), that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works – Titus 2:14 – reconciling the world unto himself – 2Cor 5:19 – having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself – Col 1:20.
We see then, for the moment the kingdom of God is spiritual in nature and the kingdom of heaven, the visible body of souls within the Christendom. The kingdom of God will transpire itself into a political organization (for the remnant of Israel) and they shall become the head, the capital of the world in the Millennial reign of Christ. 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. (Daniel 7:27)
B.V. Thomas