Kingdom of God, also called Kingdom of Heaven, in Christianity, the spiritual realm over which God reigns as king, or the fulfillment on Earth of God’s will. The phrase occurs frequently in the New Testament, primarily used by Jesus Christ in the first three Gospels. It is generally considered to be the central theme of Jesus’ teaching,
(Mathew 3:2) And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
The expression the kingdom of heaven literally of the heavens refers to the rule of the heavens i.e. the rule of God of the heaven over the earth (Dan 2:44; 4:25, 32)
- The kingdom of heaven exercises certain features of divine government. Thus, the kingdom of heaven includes only men on earth, excluding angels and other creatures.
- The kingdom of heaven is the earthly sphere as those known as the Wheat and the Tares (Mathew 13:41)
- It can also be compared to the net containing both the good and bad fish which would later be separated (Mathew 13:47)
In the gospel of Mathew, the kingdom of heaven is revealed in three distinct ways:
- As “at hand” here it is offered in the person of the King (the Lord Jesus Christ) of whom John the Baptist is the forerunner (Mathew 3:1)
- The kingdom of heaven can also be said to be fulfilled in this present age as presented in seven “mysteries” (Mathew 13). It reveals the character of the rule of heaven over the earth between the first and second comings of the Lord
- The kingdom of heaven can also be fulfilled after the second coming of Christ. It would be realized in the future millennium as predicted by prophet Daniel (Dan 2:34-36, 44-45) and covenanted to David (2 Samuel 7:12-16, Zechariah 12:8).
This millennial form of the kingdom is wholly in the future and will be set up after the return of the King in glory (Mathew 24:29-25; Acts 15:14-17, Mathew 6:33)
(Mathew 6:33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.
The expression the kingdom of God (Mathew 12:28) although used in many cases as synonymous with the kingdom of heaven is to be distinguished from it in some instances
- The kingdom of God is at times viewed as everlasting and universal, the rule of the sovereign God over all creatures and things.
The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. (Psalm 103:19)
How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation. (Dan 4:3)
So the Kingdom of God includes the Kingdom of Heaven as well.
- The kingdom of God is also used to designate the sphere of salvation entered only by the new birth.
Jesus answered, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” (John 3:5-7)
In contrast with the kingdom of heaven as the sphere of profession which may be real or false, In other words Christendom as a whole (Mathew 13:3 Mathew 25:1 11-12)
- The kingdom of God is realized in the rule of God in the present age and will also be fulfilled in the future millennial kingdom. It continues forever in the eternal state
How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation. (Daniel 4:3)
God bless you for reading,
Shalom!
AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST 