Distinct Kingdom of the New Testament Church
|
Vertical Divider
|
God is King of all kings (Psalm 10:16; 29:10; 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14; 19:16). His sovereignty extends over all creation (1 Chronicles 29:11-12; Psalm 50:1; 66:7; 93:1; 103:19; Isaiah 40:15, 17; Daniel 4:34-35; 1 Timothy 6:15).
Kingdom of God The “kingdom of God” is fundamental to the message of both Old and New Testaments. Although not addressed by title in the Old Testament, the existence of the “kingdom of God” is communicated consistently throughout. In the New Testament it is referenced more directly and specifically. The phrase “kingdom of God” is used 66 times and the kingdom and kingdom authority of God are referenced more than 145 times. As previously indicated, the Hebrew (malkuth - mal-kooth') and Greek (basileia - bas-il-i'-ah) words translated “kingdom” in the Bible are similar. First and foremost, they refer to the rank, authority and sovereignty exercised by a king.1 Thus, the primary emphasis of the “kingdom of God” in the Bible is the sovereign authority of God. The “kingdom of God” is indeed suggestive of a realm and subjects, but they are only secondary and derived from its primary meaning. Consequently, when Jesus said, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness”, He was not suggesting the pursuit of a realm or people (Matthew 6:33). He was appealing for personal submission to divine authority. |
|
Vertical Divider
|
|
|
Vertical Divider
|
Kingdom Attributes
First and foremost indicative of divine authority, the kingdom of God is referent to a heavenly person rather than a heavenly place (cf. Romans 14:17). Consequently, it is reasonable to believe that the divine kingdom shares many, if not all, of the attributes of the nature of the life (zoe) of the divine king. Congruent with the nature of divine life (zoe), the kingdom of God is among other things characterized by: |
|
Vertical Divider
|
|
|
Vertical Divider
|
Kingdom Citizenship
The realm of the divine kingdom is populated by both angelic and human subjects. Existing in a state of willing submission to the authority of God, they are holy and immortal by nature. |
|
Vertical Divider
|
|
|
Vertical Divider
|
Kingdom Governance
The governance of the “kingdom of God” is theocratic in nature. It is fulfilled by the eternal God. God does not govern His eternal kingdom by rule of law. The Apostle Paul clarified the purpose of the rule of law when he said, “….law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane” (1 Timothy 1:9). However, the “kingdom of God” is not inclusive of any person, place or thing that is unrighteous, lawless, rebellious, ungodly, sinful, unholy or profane (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; cf. Galatians 5:19-21). Concordant with the righteousness of its citizens, the principle of law is not necessary in the “kingdom of God”. Rather than ruled by divine commandment, statute or ordinance, it is governed by rule of divine life (zoe). The rule of law on earth allows the sinner to become aware of the bondage of his transgression. Conducive only for the bearing of “fruit unto death”, it does not permit the cultivation of intimacy between God and man (Romans 7:5). In contrast, governance by the rule of life (zoe) does not reveal the transgression of law or sin. It consistently unveils the righteousness, grace and glory of the living (zoe) God. Governance by the rule of life (zoe) allows the saint to grow in personal knowledge and awareness of Jesus Christ and, thereby, cultivate intimacy with God. As a result, the saint is able to “serve in newness of the Spirit” and “bear fruit for God” (Romans 7:4-6). Governance by divine life (zoe) is fulfilled in accordance with the indwelling Spirit of life (zoe) (Romans 8:2). The citizens of the kingdom “live by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). As a consequence, they are by nature said to be “according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:4, 5, NIV) and “in the Spirit” (Romans 8:9). “According to the Spirit” and “in the Spirit”, the citizens of the kingdom of God are privileged to exist in the realm or sphere of the Spirit. In the realm or sphere of the Spirit, governance by the Spirit of life (zoe) is characterized by grace, love and fruitfulness beyond human measure (cf. Matthew 11:28-30; Romans 6:14; Galatians 5:22-23; 1 John 5:3). Paul makes a clear distinction between governance by law and life (zoe). In Romans 8:2 he states, “…the law (nomos – figuratively: principle) of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (governance by life (zoe)) has set you free from the law (nomos – figuratively: principle) of sin and of death (governance by law; cf. Romans 3:20; 4:15; 7:7; 2 Corinthians 3:7-9). In the New Testament, the rule of life (zoe) is described not only as the “law of the Spirit of life (zoe) in Christ Jesus”, but the “law of faith”, the “law of Christ” and the “law of liberty” (Romans 3:27; 8:2; 1 Corinthians 9:21; Galatians 6:2; James 1:25; 2:12). The “kingdom of God” can be briefly summarized as follows: |
|
Vertical Divider
|
|
|
Vertical Divider
|
Kingdom of God on Earth
The earth was not randomly produced. God originally created it within the realm of His kingdom with eternal purpose (Genesis 1:1). His purpose was to provide an environment which He could populate with willing citizens and manifest the glory of His nature for their benefit. Despite the clear manifestation of the goodness and glory of His nature His goodness and glory, both angelic and human citizens of the kingdom have historically chosen not to cooperate with God. Their rebellion against His authority has been the cause of judgment, death and degeneration both for themselves and their earthly habitat. Relative to the lack of cooperation by angelic and human beings, the earth has been and will be subject to change. Accommodative of the eternal plan of God to establish His kingdom on earth, the change was predestined to occur in the following manner: |
|
Vertical Divider
|
|
|
Vertical Divider
|
God created the original earth in eternal form. It remained eternal when it was reduced to a state of chaos and darkness. Congruent with His eternal plan, however, God renovated the earth in spatiotemporal form. Life on the renovated earth was subjected to the dimensions of space and time. It remained so even after it was reduced to a state of degeneration. In the future, the regenerated earth will also be spatiotemporal in nature. After the purpose of the spatiotemporal regenerated earth is fulfilled, it will be recreated in eternal form.
|
|
Vertical Divider
|
Immutable
While the earth is subject to change, the eternal “kingdom of God” on earth is not. Like the nature of its King, it is immutable. Therefore, the “kingdom of God” does not change when manifested on earth. Congruent with its immutability, the primary emphasis and character of the kingdom of God do not change on earth. Neither does the qualification for citizenship or governance. The primary emphasis of the “kingdom of God” manifested on earth is no different than in heaven. It is the sovereign authority of God. The character of the “kingdom of God” does not change when manifested on earth. Among other things, it remains glorious, holy, powerful and immortal. The qualification for citizenship in the “kingdom of God” manifested on earth remains the same. Citizenship in the “kingdom of God” on earth is achieved only by submission to the authority of God. The governance of the “kingdom of God” does not change when manifested on earth. It remains theocratic in nature. Eternal The “kingdom of God” is eternal. It is perpetual, without beginning or end, past or future. Therefore, the “kingdom of God” cannot be measured, interrupted or otherwise influenced by time. It remains eternal when manifested on the spatiotemporal earth. God chose to subject the earth in its renovated, degenerated and regenerated forms to the limitations of time (Genesis 1:14-19). He did so for a very important reason. Integrated with space, time presents a quantifiable environment. The limitations of space and time allow for a measurable and, therefore, indisputable demonstration of the nature of God for the benefit of both the angelic host and the human race. Within the earthly environment of space and time God presents the angelic host with a transparent view of the attributes of His nature. It is evidenced by His redemptive work with mankind on the regenerated earth. As a consequence, the holy angels rejoice and the fallen angels receive greater clarity regarding their guilt and condemnation. The human race also benefits from the quantifiable presentation of divine attributes on earth. They are demonstrated in accordance with the stipulations of the Eternal Covenant, the source of redemption for the fallen and their consequent inclusion in the kingdom of God. Concordant with the measurability of space and time, activity on earth can be defined by specific ages. Each age is designed by God to contribute to the fulfillment of His comprehensive, eternal purpose. According to the Bible, the specific ages associated with the fulfillment of the purpose of God on the spatiotemporal earth include the following: |
|
Vertical Divider
|
|
|
Vertical Divider
|
Mediatorial Representation
According to eternal plan, the authority of the “God of heaven” manifested on earth is mediated by angelic and/or human beings. Although God ultimately fulfills the governance of His kingdom, they are specially chosen to represent His authority on earth. The kingdom authority of God on the original, eternal earth was mediated by angelic beings. It has been and will be mediated on the spatiotemporal earth by human beings in the following manner: |
|
Vertical Divider
|
|
|
Vertical Divider
|
Kingdom manifestation on the Original Earth
The original, eternal earth was created by God to exist within the boundaries of His kingdom. Serving as a habitat for angelic beings, it provided an environment in which they were privileged to experience the glorious revelation of the divine nature. In spite of personally experiencing and enjoying God in unhindered fashion, the appointed, angelic high priest on the original earth not only rebelled against the sovereign authority of God, but inspired a vast number of subordinate angels to do likewise. As a consequence, they were judged by God and banished to a necessary state of separation from King and kingdom. Thus, the population of the “kingdom of God” endured a dramatic reduction in size. The original earth, damaged and rendered unclean by the lawlessness of its angelic creatures, became chaotic, characterized by waste, ruin, emptiness and darkness (Genesis 1:2). Consequently, the presence of the “kingdom of God” on earth was postponed. The kingdom of God manifested on the original earth can be briefly summarized as follows: |
|
Vertical Divider
|
|
|
Vertical Divider
|
Kingdom manifestation on the Renovated Earth
The justice of God could have been satisfied by the annihilation of the original earth and its rebellious angelic citizens. However, it would have undermined His eternal purpose. According to eternal purpose, God planned to reestablish His beneficent kingdom on earth. Consequently, He would maintain an influential presence on earth and enjoy intimate fellowship with its inhabitants. The eternal purpose and plan of God to retain His presence on earth included renovation and repopulation. Therefore, He renovated the earth in spatiotemporal form and populated it with human beings (Genesis 1:3-31). The original humans were created in a state of holiness and provided with the capacity to choose whether or not to submit to divine authority. Freely chosen, a human response of submission would serve to vindicate the nature of God to the angelic host. |
|
Vertical Divider
|
Edenic Age
The period immediately following the renovation of the earth is often referred to as the “Edenic Age”. It was initiated at the creation of mankind and endured until the Fall of mankind. The first man, Adam, was placed in the Garden of Eden and appointed by God to serve as the high priest of the renovated earth. His purpose was to enjoy God and represent His authority on earth. The renovated Garden of Eden served to facilitate intimate, joyful fellowship between God and humanity. It constituted a holy environment in which God manifested the attributes of His nature for the primary benefit of the first human citizens of His kingdom. As a consequence, Adam and Eve enjoyed intimate fellowship with God and experienced progressive growth in their appreciation and understanding of His nature. The angelic host was not ignorant of the events that occurred in the renovated Garden of Eden. While the holy angels rejoiced, the fallen were cognizant of the fact that they had been replaced by the human race. They were both saddened and angered that lesser, spatiotemporal beings had been awarded their heavenly blessing and privilege. Unable to endure such public humiliation, the fallen angelic high priest of the original earth concocted a scheme by which to deceive Adam, the appointed high priest of the renovated earth and the representative head of the human race. As a consequence of the scheme, Adam also rebelled against the authority of God. Marking the end of the Edenic Age, divine judgment ensued. In accordance with the judgment, the spatiotemporal, renovated earth and its human citizens experienced separation from King and kingdom. Consequently, the manifestation of the kingdom authority of God over His willing creatures was again postponed on earth. The kingdom of God manifested on the renovated earth can be briefly summarized as follows: |
|
Vertical Divider
|
|
|
Vertical Divider
|
Kingdom Manifestation on the Degenerated Earth According to eternal purpose, God did not allow the earth to return to utter chaos. Relative to its judgment and separation from His presence, however, it was reduced to a state of degeneration and darkness. Although a mere shadow of its former glory, the degenerated earth remained suitable to accommodate the fallen human race and, thus, fulfill the eternal plan of God (Genesis 3:17-19; Romans 8:19-23). Spatiotemporal in form, it continued to present an environment that allowed God to consistently, gradually and measurably provide revelation of His nature for the benefit of both the degenerated human race and the angelic host (cf. Romans 1:20; Ephesians 3:10; 1 Peter 1:12). Throughout the ages, the degenerated human race has been presented with the incredible privilege of witnessing the revelation of the divine nature on earth. Responding in faith, human beings have been able to receive the incomparable gifts of eternal life (zoe) and kingdom citizenship (cf. Romans 1:19-20). The angelic host also benefits from the privilege of witnessing the revelation of the nature of God on earth. Intimately aware of events occurring on the degenerated earth, they are presented with countless opportunities to view the selfless love, unfailing mercy and absolute justice of God in action. As a consequence, the nature of God is vindicated in heaven and on earth. Kingdom Revelation Like God, His kingdom (sovereign authority) is heavenly in origin and spiritual in nature. When revealed on the degenerated earth it remains heavenly and spiritual. Concordant with the eternal purpose of God, however, His kingdom (sovereign authority) is sometimes revealed on the degenerated earth with characteristics that are recognizable. For example, the heavenly and spiritual authority of God during the Israelite Age was made recognizable to the nation of Israel by visible instruments of worship such as a tabernacle, lampstand, table, sacred bread, golden altar of incense, the Ark of the Covenant, etc. The recognizability of the authority of God on earth during the Israelite Age provided the opportunity for Israel to grow into a nation as promised. Had it realized the absolute fulfillment of the promise of greatness, it would have been related to the recognizable presence of God in its midst. During the Gentile Age, the revelation of the heavenly, spiritual authority of God on the degenerated earth is not accompanied by visible instruments of worship. "...for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17). As a consequence, the kingdom authority of God on earth during the Gentile Age is invisible not only to the Israelites, but the entire unbelieving world. Citizenship Mankind on the degenerated earth is not naturally qualified for citizenship in the kingdom of God. In his fallen state, he is without the necessary holiness, spirituality and immortality. The natural man is in fact hostile toward God and unwilling to submit to His authority. Nevertheless, God has graciously provided fallen man with the opportunity for citizenship in His kingdom on the degenerated earth. Constituting an amazing demonstration of selfless love, unfailing mercy and absolute justice, His fulfillment of the stipulations of the Eternal Covenant provided the means. By the gracious death and resurrection of the incarnate Son, the heavenly Father is legally and morally free to convert fallen human beings to a state necessary for kingdom citizenship. While the sovereignty of God extends over all creation, He does not compel mankind to accept His offer of kingdom citizenship. Privileged with freedom of choice, a large number of fallen human beings simply choose to remain in a rebellious state of separation from God and His kingdom. For the fallen human beings that choose to pursue God in agreement with His gracious provision, kingdom citizenship necessitates conversion to a state of holiness, spirituality and immortality. Fundamentally, the conversion of mankind into such a state occurs only by gracious means of justification and regeneration. Justification is a legal transaction. It provides fallen man with a new legal status. The divine justification of fallen man provides him with a new legal status. On the basis of the substitutional, sacrificial death of Christ, willing human beings have the privileged opportunity to experience the forgiveness of all transgression of divine law and a legal declaration of righteousness. Consequently, they are provided with the holiness necessary to enjoy kingdom citizenship. Regeneration is an organic event. It is a gracious act of God whereby He reforms or recreates degenerate human life into a new and improved state suitable for accommodation by His indwelling life (zoe) and, therefore, kingdom citizenship (cf. John 1:12-13; 3:3-8; Romans 4:17; 5:17; 6:4; 8:2; 11:15; Ephesians 2:1-7; Colossians 2:13; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:22-23; 1 John 5:11-12). |
|
Vertical Divider
|
Scriptural Consistency Subsequent to the fall of the human race, the divine standard for human citizenship in the kingdom of God has remained consistent. It has always required conversion by means of justification and regeneration. Old Testament saints experienced justification in the same manner as New Testament saints. The words of the Old Testament prophet Isaiah revealed the possibility of justification for the people of ancient Israel. “‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the Lord, ‘Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool’” (Isaiah 1:18). Isaiah later added, “Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord, and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon” (Isaiah 55:7). In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul clarified that the Old Testament saints David and Abraham were justified by grace through faith alone (Romans 4:1-25). Old Testament saints also experienced regeneration of life. Moses clarified to the ancient nation of Israel that they had the opportunity to experience new life. He said, “So it shall be when all of these things have come upon you, the blessing and the curse which I have set before you, and you call them to mind in all nations where the Lord your God has banished you, and you return to the Lord your God and obey Him with all your heart and soul according to all that I command you today, you and your sons, then the Lord your God will restore you from captivity, and have compassion on you, and will gather you again from all the peoples where the Lord your God has scattered you. If your outcasts are at the ends of the earth, from there the Lord your God will gather you, and from there He will bring you back. The Lord your God will bring you into the land which your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it; and He will prosper you and multiply you more than your fathers. Moreover the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul (psuche - LXX), so that you may live (zoe - LXX)” (Deuteronomy 30:1-6). The words of Moses are evidential of the regeneration of life. The Hebrew word for “heart” in Deuteronomy 30 is lebab (lay-bawb'). In its varied forms it is used more than 800 times in the Old Testament. According to the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, “…heart (lebab) became the richest biblical term for the totality of man's inner or immaterial nature. In biblical literature it is the most frequently used term for man's immaterial personality functions as well as the most inclusive term for them since, in the Bible, virtually every immaterial function of man is attributed to the “heart.” “….heart expresses the totality of a man's nature and character, both inner and outer (1 Kings 8:23; Psalm 9:1).2 As indicated by Moses, fallen human beings cannot love God with heart and soul apart from the acquisition of new life. “People can love God with all their heart only after the heart itself has been radically changed to a Godward direction. When that happens, not only is obedience possible but so is life (so that you may live). Here more than physical life on the land is in view. There is a glimpse of life that does not end, life that comes to birth with the supernatural work of grace that alone is sufficient to account for all of these aspects of Israel's future restoration.”3 The circumcision of the heart was characteristic of the cutting away the uncleanness of the old heart and regeneration to new life by the reception of a new heart (“the totality of a man's nature and character, both inner and outer”). The new heart was necessary to accommodate the indwelling life (zoe) of God. Many of the noteworthy accomplishments recorded in the Old Testament could only have occurred in human beings who had received a regenerated heart. For example, God alone could have ensured the outcome of the leading of Moses, the redemption of Job, the heart of David expressed in the writing of his psalms, the prophesying of Jeremiah and the incredible sacrifices of all who are mentioned in the eleventh chapter of the book of Hebrews. Their works were beyond the scope of human capability alone. They could not have been orchestrated or achieved apart from regeneration and the direct, indwelling influence of God. The Old Testament standard for citizenship in the kingdom of God for Noah, Abram, Moses, David, Isaiah and Jeremiah was no different from the New Testament standard for John, Peter, Paul, Titus, Timothy and James. Subsequent to the fall, entrance into the kingdom of God has consistently required the conversion of mankind through means of justification and regeneration. While the standard of citizenship for fallen human beings has never changed, there are two fundamental differences between the saints of the Old and New Testament eras. They are related to the work of indwelling and baptism by the Holy Spirit. Regenerated Old Testament saints were indwelt by the Spirit. However, their indwelling was temporary, congruent with the will of God for special occasions. In contrast, the regenerated saints of the New Testament era are privileged to enjoy the permanent indwelling of the Spirit of God. He indwells at conversion never to leave again. The second fundamental difference between Old and New Testament saints is related to spiritual baptism. The saints of the Old Testament era were not baptized by the Spirit. Therefore, unlike the distinct church of the New Testament, they were not joined together as one heavenly, spiritual body. Instead, the saints of the Old Testament era were an earthly assembly of people united by God through mutual conversion. As a consequence of their regeneration they possessed an inward desire to pursue God. However, the permanency and intimacy associated with spiritual baptism was absent. The saints of the Old and New Testaments are significantly different. Nevertheless, they are both members of the family of God and citizens of His kingdom. Antediluvian Age The Antediluvian or pre-flood Age began soon after the Fall of man. It continued until the worldwide flood. Kingdom citizenship on earth during the Antediluvian Age was graciously and individually awarded by grace through faith alone. The Bible reveals that specific individuals from the lineage of Adam’s son Seth were privileged to be awarded citizenship (Genesis 4:25-26). In contrast to others existing on the degenerated earth during the Antediluvian Age, the descendants of Seth willingly chose to “call upon the name of the Lord”. The majority of human beings on the degenerated earth during the Antediluvian Age chose to reject the authority of God. Rebelliousness increased and mankind was eventually subjected to divine judgment in the form of a worldwide flood. As a result, “All flesh that moved on the earth perished, birds and cattle and beasts and every swarming thing that swarms upon the earth, and all mankind; of all that was on the dry land, all in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, died” (Genesis 7:21-22). Representation of the kingdom of God on the degenerated earth was preserved through Seth’s righteous descendant Noah and his family. They were the only human beings chosen to remain on earth after the flood. The kingdom of God manifested on the degenerated earth during the Antediluvian Age can be briefly summarized as follows: |
|
Vertical Divider
|
|