Eternal Kingdom
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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 meaning of 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. |
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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: |
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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. 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: |
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