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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 the Old and New Testaments. Although not addressed by title in the Old Testament, the existence of the “kingdom of God” is communicated consistently throughout. The “kingdom of God” is referenced more directly and specifically in the New Testament. For example, the phrase “kingdom of God” is used 66 times, and it references God’s kingdom and kingdom authority over 145 times. As previously indicated, the meaning of the Hebrew (malkuth - mal-kooth’) and Greek (basileia - bas-il-i'-ah) words translated as “kingdom” in the Bible are similar. 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. Therefore, 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). Instead, He was appealing for personal submission to divine authority. The original languages of the Bible indicate that the kingdom of God should be defined: |
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Kingdom Attributes
Foremost indicative of divine authority, the kingdom of God is referent to a heavenly person rather than a heavenly place (cf. Romans 14:17). Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that the divine kingdom shares many if not all the attributes of the life (zoe) of its King. The kingdom of God is, among other attributes of divine life (zoe), characterized by: |
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Kingdom Citizenship
Both angelic and human subjects populate the realm of divine authority. Existing in a state of willing submission, they are holy and immortal by nature. Kingdom Governance The governance of the “kingdom of God” is theocratic. Therefore, God ultimately fulfills its responsibilities and obligations. As previously indicated, God does not govern His eternal kingdom by the rule of law (synonymous with the “law of sin and of death”). He did not create the rule of law for the righteous citizens of the kingdom but the unrighteous people outside it. The Apostle Paul clarified, “…. 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). The rule of law has an essential purpose for those who exist outside of the kingdom of God. It is the gracious means implemented by God to reveal transgression. Conversely, without the rule of law, there would be no revelation of the transgression of law (sin). Paul stated, “… apart from the law sin is dead (nekros ; nek-ros’); ineffective, dead, powerless)” (Romans 7:8). He further said, “… where there is no law there also is no violation” (Romans 4:15). God did not design the rule of law to serve as a standard for Christian conduct but to lead the unbelieving sinner to the Savior. “Therefore the law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24). There are no unrighteous citizens in the kingdom of God. It is populated only by angelic and human citizens who are righteous by nature. Therefore, relative to their righteousness, the rule or principle of law is unnecessary in the kingdom of God. Rather than the commandments, statutes, and ordinances of law, the righteous citizens of the kingdom of God are governed according to the graciousness of divine life (zoe). God created the rule of law to reveal transgression or sin. In contrast, He provided the rule of life (zoe) to unveil His living (zoe) righteousness, grace, and glory. Governance by divine life (zoe) is fulfilled by the gracious, living presence of the Spirit of life (zoe) (Romans 8:2). The citizens of the kingdom are “alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:11). They “live by the Spirit” of Christ (Galatians 5:25; cf. Romans 8:9). As a result, the citizens of the kingdom of God are described as “according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:4, 5) and “in the Spirit” (Romans 8:9). “According to the Spirit” and “in the Spirit,” the redeemed of the kingdom of God exist in the realm or sphere of the Spirit. The realm or sphere of the Spirit is governed by divine life (zoe), 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). In the realm or sphere of the Spirit, governance by divine life (zoe) allows the saint to enjoy true intimacy with God. Therefore, it provides the means for him to “serve in newness of the Spirit” and “bear fruit for God” (Romans 7:4-6). The Apostle Paul distinguishes 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 defined and described: |
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© 2018 James Hiatt |
