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. The original languages of the Bible indicate that the kingdom of God should be defined as follows: |
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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. As also indicated previously, God does not govern His eternal kingdom by rule of law. The Apostle Paul clarified 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). Relative to the righteousness of its angelic and human citizens, the principle of law is not necessary in the “kingdom of God”. Thus, they are not ruled by divine commandment, statute or ordinance, but governed by the gracious rule of divine life (zoe). Governance according to the rule of law can allow the adherent to do nothing more than become aware of his sin and recognize that he bears only “fruit unto death” (Romans 7:5). Thus, it is not conducive for the cultivation of intimate fellowship between God and man. Conversely, governance by the rule of indwelling life (zoe) does not reveal the transgression of law or sin. Instead, it only unveils the righteousness, grace and glory of the living (zoe) God. Governance by divine life (zoe) is fulfilled in accordance with the gracious, indwelling 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 by nature said to be “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. It 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). In the realm or sphere of the Spirit, the saint is able to “serve in newness of the Spirit” and “bear fruit for God” (Romans 7:4-6). By the indwelling Spirit of Christ he is able to enjoy true intimacy with God. The Apostle 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 defined and described as follows: |
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