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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 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 its 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 divine authority is populated by both angelic and human subjects. 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 in nature. It is ultimately fulfilled by the eternal God. As previously indicated, God does not govern His eternal kingdom by the rule of law (synonymous with the “law of sin and of death”). It was not created for the righteous citizens of the kingdom, but for the unrighteous who exist outside of 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 a very important 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 or sin. In point of fact, 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). The rule of law was not designed 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. Relative to their righteousness, the rule or principle of law is not necessary 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 intimacy and graciousness of divine life (zoe). While the rule of law was created to reveal transgression or sin, the rule of life (zoe) unveils only the righteousness, grace and glory of the living (zoe) God. Governance by divine life (zoe) is fulfilled in accordance with the gracious, presence of the 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, governance by divine life (zoe) allows for the saint to enjoy true intimacy with God. Consequently, 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 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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© 2018 James Hiatt |
