Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the "Kingdom of Heaven" is a central theme in the New Testament, particularly within the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is often used interchangeably with the "Kingdom of God," though some theologians suggest subtle distinctions between the two. The Kingdom of Heaven is primarily mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew, which reflects its Jewish audience's preference for avoiding the direct use of God's name.
Biblical FoundationThe Kingdom of Heaven is introduced by John the Baptist, who heralds its arrival: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (
Matthew 3:2). Jesus Christ continues this proclamation, emphasizing the nearness and present reality of the Kingdom: "From that time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near'" (
Matthew 4:17).
Nature and CharacteristicsThe Kingdom of Heaven is both a present reality and a future hope. It is inaugurated through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and will be consummated at His second coming. Jesus describes the Kingdom using parables, illustrating its mysterious and transformative nature. For instance, the parable of the mustard seed (
Matthew 13:31-32) depicts the Kingdom as starting small but growing into something grand and encompassing.
The Kingdom is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (
Romans 14:17). It is a realm where God's will is perfectly enacted, as reflected in the Lord's Prayer: "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (
Matthew 6:10).
Entrance into the KingdomEntrance into the Kingdom of Heaven requires repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus teaches that one must be "born again" to see the Kingdom (
John 3:3). The Beatitudes (
Matthew 5:3-12) further outline the attitudes and characteristics of those who belong to the Kingdom, such as humility, mercy, and a hunger for righteousness.
The Church and the KingdomThe Church is the visible manifestation of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. It is the community of believers who live under the lordship of Christ and seek to advance His Kingdom through the proclamation of the Gospel and acts of love and justice. Jesus entrusts the keys of the Kingdom to the Church, granting it authority to bind and loose on earth (
Matthew 16:19).
Eschatological FulfillmentThe Kingdom of Heaven will reach its ultimate fulfillment at the end of the age when Christ returns in glory.
Revelation 11:15 declares, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever." This future reality inspires believers to live in anticipation, embodying Kingdom values in their daily lives as they await the return of their King.
Nave's Topical Index
Matthew 3:2And saying, Repent you: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Nave's Topical IndexMatthew 4:17
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Nave's Topical Index
Matthew 10:7
And as you go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Nave's Topical Index
Matthew 5:3,10,19,20
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Nave's Topical Index
Greek
1577. ekklesia -- an assembly, a (religious) congregation ... body of believers whom God calls from the world and His eternal
kingdom.
... assembly,
church.
... Christian community of members on earth or saints in
heaven or both
... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1577.htm - 8kLibrary
How is the Kingdom of Heaven Shut and Opened by Christian ...
... How is the kingdom of heaven shut and ... often brotherly admonished, renounce their
errors and wicked course of life, are complained of to the church, or to ...
/.../various/the heidelberg catechism /question 85 how is the.htm
The Parables Exemplified in the Early History of the Church.
... And any doubt still lingering in the mind of the reader, about the Church of Christ
being "The Kingdom of Heaven," may be dispelled by the clear testimony of ...
/.../the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter vii the parables exemplified.htm
Preface.
... on S. Matthew 3:2; "It"the Kingdom of Heaven"is generally used to signify the Kingdom
of Christ on earth, the Kingdom of the Gospel, the Church of Christ.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/preface.htm
What the Keyes of the Kingdome of Heaven Be, and what their Power.
... Power. THe Keyes of the Kingdom of Heaven are promised by the Lord Jesus
(the head and King of his Church) unto Peter, Mat.16.19. To ...
/.../the keyes of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof/chap i what the keyes.htm
Of the Subject of the Power of the Keyes, to whom they are ...
... AS the keys of the kingdom of heaven be divers ... is all one, the key of Faith) belongeth
to all the faithfull, whether joyned to any particular Church or no. ...
/.../chap iii of the subject.htm
Conclusion.
... if the subjects of "The Kingdom of Heaven" only realised ... Thy Kingdom come!" How would
Christ's Kingdom be then ... For His Church would be moving, as one mighty ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter xi conclusion.htm
What are the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven?
... The preaching of the holy gospel, and christian discipline, or excommunication out
of the christian church; by these two, the kingdom of heaven is opened to ...
/.../various/the heidelberg catechism /question 83 what are the.htm
The King on his Throne.
... Henceforth "The Kingdom of Heaven" becomes "the Church." It was a word which our
Lord Himself had occasionally used with reference to His Kingdom, as when He ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter vi the king on.htm
The Holy Catholic Church.
... The Holy Catholic Church is "The Kingdom of Heaven.". But we have also to deal with
the words "The Holy Catholic Church" as referring to a matter of fact. ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter ix the holy catholic.htm
In what Sense the "Keys" are Given to Peter, and Every Peter. ...
... this the saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at ... speaks, and on account
of this the kingdom of God ... power the rock has upon which the church is built ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/14 in what sense the.htm
Resources
Questions about the Church (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the first / original church? Is the original / first church the true church? | GotQuestions.orgIs there supposed to be only one church? | GotQuestions.orgChurch: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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