Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the Kingdom of God is central to the teachings of Jesus Christ and is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament. Jesus' proclamation of the Kingdom was both a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and a revelation of a new covenant between God and humanity. The nature of this Kingdom, as taught by Jesus, is both spiritual and transformative, transcending earthly political systems and focusing on the reign of God in the hearts of believers.
Spiritual NatureThe Kingdom of God, as described by Jesus, is primarily spiritual rather than political or territorial. In
Luke 17:20-21, Jesus responds to the Pharisees' questions about the coming of the Kingdom by stating, "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed, nor will people say, ‘Look, here it is,’ or ‘There it is.’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst." This indicates that the Kingdom is not a physical realm but a spiritual reality present among those who follow Christ.
Righteousness and TransformationThe Kingdom of God is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Romans 14:17 states, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit." This highlights the transformative nature of the Kingdom, where believers are called to live according to God's standards, reflecting His character in their lives.
Already and Not YetThe Kingdom of God is often described as "already and not yet," meaning it is both a present reality and a future hope. Jesus inaugurated the Kingdom through His life, death, and resurrection, as seen in
Mark 1:15: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." However, the full realization of the Kingdom will occur at Christ's second coming, as described in
Revelation 11:15: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever."
Inclusivity and UniversalityJesus' teachings emphasize the inclusivity and universality of the Kingdom. In
Matthew 8:11, He declares, "I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven." This indicates that the Kingdom is open to all who have faith in Christ, regardless of their ethnic or cultural background.
Parables of the KingdomJesus often used parables to illustrate the nature of the Kingdom. In
Matthew 13, He presents several parables, such as the Parable of the Mustard Seed and the Parable of the Leaven, to convey the Kingdom's growth and pervasive influence. The mustard seed, though small, grows into a large tree, symbolizing the expansive and transformative power of the Kingdom. Similarly, the leaven works through the dough, representing the Kingdom's ability to permeate and transform society.
Servanthood and HumilityThe Kingdom of God is marked by servanthood and humility, contrasting with worldly notions of power and authority. In
Matthew 20:26-28, Jesus teaches, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." This underscores the Kingdom's call to selflessness and service, following the example of Christ Himself.
ConclusionThe Kingdom of God, as revealed by Jesus, is a profound and multifaceted reality that calls believers to a life of righteousness, service, and transformation. It is a present spiritual reality with a future fulfillment, inviting all to partake in its blessings through faith in Christ.
Nave's Topical Index
Matthew 13:24-51Another parable put he forth to them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened to a man which sowed good seed in his field:
Nave's Topical IndexMatthew 18:3,4
And said, Truly I say to you, Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
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Luke 17:21
Neither shall they say, See here! or, see there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
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John 8:23
And he said to them, You are from beneath; I am from above: you are of this world; I am not of this world.
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John 18:36,37
Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
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2 Corinthians 5:16,17
Why from now on know we no man after the flesh: yes, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now from now on know we him no more.
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2 Corinthians 10:3-5
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
Nave's Topical Index
Library
The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion
... Section 281. The Arrest of Christ.--Peter's Haste, and its Reproof.--The Power of
Darkness. ... Jesus before Pilate.--Christ's Kingdom not "of this World.". ...
/.../neander/the life of jesus christ in its historical connexion/
Nature of Church History.
... From Jesus Christ, since his manifestation in the flesh, an ... kingdom of light puts
the kingdom of darkness ... With the crucifixion of Christ his resurrection also ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 1 nature of church.htm
The Parables of the Kingdom.
... live as subjects of the Kingdom here, and be prepared for its perfect state ... Whilst
other men accept the good news of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, and bear ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter iii the parables of.htm
The Name Above Every Name
... There is no place in Christ's kingdom for arms and vulgar ... Christ does not bend the
divine will to love, is ... 2. The Salvation brought by Jesus is in its nature ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the name above every name.htm
On the Offices of Our Lord Jesus Christ
... are a royal priesthood and a sacerdotal kingdom or nation ... king; and since the knowledge
of Christ, and faith ... We nave Jesus therefore, that is, the saviour, by a ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 14 on the offices.htm
Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry.
... this passage were it not that its terms apparently exclude "the pious unimmersed"
from Christ's kingdom. ... [Jesus here plainly declares that none are ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxiv jesus attends the first 2.htm
The King's Herald.
... "The Kingdom of Heaven" is not as yet in Heaven, so far as its subjects are ... and made
us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:6 ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter i the kings herald.htm
Third Withdrawal from Herod's Territory.
... world in comparison with the rewards of the true kingdom. ... ashamed of the words in
which Christ pictured himself ... Jesus warns him and all others of the dangers ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxx third withdrawal from herods 3.htm
The Faith which Christ Praises
... No one ever proffered to Jesus Christ honours that He put ... not only the great desire
of Christ's heart for ... as being the one means of admission into the kingdom. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the faith which christ praises.htm
Obedience to the Last Command
... grace, will give myself and my life to live for His kingdom. ... myself from all others,
and think of my personal relation to Jesus. I am a member of Christ's body ...
/.../murray/the school of obedience/viii obedience to the last.htm
Resources
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