The concept of the "Children of the Kingdom of Heaven" is a profound theme in the New Testament, reflecting the values and characteristics that align with the reign of God as revealed through Jesus Christ. This entry explores the biblical foundation and theological implications of being considered a child of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Biblical Foundation

The phrase "Children of the Kingdom" is directly linked to the teachings of Jesus, particularly in the Gospel of Matthew. In Matthew 13:38, during the Parable of the Weeds, Jesus explains, "The field is the world, and the good seed represents the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one." Here, Jesus distinguishes between those who belong to the Kingdom of Heaven and those who do not, emphasizing the moral and spiritual qualities that define the children of the Kingdom.

Characteristics of the Children of the Kingdom

1. Humility and Dependence: In Matthew 18:3, Jesus states, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." This highlights the necessity of humility and a childlike dependence on God, which are essential traits for those who belong to the Kingdom.

2. Righteousness and Obedience: The Sermon on the Mount provides a blueprint for the behavior expected of the Kingdom's children. In Matthew 5:20, Jesus declares, "For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." This righteousness is not merely external but stems from a transformed heart aligned with God's will.

3. Peacemaking and Mercy: The Beatitudes further describe the children of the Kingdom. Matthew 5:9 states, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." Similarly, Matthew 5:7 says, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." These verses underscore the importance of embodying peace and mercy as reflections of God's character.

4. Faith and Trust: The children of the Kingdom are marked by their faith in God. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus says, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." This passage illustrates the necessity of a trusting and sincere faith, akin to that of a child, to be part of the Kingdom.

Theological Implications

The identity of being a child of the Kingdom carries significant theological weight. It implies a relationship with God characterized by intimacy, trust, and obedience. This identity is not earned by human effort but is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. As children of the Kingdom, believers are called to live out the values of the Kingdom in their daily lives, serving as witnesses to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Furthermore, the concept of the children of the Kingdom emphasizes the eschatological hope of believers. It points to the future fulfillment of God's reign, where the children of the Kingdom will inherit eternal life and dwell in the presence of God. This hope motivates believers to persevere in faith and righteousness, anticipating the ultimate realization of the Kingdom of Heaven.Matthew 18:3
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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Matthew 19:14
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come to me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
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Mark 10:14
But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said to them, Suffer the little children to come to me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
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Luke 18:16
But Jesus called them to him, and said, Suffer little children to come to me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
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Innocents Day Except Ye be Converted, and Become as Little ...
... Innocents Day Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye
shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven. Except ye be ...
/.../winkworth/lyra germanica the christian year/innocents day except ye be.htm

Blessing Children. Concerning Childlikeness.
... and directed that the children be brought to him, declaring at the same time that
the kingdom of heaven be composed, not of little children, but of such as are ...
/.../the four-fold gospel/xcix blessing children concerning childlikeness.htm

The Subjects of the Kingdom.
... from amongst the Heathen, they are not applicable at all, in the same sense, to
persons who have long ago entered "The Kingdom of Heaven" as children, and have ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter iv the subjects of.htm

That the Gentiles Rather than the Jews Attain to the Kingdom of ...
... Many shall come from the east and from the west, and shall lie down with Abraham,
and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven; but the children of the ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/23 that the gentiles rather.htm

Who was the Little Child Called by Jesus.
... any one to enter into the kingdom of heaven, who has not been turned away from the
affairs of this world, and made like unto the little children who possess ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/18 who was the little.htm

The Heirs of Heaven and Earth.
... them that the way men thought for themselves and their children was not the way
God thought for himself and his children; that the kingdom of heaven was founded ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/hope of the gospel/the heirs of heaven and.htm

The King on his Throne.
... of man, and not belonging to this world; and yet a Kingdom of which men and women
and little children were the subjects; "The Kingdom of Heaven" as described ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter vi the king on.htm

Conclusion.
... advantages of unity, and to desire to live up to their high calling as God's
children"as the ... For if the subjects of "The Kingdom of Heaven" only realised ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter xi conclusion.htm

The Mission of Little Children
... his disciples and said, "Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become
as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Thus did ...
/.../chapin/the crown of thorns/the mission of little children.htm

Why the Great are Compared to Little Children.
... the advance he has made towards the condition of the little children in regard ... great
a height of self-control, is he the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/16 why the great are.htm

What did Jesus mean when He said, “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21, KJV)? | GotQuestions.org

What is the difference between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to pray, “Thy kingdom come”? | GotQuestions.org

Kingdom: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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