Topical Bible: Kingdom of Heaven: Good News of

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The concept of the "Kingdom of Heaven" is a central theme in the teachings of Jesus Christ, particularly as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. The term is synonymous with the "Kingdom of God" found in other Gospels, reflecting the reign and rule of God both in the present and in the eschatological future. The "Good News" or "Gospel" of the Kingdom of Heaven is the message of salvation, redemption, and the establishment of God's sovereign rule over all creation.

Biblical Foundation

The proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven begins with John the Baptist, who heralds its arrival, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 3:2). This message is taken up by Jesus, who begins His ministry with the same call to repentance and the announcement of the Kingdom's nearness (Matthew 4:17).

Nature of the Kingdom

The Kingdom of Heaven is both a present reality and a future hope. Jesus describes it through parables, illustrating its mysterious and transformative nature. In the Parable of the Mustard Seed, He explains, "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man planted in his field. Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet it grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches" (Matthew 13:31-32). This parable emphasizes the Kingdom's humble beginnings and its expansive growth.

Entrance into the Kingdom

Entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven requires a radical transformation of heart and life. Jesus teaches that one must be "born again" to see the Kingdom (John 3:3). He also emphasizes the necessity of childlike faith and humility, stating, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3).

Ethics of the Kingdom

The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) outlines the ethical demands of the Kingdom, calling for righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law. Jesus presents the Beatitudes, which describe the blessedness of those who embody Kingdom values such as meekness, mercy, and purity of heart (Matthew 5:3-12).

The Kingdom's Present and Future Reality

While the Kingdom of Heaven is inaugurated through Jesus' ministry, it awaits its full consummation at His return. Jesus teaches His disciples to pray for the coming of the Kingdom, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). This prayer reflects the tension between the "already" and "not yet" aspects of the Kingdom.

Proclamation of the Good News

The Good News of the Kingdom is to be proclaimed to all nations. Jesus commissions His disciples, saying, "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come" (Matthew 24:14). The Great Commission further emphasizes the global scope of this mission (Matthew 28:19-20).

Conclusion

The Kingdom of Heaven represents the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. It is a present reality that transforms lives and a future hope that promises the restoration of all things under God's righteous rule. The Good News of the Kingdom calls individuals to repentance, faith, and a life aligned with the values of God's eternal Kingdom.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 8:1
And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Good News
... part to knock and ask for admission, or even to cause the kingdom of heaven to suffer ...
in" says he, "that my house may be filled." This is good news indeed. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/good news.htm

Things Pertaining to the Kingdom.
... though we have not His discourses in full, we know that the subject of them was
still the same as in the time past"the good news of "The Kingdom of Heaven.". ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter v things pertaining to.htm

The Heirs of Heaven and Earth.
... nothing could be worse, either intellectually, morally, or spiritually; announced
as the gospel itself, as the good news of the kingdom of heaven, the idea is ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/hope of the gospel/the heirs of heaven and.htm

The Gospel of the Kingdom.
... The King Himself went forth to preach the good news, and to describe His Kingdom
and the character of His subjects. ... "The Kingdom of Heaven" which He ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter ii the gospel of.htm

The Parables of the Kingdom.
... The good news about "The Kingdom of Heaven" falls like seed. They who hear about
it are like the different kinds of soil on which seed is sown. ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter iii the parables of.htm

The Parables Exemplified in the Early History of the Church.
... The Mustard Seed," describing the outward spread of "The Kingdom of Heaven," is
illustrated ... Then the good news spread to Damascus, and to Antioch in Syria ...
/.../the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter vii the parables exemplified.htm

Preface.
... I desire also to remove by anticipation a fear that some may feel, lest, in regarding
the Gospel as being the good news of the Kingdom of Heaven, the great ...
//christianbookshelf.org/burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/preface.htm

The King on his Throne.
... And, from that day forward, "The Kingdom of Heaven" may be said to have been
established. And as the Apostles went forth preaching the good news of the Kingdom ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter vi the king on.htm

The Gateway into the Kingdom.
... heirs of eternal life must be "born" into His kingdom? ... Heaven is filled with a company
of those who have ... good woman, have you not heard the good news that has ...
/.../moody/the way to god and how to find it/chapter ii the gateway into.htm

What 'the Gospel' Is
... been noticed, the phrase, 'the gospel of the kingdom'"the good news of the ... Him who
is at once first subject and monarch of the Kingdom of Heaven, and by ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/what the gospel is.htm