Kingdom of Christ, of Heaven
Kingdom of Christ, of Heaven
Kingdom of God, of Christ, of Heaven. These terms describe: 1, a life of righteous allegiance to Christ, entered by faith, lived by love, and crowned with glory, Mat 6:33, etc.; 2, the condition of things Christ came to explain, Luk 1:33; Act 1:3, and to bring on earth, Mat 4:17; Mat 3:1-17, Christ’s rule over Israel, Mat 21:13; Mat 4:1-25, the rule that God offered or committed to Israel, Mat 21:43; 1Ch 17:14; 1Ch 5:1-26, the state of things in the history of the church during the conflict on earth of the so-called kingdom of grace, preparatory to the kingdom of glory, Mat 13:1-58; Mat 6:1-34, Christ’s rule in spiritual and eternal righteousness over the redeemed earth, Rev 12:10, in contrast with the world-powers, Dan 7:18; then the kingdom will destroy and take the place of the four monarchies, Dan 7:1-28, and have its glorious manifestation; 7, the visible glory of Christ, Mat 16:28; Mat 8:1-34, the rule of God the Father over earth and heaven, Mat 6:10; Mat 9:1-38, the heavenly state. Mat 8:11. The kingdom of God is perfectly established in the heavens. Mat 6:10. The power and glory of the divine kingdom are shown in a measure in creation and providence. From the moral kingdom the earth has revolted. God reestablished it in Israel, taking the kingship himself. Exo 19:6; Hos 13:10. He made the kingship visible in David, 1Sa 16:1-23, and permanent in bis family. Psa 89:20; Psa 89:28; Psa 89:36. The kingdom ceased as a visible power, with the loss of its inner spirit, when the nation lapsed and persisted in idolatry. The prophets foretold its restoration, Dan 12:7-13; Psa 2:1-12; Isa 2:1-22; Mic 4:1-13; Jer 23:5; Eze 34:23; John the Baptist came to announce it. Mat 3:2. Jesus Christ preached it, Mat 4:17; explained its character and demands, as, for instance, that its citizens must be holy, meek, Christlike, etc., that when established it will be a condition of peace, purity, and glory, Mat 25:34; Mar 9:47; Act 14:22; Christ came as the King to Jerusalem. Luk 19:38; comp. Luk 1:32, but was rejected, and took the kingdom from Israel. Mat 21:43. He taught its mysteries to the disciples, especially after his resurrection, Act 1:3; and sent them forth to preach it. He declared that the time of its manifestation was known only to the Father. Act 1:7. He laid the foundations of it on the day of Pentecost by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and rules it from his throne in heaven. The disciples went everywhere preaching the word of grace, 1Th 2:12, and persuading men to enter the kingdom by faith and holiness. Act 8:12; Act 20:25; Act 28:23. The kingdom is to be fully manifested at the coming of Christ, the Son of man. 2Ti 4:1; Dan 7:13; Mat 13:43; Luk 22:29. At “the end” Christ is to deliver up to the Father the mediatorial kingdom that he received at his ascension, Eph 1:20, after having reigned and put down all rule, authority, and power, and all enemies under his feet, 1Co 15:24; and the kingdom of God, without distinction of persons, shall be complete and forever. Heb 1:8. The members of the “invisible church” are citizens of the kingdom of heaven.