The Kingdom of GOD

The Kingdom of GOD (The Kingdom of Heaven)

From that time Jesus [YESU] began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matt. 4:17) (ESV)

A. Definition and Entry Conditions

1. Striving to Enter the Narrow Gate

♦ Conditions: One must strive to enter the narrow gate and do the will of the Father to enter the kingdom (Matt. 7:13-14; Luke 13:24).

♦ Example: Few are saved, and only those with childlike humility can inherit the kingdom of GOD (Luke 18:17).

2. Rebirth and Faith

♦ Condition: One must be born of water and the Spirit to see or enter the kingdom of GOD (John 3:3-5).

♦ Nature of Rebirth: It signifies a complete renewal and spiritual transformation.

3. The Kingdom in the Heart

♦ Internal Reality: The kingdom of GOD is not something visible but exists within the hearts of people or among the righteous (Luke 17:20-21).

♦ Manifestation: It is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17).

4. Righteousness Requirement

♦ Condition: Righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:20).

♦ Warning: Unrighteousness and deeds of the flesh prevent inheritance of the kingdom (1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21).

5. Gospel of the Heavenly Kingdom

♦ Responsibility: The gospel of the kingdom must be preached to all nations before the end comes (Matt. 24:14).

♦ Outcome: Everyone will be judged, and the righteous will enter heavenly kingdom (Rev. 20:11-12).

B. Two Phases of the Heavenly Kingdom

1. The Present Kingdom

♦ In the Heart: The kingdom of heaven begins to manifest through the work of the Holy Spirit (Luke 17:21).

♦ Since John the Baptist: The kingdom has been forcefully advancing, and the willing take hold of it (Matt. 11:12).

2. The Future Kingdom

♦ After Final Judgment: The righteous will dine with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom, while the wicked will be cast into darkness with weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 8:11-12; Luke 13:28-29).

♦ Eternal Kingdom: The kingdom includes the new heaven and new earth, the Lamb's throne, and the blessing of eternal life (Rev. 22:1-5).

C. The Throne of GOD and Kingdom Authority

1. Description of the Throne

♦ GOD's Glory and Judgment: GOD sits on a high and exalted throne, observing humanity (Isa. 6:1; Ps. 11:4; Rev. 4:2-5).

♦ Lamb's Role: The Lamb shares honor and authority with the one seated on the throne (Rev. 5:13; Rev. 7:15-17).

2. Nature of the Kingdom

♦ Eternal and Righteous: GOD's throne is established from the beginning, and His kingdom is everlasting and just (Ps. 45:6; Ps. 93:2).

♦ Power and Essence: The kingdom of GOD is not about words but power (1 Cor. 4:20).

3. GOD's Uniqueness

♦ One GOD: GOD is the only true GOD, and loving Him and others is greater than sacrifices (Mark 12:32-34).

♦ Sovereign Authority: GOD's authority rules over all, as the King of kings and LORD of lords (Ps. 103:19; Rev. 19:6).

D. Spiritual Meaning of the Kingdom

1. Blessings and Judgment

♦ Blessed People: The poor in spirit and those persecuted for righteousness inherit the kingdom (Matt. 5:3, 5:10).

♦ Rejected People: Those who engage in greed, unrighteousness, or works of the flesh cannot inherit the kingdom (Eph. 5:5; 1 Cor. 6:9-10).

2. Authority and Function of the Kingdom

♦ Governance and Protection: The throne of GOD and the Lamb supplies the water of life and eternal blessings (Rev. 22:1-5).

♦ Judgment and Light: The Lamb judges all, and GOD illuminates those who are saved (Rev. 20:11-12).

3. The Lamb's Role in Salvation

♦ Cleansing and Hope: Those washed in the blood of the Lamb serve in GOD's kingdom (Rev. 7:14-15).

♦ Eternal Connection: The name of GOD and of the Lamb - His One Holy Name - will be written on the foreheads of those who are saved (Rev. 22:3-4).

E. Core Principles of the Kingdom

1. Strive, Obey, Transform: Entering the kingdom requires effort, obedience to the Father's will, and spiritual rebirth.

2. Faith and Hope: The kingdom is both a present spiritual reality and a future eternal promise, manifesting GOD's authority and righteousness.

3. Central Role of the Lamb: The Lamb is the focal point of redemption, sits on the throne with GOD and shares GOD's glory and sovereignty.

This analysis reveals the dual nature of the kingdom - the current internal spiritual kingdom and the future eternal reality - and highlights the essential elements of faith, obedience, and transformation needed to participate in it.

HalleluJah! Praise the LORD!