Understanding the Kingdom Of Heaven
[Prelude to “Parables of Power” Series]
Matthew 13:11
http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/KingdomOfHeaven.html
The general "theme" of Jesus’ parables is "the kingdom of heaven"
a. Many of the parables start with "The kingdom of heaven is like..."
- Mt 13:24, 31, 33, 44, 45, 47
b. In explaining why He spoke in parables, Jesus made reference to "the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven" - Mt 13:11
It is indeed a mystery to us, but God’s Word can help us clear up much of the fog…
2. We also should note that "the kingdom of heaven" was the theme of...
a. Jesus’ itinerant ministry - Mt 4:17, 23
b. His sermon on the mount - Mt 5:3, 10, 19-20; 6:10, 33; 7:21
3. Because "the kingdom of heaven" is such a prominent subject in the parables of Jesus (as well as His overall preaching)...I thought it might serve a good purpose to give a careful look at what "the kingdom of heaven" means.
[Let’s begin our effort to define "the kingdom of heaven" by comparing it with "the kingdom of God"...]
I. THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN -vs- THE KINGDOM OF GOD
A. IS THERE A DIFFERENCE?
1. Some try to make a distinction (e.g. Scofield Reference Bible)
2. But a quick comparison of the gospels indicate that the terms refer to the same thing
a. Cf. Mt 4:17 with Mk 1:14-15
b. Cf. Mt 5:3 with Lk 6:20
c. Cf. Mt 13:31 with Mk 4:30-31
B. WHY THE DIFFERENT EXPRESSIONS?
1. We find that Matthew used the expression "kingdom of heaven" almost exclusively, while the other gospel writers used the phrase "kingdom of God"
2. It may be that since Matthew wrote his gospel to the Jews, he chose to use the phrase "kingdom of heaven"...
a. Because of the Jews’ reluctance to use the name of God (out of reverence)
b. Because of the Jews’ misconception of the coming kingdom
1) Many anticipated a physical kingdom
2) The expression "heaven" (literally, "heavens") would emphasize a spiritual kingdom
[So our first observation is that any effort to distinguish between the
"kingdom of heaven" and the "kingdom of God" is really without warrant.]
Let’s now consider what Jesus meant when He spoke of the "kingdom of heaven"...
II. THE KINGDOM INVOLVES FOUR INTER-RELATED PARTS
A. IT IS THE REIGN OF GOD...
1. The term "kingdom" as used by the Jews often stressed the abstract idea of "reign" or "dominion", not some geographical area surrounded by physical boundaries.
a. Possibly used this way by Jesus in Lk 17:21
Luke 17:21
Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
b. It is used this way by Jesus in Mt 6:10
Matthew 6:10
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
2. Thus, the "kingdom of heaven" (or "kingdom of God") is wherever the REIGN or DOMINION of God (who is in heaven) is manifested.
a. In one sense, the kingdom of God has always existed
Psalms 47:2
For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth.
Psalms 103:19
The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
b. But in a special way the rule or reign of God was yet to be manifested with the coming of Christ.
1) As foretold in the time of Daniel (ca. 500 B.C.) - Dan 2:44-45
1) As proclaimed by John the Baptist - Mt 3:1-3
2) As preached by Jesus - Mt 4:17; Mk 1:14-15
3. Indeed, it is in the Person of Jesus Christ that the "reign of God" is being expressly manifest today –
1 Corinthians 15:23-26
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
Ephesians 1:20-22
20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
1 Peter 3:22
Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
B. IT IS SPIRITUAL IN NATURE...
1. The kingdom (or reign of God) can not be found in the form of a physical kingdom - Jn 18:36
John 18:36
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.
2. It manifests itself in spiritual ways – Rom. 14:17
Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
C. IT IS VISIBLY MANIFESTED TODAY IN THE LORD’S CHURCH...
1. What is the Lord’s church?
a. It is a community of souls
b. In whose hearts God is recognized as Sovereign
Thus the church can properly be referred to as the kingdom of God today.
2. Can the terms "church" and "kingdom" be used interchangeably?
Consider:
a. …How "church" and "kingdom" were used by Jesus - Mt 16:18
Matthew 16:18-19
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
b. …Comments made to those who were in the church
Colossians 1:13
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
1 Thessalonians 2:12
That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
c. …The description of those in the churches of Asia – Rev. 1:4, 6,9
Revelation 1:4
John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
Revelation 1:6
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 1:9
I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
D. IT IS BOTH PRESENT AND FUTURE...
1. The "kingdom of heaven" has a future element as well as a present one
2. Its future aspect is spoken of by:
a. Jesus in Mt 25:34
Matthew 25:34
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
b. Paul in 1 Cor 15:50; 2 Tim 4:18
1 Corinthians 15:50
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
2 Timothy 4:18
And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
c. Peter in 2 Pet 1:10-11
2 Peter 1:10-11
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
3. Peter described the coming of its future state in 2 Pet 3:10-13
2 Peter 3:10-13
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
We see here that the kingdom of heaven involves the "new heavens and new earth."
The kingdom of heaven is the reign of God, is spiritual in nature, presently visible in the church, and yet it includes a future that is out of this world!
[These four concepts or elements must be kept in mind whenever we think of the "kingdom of heaven". Failure to remember all four can easily lead to misconceptions about the nature of the kingdom.]
In an effort to clarify this subject even further, consider...
III. A SUMMARY DEFINITION OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
A. IN THE "PRESENT" SENSE...
1. It is found wherever the SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD is accepted in the hearts of men.
2. It is a SPIRITUAL KINGDOM, for God rules in the hearts of men.
3. Its outward manifestation today is the CHURCH.
4. The kingdom was "INAUGURATED" on the Day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2 - cf. Ac 2:36, as Peter proclaimed to the Jews…
Acts 2:36
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
B. IN THE "FUTURE" SENSE...
1. The kingdom will be "CULMINATED" with the coming of the Lord, when Jesus "delivers the kingdom to God the Father"
1 Corinthians 15:24
Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father…
Matthew 13:43
Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
2. It will be the "NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH" described by Peter and John…
2 Peter 3:13
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Revelation 21:3
And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
3. It will be experienced only by those in the church who are born again.
Matthew 7:21-23
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
When He comes to know us is when we are born again—when we commence a relationship with Him, accepting His free salvation, and thus have our names which He then knows be forever written in the Lamb’s book of life.
John 3:3-5
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/KingdomOfHeaven.html
