The Kingdom

There has been a lot of talk of the Kingdom lately. I hear people say that we are "furthering God's Kingdom," which seems like something that only God can do (yes, I understand that He uses people to get the job done). But I have also been hearing a lot about the "already/not yet" view of the Kingdom. Thomas Schriener has written an article on it that is included in the ESV Study Bible right before the Gospels. After reading through this view, I wholeheartedly disagree with it. Having said this, I encourage you to read up on it so that you can decide what you believe. Personally, I see the Kingdom in Scripture as being postponed when the Jews crucified the promised Messiah and they have been in a state of blindness (Romans 11:25-27) while the church has been born (Acts 2) and is carrying out God's plan of salvation. I will now post what I have been working on regarding the Kingdom for you to look over. Since no one ever reads my blog, this ought to be a hit! (The image is just for fun!)

An Overview of the Kingdom in Scripture

“He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:11-13

Old Testament Historical References- The Kingdom was the prominent theme of OT history and prophecy.

Exodus 19:1-6- Israel became God’s kingdom when Israel became a nation.

Judges 8:23- Gideon refuses to rule the people, but instead he points them to God alone.

1 Samuel 8:5-7- Israel demands a king (like the other nations).

1 Samuel 12:12- God is their king but they reject Him.

Hosea 13:10-11- God reluctantly gave them a king and consequently removed him. (See 1 Samuel 12:13-16)

Prophetic References

Isaiah 9:6-7- The true king of Israel will sit upon the throne of David.

2 Samuel 7:14-16- The Davidic Covenant- The throne is established forever.

Daniel 2:44-45- A kingdom forever that God will establish. He will destroy all other kingdoms.

The Kingdom in Christ’s Teachings

Matthew 3:2- John the Baptist preaches the Kingdom is at hand.

Matthew 4:17- After His temptation, Jesus preaches the kingdom is at hand.

Matthew 12:14- Pharisees want to kill Jesus -13- Begins the Kingdom parables/mysteries

Matthew 21:33-44- Parable of the vinedresser. v.43- The Kingdom will be taken away from you and given to another. This means another generation of people.

Matthew 23:37-39- The Kingdom is delayed (postponed) because of their rejection of Christ.

The Kingdom was NOT established during Jesus’ ministry

Luke 19:11- The Kingdom would NOT appear immediately

Luke 21:29-33- The parable of the fig tree- The FIG TREE represents Israel in the Scriptures. When we see Israel returning to the land first and to a belief in Christ as their Messiah second, we KNOW that the Kingdom is at hand! (See Ezekiel 37:1-15)

Luke 22:14-18- Jesus will not eat or drink again until the Kingdom is come.
*Notice that the Kingdom had not come by the time of the Lord’s Supper. It will not come until Christ returns to establish it.

Luke 17:20-21- The Kingdom will not be observed as coming but it is “within you.” What did Jesus mean?

1. Who is Jesus talking to? The Pharisees.

2. Did He mean that the Kingdom was in their hearts? NO! It is when Jesus is ruling in your life!

3. The Kingdom is NOT spiritual. No man will see the Kingdom until the spiritual qualifications are met!

Luke 17:22-24- Talking to the disciples. What is the context? It is synonymous with the “days of the Son of Man.”

Observation #1- the Pharisees, who asked the question, did not have their trust in Christ. They were Godless!

Observation #2- The context is speaking of a physical Kingdom! The Kingdom “is in the midst of you!” The Messiah was at hand!

Observation #3- Jesus preached the Kingdom to the end of His earthly ministry. Israel can not see the Kingdom because they did not accept the King!

The Offer and Subsequent Rejection of the Kingdom

Matthew 11:11-15- Offer of the Kingdom if the Jews would accept it.

Matthew 11:16-19- Jesus’ analysis of the spiritual condition of Israel.

Matthew 11:25-30- Jesus’ plea for Israel’s national repentance.

Matthew 12:22-24- The Pharisees denial of Jesus as the promised Messiah.

Matthew 12:38-42- Jesus’ proclamation of the severity of judgment that Israel would experience due to their increased revelation and subsequent rejection.

Matthew 13- Jesus’ change in ministry to that of judgment and turning to the Gentiles.

Matthew 21:43- Jesus prophesies that the kingdom is being removed from the Jews and given to the Gentiles, an act of Judgment.

When will the Kingdom be?

Acts 1:6-7- Notice the word “restore.” This is because the Kingdom was postponed!- (Hosea 3:1-5)

If you have to restore something, you do not currently have it. It is NOT present.

It was there at one time (you cannot restore that which never existed!)

You can only restore the same thing (the same literal Kingdom.) You can not restore something that was not.

There will be a time when it will come back and come to fruition!

*Notice that Jesus does not correct the disciples for asking this.

It will happen, but not now.

It is NOT for you to know.

So, is the Kingdom physical or spiritual? BOTH!

Physical- It will literally happen. Spiritual- the spiritual qualifications must be met to enjoy the Kingdom. (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)

Colossians 1:13- “transferred to the Kingdom” because the qualifications have been met.

God’s current plan is Acts 1:8. The dispensation of Grace- that men everywhere would repent and turn unto Christ.

The Kingdom and the King- Revelation 20:1-6

Important Facts to Remember-

1. The Kingdom was postponed because of the national rejection of Israel. Romans 11

2. Israel is under the curse of God because of their rejection of their King. Deuteronomy 28:15-28

3. Israel will repent at the 2^nd Coming of Christ. Matthew 23:39; Zechariah 12:10-14

4. The Kingdom is not today in the here and now. If so, it is a terrible Kingdom. Scripture NEVER eludes to the Kingdom being here on Earth until Revelation 20:1-6 (The Millennial Kingdom)

5. God is not done with Israel. The church is not enjoying the Kingdom right now, nor have they replaced Israel in God’s program for history. (See Romans 11)

6. When the Kingdom is restored to Israel (Acts 1:6), it will be a literal, historical, theocratic, earthly Kingdom. The same Tabernacle of David will be restored and Christ will literally sit on the throne of David (Luke 1:26-33). This Kingdom will not be a spiritual Kingdom but a literal one.