Topical Encyclopedia The term "Kingdom of Heaven" is predominantly found in the Gospel of Matthew, where it is used interchangeably with the "Kingdom of God" found in the other Synoptic Gospels. This phrase is central to Jesus' teaching and ministry, reflecting the reign and rule of God both in the present and in the eschatological future.Biblical References and Context The Kingdom of Heaven is introduced early in the Gospel of Matthew. John the Baptist heralds its arrival, proclaiming, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 3:2). Jesus Himself begins His ministry with the same message, emphasizing the nearness and urgency of the Kingdom (Matthew 4:17). Throughout the Gospel, Jesus uses parables to describe the Kingdom of Heaven, illustrating its nature and value. In Matthew 13, a series of parables, including the Parable of the Sower, the Parable of the Weeds, and the Parable of the Mustard Seed, reveal the Kingdom's mysterious growth, its mixed nature in the present age, and its ultimate triumph and purity. Characteristics of the Kingdom 1. Present and Future Reality: The Kingdom of Heaven is both a present reality and a future hope. Jesus' miracles and teachings demonstrate the Kingdom breaking into the present world, offering glimpses of its power and righteousness. Yet, the fullness of the Kingdom awaits the future, when God's will is perfectly realized on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). 2. Righteousness and Transformation: Entrance into the Kingdom requires a righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 5:20). This righteousness is not merely external adherence to the law but an internal transformation of the heart, as seen in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12). 3. Inversion of Worldly Values: The Kingdom of Heaven often inverts worldly values, elevating the humble, the poor in spirit, and the persecuted (Matthew 5:3-10). Jesus teaches that the greatest in the Kingdom are those who serve others, embodying humility and selflessness (Matthew 20:26-28). 4. Universal Invitation: While the Kingdom was initially offered to Israel, Jesus' parables and actions reveal its universal scope. The Parable of the Wedding Banquet (Matthew 22:1-14) illustrates the invitation extended to all, regardless of social or ethnic background, emphasizing the inclusivity of God's call. 5. Judgment and Separation: The Kingdom of Heaven also involves judgment and separation. The Parable of the Net (Matthew 13:47-50) and the Parable of the Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30) depict a future time when the righteous and the wicked will be separated, underscoring the moral and ethical demands of the Kingdom. Theological Significance The Kingdom of Heaven is central to understanding Jesus' mission and the Christian life. It calls believers to live under God's rule, embodying the values of the Kingdom in anticipation of its full realization. The Kingdom challenges Christians to pursue righteousness, justice, and peace, reflecting God's character in a fallen world. Conclusion The Kingdom of Heaven remains a profound and transformative concept within Christian theology, inviting believers to participate in God's redemptive work and to anticipate the ultimate fulfillment of His promises. ATS Bible Dictionary Kingdom of HeavenAn expression used in the New Testament to signify the reign, dispensation, or administration of Jesus Christ. The ancient prophets, when describing the character of the Messiah, Daniel 2:44 7:13,14 Micah 4:1-7, and even when speaking of his humiliation and sufferings, were wont to intersperse hint of his power, his reign, and his divinity. The Jews, overlooking the spiritual import of this language, expected the Messiah to appear as a temporal king, exercising power over his enemies, restoring the throne of David to all its splendor, subduing the nations, and rewarding his friends and faithful servants in proportion to their fidelity and services. Hence the contests among his disciples, ere they had fully learned Christ, about precedency in his kingdom; and hence probably the sons of Zebedee desired the two chief places in it, or those nearest to their endeared Master and Lord. They afterwards learned that his kingdom was not of this world, John 18:36-37; that its origin, spirit, means, and ends were spiritual and heavenly. It has indeed its outward form, the visible church, Matthew 13:47, and bestows on the world the richest of temporal blessings; but its true dominion is in the souls of men. It embraces all who by the Spirit of Christ are united to him as their divine Head and King, to love, serve, and enjoy him for ever. His work on earth was to establish it, Matthew 3:2. He introduced his disciples into it while on earth, and more fully after his resurrection and ascension, John 20:22 Acts 2:32-36; is "head over all things," in order to make it triumphant and supreme even on earth, Daniel 7:27 Ephesians 1:20-22. It will be perfected in heaven, Matthew 8:11, and will never cease, Luke 1:33, even when the mediatorial reign of the Savior is accomplished, 1 1 Corinthians 15:28. Greek 1577. ekklesia -- an assembly, a (religious) congregation ... total) body of believers whom God calls from the world and His eternal kingdom. ... or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1577.htm - 8k Library The Kingdom of Heaven; What is it? The Keyes of the Kingdom of Heaven, and Power Thereof The Kingdom of Heaven How is the Kingdom of Heaven Shut and Opened by Christian ... How is the Kingdom of Heaven Opened and Shut by the Preaching of ... Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is Like a Certain King... M. Cowper. The Kingdom of Heaven. God Rules Everywhere: and yet the "Kingdom of Heaven" May not be ... victor Sends those Infants who Die Unbaptized to Paradise and the ... victor Promises to the Unbaptized Paradise after their Death, and ... Resources What does it mean that the kingdom of God suffers violence? | GotQuestions.orgShould Christians try to force the kingdom on others? | GotQuestions.org Who will occupy the Millennial Kingdom? | GotQuestions.org Kingdom: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Kingdom of Heaven: "My Kingdom is not of This World" Kingdom of Heaven: Children of The Kingdom of Heaven: Compared: To a Granule of Mustard Seed Kingdom of Heaven: Compared: To a Householder Kingdom of Heaven: Compared: To a King Who Called his Servants for a Reckoning (An Audit) Kingdom of Heaven: Compared: To a King Who Made a Marriage Feast for his Son Kingdom of Heaven: Compared: To a Man Who Sowed Good Seed Kingdom of Heaven: Compared: To a Net Kingdom of Heaven: Compared: To a Pearl Kingdom of Heaven: Compared: To a Treasure Kingdom of Heaven: Compared: To Leaven (Yeast) Kingdom of Heaven: Compared: To Ten Virgins Kingdom of Heaven: Does not Consist of Meat and Drink Kingdom of Heaven: Good News of Kingdom of Heaven: Mysteries of Kingdom of Heaven: Rich People Cannot Enter Kingdom of Heaven: To a Man, Traveling Into a Far Country, Who Called his Servants Kingdom of Satan: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms Strengthening (23 Occurrences) |
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