Topical Encyclopedia The concept of a kingdom as the reward for the saints is a central theme in Christian eschatology, reflecting the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to His faithful followers. This kingdom is not merely a physical realm but a spiritual dominion where the saints will reign with Christ, experiencing eternal life and communion with God.Biblical Foundation The promise of a kingdom for the saints is rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, the idea of a kingdom is often associated with the Davidic covenant, where God promises David that his throne will be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16). This covenant foreshadows the eternal kingdom that Christ, the Son of David, will establish. In the New Testament, Jesus frequently speaks of the "kingdom of heaven" or the "kingdom of God," emphasizing its spiritual nature and accessibility to those who follow Him. In the Beatitudes, Jesus declares, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). This kingdom is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). Inheritance of the Kingdom The saints' inheritance of the kingdom is a recurring theme in the epistles. The Apostle Paul writes, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him" (Romans 8:16-17). This passage highlights the intimate relationship between suffering for Christ and the future glory of reigning with Him. Moreover, Paul assures the Corinthians, "Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?" (1 Corinthians 6:2), indicating a role of authority and governance in the coming kingdom. This authority is further emphasized in Revelation, where it is written, "To the one who is victorious, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne" (Revelation 3:21). Characteristics of the Kingdom The kingdom promised to the saints is marked by several key characteristics: 1. Eternality: The kingdom is everlasting, as described in Daniel's vision: "His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed" (Daniel 7:14). 2. Righteousness: The kingdom is a realm of perfect righteousness, where sin and death are no more. Peter encourages believers to look forward to "a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells" (2 Peter 3:13). 3. Peace and Joy: The kingdom is a place of peace and joy, free from the sorrows and trials of the present world. Isaiah prophesies, "The wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat" (Isaiah 11:6), symbolizing the harmony and peace of God's kingdom. 4. Presence of God: The ultimate reward of the kingdom is the unmediated presence of God. Revelation describes the New Jerusalem, where "the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will live with them" (Revelation 21:3). Preparation for the Kingdom The saints are called to prepare for this kingdom through faithfulness and perseverance. Jesus exhorts His followers to "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33), prioritizing their spiritual lives over worldly concerns. The parables of Jesus, such as the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), serve as reminders to remain vigilant and ready for the coming of the kingdom. In summary, the reward of a kingdom for the saints is a profound and multifaceted promise that encompasses eternal life, righteous rule, and intimate fellowship with God. It is a hope that sustains believers through trials and inspires them to live in accordance with God's will, anticipating the day when they will fully inherit the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world (Matthew 25:34). Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 25:34Then shall the King say to them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 22:29 Library The Kingdom Given to the Saints at the Resurrection of the Just. Of the Thousand Years of the august Kingdom of Christ, and of the ... Rejoicing Over Babylon's Destruction. What Hope and Reward Remains for the Righteous and for Martyrs ... Whether any External Goods are Necessary for Happiness? The Saints Before Christ's Coming. All Saints' Day The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom The Kingdom of Heaven Of the Thousand Years Resources Does God reward us for being obedient to His Word? | GotQuestions.orgHow can we store up treasures in heaven? | GotQuestions.org Are there different levels of Heaven? Are there three heavens? | GotQuestions.org Reward: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Reward: A Motive to Faithfulness The Reward of Saints is from God The Reward of Saints is Inestimable The Reward of Saints is of God's Good Pleasure The Reward of Saints is of Grace, Through Faith Alone The Reward of Saints is Satisfying The Reward of Saints: A City Which had Foundation The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Glory The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Life The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Righteousness The Reward of Saints: A House Eternal in the Heavens The Reward of Saints: A Kingdom The Reward of Saints: A Kingdom Immovable The Reward of Saints: An Enduring Substance The Reward of Saints: An Eternal Weight of Glory The Reward of Saints: An Incorruptible Crown The Reward of Saints: As Servants of Christ The Reward of Saints: Be Careful not to Lose The Reward of Saints: Beholding the Face of God The Reward of Saints: Beholding the Glory of Christ The Reward of Saints: Being Glorified With Christ The Reward of Saints: Being With Christ The Reward of Saints: Entering Into the Joy of the Lord The Reward of Saints: Everlasting Life The Reward of Saints: Everlasting Light The Reward of Saints: Fulness of Joy The Reward of Saints: Hope of, a Cause of Rejoicing The Reward of Saints: Inheritance Eternal The Reward of Saints: Inheritance Incorruptible The Reward of Saints: Inheritance of all Things The Reward of Saints: Inheritance With Saints in Light The Reward of Saints: Joint Heirship With Christ The Reward of Saints: Not on Account of Their Merits The Reward of Saints: Prepared by Christ The Reward of Saints: Prepared by God The Reward of Saints: Present Afflictions not to be Compared With The Reward of Saints: Reigning for Ever and Ever The Reward of Saints: Reigning With Christ The Reward of Saints: Saints May Feel Confident of The Reward of Saints: Shall be Given at the Second Coming of Christ The Reward of Saints: Shining As the Stars The Reward of Saints: Sitting in Judgment With Christ The Reward of Saints: The Prize of the High Calling of God in Christ The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Diligence The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Enduring Suffering for Christ The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Faithfulness to Death The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Pressing Forward The Reward of Saints: Treasure in Heaven Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |