Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Saints: Children of the Kingdom

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Children of the Kingdom" is a significant designation found within the New Testament, reflecting the identity and spiritual status of believers in Jesus Christ. This title emphasizes the relationship between believers and the Kingdom of God, highlighting their role and inheritance as members of God's divine family.

Biblical References:

1. Matthew 13:38 : In the Parable of the Weeds, Jesus explains, "The field is the world, and the good seed represents the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one." Here, "sons of the kingdom" or "children of the kingdom" are those who belong to God's realm, contrasting with those aligned with evil. This parable underscores the distinction between those who are part of God's kingdom and those who are not.

2. Matthew 8:12 : Jesus warns, "But the sons of the kingdom will be cast into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." This passage serves as a cautionary note, indicating that mere association with the kingdom is insufficient without genuine faith and obedience. It highlights the necessity of true discipleship and the potential consequences of failing to live according to kingdom principles.

3. Colossians 1:13 : Paul writes, "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son." This verse illustrates the transformative process by which believers become children of the kingdom. Through faith in Christ, they are delivered from darkness and transferred into the kingdom, signifying a new identity and allegiance.

Theological Significance:

The title "Children of the Kingdom" conveys several theological truths about the nature and privileges of believers:

· Adoption and Inheritance: As children of the kingdom, believers are adopted into God's family, becoming heirs with Christ. This adoption grants them the rights and privileges of being God's children, including eternal life and a share in the kingdom's blessings.

· Citizenship and Allegiance: Being a child of the kingdom implies a new citizenship. Believers are called to live according to the values and laws of God's kingdom, demonstrating loyalty and obedience to their King, Jesus Christ.

· Mission and Purpose: Children of the kingdom are entrusted with the mission of advancing God's kingdom on earth. They are called to be ambassadors, spreading the message of the gospel and embodying kingdom values in their daily lives.

· Hope and Expectation: The title also carries an eschatological dimension, pointing to the future fulfillment of God's kingdom. Believers live in anticipation of the full realization of the kingdom, when Christ will reign supreme and all creation will be restored.

Practical Implications:

For believers, identifying as children of the kingdom involves a commitment to live in a manner worthy of their calling. This includes pursuing holiness, engaging in acts of service and love, and maintaining a steadfast hope in the promises of God. It also requires vigilance against complacency, as illustrated by Jesus' warnings, ensuring that their lives reflect the reality of their kingdom identity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 13:38
The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... Positively: They have titles of honour ... He blesses them in their souls, bodies, names,
estate, posterity ... The zeal and love of the saints is blown up by sufferings ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... everything you like; but know that those titles will not ... thick jungle of India shall
see the saints of God ... t expect kings to put down their names for trifles. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm

Psalm LXXXIII.
... the congregation of God's people in the titles of many ... nation or people of God, or
His saints, who know ... For by such names are most suitably figured the enemies ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxiii.htm

And Gladly Does He Accept and Welcome this Sacrifice...
... what they uttered ages before: "And the saints of the ... To him the names of Captain,
and great High ... Only begotten Son, with a thousand other titles, are ascribed ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter iii and gladly does.htm

Hymns and Spiritual Songs
... 1. 9 10. Hymn 1:138. Saints in the hands of Christ, John 10. 28 29. ... Hymn 1:147. The
names and titles of Christ, from several scriptures. Hymn 1:148. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/hymns and spiritual songs/

Wisdom and Revelation.
... 2. THE APPEAL. The names and titles of God are ... Adopting, then, the second of these
interpretations, the saints belong to God and are precious in His sight. ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/vii wisdom and revelation.htm

The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts
... 2 Tim. 1:9,10. HYMN 138 Saints in the hands of Christ Jn. 10:28,29. ... HYMN 147
The names and titles of Christ. From several scriptures. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/

Epistles to the Seven Churches.
... the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints," 19:8 ... dwell on the earth shall
wonder, whose names were not ... mention of the Saviour by those titles, which are ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/epistles to the seven churches.htm

The Beloved Pastor's Plea for Unity
... them by endearing names, by the highest titles which they ... Mark, Luke, and John, by
their right names, but must ... By grace alone could the saints in Rome call God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/the beloved pastors plea for.htm

An Index to Find any Hymn by the Title or Contents of It.
... 2:103, 2:104; communion with him, 1:66, 1:71; and saints, 1:67 ... in his life, death,
and resurrection, 2:137; and Moses, 1:49, 1:118; names and titles, 1:147 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watts/hymns and spiritual songs/an index to find any.htm