Eschatology and Ecclesiology Kingdom of God – Part I “For the concept of the Kingdom of God involves, in a real sense, the total message of the Bible

Eschatology and Eschatology and EcclesiologyEcclesiology

Kingdom of God – Part I Kingdom of God – Part I““For the concept of the Kingdom of God For the concept of the Kingdom of God involves, in a real sense, the total message of involves, in a real sense, the total message of the Bible. Not only does it loom large in the the Bible. Not only does it loom large in the teachings of Jesus; it is to be found, in one form teachings of Jesus; it is to be found, in one form or another, through the length and breadth of or another, through the length and breadth of the Bible....The Bible is one book. Had we to the Bible....The Bible is one book. Had we to give that book a title, we might with justice call give that book a title, we might with justice call it “The Book of the Coming Kingdom of God’” it “The Book of the Coming Kingdom of God’” (John Bright, (John Bright, The Kingdom of GodThe Kingdom of God, p. 197)., p. 197).

Inadequate Interpretations of Inadequate Interpretations of the Kingdomthe Kingdom

The Israel Kingdom IdeaThe Israel Kingdom Idea – the Jewish idea – the Jewish idea of a militaristic, political kingdom that of a militaristic, political kingdom that would overthrow Rome.would overthrow Rome.

The Celestial Kingdom IdeaThe Celestial Kingdom Idea – identifies the – identifies the kingdom with the reign of God in heaven. kingdom with the reign of God in heaven. Perhaps the most popular and persistent Perhaps the most popular and persistent view, with the idea of “entering the view, with the idea of “entering the kingdom” being equated with “going to kingdom” being equated with “going to heaven.”heaven.”

The Ecclesiastical Kingdom IdeaThe Ecclesiastical Kingdom Idea – identifies – identifies the kingdom with the church, either the the kingdom with the church, either the visible hierarchy of Roman Catholicism or visible hierarchy of Roman Catholicism or the invisible church of the Reformation.the invisible church of the Reformation.


The Moral Kingdom IdeaThe Moral Kingdom Idea – the kingdom is – the kingdom is pre-eminently a matter of ethics, the reign pre-eminently a matter of ethics, the reign of moral law over men.of moral law over men.

The Liberal Social-Kingdom IdeaThe Liberal Social-Kingdom Idea – – maintains that the kingdom is the maintains that the kingdom is the progressive social organization and progressive social organization and improvement of mankind, in which society improvement of mankind, in which society rather than the individual is given first rather than the individual is given first place. Believes that the church’s main place. Believes that the church’s main task is to establish a Christian social order task is to establish a Christian social order in the present world.in the present world.

The Spiritual Kingdom IdeaThe Spiritual Kingdom Idea – associates – associates the kingdom with the inner and unseen the kingdom with the inner and unseen rule of God over the hearts of men who rule of God over the hearts of men who yield themselves to His will.yield themselves to His will.


The Modern Eschatological Kingdom IdeaThe Modern Eschatological Kingdom Idea – In – In opposition to the Liberal-Social idea, says that the opposition to the Liberal-Social idea, says that the kingdom must be interpreted “eschatologically” kingdom must be interpreted “eschatologically” (though rejecting the realization of a (though rejecting the realization of a eschatological kingdom). Highly critical towards eschatological kingdom). Highly critical towards the Bible and very philosophical (and often the Bible and very philosophical (and often irrational) in its thinking.irrational) in its thinking.

Two variations:Two variations: ““Delusion” theory of Albert Schweitzer, who maintained Delusion” theory of Albert Schweitzer, who maintained

that Jesus’ expected to establish a literal kingdom on the that Jesus’ expected to establish a literal kingdom on the earth, which did not take place as He expected.earth, which did not take place as He expected.

““Supra-History” theory, that the kingdom, being wholly Supra-History” theory, that the kingdom, being wholly eschatological, belongs to eternity and not time. eschatological, belongs to eternity and not time. Though the kingdom exists now, it does so outside of Though the kingdom exists now, it does so outside of time. Held by such men as Barth and Brunner.time. Held by such men as Barth and Brunner.

The Biblical Interpretation of The Biblical Interpretation of the Kingdomthe Kingdom

The Millennial Kingdom IdeaThe Millennial Kingdom Idea – associates – associates the kingdom with the government of God the kingdom with the government of God to be established on the earth at the to be established on the earth at the second coming of Christ, who will reign second coming of Christ, who will reign with His risen and glorified saints for a with His risen and glorified saints for a thousand years. This view prevailed in the thousand years. This view prevailed in the early church for at least its first two and early church for at least its first two and half centuries and was even held initially half centuries and was even held initially by Augustine, who later changed his mind.by Augustine, who later changed his mind.

Definition of the Kingdom of Definition of the Kingdom of GodGod

Simply stated, the Kingdom of God is Simply stated, the Kingdom of God is the rule of the sovereign God over His the rule of the sovereign God over His creation.creation.

Such a rule includes 3 essential Such a rule includes 3 essential elements:elements: A ruler with adequate authority and powerA ruler with adequate authority and power A realm of subjects over which to ruleA realm of subjects over which to rule The actual exercise of that ruleThe actual exercise of that rule

Two Aspects of God’s Two Aspects of God’s Reign: Universal and Reign: Universal and

MediatorialMediatorial

Universal Universal Mediatorial Mediatorial Kingdom KingdomKingdomKingdom Exists at all times and Exists at all times and

over all things (Psa over all things (Psa 103:19; 145:10-13).103:19; 145:10-13).

Exists efficaciously Exists efficaciously regardless of the regardless of the attitude of its subjects attitude of its subjects (Dan 4:34-35).(Dan 4:34-35).

Is administered Is administered through Jesus Christ, through Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God the eternal Son of God (Col 1:15-17).(Col 1:15-17).

God’s rule through a God’s rule through a human mediator.human mediator.

Restricted to earth in Restricted to earth in its sphere.its sphere.

Has the historical Has the historical kingdom in the OT as kingdom in the OT as its background, whose its background, whose restoration is predicted restoration is predicted by the Prophets.by the Prophets.

Is the kingdom for Is the kingdom for which Jesus taught His which Jesus taught His disciples to pray (Matt disciples to pray (Matt 6:10). 6:10).

Saphir’s Comment onSaphir’s Comment on“Thy Kingdom Come”“Thy Kingdom Come”

“ “The petition refers primarily and directly to the The petition refers primarily and directly to the Messianic kingdom on earth, of which all Messianic kingdom on earth, of which all scripture testifies. The king of this kingdom is scripture testifies. The king of this kingdom is the Lord Jesus, the Son of David; the subjects of it the Lord Jesus, the Son of David; the subjects of it are Israel and the nations, -- the chosen people are Israel and the nations, -- the chosen people fulfilling the mission which, according to the fulfilling the mission which, according to the election of God, is assigned unto them, of being election of God, is assigned unto them, of being the medium of blessing unto all the nations of the the medium of blessing unto all the nations of the earth; the center of the kingdom is Jerusalem, earth; the center of the kingdom is Jerusalem, and the means of its establishment is the coming and the means of its establishment is the coming and visible appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ” and visible appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ” (Adolph Saphir in (Adolph Saphir in The Lord’s PrayerThe Lord’s Prayer).).

THE

PROPHETS: MAJOR & MINOR

HISTORICAL BOOKS: JOSHUA THROUGH ESTHER

TORAH: GENESIS THROUGH DEUTERONOMY

Tracing the Kingdom through Tracing the Kingdom through the Old Testamentthe Old Testament

The Kingdom in the TorahThe Kingdom in the Torah

The idea of a mediatorial ruler begins very early in The idea of a mediatorial ruler begins very early in Scripture, when God commanded Scripture, when God commanded AdamAdam to subdue to subdue the earth and rule over it. Adam’s fall created the the earth and rule over it. Adam’s fall created the need for God’s plan of redemption on the earth.need for God’s plan of redemption on the earth.

In God’s covenant with In God’s covenant with AbrahamAbraham, one of the , one of the promises to both Abraham and Sarah was that kings promises to both Abraham and Sarah was that kings and nations would come forth from them (Gen 17:6, and nations would come forth from them (Gen 17:6, 16).16).

MosesMoses served as the first mediatorial ruler between served as the first mediatorial ruler between God and Israel, leading God’s people from Egyptian God and Israel, leading God’s people from Egyptian captivity to the brink of the promised land.captivity to the brink of the promised land.


Even before the period of the Judges, a king Even before the period of the Judges, a king over Israel was anticipated in the book of over Israel was anticipated in the book of Deuteronomy:Deuteronomy:

““When you enter the land which the LORD your When you enter the land which the LORD your God gives you, and you possess it and live in it, God gives you, and you possess it and live in it, and you say, ‘I will set a king over me like all and you say, ‘I will set a king over me like all the nations who are around me,’ you shall the nations who are around me,’ you shall surely set a king over you whom the LORD your surely set a king over you whom the LORD your God chooses, God chooses, one one from among your from among your countrymen you shall set as king over countrymen you shall set as king over yourselves; you may not put a foreigner over yourselves; you may not put a foreigner over yourselves who is not your countryman” (Deut yourselves who is not your countryman” (Deut 17:14-15).17:14-15).


It’s clear that this king was still to rule on God’s behalf.It’s clear that this king was still to rule on God’s behalf. ““Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of Now it shall come about when he sits on the throne of

his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this his kingdom, he shall write for himself a copy of this law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. law on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his days of his life, that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, by carefully observing all the words of this law God, by carefully observing all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted up and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted up above his countrymen and that he may not turn aside above his countrymen and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, to the right or the left; in from the commandment, to the right or the left; in order that he and his sons may continue long in his order that he and his sons may continue long in his kingdom in the midst of Israel” (Deu 17:18-20).kingdom in the midst of Israel” (Deu 17:18-20).

The Kingdom Anticipated in the The Kingdom Anticipated in the Historical BooksHistorical Books

JoshuaJoshua succeeded Moses as God’s succeeded Moses as God’s human leader on the earth, and led human leader on the earth, and led the people in taking the land.the people in taking the land.

After possessing the land, God raised After possessing the land, God raised up various up various judgesjudges to deliver the to deliver the people when they became oppressed people when they became oppressed by their enemies.by their enemies.

The judges prepared the way for a The judges prepared the way for a formal monarchyformal monarchy, which began with , which began with Saul.Saul.

The Kingdom Described in the The Kingdom Described in the Historical BooksHistorical Books

God’s Covenant with David is extremely God’s Covenant with David is extremely important for understanding the Kingdom of God:important for understanding the Kingdom of God:

““The LORD also declares to you that the LORD The LORD also declares to you that the LORD will make a house for you. When your days are will make a house for you. When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, but My lovingkindness shall not depart from men, but My lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took him, as I took it it away from Saul, whom I removed away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. And your house and your from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever” (2 Sam 7:11-throne shall be established forever” (2 Sam 7:11-16).16).

United King-dom under Saul, David, & Solomon (112 years)

Northern Kingdom 10 Tribes Capital: Samaria

Southern Kingdom 2 Tribes Capital: Jerusalem

722 BC

Israel’s Division and Captivity

1043 BC

931 BC

Jeroboam, followedby 18 bad kings.

Rehoboam, followed by 11bad and 8 good kings.

605 BCDaniel & 3friends

597 BCEzekiel & 10,000

586 BCJerusalem destroyed

Zerubbabel, Ezra, Nehemiah

605 BC 536 BC538 BCDecree of Cyrus

70 Year Captivity

A Coming Kingdom Predicted in A Coming Kingdom Predicted in the Latter Prophetsthe Latter Prophets

Before, during, and after the exile, Before, during, and after the exile, God uses prophets to call His people God uses prophets to call His people back to loyalty to Him.back to loyalty to Him.

These prophets also anticipate a day These prophets also anticipate a day when a Messiah (“anointed one”) will when a Messiah (“anointed one”) will come and establish a reign of peace come and establish a reign of peace and righteousness, in accordance and righteousness, in accordance with the Law of God.with the Law of God.


After describing a series of kingdoms that After describing a series of kingdoms that would run their course through the future, would run their course through the future, Daniel saw a final kingdom that would not Daniel saw a final kingdom that would not be taken over by another: “And in the be taken over by another: “And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and destroyed, and that that kingdom will not be kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever” (Dan 2:44).will itself endure forever” (Dan 2:44).


Geological Changes and Elimination of WarfareGeological Changes and Elimination of Warfare““Now it will come about that In the last days, The Now it will come about that In the last days, The mountain of the house of the LORD Will be mountain of the house of the LORD Will be established as the chief of the mountains, And will established as the chief of the mountains, And will be raised above the hills; And all the nations will be raised above the hills; And all the nations will stream to it. And many peoples will come and say, stream to it. And many peoples will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; That He may teach us the house of the God of Jacob; That He may teach us concerning His ways, And that we may walk in His concerning His ways, And that we may walk in His paths.’ For the law will go forth from Zion, And the paths.’ For the law will go forth from Zion, And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And He will judge word of the LORD from Jerusalem. And He will judge between the nations, And will render decisions for between the nations, And will render decisions for many peoples; And they will hammer their swords many peoples; And they will hammer their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, And Nation will not lift up sword against nation, And never again will they learn war” (Isa 2:2-4).never again will they learn war” (Isa 2:2-4).


A Worldwide Reign of Righteousness from A Worldwide Reign of Righteousness from the Throne of Davidthe Throne of David

“ “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of There will be no end to the increase of His His government or of peace, On the throne of David government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this” (Isa 9:6-7).hosts will accomplish this” (Isa 9:6-7).


Coming After Great DistressComing After Great Distress“‘“‘Alas! for that day is great, There is none Alas! for that day is great, There is none like it; And it is the time of Jacob's distress, like it; And it is the time of Jacob's distress, But he will be saved from it. And it shall But he will be saved from it. And it shall come about on that day,’ declares the LORD come about on that day,’ declares the LORD of hosts, ‘that I will break his yoke from off of hosts, ‘that I will break his yoke from off their neck, and will tear off their bonds; and their neck, and will tear off their bonds; and strangers shall no longer make them their strangers shall no longer make them their slaves. But they shall serve the LORD their slaves. But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise God, and David their king, whom I will raise up for them’ ”(Jer 30:7-9).up for them’ ”(Jer 30:7-9).


Led by the Ultimate Davidic RulerLed by the Ultimate Davidic Ruler ““Then I will set over them one Then I will set over them one

shepherd, My servant David, and he shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them; he will feed them will feed them; he will feed them himself and be their shepherd” (Ezek himself and be their shepherd” (Ezek 34:23).34:23).

““And My servant David will be king And My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one over them, and they will all have one shepherd; and they will walk in My shepherd; and they will walk in My ordinances, and keep My statutes, ordinances, and keep My statutes, and observe them” (Ezek 37:24).and observe them” (Ezek 37:24).


All Nations Participating in Worship of YahwehAll Nations Participating in Worship of Yahweh““Then it will come about that any who are left of all Then it will come about that any who are left of all the nations that went against Jerusalem will go up the nations that went against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Booths. And it hosts, and to celebrate the Feast of Booths. And it will be that whichever of the families of the earth will be that whichever of the families of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, there will be no rain on them. And if LORD of hosts, there will be no rain on them. And if the family of Egypt does not go up or enter, then no the family of Egypt does not go up or enter, then no rain will fall rain will fall on them; it will be the plague with which on them; it will be the plague with which the LORD smites the nations who do not go up to the LORD smites the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths. This will be the celebrate the Feast of Booths. This will be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all the nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of nations who do not go up to celebrate the Feast of Booths” (Zech 14:16-19).Booths” (Zech 14:16-19).

The Kingdom in the NTThe Kingdom in the NT

The Kingdom in the GospelsThe Kingdom in the Gospels

The Message of John the Baptist – The Message of John the Baptist – “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”at hand.”

The Message of Jesus and His DisciplesThe Message of Jesus and His Disciples This proclamation must be understood This proclamation must be understood

against the background of the OT, against the background of the OT, especially the kingdom predicted by especially the kingdom predicted by the prophets.the prophets.


But the nation in general, and the religious But the nation in general, and the religious leaders in particular, rejected this Messiah.leaders in particular, rejected this Messiah.

They heard His authoritative teaching and They heard His authoritative teaching and observed His miraculous works, but decided observed His miraculous works, but decided that His power came not from God but Satan.that His power came not from God but Satan.

With that Jesus turned to a parabolic ministry With that Jesus turned to a parabolic ministry that revealed new truth about the kingdom to that revealed new truth about the kingdom to His followers, and hid that same truth from His followers, and hid that same truth from His enemies.His enemies.


He also began to tell of a day when He He also began to tell of a day when He would return to the earth and establish His would return to the earth and establish His kingdom, despite Israel’s past rejection.kingdom, despite Israel’s past rejection.

““But when the Son of Man comes in His But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. And all the will sit on His glorious throne. And all the nations will be gathered before Him; and nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats” (Matt 25:31-32).the goats” (Matt 25:31-32).

The Kingdom in the Book of The Kingdom in the Book of ActsActs

Before Christ’s ascension: “And so when Before Christ’s ascension: “And so when they had come together, they were asking they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, ‘Lord, is it at this time You are Him, saying, ‘Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?’” (Acts 1:6).restoring the kingdom to Israel?’” (Acts 1:6).

Peter’s sermon at Pentecost: “Repent Peter’s sermon at Pentecost: “Repent therefore and return, that your sins may be therefore and return, that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; and that He may send Jesus, the the Lord; and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until must receive until the the period of restoration period of restoration of all things about which God spoke by the of all things about which God spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient mouth of His holy prophets from ancient time” (Acts 3:19-21).time” (Acts 3:19-21).

The Kingdom in the EpistlesThe Kingdom in the Epistles As a change of realm for believers: As a change of realm for believers:

“For He delivered us from the domain “For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son” (Col kingdom of His beloved Son” (Col 1:13).1:13).

But note: this does not mean that the But note: this does not mean that the kingdom has already been established kingdom has already been established in the Church. The kingdom as in the Church. The kingdom as described by the prophets will not described by the prophets will not come until Christ Himself comes.come until Christ Himself comes.

The Kingdom in the EpistlesThe Kingdom in the EpistlesAs something to be inherited by the Church As something to be inherited by the Church in the future:in the future:

““Or do you not know that the unrighteous Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?” (1 shall not inherit the kingdom of God?” (1 Cor 6:9; Gal 5:21 and Eph 5:5 say Cor 6:9; Gal 5:21 and Eph 5:5 say essentially the same thing).essentially the same thing).

Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor of this world choose the poor of this world to be to be rich in rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? (James promised to those who love Him? (James 2:5)2:5)

If we endure, we shall also reign with Him (2 If we endure, we shall also reign with Him (2 Tim 2:12).Tim 2:12).

The Culmination of the The Culmination of the Kingdom in the Book of Kingdom in the Book of

RevelationRevelation As a promise to the overcomer: “He who As a promise to the overcomer: “He who

overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Rev down with My Father on His throne” (Rev 3:21).3:21).

In the song to the Lamb: “And they sang a new In the song to the Lamb: “And they sang a new song, saying, ‘Worthy art Thou to take the song, saying, ‘Worthy art Thou to take the book, and to break its seals; for Thou wast book, and to break its seals; for Thou wast slain, and didst purchase for God with Thy slain, and didst purchase for God with Thy blood blood men men from every tribe and tongue and from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. And Thou hast made them people and nation. And Thou hast made them to be to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth’” (Rev 5:9-10).they will reign upon the earth’” (Rev 5:9-10).


RevelationRevelation As the 7As the 7thth trumpet sounds: “And the trumpet sounds: “And the

seventh angel sounded; and there seventh angel sounded; and there arose loud voices in heaven, saying, arose loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdom of the world has ‘The kingdom of the world has become become the kingdom the kingdom of our Lord, and of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He will reign of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever’” (Rev 11:15).forever and ever’” (Rev 11:15).


RevelationRevelation The millennial reign of Christ: “And I saw thrones, The millennial reign of Christ: “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given and they sat upon them, and judgment was given to them. And I to them. And I saw saw the souls of those who had the souls of those who had been beheaded because of the testimony of Jesus been beheaded because of the testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark upon their forehead had not received the mark upon their forehead and upon their hand; and they came to life and and upon their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who has resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years” (Rev 20:4-6).Him for a thousand years” (Rev 20:4-6).


RevelationRevelation In the new heavens and new earth: “And the city In the new heavens and new earth: “And the city

has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and upon it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp its lamp is is the Lamb. And the nations shall walk the Lamb. And the nations shall walk by its light, and the kings of the earth shall bring by its light, and the kings of the earth shall bring their glory into it” (Rev 21:23-24).their glory into it” (Rev 21:23-24).

““And there shall no longer be any curse; and the And there shall no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His bond-servants shall serve Him; and they shall His bond-servants shall serve Him; and they shall see His face, and His name see His face, and His name shall be shall be on their on their foreheads. And there shall no longer be foreheads. And there shall no longer be any any night; night; and they shall not have need of the light of a and they shall not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God shall illumine them; and they shall reign God shall illumine them; and they shall reign forever and ever” (Rev 22:3-5).forever and ever” (Rev 22:3-5).

United King.

Northern Kingdom

Southern Kingdom

722 BC

586 BC

1000 years

New heavens & earth

The Mediatorial Kingdom of God through History

7

“Mysteries of the Kingdom” (Matt 13)

Descent ofthe Spirit

Rapture ofthe Church

Return of Christ

Prophets

1051 BC

931 BC

Next Week: The Kingdom Next Week: The Kingdom of God – Part IIof God – Part II

Syllabus pp. 175-185Syllabus pp. 175-185

Benware pp. 197-203; 331-Benware pp. 197-203; 331-342342

Documents

Eschatology and Ecclesiology Kingdom of God – Part I “For the concept of the Kingdom of God involves, in a real sense, the total message of the Bible