The Gospel of the Kingdom of God

[TrevorL]

The Gospel of the Kingdom of God

In some contexts the "Kingdom of God" speaks of the replacement of the present kingdoms of men with the Kingdom of God when Christ returns.
Daniel 2:44 (KJV): "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever."

Jesus did not deny this teaching, or replace these expectations with a new hope or promise such as heaven going at death. Rather this promise of the Kingdom of God on earth is the basis of much of his teaching and many of his parables. For example from the Sermon on the Mount and the Parable of the Nobleman
Matthew 5:5 (KJV): "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."
Luke 19:11-17,27 (KJV): "11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. 12 He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. 13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds , and said unto them, Occupy till I come. 14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. 15 And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money , that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16 Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. 17 And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities."
"27 But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me."
This teaches that even the Apostles thought that the kingdom would immediately appear. They looked to Jerusalem as the place of David's throne where Jesus would reign as promised to David and Mary. The parable speaks concerning three classes, good and bad servants and others called citizens. Jesus was to go to Heaven, receive the authority to rule in his kingdom, and then return to establish this kingdom.

When Jesus preached, this teaching concerning the literal Kingdom of God on earth was evident, but Jesus also taught and demonstrated within himself the moral character of the kingdom and demonstrated the blessings of the kingdom when he healed.
Luke 8:1 (KJV): "And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,"

After Christ's death and resurrection the preaching included the aspect of the death and resurrection of Christ, the things concerning the Name.
Acts 8:5,12 (KJV): "5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women."

These two elements are also mentioned in Acts 28:30-31. A careful examination of Acts 3 also shows that these two elements are a summary of Peter's preaching, the things concerning the Name of Jesus Christ Acts 3:12-18 and the things concerning the Kingdom of God Acts 3:19-26 (both aspects of the gospel are included within this second section).

An example of Paul's preaching shows that both Abraham and the believer in Christ partake of the same inheritance, God's Kingdom on earth.
Galatians 3:16,26-29 (KJV): "16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise."

Paul's comments are based upon the promise of the land to Abraham and his seed in
Genesis 13:14-15 (KJV): "14 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: 15 For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever."

The hope of heaven going at death is a false hope based on pagan philosophy. The promise of the Kingdom of God on earth is a better hope based upon the teaching of the Bible.

Kind regards
Trevor

 

[nephilimiyr]

Very good TrevorL but here is something I think you should have used in your OP.

John 18:35-37, "Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?"
Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servents would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.
"You are a king, then!" said Pilate.
Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."

"What is truth?" Pilate asked.

 

[johnd]

I have also heard of variances imposed upon the text of scripture as to the gospel of the kingdom versus the gospel of heaven. But it is one and the same. What we must realize is that there are two and only two sides of the dividing line the saved and the lost. This was true from the beginning and will be to the end.

The one thing that confuses folks is that the Jews (whether in belief or disbelief) have as a people certain unconditional Abrahamic covenants with God until the end.

Believers have no stake in those covenants.

 

[nephilimiyr]

I have also heard of variances imposed upon the text of scripture as to the gospel of the kingdom versus the gospel of heaven. But it is one and the same.

I agree but the Kingdom of God has two different jurisdictions. I'm talking about the territorial range in authority. In Gods ultimate plan, He was to rule heaven from heaven and He was to also rule the earth through us. The Kingdom of God was once here on earth in fullness, ruled by Adam and Eve through perfect communion with God. After the first sin this rulership was thwarted because Satan stole this rulership.

After Jesus Christ came and died on the cross and was resurrected from death He restored the Kingdom to us but it wont be in fullness until all of God's enemies are made his footstool.

 

[TrevorL]

Howdy nephilimiyr and johnd,

Greetings.

"

here is something I think you should have used in your OP. John 18:35-37, "Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?"
Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servents would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place. ....."

I would be interested in your view of this. My view is that Jesus is using the word "world" as "system of things", not in the sense of earth. His kingdom will still be on the earth, but from heaven. Jesus uses "world" in this sense in John 17.

"I have also heard of variances imposed upon the text of scripture as to the gospel of the kingdom versus the gospel of heaven. But it is one and the same."

I agree.

"The one thing that confuses folks is that the Jews (whether in belief or disbelief) have as a people certain unconditional Abrahamic covenants with God until the end.
Believers have no stake in those covenants."

I believe the promises to Abraham can only be fulfilled in Christ and all the believers from Adam till the return of Christ Galatians 3:16, 25-29.

"

In Gods ultimate plan, He was to rule heaven from heaven and He was to also rule the earth through us."

I am not sure of what you are saying in this. I believe that Jesus will reign for 1000 years on earth.

Kind regards
Trevor

 

[nephilimiyr]

Hello Trevor

Greetings. I would be interested in your view of this. My view is that Jesus is using the word "world" as "system of things", not in the sense of earth. His kingdom will still be on the earth, but from heaven. Jesus uses "world" in this sense in John 17.

I agree with you on that. When Jesus says "world" he is refering to "the system of things" but he is also refering to where this system of things has it's strong hold. Jesus knew Pilate was held under this strong hold and that his mind only knows what this "system of things" allows him to think under. Pilate can only contemplate what he knows. What he knows to be truth. Jesus meets him head on and tells him that there is only one truth and that He is the head of it, he is the king of it. Jesus is admitting to Pilate that he is a king but the kingdom that he rules over has nothing to do with the system of the world that Pilate knows of but that it is a spiritual kingdom that Pilate doesn't know of.

I am not sure of what you are saying in this. I believe that Jesus will reign for 1000 years on earth.

Well, let me explain it then

What I was saying, and I admitt I could've said it better, is that God's original purpose was to rule as king in heaven over heaven and also He would rule the earth through His vice regents, humans, while He stayed in heaven.

It really is all one kingdom but one is spiritual and the other is physical. God is made of Spirit and before Jesus Christ, and in fact Adam and Eve, God decided to expand His kingdom from not just spiritual but to physical as well. It's a difference of the seen and the unseen. I believe the plan and purpose of God was to create children to rule over the seen, through Him, from the unseen. This was accomplished in perfectness when God (the unseen) created Adam and Eve along with the earth (the seen).

I also believe Jesus Christ will reign as King for 1,000 years on earth. This will be the Kingdom of God on earth being totally restored in perfectness that is somewhat compareable to what Adam and Eve once had before their fall in sin.

 

[mortsmune]

Hello, TrevorL.

I am not quite sure what your point is. While I think it is clear from scripture that the Kingdom of God is a Kingdom that is spiritually present here and now and will some day be here completely, are you also implying that there is no heaven or that when believers die they do not go to heaven? Could you please clarify that point.

 

[nephilimiyr]

Hello, TrevorL.

I am not quite sure what your point is. While I think it is clear from scripture that the Kingdom of God is a Kingdom that is spiritually present here and now and will some day be here completely, are you also implying that there is no heaven or that when believers die they do not go to heaven? Could you please clarify that point.

LOL, you know, I wasn't all that sure what point Trevor was trying to make either but when people want to talk about the Kingdom I want to join in!!!
It's my favorite topic

 

[TrevorL]

Howdy nephilimiyr and mortsmune,

Greetings again. I appreciate your explanations and fully agree with the following:

"I also believe Jesus Christ will reign as King for 1,000 years on earth. This will be the Kingdom of God on earth being totally restored in perfectness that is somewhat compareable to what Adam and Eve once had before their fall in sin."

"

I am not quite sure what your point is. While I think it is clear from scripture that the Kingdom of God is a Kingdom that is spiritually present here and now and will some day be here completely, are you also implying that there is no heaven or that when believers die they do not go to heaven? Could you please clarify that point."

Yes, I do not believe in heaven going at death as I do not believe in immortal souls, but only a resurrection of the unconscious dead when Christ returns.

Kind regards
Trevor

 

[Dispy]

According to OT prophesies, Israel will inherit an earthly kingdom (Dan.2:44),

According to the "revelation of the mystery" (which "was kept secret since the world began) revealed to the apostle Paul, members of the Body of Christ, the Chruch for today, will inherit a home in heaven (2Cor.5:1; Phlip.5:20).

The following is from an Article by Tracy Plessinger titled: "The Bible's Most Misunderstood Verse" by Tracy Plessinger. The entire article can be found at http://www.gracealive.us/misunderstood.html

>SNIP<

God' Eternal Unchanging Plan

Scripture makes very clear that God has only ever had one plan. That plan has been in effect since before the world began and will be fulfilled only after time is no more, in the dispensation of the fulness of time.

Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that connot lie, promised before the world began; Titus 1:1,2

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath pruposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: Ephesians 1:9,10.

The heart of this plan is seen in the passage from Ephesians quoted absove. God's eternal purpose and plan is to glorify His son, Jesus Christ, to "gather together in one all things in Christ". This eternal purpose can also be seen in Paul's letter to the church at Philippi.

Wherefore God also had highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of thing in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth: And that every tongue shall confess that Jesus Chris is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11.

Clearly, God's eternal purpose is to have all creatures glorify the Son, Jesus Christ, Which in turns brings honor to the Father. It is also clear from two of the passages quoted above that this one eternal purpose of God is to be carried out in two different locations, on earth and in heaven.

There is however, an impediament to God's plan. There is one who desires to usurp the rightful position of Christ as the one that is glorified by heaven and earth. The being who desires to have the honor and glory that belong to Christ is Satan. In the book of Isaiah, we read of his selfish desire.

For thou [Lucifer] hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Isaiah 14:13,14.

It is very significant that Satan uses a specific title of God when he sets out on this course of rebellion. He refers to God as, "the most high". That title is a title that relates specifically to God's ownership of heaven and earth. This can be seen as we look at the first time that that title is used in Scripture.

And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:...And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, Genesis 14:19,22.

What we are read in scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, is an account of Satan's attempt to become the possessor of heaven and earth, to replace Jesus Christ as the ruler of the universe. We also learn of God's counterattack and that God's plan, in the end, will overcome Satan's plan. In the end, Jesus Christ will alone be glorified in heaven and earth.

Dispensational Bible study simply acknowledges the fact that Satan has attacked God's authority on two fronts, the heaven and the earth, and that God will repel that attack and be victorious on those same two fronts. The first person to rightly divide the Word of Truth was not some modern-day dispensationalist. It was God.

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1

God presents His creative act as an act that produced a divided universe, a universe that consists of two parts, the heaven, and the earth. In order to fully understand God's plan we must understand how that plan will be carried out in both of these areas.[/B]

As we continue in the first chapter of the book of Genesis, we immediately see where God's plan is focused initially.

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon theface of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon theface of the waters. Genesis 1:2

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the foul of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Genesis 1:28

And God said, Let there be lingths in the firmanent of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: And let them be for light in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. Genesis 1:14,15

It is clear that the creation described in Genesis 1 is focused exclusively on the earth. It is the earth that is said to be "without form, and void". It is the earth that man is told to "replenish" and "subdue", Even the light that God created in heaven were for the purpose of giving light "upon the earth."

After the flood, God gave similar instructions to Noah and his sons.

And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth. Genesis 9:1

With the setting aside of Abram to begin the formation of the nation Israel we see that the focus was still on the earth.

The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them: and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. Isaiah 35:1

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee, For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. and the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings ot the brightness of thy shining. Isaiah 60:1-3

Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold broken to peices together and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth....And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Daniel 2:35-44

Notice that Isaiah points to the wonderful utopian conditions on the renewed earth and how the Gentile nations will flow into that blessing. Daniel emphasizes the fact that the [/b]"God of heaven"[/b] will establish a kingdom that fill "the whole earth". These passages are typical of the message that the prophets brought to the nation Israel. They were continuing God's focus on reestablishing His aughority on the earthly part of His creation.

Christ was presented to Israel as the rightful heir to the earthly throne of David.

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reigh over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Luke 1:30-33

Christ taught His disciples to pray for the kingdom to come to the earth.

Afther this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9,10

The apostles tied their message and its returning, triumphant Messiah to the fulfillment of the prophetic Scriptures.

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ which before was preached unot you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the Mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began. Acts 3:19-21.

All of the facts above show us that during the time frame covered from Genesis 1:2 to Acts 9, focus of God's message was on the earth.

God's Plan in the Heaven

In the 9th chapter of Acts we see a significant change begin to take place as Jesus Christ speaks from heaven to a man who would become the Apostle of the Gentiles.

And as he [Saul] journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick agains the pricks. Acts 9:3-5

Clearly, Paul had a calling that was heavenly in nature. The setting aside of Paul and the formation of the Body of Christ marks a change in God's focus from the earth to heaven. God's basic plan to glorify Christ has not changed at all. His purpose is still the same one that He conceived before the foundation of the world. With the ministry of Paul, He is now simply revealing the heavenly aspect of that plan. In the book of Ephesians, Paul makes quite clear that the focus of the Body of Christ is heavenly.

The Body of Christ is blessed in heavenly places.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: Ephesians 1:3

The Body of Christ is seated in heavenly places.

And hath raised us up together, and made us sip together in heavenly place in Christ Jesus; Ephesians 2:6

The Body of Christ is ministering to beings in heavenly places.
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, Ephesians 3:10

The Body of Christ has at it head a Christ who has ascended above and therefore rules over heavenly places.

He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) Ephesians 4:10

The Body of Chris is fighting a war with beings in heavenly places.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the drkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12

Paul is also careful to make sure that we understand that our eternal destiny is in the heavenlies, not on the earth.
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saour, the Lord Jesus Christ; Whom shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unot himself. Philippians 3:20,21

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the vocie of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: an so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. I Thessalonians 4:16-18

Notice that our comfort is not found in the return of Christ to establish an earthly kingdom, as it was for Israel. Our comfort is found in Christ catching us off this earth to reign with Him for all eternity in the heavenlies. Our eternal destiny and conversation is in heaven and not on the earth.

We should note one other important truth about all of this information about God purpose being fulfilled in heaven. It was all kept secret in the mind and heart of God until it was revealed to and through the Apostle Paul.

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made know to all nations for the obedience of faith: Romans:25,26.

Notice that Paul says that the information he is preaching was "kept secret since the world began". This is a marked contrast to Peter's preachings things "which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began." (See Acts 3:21, quoted above) God's plans concerning the heavens were kept secret until revealed to and through the Apostle Paul.

These facts show us that the truth of God's plan being fulfilled in heaven, the truth under which we operate today, is found exclusively in the writings of the Apostle Paul to the Chruch, the Body of Christ. We must go to those writings to understand how God will fulfill His purpose in heaven, and how we should live based on our place in that heavenly plan.

The fulfillment of God's Plan.

We have already seen that in the book of Ephesians God reveals the fulfillment of His lplan in eternity future, both on the earth and in heaven, as all things are gathered "together in one...in Christ". As God closes out His revelation to man we see that He has in fact brought everthing full circle.

And I say a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. Revelation 21:1

God's one eternal plan will be fulfilled, both in heaven and on earth. Jesus Christ will be honored and glorified in all the universe.

The only way that we can truly understand the entirety of god's plan is to rightly divide the Word of Truth and realize that He is working to carry out this plan in two areas, the heaven and the earth.

God Bless.
Live Well, Laugh Much and Love The Lord!

 

[billychum]

Dispy, I'm in agreement with all of this but I'm a little confused on one point. Is it being said that the believers (the body of Christ) and the Jews that become belivers will be spending eternity in two different places? I may just be reading this wrong.
Billy <><

 

[Dispy]

Dispy, I'm in agreement with all of this but I'm a little confused on one point. Is it being said that the believers (the body of Christ) and the Jews that become belivers will be spending eternity in two different places? I may just be reading this wrong.
Billy <><

All believers, whether Jew or Gentile, that are saved during this dispensation of grace, are members of "the Body of Christ," and will spend eternity in heaven. All Jewish believer, before and after this dispensation, will enter into the earthly kingdom at Christ's 2nd coming. Also, I will add that all believers that are saved after the rapture of the church will also enter the earthly kingdom.

Hope this is helpful.

God Bless.
Live Well, Laugh Often and Love the Lord!

 

[billychum]

Then how are we gathered together in one as stated in Ephesians?
Billy <><

 

[Dispy]

Then how are we gathered together in one as stated in Ephesians?
Billy <><

Ephesians 1:9 "Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of time he might gather to gether in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which ar on the earth; even in him:
11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the council of his own will:
12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ."

The "dispensation of the fulness of time" is after the 1,000 year reign of Christ. Other then the fact that there will be a new heaven and new earth we are not told anything else. It seems logical to me that alll saints will live through eternity in perfect harmony with one another, and since all things have been gathered together in Christ, it seems likely that the heaven and the earth will be open to all the redeemed of all ages. God will be all in all.

God Bless.
Live Well, Laugh Often and Love the Lord!

 

[TrevorL]

Howdy dispy,

Greetings. I was interested in your article but have difficulty with your dispensationalist view. I liked the comments surrounding the quotation of Acts 3:19-21, and this is one of my favourite passages concerning the return of Christ and the times of refreshing and restoration of all things that Jesus will bring at that time.

"

The apostles tied their message and its returning, triumphant Messiah to the fulfillment of the prophetic Scriptures.

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ which before was preached unot you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the Mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began. Acts 3:19-21.

All of the facts above show us that during the time frame covered from Genesis 1:2 to Acts 9, focus of God's message was on the earth."

Paul also taught the same Kingdom of God Galatians 3, Romans 4. The difference between our views is that I believe that the faithful from Eden until the return will all be resurrected and participate in the Kingdom of God on earth established at the return of Christ. Israel and the nations will be mortal subjects in this Kingdom during the 1000 year reign of Christ and the saints from Jerusalem.

Also I was interested in your reference and comment on Daniel 2, and the quotation of this in the article:

"

According to OT prophesies, Israel will inherit an earthly kingdom (Dan.2:44),"
"Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold broken to peices together and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth....And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Daniel 2:35-44"

I cannot understand how you apply Daniel 2:44 only to Israel, because it is reasonably obvious that the Stone power is the Lord Jesus Christ, and that he will smite the image representing the kingdoms of men, and replace them with the Kingdom of God and this will fill the whole earth. I believe that the faithful from all ages are incorporated in this Stone, and that this is taught in:
Matthew 21:42,44 (KJV): "42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord&#8217;s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? 44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder."

We become part of Christ when we become poor in spirit, broken, humble and meek. We then become his disciples and seek to inherit the kingdom of heaven, which is another expression for God's future kingdom upon this earth.
Matthew 5:3-5 (KJV): "3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."
Your "heaven" views seem to ignore this language, see also "heavenly country" the reward to Abraham Hebrews 11:16. The kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God on earth are one and the same, Christ's 1000 year reign from Jerusalem Isaiah 2:1-4, Zechariah 14. In your view, where will Jesus be during the 1000 years, and where will Paul and Gentile believers such as the Galatians be during 1000 years?

Kind regards
Trevor

 

[Dispy]

TrevorL, THANK YOU for your response and comments.

It is apparent that you are responding to the article I posted that was written by Tracy Plessinger. Being I posted it, and didn't state that I didn't agree with any of it, I placed myself in the position of having to defend all of it. That I will gladly do being I do agree with what he wrote.

From you remarks, it appears to me that you must feel that the Church, the Body of Christ, is also "spiritual Israel," and that you view "the gospel of the kingdom" as the same as "the gospel of the grace of God." PLEASE correct me if I am wrong.

Paul tells us in Romans 15:8 that Jesus came "...to confirm the promises made unto the fathers." That of course means the promises to Israel. Jesus Himself commanded His disciples in Matthew 10:5,6 "Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritians enter ye not: But go rather unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Jesus did not come to minister unto the Gentiles with Jewish promises. If the Gentiles were to inherit the same promises, then He could have come to all mankind[/B]at that time. At that time there was still a "middle wall of partition" between the Jew and Gentile. For one that was a Gentile and wanted to serve the true and living God, that one had to become a Jew (proselyte) amd place themselves under the Laws of Moses.

In the "Sermon on the Mount" (Matt. 5-7) Jesus is speaking of how things will be in His kingdom when it is established upon the earth. It is the fulfillment of the "promises made unto the Jewish fathers. (This would include Gentile proselytes.)

Until the raising up of Saul/Paul, not one word can be found in the Bible concerning the "dispensation of grace," or the Chruch which is His Body. It is not in prophesy or the gospels.

There is no doubt in my mind that you would not read "the Laws of Moses" into "the Garden of Eden. That would be reading future revelation into a past happening. Neither would you read the battles of WWII into the battles of WWI. That would be one of the most stupid thing a person could do, Don't you think? Then WHYwould one read future revelations given to the Apostle Paul (who wasn't even saved until at least 7-10 years after Pentecost) into the Gospels? That is something that I used to do, and it caused me so much confusing when I studied the Bible that I had to give up reading it for fear of going crazy. The Bible, to me, became a contradictory book. Also caused me to go unchurched for about 15 years.

Once I was shown that "the gospel of the kingdom" and the "dispensation of the Law" were not the same as "the gospel of the grace of God" and the "dispensation of grace," and I was able to seperate the two, the Bible became more understandable, and I was once again enjoying my Bible study.

The "Kingdom of God" includes all of His creation, i.e. everythin in the heavens, earth and under the earth. All believers from all dispensation will be somewhere in "the Kingdom of God."

The "kingdom of heaven" that Jesus came to establish is to be the kingdom "out of heaven" here upon the earth. Members of the Body of Christ are promise a place IN heaven.

2Cor.5:1 "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands,ETERNAL IN THE HEAVENS."

In vs 20 Paul says that "we are ambassadors for Christ." An ambassador, as you know doubt know, is one that represents his government in a foreign land. Being we are positionally seated with Christ in heavenly places, and that is where our citizenship is, then we can be classified as ambassadors, because this earth is not our home.

Those that will inherit the kingdom on earth cannot be called ambassadors because they are already in their homeland.

Philipians 3:20 "For our conversation (citizenship -NIV) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savioud, the Lord Jesus Christ."

I have learned that God gave His instructions in righteousness to the children of Isreal through the Laws of Moses. Moses is often called "the Law giver," even though we know that those Laws were given to him by God.

By the same token, God gave His instrtuction in righeousness for members of the Body of Christ, the the preaching of the Cross, according to the revelation of the Mystery, which was revealed to the Apostle Paul.

Moses was used by God to dispense the Law gospel, and Paul was used by God to dispence the Gospel of the Grace of God.

Looking forward to your future comments.

God Bless.
Live Well, Laugh Often and Love the Lord!

 

[Dispy]

oops

 

[Dispy]

oops again

 

[nephilimiyr]

It is apparent that you are responding to the article I posted that was written by Tracy Plessinger. Being I posted it, and didn't state that I didn't agree with any of it, I placed myself in the position of having to defend all of it. That I will gladly do being I do agree with what he wrote.

That made no sense at all