Today, some thoughts are shared on the idea of divine rule over the church and earthly nations as well as over divine kingdoms. In addition to speaking of GOD as a partner with mankind implementing multiple covenants, many Christian believers speak of both “the kingdom of God” and “the kingdom of heaven;” and the two expressions are used interchangeably. Consider again the following from the Bible, and the discussion appearing below: Matthew 4: 12-17, King James Version (KJV): 12 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee; 13 And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: 14 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, 15 The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; 16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. 17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Also, Matthew 4: 23, KJV: 23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. Luke 19: 12-14, KJV: 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. John 18: 33-38, KJV: 33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? 34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? 35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? 36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. 37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. 38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. One of the fighters at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Anonymous” (no profile information shared) posted the following:
What is God's kingdom?
Is it the church?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. (1st Timothy 6: 13-16, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: The Sum of the Saved? (11/04/2015); A Kingdom Now and One To Come? (09/05/2014); Comfort? (09/06/2014); Inheriting the Kingdom? (06/27/2014); Points on Bible Study (06/28/2014); The Ruler Of the Earth? (05/01/2014); Parables About the Kingdom? (05/02/2014); Loving Someone Unseen? (05/03/2014)
“Anonymous”, for many Christian believers, the idea of a kingdom upon the earth where divinity has all sovereign authority has been very useful to focus their understanding of such features as allegiance, divine order, duty, and eternal purpose. Also, given that GOD is a spirit, many are comfortable with language that speaks of a celestial kingdom that is a sphere of life separate from the earth. The character and nature of Deity as creative, exalted, generative, holy, and preeminent requires language that continuously acknowledges and affirms divine merit and superiority as well as divine ownership. When divinity is understood as capable of personal communication, self-expression, exchange, and interaction with created beings and living creatures, GOD is more than an intellectual abstraction. So that he may be correctly known, GOD provides covenant relationships, revelation, and a living presence within the beings put forth by GOD. Applying language to GOD that we ordinarily use to describe things that exist in human experience as carnal, material and social, we speak of divine operations through sacred law as accomplishing control, judgment, and rule administered by a single person (we say, caliphate, empire, monarchy). Consider again the following from the Bible:
(1.) 1st Chronicles 29: 11-13, King James Version (KJV): 11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. 13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.
(2.) Psalms 24: 7-10, KJV: 7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
(3.) John 10: 14-16, KJV: 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep have I that are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) 1st Timothy 1: 17, KJV: 17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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