The Synonymous Expressions For
"Kingdom".
This Is
Appendix 112 From The Companion Bible.
For
a true understanding of the new Testament, it is essential that the "Word
of Truth" should be "rightly divided"
(2
Timothy 2:15)
as to the various usages of the word "kingdom" in
all the different combinations and contexts in which we find it.
Each has its own peculiar and particular sense, which
must not be confused with another.
As to the word basileia, it denotes sovereignty,
which requires the actual presence of a sovereign, or king.
There can be no kingdom apart from a king. We all know of countries which
were once "kingdoms" but are now "republics",
for the simple but sufficient reason that they have no "king",
but are governed by the "public", which is
sovereign.
The countries remain the same, have the same peoples,
the same cities, the same mountains and rivers, but they are no longer kingdoms.
The common practice of taking the Kingdom as meaning
the Church (See Appendix 113),
has been the source of incalculable misunderstanding; and not "trying
the things that differ" (Philippians
1: 10,
see note there) has led to great confusion in the interpretation of the
whole of the New Testament.
The following definitions may help towards a clearer
view of many important passages :--
- "The
Kingdom of Heaven". The word "heaven"
is generally in this connection in the plural, "of (or
from) the heavens". For the difference between the use of
the singular and plural of this word, see the notes on Matthew
6:9, 10.
This expression is used only in the Gospel of Matthew, as being
specially in harmony with the purpose of that Gospel. See notes in the
(Companion Bible pages 1304-5), and Appendix 114.
It
is the dispensational term; and is used sometimes of
Messiah's Kingdom on earth, and sometimes of the
heavenly sovereignty over the earth. It is not from or
out of (Greek ek, Appendix 104. vii)
"this world" (Greek kosmos Appendix 129. 1).
This sovereignty comes from heaven, because the King is to come from
thence (John 18:36).
It was to this end He was born, and this was the first subject of His
ministry (see Appendix
119). That Kingdom (Matthew 4:17,
etc.) was rejected, as was also the further proclamation of it in Acts
3:19-26
(according to the prophetic parable of Matthew 22:2-7).
Thenceforth the earthly realization of this Kingdom was
postponed, and is now in abeyance until the King shall be sent from
heaven (Acts 3:20).
The "secrets" of this Kingdom (Matthew 13:11)
pertained to the postponement of its earthly realization, on account
of its being rejected.
- "The
Kingdom of God" is the sovereignty of God, which is moral and
universal. It existed from the beginning, and will know no end. It is
over all, and embraces all. See Appendix
114.
- "The
Kingdom of the Father". (Matthew 13:43)
is not universal, but has regard to relationship, and "a
heavenly calling" (Hebrews 3:1),
and to the heavenly sphere of the Kingdom, in its relation to the
earthly. It is sovereignty exercised toward obedient sons, when the
Son of man shall have gathered out of His Kingdom "all
things that offend" (Matthew 13:41).
Compare Daniel 7:25-27.
Matthew 25:31-46.
Luke 20:34-36.
The way of entrance into this may be seen in John 3:3.
It is going on now concurrently with No. 5.
- "The
Kingdom of the Son of man". (Matthew 16:28).
This aspect of "the Kingdom of heaven" has
regard to Israel on earth (compare Daniel 7:13,
14, 18, 21, 22),
as distinct from the "sons" who, as partakers
of "a heavenly calling" (Hebrews 3:1),
will possess the heavenly sphere as sons of the resurrection (Luke 20:34-36.
Compare 1
Corinthians 15:23.
Revelation 20:4-6).
These two spheres are distinct, though they are one. No. 3 concerns "the
saints of the most high [places]" (Daniel 7:18,
24).
No. 4 concerns "the people of the saints of the
most high". These have their portion in "the
Kingdom under the whole heaven", which has
regard to earthly sovereignty, in which "all dominions
shall serve and obey Him" (Daniel 7:27).
These
two would have had their realization even then, had Israel repented at
the summons of the Lord, and of "them that heard Him"
in Acts 3:19-26.
In that case the later revelation of the "Mystery"
(or the great secret) which, with its exanastasis and
its "heavenward Call" (Philippians 3:11,
14),
was hidden in God, would have remained in the keeping of
the Father's Divine sovereignty.
- "The
Kingdom of His dear Son". Greek: the Kingdom of the Son of
His love, or of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13),
has regard to quite another sphere, above all heavens, and refers to
the sovereignty of God's beloved Son as made the "Head
over all things to His ekklesia, which is His body, the
fulness of Him that filleth all in all" (Ephesians 1:10,
20-23).
See also Ephesians 5:5.
This
sovereignty had been "kept secret" (Romans 16:25),
"hid in God" (Ephesians 3:9),
"hid from ages and from generations"
(Colossians 1:25);
but after the Kingdom (No. 4) proclaimed by the Lord and by "them
that heard Him" (Hebrews 2:4)
had been postponed, it was revealed and "made known"
(Ephesians 3) for the "obedience of faith"
(Romans 16:26).
The subjects of this Divine sovereignty, on their believing this
subsequent revelation, are "sealed" (or
designated) for their inheritance, which is to be enjoyed with Christ
(Ephesians 1:13).
This relates to the position of
those who come under that sovereignty.
- "The
Everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ". (2
Peter 1:11).
This has regard to No. 5, but was then future (not having been
revealed when Peter wrote); but it relates to the outward
display of His sovereignty in millennial glory; while No. 5
relates to the inward position and experimental
enjoyment of it in present grace.
- "The
Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ" (or Messiah).
(Revelation 11:15).
This has regard to the end of the present time of abeyance of Nos. 3
and 4, and the millennial manifestation of both by Divine power, and
in glory. See also Revelation 12:10.
At
the end of the thousand years, No. 1, and perhaps others of them will
cease, and be absorbed in the Kingdom of God (No. 2).
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