Christian Message Boards: Defining the Kingdom of God

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Posted by Found in Him (Member # 7596) on :

Defining the Kingdom of God: What it is not
by James M. Renihan

One of the most helpful ways of defining something is by negation—demonstrating what something is not. The word of God does this in several places: We are told that the kingdom of God is not of this world. (John 18:36) Jesus clearly teaches us that his reign does not have its origin or primary definition in terms of this world. His own teaching on the kingdom was terribly misunderstood by his religious opponents precisely because they interpreted his teaching in terrestrial terms. His reign is heavenly. It has a divine origin and existence.

The kingdom of God is not in word, but in power (1 Cor. 4:20). Paul did not merely have some fine sounding religious words—puffs of air audible to those who listen. When he came to the Corinthians, he could demonstrate to them the true spiritual power of the kingdom.

The kingdom of God is not meat and drink—food (Rom. 14:17)—but righteousness, and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Paul wants this understood—the passing things of this life, such as food (which by the way is to be consumed to the glory of God, 1 Cor. 10:31) do not make up the substance of the kingdom. When Christians divide over such matters, when they cause others to stumble, they have misunderstood the very nature of what the kingdom is all about. They must pursue righteousness: conformity to the covenant standard, the Law of God; peace, the wholeness and wellness attending the presence of God; and joy in the Holy Spirit, the only demeanor appropriate for those who have been cleansed and adopted into the family of God.

These things belong together, and are of the very essence of the kingdom. Listen to Hebrews 1:8&9: "To the Son he says, ‘Your throne, o God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdon. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness more than your companions." The son of God sits on an eternal throne, with righteousness in his hand. Because he himself has loved righteousness, because he has made it the object of his affection, he knows joy beyond his companions. Truly, holiness is happiness.

Posted by WildB (Member # 2917) on :

Luke.17

[21] Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

Posted by Found in Him (Member # 7596) on :

Thank you, yes it tis [Big Grin]