“Nevertheless, facts are stubborn things. The Kingdom of God is not an actual location. Matthew 19:14 heaven children. And they shall dwell in their own land.”. My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. However, in the Old Testament God is spoken of as ruling (for example, Psalm 47:2; Psalm 103:19; Daniel 4:17,Daniel 4:17, 4:25-37).The Old Testament emphasis on God's sovereign power over all kings and kingdoms sets the stage for the New Testament teaching. For any Jewish maiden who accepted the Old Testament prophecy concerning the future of Israel and entertained the hope of a coming Messiah, would hardly question that the prophecy given by the angel would be interpreted literally, that is, she would understand by the throne of David an earthly throne such as David enjoyed in his lifetime. (8) A symbolical interpretation of the covenant leaves its interpretation to man. In Daniel we discover that the authority invested in the "son of man" is endowed by God. As Christ returns from heaven, He descends to the Mount of Olives and delivers His persecuted people. The Kingdom of God began, not with Jesus’ preaching (for He was preaching what had been taught already from the earliest special revelation of God to Man, making it plain and “bringing it home”). On the basis of prophecy which has already been fulfilled and prophecies which can be expected to be fulfilled in the future, a broad future program for Israel can be established in the Bible. These are brought back to their ancient land and possess the area from the River of Egypt to the river Euphrates. This, however, is taken into full consideration in the Word of God. The kingdom has come in fulfillment of the Old Testament promises. The divine order therefore is judgment on Israel and blessing upon Gentile first, to be followed by judgment on Gentile and blessing on Israel. He used the phrase “already and not yet” in A Theology of the New Testament to describe his position on the Kingdom of God and then immediately explains his words: “The early church found itself living in a tension between realization and expectation—between “already” and “not yet.” The age of fulfillment has come; the day of consummation stands yet in the future.”. Israel will be persecuted, and their only hope will be to escape their enemies by hiding. The promise given to David includes the following provisions: (1) David is promised a child who would succeed him on the throne. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” In the light of the prominence given this same subject in the Old Testament, the question may be fairly raised: What would such a prophecy mean to Mary? God’s Kingdom on earth Old Testament prophets, while under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, wrote about the Kingdom of God being established on earth (2 Peter 1:20-21). To understand the New Testament use of the word we are indebted to the Old Testament book of Daniel. What Else Does the Bible Say? “The Lord reigns; let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! Any ruler in this world is subject to the unrivaled King. According to the book of Revelation, the majority of the earth’s population will be destroyed in these catastrophes. For God’s rule, which apparently had been reduced by the Fall (when our first parents sinned) and its all-pervasive evil influence in every sphere of life on earth, would eventually be recovered completely. “Thy Kingdom come . (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1993), 118. In understanding the promises of a future kingdom given to Israel, one of the major Scriptures is that containing the Davidic covenant recorded in II Samuel 7 and I Chronicles 17. It should better be referred to as the Hebrew Scriptures, because there is more than the old covenant (i.e. In understanding the promises of a future kingdom given to Israel, one of the major Scriptures is that containing the Davidic covenant recorded in II Samuel 7 and I Chronicles 17. Therefore fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith Jehovah; neither be dismayed, O Israel: for, lo, I will save thee from afar, and thy seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacob shall return, and shall be quiet and at ease, and none shall make him afraid.” As in other passages, the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant is linked with the return of Israel to the land following their time of Jacob’s trouble, as indicated in the preceding context. In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely; and this is the name whereby she shall be called: Jehovah our righteousness. John 3:5 In this verse, Jesus introduces a second facet of the Kingdom of God, teaching that a person can enter into it, as well as that one must be "born again" to bring about the entrance.The question arises, "How long must one wait before entering it?" Jesus said that the Kingdom of God was near to the People with His appearance (Mark 1:15). The sign of entrance into the Kingdom, baptism, and the sign of spiritual nourishment in the Kingdom, the Eucharist or Lord’s Supper, signify not only God in you, but Christ in the world. In the New Testament in the lineage of Christ as recorded in Matthew 1 and Luke 3, it seems to be made evident that Joseph descended from Solomon, which line was cut off, while Mary descended from Nathan, another son of David, rather than from Solomon. It has already been pointed out that postponement and delay of the kingdom is by no means an argument against it, for Hosea 3:4, 5 anticipates precisely such a situation. The heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, will descend and rest upon the new earth. This is the eternal vision of Genesis 3:15, the “first Gospel: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”. Orthodox Jews will apparently revive their ancient sacrifices and a temple will be provided. A … And to be “in Christ” requires repentance and faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. The promise to Abraham concerning his seed and the land, and the frequent prophecy of Israel’s ultimate regathering are part of a larger pattern which promises a future kingdom to Israel. It seems quite clear that the disciples anticipated much the same kind of a literal fulfillment. The zeal of Jehovah of hosts will perform this.” Again the throne of David is mentioned specifically and the promise indicates that the fulfillment will go on forever. 2.21; 4.31). These are" "not three distinct … Only those who pass the searching judgment of Christ are allowed to enter into the millennial period. Starting your free trial of Bible Gateway Plus is easy. Though Christ refused the request on the ground that only the Father had the right to bestow such an honor, He did not deny that such an honor might be afforded someone, which would hardly have been the case if the throne of God itself had been in view. (5) The Jews plainly expected a literal fulfillment. Jeremiah writes: “But they shall serve Jehovah their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them. “Even so. Further light will be cast upon this passage in the study of the New Testament confirmation. Even if David is understood to refer to Christ as David’s greater Son, it is still a clear reference to a future millennium rather than to a situation that exists today. The prophet Zechariah noted that Jesus will return to the Mount of Olives, a mountain ridge adjacent to and east of Jerusalem’s Old City. This will also be shared by the twelve apostles, whom Christ assured participation in His government of Israel in the millennial state. The promise goes far beyond Solomon, however, in that the kingdom, throne, and David’s house itself were established forever. The Presence of the Future: The Eschatology of Biblical Realism, Paul and the Rhetoric of Reversal in 1 Corinthians: The Impact of Paul’s Gospel on His Macro-Rhetoric, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. It is also promised in Amos 9:11 that the tabernacle of David would be restored in the latter days, apparently another reference to the revival of the political kingdom of Israel over which David was king. In short, we cannot separate Kingdom from Christ. Here in the council in Jerusalem the question had been raised concerning the status of the Gentiles in the present age. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. You’re already logged in with your Bible Gateway account. The destiny of the kingdom of God administered through Old Testament covenants reached its climax through the work of Christ in establishing the new covenant. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. This of course faces frontally the whole premillennial-amillennial argument which can only be resolved on the relative cogency of the results of the method. Samuel H. Wilkinson, in his book, The Israel Promises and Their Fulfillment, pp. The Kingdom of God as Yeast. Prayer is the currency of the Kingdom. God installs and removes kings (Dan. (4) The language used, which is also used by the prophets, denotes a literal throne and kingdom. The Kingdom has come. Accordingly, he called in Nathan the prophet and said to him: “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains.” Nathan responded as recorded in II Samuel 7:3: “Go, do all that is in thy heart, for Jehovah is with thee.” That night the Lord corrected Nathan the prophet in reminding him that God had never commanded them to build Him a house of cedar. Four areas will be considered: first, the covenant with David; second, Old Testament confirmation; third, New Testament confirmation; fourth, prophetic fulfillment. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is his name whereby he shall be called: Jehovah our righteousness.” In the verses immediately following, this reign is linked with the regathering of the children of Israel and their occupation of their ancient lands. The Kingdom was never meant to imply the mere rule over Israel. In any case, Christ did not tell her that her request was out of bounds because there was to be no earthly rule. It would seem that the promises are simple and direct that David’s posterity should continue forever and that his political kingdom would not end. It would seem evident, therefore, that the people of Israel were acting in good faith when they expected God to revive their kingdom, deliver them from their enemies, and restore them to their ancient land. Mention again is made that righteousness and justice will exist in the land and that Judah will be in the land and Jerusalem will be in safety. Of major importance is the main thesis of his remarks which is based on a reference and partial quotation of Amos 9:11, 12. There is no analog to His Kingdom authority. ed. In those days, and at that time, will I cause a Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. There seems to be little disposition to question that Solomon is the son mentioned in the covenant and that he built a literal temple as a house for the Lord. Through this son of man, God will establish his dominion over all nations, a dominion that will never pass away or … God's kingly rule or sovereignty. The question of literal interpretation therefore cannot be brushed aside a priori as if the literal interpretation of prophecy is impossible. Such a situation does not prevail in this present age and is not related here or elsewhere to the reign of Christ from the throne of His Father in heaven. (3) The throne of his kingdom would be continued forever and would not be taken away from David’s son even if he committed iniquity. The consummating Scripture of course in the New Testament which puts the capstone on all these indications is found in Revelation 20 where it is stated plainly that Christ will rule for 1000 years. (9) The literal fulfillment is requisite to the display of God’s government in the earth, necessary to the restoration and exaltation of the Jewish nation and deliverance of the earth from the curse. Charles H. Dodd, The Parables of the Kingdom (Glasgow: Collins, 1978). To be “in Christ” is to be in the Kingdom. For the mustard plant was a great, tree-like biosphere in their gardens, making a home for birds and other creatures. He understood the promise meant that his house would continue forever. The difficulties in interpretation come in examining the exact meaning of the term house as it pertains to David’s posterity and the words throne and kingdom. It is a fact that the posterity of Abraham has never yet fully possessed and enjoyed the whole of the land so granted and that no son of David occupies David’s throne…The O. T. promises are all as certain of fulfillment in their O. T. sense and meaning and purpose to Israel, as are the N. T. promises certain of fulfillment to the Church.” A study of the Old and New Testament therefore seems to confirm a genuine eschatology for Israel involving their continuity as a nation, their regathering and restoration to their ancient land, and their enjoyment of a kingdom in which Christ will reign over them. Luke 17:21 - Neither shall they say, Lo here! The assertion of amillenarians that the Davidic throne is simply a reference to God’s throne in heaven is not supported by either the Old or the New Testament prophecies relating to the future of Israel. Revelation 21:1-4 - And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth … Certainly it fits in beautifully with the idea that the Abrahamic covenant anticipates Israel continuing eternally as a nation and possessing the land forever. The victory of Jesus Christ has set the Church and the cosmos on an undeniable trajectory in which earthly kingdoms, powers, dominions, and opposition forces will also be enfolded, willingly or unwillingly, into the rule of the Lord. Though there are distinctions depending on their backgrounds, all alike enjoy the presence of the King of kings and the countless blessings that belong to the eternal state. This is further confirmed by the final verse of Amos 9: “And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be plucked up out of their land which I have given them, saith Jehovah thy God.” In other words, the kingdom is related to the time when Israel will be regathered and be established in their ancient land. Part of these promises were fulfilled in Solomon in that Solomon was later born and ultimately built the temple. And thy house and thy kingdom shall be made sure for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever.”. Any student of the “Kingdom of God” must never make the mistake of missing the simplest meaning of the phrase in Scripture: “the sovereign rule and reign of the King.” And that King is our Lord Jesus Christ. The eschatology of Israel in a word depends on the authority and accuracy of Biblical prophecy and the legitimacy of its normal and literal interpretation. According to Ezekiel 20:34-38, regathered Israel will be judged and rebels or unbelievers will be purged out. Great judgments will take place including warfare, earthquakes, famines, and stars falling from heaven. As in other promises of God, delay and postponement does not affect the certainty of the ultimate fulfillment. This is the meaning of the promise that David’s house would continue forever. to sit on the throne of the kingdom of Yahweh over Israel' (1 Chr. The earliest example of the title king being used of God is in the 8th century B.C., Jesus Christ was declaring the unparalleled rule and reign of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit had appeared unto Man through the promised Messiah. Further, the long years in which no one was on the throne of David did not hinder the angel from assuring Mary that her Son would sit on the throne. The tension between the kingdom of this world and the Kingdom of God is never ignored by Scripture. In this and other Old Testament references there is no allusion anywhere to the idea that these promises are to be understood in a spiritualized sense as referring to the church or to a reign of God in heaven. 23 “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to collect all the money his servants owed him. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After these things I will return, and I will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: that the residue of men may seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who maketh these things known from of old.” The passage concludes with the suggestion that Gentiles be not obligated to keep Jewish customs except in cases where this might hinder fellowship with the Jews, and winning them to Christ. David who is raised from the dead along with Old Testament saints has a part in the government of the people of Israel. Mike and his wife, Mae, reside in North Carolina. Since the New Testament builds upon the literal meaning of the Old Testament message, a thorough study of both testaments is necessary to understand the kingdom. 28:5). However, even such a simple interpretation presents some immediate problems, as David himself seems to anticipate when he notes that the prophecy concerns a long time to come. This point of view is quite unacceptable to the amillenarian and therefore for them some interpretation of the Davidic covenant must be found other than that of a literal fulfillment. One of the important passages in the New Testament bearing on this subject is found in Acts 15:14-18. First intimations of a future kingdom are found in the promises given to Abraham in Genesis 17:6 where it is recorded: “And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.” This is restated in verse 16 of the same chapter in relation to the promise of the son of Sarah: “And I will bless her, and moreover I will give thee a son of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be of her.” The promise of a kingdom given to Abraham’s seed is subsequently narrowed to Isaac and Jacob, and in Genesis 49:10 is further limited to the tribe of Judah. Probably the leading question in the entire argument is whether a literal fulfillment of these promises is to be expected. The Old Testament contains no references to the kingdom of God. It’s easy to think of the Kingdom of God as a physical … The Kingdom of God, therefore, will be a safe haven, a home for those who surrender to the rule of God in their own lives. In this covenant the promise of a king and a kingdom is narrowed to David’s seed. Before turning, therefore, to some of the theological arguments in support of an eschatology for Israel, some of the New Testament evidence should be examined. For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you” (NKJV). David himself had built permanent houses for his family, and he felt it was unfitting for the worship of God to center in such a temporary structure. It has been demonstrated that the Old Testament clearly predicts a future kingdom in which David and his posterity would rule over the children of Israel regathered and dwelling in their ancient land. Will enjoy prosperity him and burns up his adversaries all around him ; righteousness and justice are foundation! 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