In Hebrew the, the abstract noun Kingdom (malkhuth) derives naturally from the term king (melekh), so that the fact of divine, royal power is conveyed. The biblical phrases “Kingdom of God” as well as “Kingdom of Heaven” focus of God’s role in shaping human experience (512).
A. Israel and the Kingdom
Whether in present experience or in hope for the future, ancient Israelite literature celebrated the divine kingdom as the activity of God himself, his power in creating, shaping, and judging the world. As in the case of human activity, God’s action could be mapped in its dimensions through 1) time and 2) space, as well as in its 3) purpose, its 4) preferred medium of accomplishment and its 5) extent (513). The kingdom of God is behind the whole of life in all time, and beyond the comprehension of any living thing. God is to be acknowledged by all of humanity and the rule extends to every place and creature (513). God also judges all and it doesn’t matter whether you are wicked or love him. Even though the usual setting for Israel’s praise is in the temple, all of creation will come to acknowledge what is known there (Ps 145 10-13)
** “All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your faithful shall bless you. They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, and tell of your power, to make know to all people or mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.”
Another main point is that the kingdom is a force of justice and will ultimately prevail. To be able to get into the kingdom it all depends on the satisfaction of God’s criteria. Along with all of this God will radiate out of Zion. “Israel is the nucleus of the larger group of those who recognize the kingdom is to radiate outward to include peoples beyond the usual range of Israel within its recognition” (514).
B. Kingdom in the Gospels
The meaning of God’s kingdom is evident in the synoptic gospels. In Matthew it is brought up when there is a warning against the “sons of the kingdom”. In Luke the saying is presented as part of discourse concerning salvation. “I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine again, until I drink it with you new in God’s kingdom” (Matt 26:29, Mark 14:25, Luke:22:18) (518). All throughout the synoptic Gospels we see where they refer to repenting for the kingdom is near and how we need to focus on being able to enter the kingdom.
C. Jesus’ Message as Synthesis
The whole reason for Jesus preaching is an announcement of God’s dynamic rule. Jesus talks in a “now” but “not yet” language when referring to the kingdom. Jesus teaches about how God will come and take his people up into the kingdom. The kingdom is not something that will come down to us. There are no authentic sayings where Jesus is clear about the description of the kingdom or the moment or method when it’s coming.
A. Israel and the Kingdom
Whether in present experience or in hope for the future, ancient Israelite literature celebrated the divine kingdom as the activity of God himself, his power in creating, shaping, and judging the world. As in the case of human activity, God’s action could be mapped in its dimensions through 1) time and 2) space, as well as in its 3) purpose, its 4) preferred medium of accomplishment and its 5) extent (513). The kingdom of God is behind the whole of life in all time, and beyond the comprehension of any living thing. God is to be acknowledged by all of humanity and the rule extends to every place and creature (513). God also judges all and it doesn’t matter whether you are wicked or love him. Even though the usual setting for Israel’s praise is in the temple, all of creation will come to acknowledge what is known there (Ps 145 10-13)
** “All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your faithful shall bless you. They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, and tell of your power, to make know to all people or mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.”
Another main point is that the kingdom is a force of justice and will ultimately prevail. To be able to get into the kingdom it all depends on the satisfaction of God’s criteria. Along with all of this God will radiate out of Zion. “Israel is the nucleus of the larger group of those who recognize the kingdom is to radiate outward to include peoples beyond the usual range of Israel within its recognition” (514).
B. Kingdom in the Gospels
The meaning of God’s kingdom is evident in the synoptic gospels. In Matthew it is brought up when there is a warning against the “sons of the kingdom”. In Luke the saying is presented as part of discourse concerning salvation. “I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine again, until I drink it with you new in God’s kingdom” (Matt 26:29, Mark 14:25, Luke:22:18) (518). All throughout the synoptic Gospels we see where they refer to repenting for the kingdom is near and how we need to focus on being able to enter the kingdom.
C. Jesus’ Message as Synthesis
The whole reason for Jesus preaching is an announcement of God’s dynamic rule. Jesus talks in a “now” but “not yet” language when referring to the kingdom. Jesus teaches about how God will come and take his people up into the kingdom. The kingdom is not something that will come down to us. There are no authentic sayings where Jesus is clear about the description of the kingdom or the moment or method when it’s coming.
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